Cool decor idea

I've been thinking a lot about what I can do to add some pizazz to the stage area in our Children's Center. Aaron Reynold's book "The Fabulous Reinvention of Sunday School" challenged me to find something generic rather than thematic. He suggests targeting the oldest boys in the room, looking to places like Old Navy for color trends, and using repetition to make a visual impact.

When I ran across a little article in TIME about Wall Pops, I knew I'd hit upon a possible solution. Wall pops are repositionable vinyl stickers in geometric shapes. Many fun colors and patterns are available. The prices are reasonable and you can use an interactive tool on the website to create your own design.

Church with kids

Because of Memorial Day weekend, we had a 'planned pause' in kids ministry. Our school year team finished up last week and our summer team begins next week. Today we encouraged families to worship together in big church.

Driving to church together as a family was wonderful change from my usual pre-dawn solo Sunday commute. We dropped the little ones off in the early childhood area and headed to the worship center with our two grade schoolers. Justin was immediately disappointed when he realized that he'd have to sit in big church - "It's boring!" he said.

When the music began, Emily looked at me and said "We sing this one in Sunday School!" She was right, but something was missing without the fun motions and dancing!

Then my husband pointed to the sermon outline. The topic for the morning: HELL. Fortunately the kids picked up their pads of paper and occupied themselves with drawing during the message. Later, over lunch, I asked the kids if they knew what the pastor talked about at church. Justin spelled the answer: "H -- E -- L -- L," as if he were afraid he'd get in trouble for saying a naughty word.

Oh boy! The joys of 'worshiping together as a family!' This is what I'm chewing on after this experience:

1. Families need to have shared spiritual experiences. Simply sitting together in an adult service doesn't necessarily create the opportunities for springboard conversations throughout the week. This service was just over-their-heads. Perhaps a family discussion guide stuffed inside a kids bulletin would be a useful tool.

2. Familiarity is a good thing. When the band played music that my kids knew, they perked up and were able to engage. If we do this in the future let's coordinate with the worship staff so that they can select some songs that kids will recognize. Better yet, let's get some kids up front to help lead worship.

3. When family worship is a once-in-a-while thing, we need to be more intentional about preparing kids, families, and staff for it. I can't just look at it as a break for me and my volunteers. I need to continue to advocate for kids, looking out for their spiritual formation.

Chuck E Church

Marko from Youth Specialties blogged today about perceptions of an attractional kids ministry. Some of the terminology he uses is interesting! He called one such ministry a "Children's Show" and later he uses the term "Chuck E. Church." It's a good reminder that we need to be sure that our fun, kid-friendly environments are backed up with solid teaching, good theology, and a biblical vision for spiritual formation!

Things that made me smile today

It was the last day of our school year Sunday School program. Next week we begin our summer schedule with a new team of volunteers. Here are some of the things that made me smile today...

1. All of the small group leaders showed up today with little gifts or handwritten notes for the kids in their groups. What a great way to say, "I've loved being your leader this year. You are a super kid!"

2. Several volunteers brought up the topic of 'next year'. Yay! Many are planning to return and most of them want to bump up to the next grade level so they can follow their kids.

3. A couple of volunteers brought ME thank you cards and gifts. Imagine that - volunteers saying thanks for letting them serve!

4. A VBS volunteer told me that when I asked her to try out a new area of ministry, the drama team, I confirmed something that God had been speaking to her.

5. A long nap in the afternoon.

6. A backyard bonfire with my family and the neighbor kids.

I'm so thankful for the sense of reward God gave me today. It's just what I need to take on what's ahead!