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!
Excellent question. We recently visited Alger Park CRC in Grand Rapids, MI, and they had a good process for this kind of thing. The kids were first registered/checked-in to their children's ministry rooms and nurseries. And then when it was time for the children's message, the kids came as a group to the front of the church to be part of worship. Following the message, they went back to their classrooms until the service ended.
By the way, the system they used for check-in was called KidCheck (www.kidcheck.com) and it was very user friendly.
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?
Thanks for this good question! I polled some Church Communicators and here are some of the responses I received:
Sweet publishing makes their illustrations available.
Check out Free Bible Images.
Set filter to free to use and modify. Here is a search of Mary Jesus feet graphics.
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: Visitor Policy When Preschool Class Starts Halfway Through Service?
Excellent question. We recently visited Alger Park CRC in Grand Rapids, MI, and they had a good process for this kind of thing. The kids were first registered/checked-in to their children's ministry rooms and nurseries. And then when it was time for the children's message, the kids came as a group to the front of the church to be part of worship. Following the message, they went back to their classrooms until the service ended.
By the way, the system they used for check-in was called KidCheck (www.kidcheck.com) and it was very user friendly.
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!