Every once in a while you just need to shake things up a bit. At our church, “every once in a while” means about twice a year. So, twice a year (for us it’s typically at the end of the first quarter and the end of the second quarter), we have what we call “Family … Continue Reading
With February comes Valentine’s Day. The holiday is, of course, a celebration of love. Along with all the cards, e-messages, flowers, chocolates, candied hearts, and other gifts, comes the danger of participating in the world’s definition of love. To clarify “worldly” we could also use “society’s definition” or “sinful definition.” In other words, we mean … Continue Reading
We love it when our customers tell us about their ideas. Recently, a pastor in Baltimore called to share that his church was starting their Sunday School back up again. He also mentioned that he thought it would be a great idea to use Arch Books as part of Sunday School. We agree! In fact, … Continue Reading
For some children, Epiphany may be a familiar time of the Church Year. Others may wonder what Epiphany means. Here’s a simple way to teach about Epiphany. On Epiphany, we give thanks to God for Jesus Christ, revealed in the Gospel as the Savior for all people. Epiphany means “to shine through.” This reminds us … Continue Reading
During the Church seasons of Advent and Christmas there is a natural emphasis on God the Son. In Advent, we look forward to the coming Savior, Jesus Christ. Seven hundred years before His birth, the prophet Isaiah wrote, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a … Continue Reading
In the hustle and bustle of church life surrounding the holidays, it seems children don’t always get the opportunity to worship at their own level. Sure, they seem to be performing something around the holidays, whether it is in the children’s choir or the Christmas pageant. However, do they really get the concept of worship? … Continue Reading
Understanding God’s Forgiveness Christianity is unique among world religions in that it presents peace and reconciliation with the Creator of mankind through grace, mercy, and sacrifice at God’s expense. This is in opposition to meriting goodness from the higher power based on our natural goodness or abilities, earning it through obedience and good works, or … Continue Reading
For children, the weeks leading up to Christmas are often filled with joyful anticipation. Businesses, schools, and churches hang decorations that make children mindful of wonderful food, family, and gifts! Unfortunately, these worldly things often become their focus and the limit of their anticipation. For many families (and even congregations), there is a sad lack … Continue Reading
No two kids are the same. We all know that. And just because a group of kids are all in the same grade doesn’t mean they all have the same gifts, interests, and abilities. Thus, even though you might be teaching a certain grade-level class, there will naturally be a wide variation of skill and … Continue Reading
Here they come! McKenna just finished her breakfast, with a milk mustache to prove it. Jaxon is already sleepy after a full morning of getting ready and attending the early service. Dillon is wanting to show off his new hat to his buddies, but Ellowyn isn’t sure she wants to leave her mama’s side. Ah, … Continue Reading
