Take a look in your wallet. If you are like me, you likely have at least a few cards that identify you. Maybe you have a Costco card with a grainy, slightly out of focus photo that you might not have been ready to take. This card is important. It allows you entry into a … Continue Reading
For many of our students, the lessons we teach enhance the things they are learning in worship and at home. For some, these lessons are the only opportunities they have to hear the saving Gospel. We want to share the Gospel effectively. We strive to find time for lesson preparation. Here are three easy tips … 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
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
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
Teaching Luther’s Small Catechism to Your Elementary Students Oh, the joys of teaching first through fourth grade. Your students are old enough to do their own work and take their learning to a deeper level. They are becoming increasingly independent, but still try their best to please you. They are becoming more outgoing and focused … Continue Reading
It was a very tough time for me. I was planning my first church-wide intergenerational event and it looked like there were still about 5,000 details to figure out, and our registration was nearly twice what I had anticipated. The year was 2001, and my church had absolutely no idea how afraid I was! Feeling … Continue Reading
“Redemption” and “salvation” are two words which many unbelievers and even Christians throw around interchangeably, supposing that they both refer to the same concept: that God makes it possible for us to go to heaven. In reality, although they are related, there is a crucial difference between the two. “Redemption” refers to undoing the effects … Continue Reading
“I’m stuck.” “I used to love setting up the fall programs for children and their parents. Last year it was so much work getting folks on board, and even though the events turned out well, I feel like I missed the beautiful parts of them, and once they were over, I felt dry and almost … Continue Reading
