"The kids wanted a dog, and she dreaded the thought of adding more responsibilities to her day." Stories of Families Two years ago, an …
Digging Deeper: Starting a Small Group Bible Study
Discussion among adults can be a pooling of ignorance or a highly satisfying swapping of insights. When scripture is involved, it makes sense to do all we can to create a …
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Planning for Christian Education & Formation
by Sharon Ely Pearson Sunday School happens. Vacation Bible School happens. The youth mission trip happens. The Christmas pageant happens. The Lenten Retreat happens. And on it …
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Generations & Stewardship
When it comes to stewardship (whether it be of time, talent, or treasure) every generation approaches giving in different ways. Each generation has its own …
Reflection: Surviving Resurrection
As we approached Palm Sunday, a dear priest friend in New Zealand concluded her email to me with the sentence, “May we survive the Resurrection.” That sentence has been …
Book Review: The Worship Mall
For me, the most exciting part of cracking a book is discovering new bits of knowledge that I had never before explored. But, I confess, I’ve read so extensively on the …
Easter in the Household – Practical Ideas
"Walk around the neighborhood, looking for signs of new life.... Before dinner, sing a favorite Easter song or Alleluia." Focusing on Easter While many households observe …
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Holy Week Reflection: Relating to Judas
During Lent, with Holy Week coming closer and closer by the minute, I always find myself reflecting on the cast of characters that accompany Jesus to the cross and to his …
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Holy Week, the Cross, and Children
"Experiencing the events of Holy Week and Easter can be a powerful way for children to share in the defining action of our Christian faith while being held in a safe and familiar …
Hot Cross Buns
Origins of Hot Cross Buns It is one of the peculiarities of the observance of the great fast of Lent that several of the customs surrounding it have to do with …