July 18, 2018
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How One Church’s Idea for Including Children is Forming Faith Across Generations
My heart skipped a beat when I learned how this church encourages children to use their gifts.
Community Builder
Karen Deboer
Church:
About Me:
I work in Discipleship and Faith Formation Ministries for 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.
Interests:
July 17, 2018
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An Intergenerational Alternative (or Addition) to Sunday School
Looking for a Sunday morning learning experience which engages all ages? Check out LIFT (Living in Faith Together), a new intergenerational Sunday school curriculum from GenOn Ministries.
May 1, 2018
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What to Do (and Not to Do) in Church on Mother's Day
The well intended ways in which your church acknowledges Mothers Day may be a source of pain for some worshippers. Here's how to change that.
February 14, 2018
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The Ultimate Toolkit for Children’s Ministry Leaders
Ministry with children is a big job. It’s an important job. The Children’s Ministry toolkit was designed to provide you with the support you need to do the work you do.
February 11, 2018
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If You’d Like to Try an Intergenerational Curriculum, Read This
GenOn Ministries is seeking 10-15 churches to pilot LIFT (their new intergenerational relationship-building curriculum) for four weeks.
February 7, 2018
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Try This at Home: Four Resources for Lent
Like many parents I’m interested in increasing my understanding of how I and my family might live into and live out of Lent. Here are four resources we’ll be using this year.
January 31, 2018
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Exciting News for CRC Children’s Ministry Leaders
If you’re engaged in ministry with children in the CRC, we've got great news for you!
January 2, 2018
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A New Year's Checklist
Happy New Year! By now you are almost halfway through the educational year (stop reading and give yourself a hug!). But since there's still work to do, here's a list to help you get your New Year off to a smooth start.
November 9, 2017
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Two Super Simple Advent Ideas for Families
I’m always searching for faith-nurturing ideas that busy families can actually do. This week I found two of them. Got rocks or blocks? Then you’re ready to roll!
November 1, 2017
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The Best Ministry Conference You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
The APCE conference offers more than 70 workshops focused on youth, leadership, worship, hospitality, social justice, and more. Ignore the name. Attend the conference. You’ll be glad you did.
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When our children were preschoolers we loved using Little Visits for Toddlers by Mary Manz Simon. And I'm hearing great things about Snuggle Time Prayers and Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist...
posted on: Family Devotional? -
Thank you for sharing your idea as well as this hope-filled reminder, Shannon.
posted on: Hope for Graduates -
Hi Jay,
Have you explored the Building Blocks of Faith as a ministry evaluation tool? It was developed by Bob and Laura Keeley in 2014 and ministry leaders who use it have found it to be...
posted on: Ministry Evaluation Tool? -
Great question, Sarah. Some of the ideas I shared are free (the Story Prompts, the list of questions from the Storytelling Toolkit and the Faith5 devotional method) and most of them could be...
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What a beautiful example of how one generation can call to the next. Thanks so much for sharing it, Staci!
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Hi Rachel,
I do hear that a lot! And I know from experience how frustrating it can be to have to remind folks that children are worth the one hour of prep time it takes to tell God’s story...
posted on: Sunday School Curriculum? -
This is a wonderful resource, Danielle. Thank you for including such great ideas for talking with children about how they can welcome and love the refugees in their community.
posted on: World Refugee Day Toolkit -
Hi Eric,
Thank you for your comment. What a blessing that your 3 grandkids are so eager to go to their church on Sunday. As a parent that’s a dream I also share for my grandkids one day!...
posted on: Every Pastor in the CRC Should Hear This -
Hi Ben,
Your comment paints a great picture of the unique context of every CRC and an important reminder of why a one-size-fits all approach doesn't work. I'm also part of a church plant...
posted on: Every Pastor in the CRC Should Hear This -
Hi Scott,
Thanks for your feedback. Although I posted this to the Pastors page because of the comment a pastor on the Board of Trustees made about how he wished every CRC pastor was able...
posted on: Every Pastor in the CRC Should Hear This