I serve as the Content and Community Manager for The Network, a role that I truly love. I have a passion for connecting people and am grateful to see how God is at work in the CRC and beyond. I'd love to answer any of your questions and help you get involved!
This is such a good question Melanie! Last year my son participated in a virtual VBS (I wish I could remember the name of the curriculum) and here are some things that seemed to help with engagement:
- following up screen time with activities (i.e. they had little challenges, games, coloring activities)
- a VBS participant Facebook group where we could share pictures (my son loved seeing pictures of the other kids doing things)
- keeping the theme simple and repetitive (i.e. only one Bible verse to remember)
Thanks for bringing this up. My church does have the countdown timer above the entrance to the sanctuary and I find it helpful. Also there is music playing that seems to draw people in sooner. I would urge churches to extend grace in this area as there are many who struggle to arrive on time due to a whole array of circumstances.
Hi Arnie. Good questions to consider. I have seen many churches keep their main Facebook page public and then create "groups" that are closed, and thus a more safe place to share pictures, personal info, etc.
An example, if your church is called Grace CRC, your Facebook PAGE could be called Grace CRC, and you could then create closed groups that church members would join, i.e. Grace Family, Grace Youth Ministries, etc.
Just some thoughts. Would welcome others thoughts as well.
Thank you for this, Sandra. I love the idea coffee gift cards (which can also be used for my guilty pleasure: hot chocolate). Thanks also for mentioning words of encouragement. I know they mean the world, truly, and can help people keep going on those days it's hard, or the days they wonder about the impact. It's huge.
Posted in: Free Christian Bible Story Images?
One additional option, that I don't think is free though may have a free trial, is Lightstock: The Marketplace for faith-based design.
Posted in: Virtual VBS?
This is such a good question Melanie! Last year my son participated in a virtual VBS (I wish I could remember the name of the curriculum) and here are some things that seemed to help with engagement:
- following up screen time with activities (i.e. they had little challenges, games, coloring activities)
- a VBS participant Facebook group where we could share pictures (my son loved seeing pictures of the other kids doing things)
- keeping the theme simple and repetitive (i.e. only one Bible verse to remember)
I'll keep brainstorming!
Posted in: Getting Worshipers in the Service on Time?
Thanks for bringing this up. My church does have the countdown timer above the entrance to the sanctuary and I find it helpful. Also there is music playing that seems to draw people in sooner. I would urge churches to extend grace in this area as there are many who struggle to arrive on time due to a whole array of circumstances.
Posted in: Help! Looking for Music to Play in Sunday School Classroom
We love Ellie Holcomb's Creation Songs. The songs are upbeat, light, and grab the attention of my kids :)
Posted in: Pocket Sized CRC Psalter Hymnal?
Hi Irene,
Thanks for this. I will connect you and John via email. Thanks again!
Staci
Posted in: COVID-19 Guidance?
Looks like the above URL did not work but here it is: Communicating Clearly: How to Handle Coronavirus at Your Church.
Posted in: When to Reopen Church? (And When to Re-Close)
Sobering article.
Posted in: Church Facebook Page Public vs Private?
Hi Arnie. Good questions to consider. I have seen many churches keep their main Facebook page public and then create "groups" that are closed, and thus a more safe place to share pictures, personal info, etc.
An example, if your church is called Grace CRC, your Facebook PAGE could be called Grace CRC, and you could then create closed groups that church members would join, i.e. Grace Family, Grace Youth Ministries, etc.
Just some thoughts. Would welcome others thoughts as well.
Staci
Posted in: Small Gift Ideas for Church Volunteers?
Thank you for this, Sandra. I love the idea coffee gift cards (which can also be used for my guilty pleasure: hot chocolate). Thanks also for mentioning words of encouragement. I know they mean the world, truly, and can help people keep going on those days it's hard, or the days they wonder about the impact. It's huge.
Posted in: Church Facebook Page Public vs Private?
Yes to this! Thanks Bryan.
Posted in: COVID-19 and Kids?
In case this link did not work earlier (because it was in edit mode), I wanted to share that the link works now. Thanks!
Posted in: Ideas for Thanking COVID-19 First Responders?
In our neighborhood we have a sign-up to bring meals to medical professionals.