Mavis Moon

Jerod, I thought of your article on wireframing when someone I was working with used the software program/app called balsamiq (like the vinegar but with a q instead of a c). If you or someone reading this does a lot of wireframing, this could be a very useful app. And for nerdy people it's very fun! Check it out! :)

Laura, I think it's wonderful that you are thinking deeply about how every aspect of Sunday School can be glorifying to God and edifying to the kids.

For me, the most important part of crafts or other activities at Sunday School is not the end result, but the action. Kids learn in different ways. Listening to the lesson or story is one way for them to learn, and using their other senses continues to add to that learning. Using their hands and different parts of their mind to make things reinforces the lesson, not only when you use that time to review the story, as you mentioned, but also as they create something that is sparked by the story. For some kids that act of creating a craft will be a reinforcement of the lesson, for some it's probably THE way they learn and retain what that story is about.

So I agree with you, don't eliminate crafts. Thank God for the variety of children's personalities and ways that they learn.

Jerod,

I was really glad to hear Google Apps were free again to non-profits. In case others would like more details, some time ago I wrote an article about setting it up.

Thanks.

Mavis

Thank you, Jan.

Thanks, Tim & Greg. It's great to hear that the blog has brought you some practical applications, and furthered the kingdom. Couldn't wish for more.

Thanks, Jerod! Great start. Looking forward to following this network with you at the helm.

Actually, my observation is that Facebook has added a new term for its unique type of relationship: "Facebook Friend." When I'm talking about someone's post on Facebook, or someone with whom I have little other contact than via Facebook, or perhaps someone who is more of an acquaintance or co-worker than what I'd call a true friend, I will call him or her a Facebook Friend. I've heard many others do the same. 

By using the term Facebook Friend, we differentiate between others we'd refer to just as "friend." It conveys a different meaning, one that conveys the lighter, less deep relationship than friend.

I don't see that there will be a problem with lessening the meaning of friendship with this usage. It just adds a new type of friendship to the others.

Laura, I agree Psalms are wonderful for kids as well as us "grown-ups." I wonder if you have any resources you can recommend to use with kids? Our small group is using Eugene Peterson's Psalms, Prayers of the Heart. It's excellent and could be used by young adults. But maybe you or others know of materials for using the Psalms with younger children?

Thanks, John and Mark. Good thoughts. And Mark, thanks for the link to the guidelines for accesiblility. Good reminder.

My opinion is biased since I was an early contributor and have now become a guide. But it was because I thought the network was such a great idea that I supported it so early. I think you've done an excellent job and created a quality site.

I, too, wish I could get more of my church members to join in. We have quite a few people on Facebook, so maybe we can figure out more ways to bring this there -- where they are. I could try to remember to share articles on FB more. I know you already highlight articles there. We'll have to keep finding ways to reach out and grow, but I think it's already done a terrific job.

I love sharing ideas and hearing things that other churches are doing. This site goes a long way towards helping all of us involved in our churches to connect and gain insight from each other. I hope and pray that the Board will see the that the Network is another method of spreading God's good news.

I didn't know there was an app for the "Today" devotional. ("Today" is a daily devotional published by ReFrame, previously The Back to God Hour. Check out their home page for links to the app - and more information.) How cool is that?! There truly is an app for everything.

Good idea on linking to the Bible Gateway site. I use that site all the time. I'll try to remember to post again and let you know how things go with our Bible study groupo.

Thanks for sharing, Jolanda!