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!
I love the idea of congregants creating a video of Scripture reading, a call to worship, etc. and then that being included in worship. And what a creative way to involve the kids. The comment section is also a great idea. So many great takeaways. Thanks Carol!
What a beautiful idea! And I love how it helped people stay connected during such an isolating time. Do you by chance have a picture of the quilt banners?
No advice just wanted to say I appreciate this question. I have been asking around and have heard from many people that the printed directory is still valuable to them (as many churches have a diverse age demographic).
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.
Posted in: How Are Churches Encouraging “Participation” of the Body at This Time?
I love the idea of congregants creating a video of Scripture reading, a call to worship, etc. and then that being included in worship. And what a creative way to involve the kids. The comment section is also a great idea. So many great takeaways. Thanks Carol!
Posted in: How Are Churches Encouraging “Participation” of the Body at This Time?
What a beautiful idea! And I love how it helped people stay connected during such an isolating time. Do you by chance have a picture of the quilt banners?
Posted in: Ideas for Thanking COVID-19 First Responders?
In our neighborhood we have a sign-up to bring meals to medical professionals.
Posted in: How Does Your Church Do Photo Directories?
No advice just wanted to say I appreciate this question. I have been asking around and have heard from many people that the printed directory is still valuable to them (as many churches have a diverse age demographic).
Posted in: COVID-19 and Youth Ministry
This Coronavirus Challenge and Photo Scavenger Hunt might be a neat option. Thanks for your good work in connecting with youth. It's so important!
Posted in: Study on Prayer for Senior High Students?
love this suggestion!
Posted in: Study on Prayer for Senior High Students?
Not studies, per say, but two good books that could be used for discussion:
A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
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.