Staci Devries
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!
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: Do You Have a Favorite Bible?
Zach, thank you for this! Really great suggestion. Might go with this single column Bible.
Posted in: Resources for Mentoring Young Adults?
I remember being a college freshmen getting a care package from my church. Hand-written notes, cookies, and other little things. It made me feel remembered and loved. So simple but meant a lot.
Also, Well-Watered Women is a great ministry and community that encourages women to get in the Word (they do a great job of being relevant to the challenges women today face). I just got an email from them mentioning a devotional called Dear College Girl.
Per the description, "you’ll find letters written by women who have walked through college and want to encourage you with wisdom and truth from Scripture as you head into these exciting years." This would make a beautiful gift!
Posted in: Bible Studies for People With Special Needs?
Thanks, Laura! I was going to make the same suggestion.
It looks like the folks over at Friendship Ministries have shared free sample sessions of the Together curriculum. I'm sure they would also welcome specific questions at [email protected].
Posted in: Anybody Combine Gems & Cadets Into One Group?
Really good thoughts and questions, Rick. Want me to add this as a new post to hopefully generate some fresh discussion? Let me know if that might be helpful!
Posted in: Software for Scheduling Church Volunteers
Excellent question, Bob. Mind if I post this as a new Q&A to give it more visibility? I think that will help get you some quick and helpful responses.
Posted in: Family Devotional?
Extremely late on the reply, Adele, but I'm just checking out Sarah Wells book The Family Bible Devotional. I really like the format of the devotional (short scripture readings, background info, and discussion). Simple and engaging! Curious, did you end up buying? Wondering what ages this might suit best.
Posted in: Do You Automate Your Tithing?
Thanks for this Keith. Sorry for delayed response but I'd love to discuss further how you try to be more intentional with your tithing (and make it sure it is not just the crumbs). I would love to hear your ideas! Maybe a new post even?