Children
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A Sunday (9) in the Life of a Pastor/Mother: Improvise
9 The headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine. He didn’t know where it came from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. (John 2.9) I can relate to this scene where a dilemma presents itself, in this case, they ran out of wine. And Jesus saves the day by turning water into…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Lent
1 Jesus returned from the Jordan River full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. (Luke 4.1) Lent is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on one’s spiritual and faith journey. There are many themes you could focus on. This particular one focuses on the word “journey.” Below are ideas for…
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A Sunday (8) in the Life of a Pastor/Mother: Up Close & Personal
This picture was taken last year when we celebrated the 20th anniversary of my Head of Staff. The kids laid hands on him as I led them in a prayer. I love this photo because of what it represents. At my church, we take the baptismal vows very seriously, especially our commitment to nurture, teach,…
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A Sunday (7) in the Life of a Pastor/Mother: Hospitality
19 We love because God first loved us. . . . 21 This commandment we have from him: Those who claim to love God ought to love their brother and sister also. (1 John 4.19, 21) This morning, my daughter and I sported the side ponytail. Lately, she has been wanting to copy me in putting on lipstick,…
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A Sunday (5) in the Life of a Pastor/Mother: Community
Knowledge makes people arrogant, but love builds people up. (1 Corinthians 8.1) It’s been a while since I’ve preached. So, when I saw the options from the lectionary texts, I was scratching my head on deciding whether to preach on prophets, demons, or idols. I chose idols. Not because it was any easier than the three,…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Stewardship & Commitment
Stewardship and commitment to the church are wonderful opportunities for people to explore on their own personal commitment. Below are ideas of interactive prayer stations that focus on these themes. (For more specific instructions on layout, purpose, design, and more ideas, you can view previous posts tagged under “Interactive Prayer Stations.”) To view pictures of…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Baptism
8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1.8) The Baptism of the Lord is a wonderful opportunity to remember one’s own baptism. They may not be able to remember the actual moment, especially if they were baptized as an infant. However, they have an opportunity to remember the meaning…
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Intergenerational Advent Worship
In a previous blog, I wrote about my thoughts on planning an intergenerational worship, a worship that isn’t about being kid-friendly, but about worship for all ages to participate at their comfort and ability level. I’ve been playing around with the concept for a while, but never completely satisfied with the outcome. For one, the…
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Interactive Prayer Stations for Advent III
6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. (Luke 2.6) The first Sunday of Advent, my church has interactive prayer stations, an opportunity to engage, reflect, and meditate on this period of expectation, waiting, and preparation for the birth of Christ. Below are ideas for interactive prayer stations focusing on…
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Interactive Prayer Stations for Advent II
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1.35) The first Sunday of Advent, my church has interactive prayer stations, an opportunity to engage, reflect, and meditate on this…
Still Waters 