To teach young children as well as help them stay occupied in church, a creative pastor created an “I Spy” bingo card to encourage them to identify items around the sanctuary. Learn how! Post from Building Faith includes a link to a template. From Building Faith. (Photo: Creative Commons)
Exercise might be the most potent medicine ever
Everyone knows exercise is good for your heart and muscles, but recent studies show the benefits are widespread across the body, affecting virtually every tissue and system. Watch this PBS Newshour video or read the transcript. (Photo: David Hudson, Creative Commons)
The Magi help set the tone for stewardship for 2025
RCL reflection for Epiphany of Our Lord. Jan. 6, 2025. This Sunday, consider texts for Epiphany rather than those for the Second Sunday after Christmas. The Wise Men’s story offers many opportunities to lift up the mystery and wonder of the incarnation. The Rev. Elisabeth Shelton Hartwell explores. (Photo: Creative Commons)
Environment in the news: Top stories of 2024
This was the hottest year on record, so it’s not surprising that the World Resource Institute’s top 15 stories were mostly about climate change, including floods, fires, droughts, and public policy sluggish to take the matter seriously enough. But several of the stories showed progress and reason for hope.
Set your congregation stewardship goals for 2025
A New Year, a fresh start. How will your church’s stewardship ministry handle things differently in 2025 than in previous years? It’s a good idea to set some concrete, realistic goals. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership explores how to make them – and achieve them. (Photo: Creative Commons)
Is it time to shift your church’s budget year?
December 31 marks the end of the calendar year AND the budget year for most churches. But is that the most advantageous arrangement? Could it be better to set the beginning and end point of the budget year at another point? Church Law & Tax explores the pros and cons. (Photo: PublicDomainPictures)
Follow that star! Epiphany lesson plan
Matthew’s story of the Magi’s visit to the Christ child in Bethlehem remains both beloved and mysterious to Christians. This lesson plan from Youth Catholic provides insight into how to bring out all its important teachings. (Photo: Frank Cone via Pexels)
Six weight-loss strategies for success
Weighing a few extra pounds following the holidays? You’re not alone! But getting back to – and maintaining – a healthy weight requires not quick-fix solutions but discipline and long-term thinking. This article from the Mayo Clinic explores. ((Photo: Andres Ayrton via Pexels)
‘In those days…’
RCL reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C. Dec. 22, 2024. The meeting between Mary and Elizabeth stays with us not only because of its uniqueness – two women pregnant with miracle babies – but also because it reveals much about the priorities of God that their sons will bring to birth. Deacon Timothy Siburg explores. (Photo: Garon Piceli, via Pexels)
Start your planning today for a successful 2025
An old truism states, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” With that in mind, it may be a good idea to sketch out some ideas, goals and strategies that your congregation wants to achieve in the next year. Smart Church Management can get you started. (Photo: Creative Commons)