Karen DeBoer
When I worked as the Resource Developer for Faith Formation Ministries, I gathered ministry resources for online toolkits (including The Intergenerational Church, Family Faith Formation and more); created Dwell at Home resources for families; wrote resources for intergenerational faith formation; shared ideas on The Network and cohosted the Open to Wonder podcast. I'm the author of Home Grown Handbook for Christian Parenting and I served as a contributing editor for both You’re Invited: a Week of Devotions for Families on the Lord’s Supper and God’s Big Story Cards (Faith Alive Resources). Most recently, I was a chapter contributor for two books on intergenerational faith formation: A Gospel for All Ages, Teaching and Preaching for the Whole Church (Fortress Press) and All Ages Becoming, Intergenerational Practice in the Formation of God's People (ACU Press).
Posted in: How to Choose a Children’s Storybook Bible
Thanks, Brandon! I'm glad you found the information to be helpful. And thank you for adding the Children's Illustrated Bible to the list. I've just flipped through it online and love the way it provides context for the stories by including maps, photos and other information. It's one that Elizabeth Caldwell points to in her book I Wonder as well. (And I can't recommend her book enough. It's one that belongs in every household with kids and in every church library!)
I have not had enough experience with graphic novel versions of the Bible to be able to comment on the Action Bible and Epic: The Story that Changed the World (although that category would be another interesting one to explore!). I'll pass your question along to my teammates and invite them to share their thoughts here. Perhaps others will comment here too.
Posted in: How to Choose a Children’s Storybook Bible
Thanks for this suggestion, Pam. I'm looking forward to checking it out!
Posted in: Before You Gift a Graduate With a Bible, Do This
What a wonderful and meaningful practice. (Both for your youth and for those to participate!) Thanks for sharing, John.
Posted in: This is Hunting Park: Storytelling Series and Small Group Study Guide
Wow! Thank you to all who participated in the making of these incredible resources. There's so much to be learned from these stories. Thank you for sharing them.
Posted in: 10 Things Not to Say to a Grieving Parent
Thank you for sharing your experience in this way, Angie.
Posted in: 35 Tech Free, Faith Forming, Fun Activities For Families to Do at Home
Thanks, Tracy. I'm glad you found them to be helpful!
Posted in: 35 Tech Free, Faith Forming, Fun Activities For Families to Do at Home
Thanks Staci. I like pulling ideas out of jars too:)
Posted in: 35 Tech Free, Faith Forming, Fun Activities For Families to Do at Home
Thanks so much for the feedback, Estar. I appreciate your comments. I used those descriptions for the idea suggestions because I wanted something that was instantly recognizable and familiar but I can see how those terms would be concerning to you. Another, much less familiar term for the popular origami game is "chatterbox". You could always use that term if you'd like to keep the game but change the name. Or make up your own name for it, that's always fun too!
In place of the more common "secret handshake" description, you could print on the idea slip: Create a handshake that has 8 different movements.
I hope those ideas are helpful. Blessings to you during this time.
Posted in: World Refugee Day Toolkit
This is a wonderful resource, Danielle. Thank you for including such great ideas for talking with children about how they can welcome and love the refugees in their community.
Posted in: Starting Small: Creating Consistent Faith Practices, One Baby Step at a Time
I love this post so much, Jill. Thank you for providing such an authentic and encouraging perspective on faith practices.
Posted in: Dear Children's Ministry Workers
Thank you for this encouragement, Mimi!
Posted in: Ideas for Using a Peg Doll Nativity Set?
How wonderful! Some families enjoy having the nativity set up prior to Christmas and waiting until Christmas day to add the baby Jesus as a way to create a sense of anticipation and waiting.
If your set came with Magi (wise men) you might wait until Epiphany (January 6) to add them because, although the magi are often part of a nativity set, they weren't there on the night Jesus was born. Invite your children to imagine what the home Mary and Joseph were living in when Jesus was around 1-2 years old might have looked like. They might even enjoy making it out of blocks or any art supplies you have on hand. Place your peg dolls in that scene and add the magi as you read the story together.
And of course, Jesus didn't just come for the people who were present when he was born. He came for your family too! So one other idea is to pick up some extra pegs dolls at the craft or dollar store, decorate them together to represent each one of you (and other people too!) and include them in your scene at some point too.