Get Your Free Kindle Copy of the little answer book

Over the month I have made three books available for free in their Kindle version - today I am happy to announce one more Kindle book giveaway - the little answer book. 

Get Your Free Kindle Copy of the little answer book for children

Today and tomorrow (September 24th and 25th, 2021) you are still able to get your free Kindle copy of my book; the little answer book for children! If you have not already received your free Kindle copy, you will find it at this link.

Please Take This Short Survey from Cokesbury

Cokesbury Publishers would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to participate in their Children's Sunday School Survey - you will find it at this link. 

Curriculum Review - The New City Catechism - a "Must-Have" for Every Children's Ministry

My church has started their mid-week Children's Ministry for the Fall with a new curriculum to supplement the format they have used for many years (a rotation schedule where children move with their small group to different classes throughout the year. They stay in one class for several weeks and learn karate, or play games, or learn some fun science facts, or work on crafts, etc. - very active and engaging and something my grandsons have enjoyed.) This year for the teaching time, they are using The New City Catechism from the Gospel Coalition.

I was not familiar with this resource, so I contacted them and they were so kind to send me the curriculum kit for me to review - today I am very happy to let you know about The New City Catechism for Children.

Get Your Free Kindle Copy of the little answer book for children

Apparently my link for downloading your free Kindle copy was not working for my book, the little answer book for children - so, I have fixed the link and starting tomorrow, September 21, 2021 and going through September 25, 2021 you will now be able to get your free Kindle copy.

Get Your Free Kindle Copy of the little answer book for children

  

Today is the first day of the Child Discipleship Forum and as one of the Founding Partners, I made the kindle version of one of my books - the little answer book for children - available to download for free. It is free for you to download today through the 20th as well!

These Things Matter as Well

This morning, on one of my other blogs - Grandma's with Heart -- I wrote about how important it is for grandparents to speak up on behalf of their grandchildren - particularly when it comes to their experience in their Children's Ministry. I wrote; "If you have grandchildren who go to church with their parents, or with you, you must be a person who is willing to speak up on behalf of your grandchildren to your church leadership. If your Children's Ministry does not engage your grandchildren while they are young, they will get the mistaken idea church - and therefore Jesus - are boring. If your Children's Ministry does not connect with your grandchildren by noticing when they are not there, sending a card on their birthday, and just making sure the children know they are loved, they will be more likely to stop going and believe the church - and therefore Jesus - do not really care about them. While these things are important if your grown children take your grandchildren to church, they are absolutely imperative if you are the ones taking your grandchildren to church." (You will find the full post at this link.) 

Trail's End Links - Because I am a Grandma

This post today is because I am a grandma - a grandma with two grandsons who are Cub Scouts. My grandsons are selling delicious Trail's End Popcorn (and other tasty snacks), so, because I am their grandma, I am sharing the links with you. If you would like to buy some Trail's End treats from them, you will find them at the following links - Caleb's link, Shane's link. 

FREE Kindle Book & It is Not Too Late to Be Part of the Child Discipleship Forum

Why are children leaving the church after high school? What if the strategy to change this started in Children’s Ministry? If you have been reading my blog for long, you know these are questions which greatly concern me and questions I have been addressing for some time.

A Grandparents Day Gift for Grandparents in Your Church

Today is Grandparents Day! To help the grandparents in your church celebrate, today through this Thursday, September 16, 2021, they are able to download the kindle copy of Don't Worry: It is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren for FREE!

Make a Difference - Teach the "Whys"

I've been involved with Children's Ministry for fifty years - yes 50 years. Throughout this time many things have changed - we used to run Children's Ministry with the idea all we had to do was give the quarterlies to the teachers and take attendance. Eventually a large shift happened (thanks in large part to Group Publishing) where we moved to seeing Children's Ministry as far more than what it was and focused upon engaging children and involving them in the learning process. Today most churches teach with a large group - small group teaching model and this is a positive thing.

Book Review & Giveaway - Clever Cub

 

Yesterday I posted a book review and information about a special giveaway on my other blog, grandma's cookie jar. So today I thought I'd share it with you. 

What Matters the Most in Children's Ministry?

When it comes to Children's Ministry, what is the most important thing? Where should Children's Ministry leaders, directors, pastors spend their time? What are they able to do which will matter the most?  These are important, and essential questions for those who serve in Children's Ministry to think about, and for which to find answers. If you were to ask me, I would give you two most important things - they are equally important and essential.

Two Days Left to Get Your Free Kindle Copy of Generations Quest - Cultivate the Faith!

Today, September 3, 2021 and tomorrow, September 4, 2021 are the last two days in my special giveaway for Grandparents Day . . . I'm giving away the Kindle version of my book - Generations Quest - Cultivate the Faith!

