We have entered in our second Sunday out of the "4 Sundays of Service" - a cross + generational experiment at Good Shepherd. Building off the story of "The Road to Emmaus," our first Sunday focused on walking with people in faith we don't know. The service project was making sandwiches for a local food … Continue reading The Role (or is it Roll?) of a Pretzel

Church #11. Meet Bonnie Deroski. In the Lutheran world, Bonnie is what we call bi-vocational. She is employed fulltime as a talent agent and works part-time as the Director of Child and Family Life at Grace Christian Church in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Deroski says, “My church has been moving towards a place where generations … Continue reading Think Process Not Programs

“It’s about seeing Jesus in each other!” said Diane Roth answering a question posed on Facebook. The question itself asked about the benefits a congregation might would gain if moved to a cross + generational education hour. Cross + generational, of course, means all ages (from 0 – 100) learning or worshiping, together. My current … Continue reading Better Together

Church #10. Meet Liz Beatty. She is the worship coordinator at East Brentwood Presbyterian Church (EBPC) in Brentwood, Tennessee. EBPC, with an average worship attendance of 80-100 on a given Sunday, is described as adaptable and relevant. Being in a growing suburb of Nashville, EBPC has been working on church growth. Of course, this is … Continue reading Church Growth? Start inside out.

It’s the Sunday after Easter in a few days. The tradition at my current congregation combines Salsa Sunday with 3rd Grade Bibles. To the outside eye, this may seem like an odd combination to have Salsa music lead worship as we celebrate the third graders receiving their Bibles. (Photo Credit: the visual faith project) The two things … Continue reading Salsa Sunday & 3rd Grade Bibles

This Bible Brownie Scavenger uses a pre-packaged mix. In order to complete the recipe, you will need to look up each Bible verse. The verses all come from the book of Matthew and each one will contain a clue to what you will need.  Have fun! (Photo credit: the visual faith project) Read Matthew 26:23. You … Continue reading Bible Brownie Scavenger Hunt

Church (Organization) #9. Meet David Raymond. He is the coach and consultant for ChurchFuture, an organization that works with churches in decline. According to the website, “ChurchFuture can help your congregation turn your dangers into opportunity.” It’s an awesome ministry! One of Raymond’s favorite topics to engage with congregations is about change. Often, he addresses … Continue reading Why not change?

Church #8. Meet Holy Week. On Friday, I posted a free Holy Week resource for families. You can find it Here. Today I am writing about my experience with death of Jesus and children. As a director of children's ministries, kids ask me all sorts of questions. "Where does God live?" or "If there is a God, … Continue reading Death 101 for Kids

As a kid, I thought Holy Week consisted of one big party that started on Palm Sunday and ended on Easter. My parents did not take us to mid-week Lenten services, Maundy Thursday or Good Friday.  We were Sunday to Sunday worship attendees.  Life was busy for my parents with 4 kids. It hasn't slowed … Continue reading Busy lives & Holy Week? Use FAITH5!

Church #7. Meet Anna Anderson. She is a solo pastor at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Virginia. With 90 people who make Advent their church home, Anderson says that more than half of this congregation can be described as denominational-ly unattached. Located near the Pentagon, Advent is a “melting pot” worshiping community. Being comprised of … Continue reading Moving Past Membership