In her autobiography An American Childhood, poet and essayist Annie Dillard describes her growth process as a series of awakenings. These “aha” moments marked the stages …
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Presenting and Blessing Bibles: Liturgy and Prayers
"Encourage us with the help of the Holy Spirit to use these sacred writings for our prayer and inspiration, for the increase of our own faith and devotion, and for the building up …
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18 Creative Ways to Support Leaders
Here are eighteen ways that churches have said to their group leaders, “Thanks! You’re doing a great job, and someone is noticing!” Begin the education program year …
Digging Deeper: Who ARE these guys?
In reading the gospels, there is a whole cast of characters whose lives interweave and intersect with Jesus's life and ministry. Friend or foe, each of them …
6 Principles For Church School Teacher
Encouraging Teachers It's that time of year when we are gearing up to begin Church School and programs in our churches. It's also a time of gathering leaders for training …
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Digging Deeper: The Feast of the Assumption
August 15th is the Feast of the Assumption. Around this feast cluster so many associations that a wide variety of images can prompt meditation. From the Orthodox Church …
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Digging Deeper: Peter and the Rock
from Living the Good News Matthew 16:17-19 has been one of the most vigorously discussed passages of the New Testament, especially during the last few centuries as it became the …
Equipping Your Ministry Team
The Need for Support Large or small churches (or somewhere in between!) can all benefit from the team approach to ministry. Jesus didn’t call just one helper—but a group of twelve. …
A Thrill of Hope: An Art-based Study for Advent & Christmas
We are big fans of John August Swanson. His art tells Bible stories in finely detailed, brilliantly colored paintings and original prints that you often see on the covers of …
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Rotational Approaches to Faith Formation
"Not every child learns by reading and writing (the traditional, 1950s approach), so tapping into all of our learning styles, we truly learn the …
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