As we put our hands to the plow of the new year, consider these six ways of transforming yourself and your Sunday school class.
Spiritual Growth: Polishing the Cup or Growing in Love?
October 5, 2021 by
People enter into the process of spiritual direction for many reasons, and sometimes it takes time and deep listening for me to discern the motivation. “Remember,” a mentor once cautioned, “the real director is the Holy Spirit. Our job is to discern the direction the Holy Spirit is wanting to guide the directee and cooperate with that.”
A View from the Pew: 5 Questions to Help Plan Your Fall Festival
September 22, 2021 by
In the “before times,” when pandemics were far-fetched movie plots, churches looked for ways to gather for fellowship outside of Sunday worship. It was an added bonus if it could involve people outside of the church because then you could call it “outreach.”
A View from the Pew: 5 Tips for Helping your Kids Pick a Church
October 15, 2019 by
We recently packed up our oldest and dropped him off at college for his first semester, setting off all the alarm bells parents experience when relinquishing direct control over their child’s choices.
“I Will, with God’s Help”
April 18, 2018 by
When Lauren Winner, now a professor at Duke Divinity School, converted to Christianity from Orthodox Judaism, she argued with the promises she had to make in the Anglican liturgy.
Help During Times of Darkness
April 25, 2017 by
A few years ago, I was driving home from church on a Wednesday night when the greatest number of emergency vehicles that I had ever seen whizzed past me on the other side of the highway, their bright lights flickering and sirens blaring. I soon discovered that a fertilizer plant in the neighboring town of West, Texas had exploded.
Formations 05.29.2016: Asking and Listening
May 22, 2016 by
Ernesto Sirolli is widely renowned throughout the world as an expert in economic development. He has led successful International Aid efforts in communities in Zambia, Kenya, Algeria, and other African countries to develop sustainable economies.
Connections 05.08.2016: The Struggle for a Grateful Heart
May 1, 2016 by
Bold, shocking, and even offensive to some, Anne Lamott writes about the rawness of the spiritual journey—especially for a person who has lost much, made big mistakes, and still managed to find God in the process.
It’s so Hard to be Humble
December 22, 2015 by
This past year, I have started a new job, moved to a new town, enrolled my children in a new daycare, and bought a new house. That’s lots of “new”, which has brought with it many opportunities to be completely unsure of what I’m doing.
Introducing Formations for Youth
December 15, 2015 by
This January, we are proud to announce a new addition to the Formations line of curriculum resources. Available as a digital download, Formations for Youth is an engaging, low-prep curriculum resource for Middle and High School youth groups.
Can’t Help Falling in Love
November 24, 2015 by
If you’re like me, you’ve been in church a long time. You’ve seen the good and bad, the highs and lows, and in many ways, your church experience might best compare to a long marriage.
Uniform 10.25.2015: A Help or a Hindrance?
October 18, 2015 by
When someone is doing a truly good work, most of us want to help them—or at least not hinder them. This time last year, I worked at an annual fundraiser for a local nonprofit that helps families with children who have cancer.
Why I Love Superhero Stories
April 7, 2015 by
They are the heroes of adventurous tales in which good triumphs over evil. The fact that these stories are works of fiction do not make them any less true.
Youth Workers Living with Life’s Pressures
February 4, 2015 by
How do you view the stresses you experience as a youth worker? Do you cry when you hear the words “ski trip”? Do your youth ask if you had any fun when you were young?
Get Out of the House!
January 7, 2015 by
Last week we had a fire in our home. Our aged heat pump flashed out, blowing smoke throughout the house, tripping alarms and setting off smoke detectors. Thankfully, it turned out to be more of a minor inconvenience than a major disaster.
Formations 01.04.2015: An Unlikely Benefactor
December 28, 2014 by
January 6 and the Feast of Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season. Does this mean, however, the end of our annual heightened consciousness of needs in our community?
Crossroads: Deborah – Human Strength vs. God’s Strength
November 24, 2014 by
I’ve never been the strongest person in the room. There are many things that I simply cannot pick up. So as frustrating as it may be, I’ve learned not to rely on my own physical strength. But relying on God for other types of strength isn’t as easy.
Pew Potatoes
November 18, 2014 by
My grandmother lived her entire life on a farm. First, it was cotton, then it was soybean, and finally it was cows and chickens. I spent every summer of my childhood and teen years on that farm, working in my uncle’s chicken houses, chasing stray cows, bailing and stacking hay.
Crossroads: Daniel – Angels in Disguise
November 3, 2014 by
Sixth grade was a tough year for me. My church was dividing and my mom and stepfather were getting a divorce. And then school became rough.
Crossroads: Dependability
September 28, 2014 by
When things get super busy, I tend to feel stressed and overwhelmed. This was especially true in college, when it sometimes seemed as if there weren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done.
Uniform 08.31.2014: Look for the Helpers
August 24, 2014 by
When I was little, I felt like I knew the man who invited children into his home each week and treated them like a true neighbor. Fred Rogers was more than a television star. He was our friend.