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 both the children’s ministry curricula published by Faith Alive Resources and the Dwell at Home series of resources for families. 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.
Here's a simple idea your church can use to help families experience rest while exploring the faith practices of prayer, wonder, and celebration at their own pace this summer. It starts with a jam jar...
Whether your church has already fully returned to in-person worship, is waiting to return, or is currently somewhere in between, here are some intergenerational ideas for marking the milestone of returning to in-person worship.
Looking for a simple, meaningful way to equip families to retell the Pentecost story with their kids? Try this!
Meaningful and doable ideas for including children in Easter worship? Check.
This year, we’ve once again been given a very special opportunity to encourage and equip families as they engage the Holy Week stories together in their homes. Here's how to do it.
We are over the moon about these incredible advent ornament ideas. We hope you'll be inspired too!
Here's what tired families are craving from their church family right now. Hint: it's not online.
This year, more than ever, families with children need a simple, tech-free and hope-filled way to celebrate advent at home. Here it is.
This Thanksgiving, help families grow in gratitude by mailing them a fun, simple tool to use at home.
Check out this fabulous idea for helping families form faith this fall and into the future.
I love this post so much, Jill. Thank you for providing such an authentic and encouraging perspective on faith practices.
Yay, Leah! Let us know how it goes!
How wonderful! Some families enjoy having the nativity set up prior to Christmas and waiting until Christmas day to add the baby Jesus as a way to create a sense of anticipation and waiting. ...
Thank you for this important reminder, Anita.
Thanks, Mary! One of my favourite picture books is Mex Fox's Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. I love the way in which Wilfrid gathers "memories" into a basket for Miss Nancy. I hope that...
Thanks, Melissa. So glad you found it helpful!
This is a great list, Staci. Thank you for sharing these ideas.
This is wonderful. Thank you, Jill!
Thanks, Melissa. I'm glad you found it helpful.
Thank you for this wise and helpful perspective, Lesli!