After leading a big program or event, there is physical and mental weariness. Ask anyone who works in Children’s Ministry, and they’ll tell you “There’s no tired like VBS (Vacation Bible school) tired.” After extensive preparation, managing volunteers, and maintaining safety and integrity of the ministry, juggling all aspects of a big program is exhausting….
Tag: Church
Fish stories and a life of discipleship
Waves splashed against the side of an old row boat and rocked us gently from side to side. My eyes were fixed on my red and white bobber as it floated on a shimmering cobalt blue Minnesota lake. I gripped my fishing rod with both hands and tried as hard as a small child was…
Is there time for church?
Some people say that families are busier than ever these days, but I’m not convinced that’s really true. I grew up in a family with six children all born within 10 years, and our house was a hub of activity. My mom did an amazing job caring for us, and my dad worked full time…
“Flat Jesus” and Look for God
For the past few summers our church has handed out laminated paper cut-outs of “Flat Jesus” and encouraged people to take one wherever they went. It was a simple, tangible way for us to remember that God was with us on vacation, at the beach, on a mission trip, at the zoo, or anywhere! Church…
Wind, Fire, and Earth — Pentecost
It’s a mysterious day of celebration. It is confusing and yet comforting. It brings power and peace. It is Pentecost. When is Pentecost, and why does the date change every year? Pentecost is not just assigned on a random date to fill a low Sunday or to keep worshipers on their toes. There’s a real…
Go and do likewise.
I looked the other way. Maybe I didn’t throw the punches, but am I any better than the religious leaders in Jesus’ parable who crossed to the other side of the road and passed by an injured traveler? There are injured people everywhere we turn: those in the aftermath of a disaster, people who are…
Oh, Snap. Change is necessary.
I had a pet crayfish, and his name was Oh, Snap. I called him Snap for short, and he lived in a little tank on my desk. I had bought Snap for nine cents from the seafood section of a grocery store. Snap was a lot of fun to watch. He’d swim backwards wildly, burrow…
It Ain’t Misbehavin’
Disrespect in church, like disrespect anywhere else, is not acceptable. But a child behaving like a child in church is a normal, beautiful part of who we are as a church family. A baby making baby noises is not misbehaving. A toddler crying because he wants a snack or he desires to be held is…
Ms. Marcia's Mom-ologues 