In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in May of this year, I, along with every other educator, was swept up in the rush of equipping families with resources to talk with their children about the horrific racial injustices that are ever present in our country. ...
Many churches mark the back-to-school season with a Blessing of Backpacks for children, families, teachers, and leaders who are returning to the classroom after summer break. This ritual is a tangible reminder that God is present everywhere and accompanies us in every...
by Tori Smit What will we teach this fall? For many of our churches, thinking creatively about how and what our Sunday schools will be teaching this fall as we go online, over Zoom, or become parent-led is a huge and overwhelming concern. As each of us begins to look...
by Beth Herrinton-Hodge Standing on the edge of summer, while many of our churches have not returned to “in person” gatherings, we continue to wrestle with questions about engaging with our families, children, and church communities. Many “tried and true” activities...
by Kevin Cartee One big breath. Every Camp Director knows it’s coming. Works for it. Waits for it. Longs to breathe that one breath that comes at the end of the summer camp season. It’s breathed deeply as the last campfire song of the season fades, and summer staff...
THEY’RE HOOOOME! And so are you. And while you love spending time with your kids, you’ve got work to do—whether it’s paid or unpaid. And if that wasn’t challenging enough, you’ve had little time to do advance prep and stock up on things for them to do; and you...
by British Hyrams Maundy Thursday is the first of three Holy Week rituals following Palm Sunday and culminating on Easter Sunday. Maundy means “commandment.” Maundy Thursday acknowledges the new commandment that Jesus gave his disciples at the feast of the Last...
During this season of social distancing, here are some apps and resources for personal and family prayer and worship. The PCUSA Daily Prayer App provides brief services for Daily Prayer based on the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship, including: psalms for the day,...
What are you reading these days? Educators seem to have the most fascinating and diverse books on their nightstands and desks. The Advocate ministry team wanted to share what we are reading these days, in the hopes it might spark some new ideas for you: “Right...
by Carol Wehrheim Celebrating a child’s baptism anniversary is one way for families to nurture the faith of the child as well as each member of the family. However, I don’t know this from personal experience. I didn’t know my baptismal date until well into adulthood...
