I work as the Creative Resource Developer for Faith Formation Ministries of the CRCNA from my home in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. Working from home may sound like I work alone, but most days are anything but quiet as I’m participating in video conversations with individuals or groups who are engaged in ministry. Those kinds of interactions are what make the job so energizing!
I’ve been involved in children’s ministry since I was a child myself and I’m so thankful for the ways children have nurtured and continue to nurture my faith. I think it’s that kind of cross-generational faith nurture that led to my interest in intergenerational ministry. I love it when different generations gather in worship, in service, and to learn from and with each other. And studies show how important it is for God’s family to do together!
Over the years I’ve worked as part of a team to shape the children’s ministry curricula Kid Connection and Dwell, published by Faith Alive Resources. I’m also the author of the Home Grown Handbook for Christian Parenting and a contributing author/editor for the family devotionals You're Invited and God's Big Story cards.
My family and I attend The Journey church where you’re most likely to find me sitting on the floor asking wondering questions with a group of 4 year olds.
Wondering how you might meaningfully include children during online worship on Pentecost Sunday and/or how to support families as they celebrate Pentecost at home? Check this out.
Pay attention to the wide spectrum of mothering by including this video in your online worship service or by sharing it via social media.
What if today you released all that you've been holding so tightly, and replaced it with this?
Just because we’re not worshipping in person doesn’t mean we have to give up the excitement of a Palm Sunday parade with the kids. Here are some ideas to help as you plan worship in your context.
Finding it challenging to come up with ways to include children? Here are some ideas to help.
If your congregation is gathering online for worship and you're looking for ways to include children, use these ideas for inspiration.
Our world has changed. But the stories of Holy Week and the hope we have because of Jesus’ resurrection have not. Help parents dwell in those stories at home with their kids this year.
These 5 resources will provide parents with faith formation practices that they can both call upon during this time and can continue to weave into their family life long after the coronavirus crisis is over.
Here’s one other approach to add to your list of possibilities while the kids are home. It’s tech-free, faith-forming, and fun!
Bible stories that feature anger, betrayal, pain, and grief aren’t easy to tell. Encourage and equip the families in your church by sharing God’s Big Easter Story with them this year.
This is wonderful. Thank you, Jill!
Thanks, Melissa. I'm glad you found it helpful.
Thank you for this wise and helpful perspective, Lesli!
Good to know. Thanks so much, David.
That must have been awful, David. I'm hearing similar "zoom bombing" stories from churches. You're right, it's so important to ensure that any platform we are using is safe. I've heard that the...
That's such a wonderful idea, Melissa. Thank you for sharing it here and for sharing the video on the CRC Children's Ministry Leaders Facebook page. It's amazing!
Hi Lidia,
Although I haven't tried a zoom call with a kids only group, my church is meeting each week for worship with all ages and we are using zoom. Some of the things we're doing to...
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...
Thanks Staci. I like pulling ideas out of jars too:)
Thanks, Tracy. I'm glad you found them to be helpful!