Get Your Free Kindle Copy of Generations Quest Cultivate the Faith

 

Share this with the parents and grandparents in your church - September 12th, is National Grandparents Day - and to celebrate I am making a book available for you to receive the Kindle copy for free. With our grandchildren heading back to school, they are likely to be busy and may not be spending as much time with us as they may have over the summer. So, the time we do spend with them needs to be especially purposeful. If you are looking for a resource to help you with this, take a look at Generations Quest - Cultivate the Faith! which you are able to get the kindle copy for free!

Hand Down Confident Faith - Remember & Be Thankful

Please share this with the parents and grandparents in your church.

I enjoy it very much when my grandsons go on vacation with their parents - the photos from their week exploring new places bring such happiness to my heart! I love being able to see their faces reflect their joy at accomplishing a physical feat (such as climbing to the top of an almost-mountain in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and being able to see all the way to Lake Superior), or exploring in amazing caves in Ohio, or kayaking, or whatever it is they did wherever it is they went. I know the memories they have of these trips will bring them joy as well.

It Is The Right Time to Share Those Kind, Affirming, Encouraging Words

Please share this post with the parents and grandparents in your church.

Today is a big day for my family - after a year and a half of at home school for my youngest grandson, and a mix of at home and in class school for my two older grandsons, today they all return to in class school. Certainly, along with being a big day, it is also a day with some about of "concern" attached to it as well. Covid is still a concern, and Delta makes it more of a concern for the boys, and for those of us who love them. But, school is starting, everyone will be wearing masks, and along with the concern, there is also an excitement for life to move along so they are able to experience the new school year.

If You are Going to Err, Err on the Side of Safety

I know I've been posting about making our classrooms safe by requiring masks be worn by all people entering the Children's Ministry, and I know some of you may disagree, but why? Why would you disagree on something so basic as making our Children's Ministry safe? Safety is a top priority for most churches, but when it comes to covid, it seems like we have just thrown safety out the window.

We Must Act Now

The past year and a half has had its challenges, but these challenges have given us the opportunity to open our eyes and see the truth which has been before us - more and more families are experiencing significant change as their grown children and grandchildren are walking away from faith. 

What Is the "State" of Your Grandparenting Ministry? Rebuild & Strengthen!

A few years ago, in a town not far from where I live, a tornado hit; three churches in this small community were seriously damaged. One was a church which was 160 years old. The members of this church were understandably quite dismayed and disheartened to see the significant damage to their church. However; their sadness turned to rejoicing when the builders who began the work to rebuild brought them shocking news. As these builders surveyed the damage and began the work, they discovered nothing was holding up the floor of this old church building. The years had taken their toll and unbeknownst to the church members, their church floor was unsupported and about to collapse. The tornado actually saved them.

Hand Down Confident Faith with Polar Bears, Jaguars, Aardvarks, Grasshopper Mice & More!

A few days ago I posted about the completion of my twelve-book Life on the Goldilocks Planet series of books. Today I am happy to let you know the final four-book combo book is now available - Polar Bears, Jaguars, Aardvarks, Grasshopper Mice & More!  

Protect the Children - Require Masks

As I write this I am watching an interview with the Chief Medical Doctor at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans. He says they are admitting children to their hospital, putting them on ventilators, and are seeing severe illness in these children. He said children have to be protected by the adults in their lives by having the adults get vaccinated and wear masks around them. 

Hand Down Confident Faith with Grasshopper Mice, Laughing Kookaburras, Jawfish & More!

When we look at the world around us and see studies like the one from Barna which said Gen Z is turning away from faith at double the rate of any previous generation, it may be easy to feel discouraged and to think there is nothing more we are able to do. But, we must not think this way. We must take action. We do not have to sit by and wait and see if anything we have done to hand down faith "takes hold". We are able to use the truth - God is real and science shows us this - and hand down a confident faith to the ones we love!

This is why for the past year I have been working on the Life on the Goldilocks Planet book series with my grandsons. I am very happy to say today, the series is complete with book 12 - Grasshopper Mice, Laughing Kookaburras, Jawfish & More! now being available! This series was written to provide the tools grandparents and parents need to hand down confident faith to the children they love.

No Cookie-Cutter Children's Ministries will Help Your Church's Children's Ministry Be as Effective as Possible

There are many things we need to do if we lead or serve in our church's Children's Ministry. In a day where the church is losing the next generation at double the rate of any previous generation, we must take a clear look at what we are doing, why we are doing it, and how we are able to make necessary changes to ensure our church's Children's Ministries are as effective as possible. But, how do we know we are doing all we need to do?

Does Your Church Really Care?

Does your church care about the safety of the children in your church and community? I'm sure you read this question and answer; "Yes! Of course my church cares about the safety of the children in our church and community." Wonderful! So, are you requiring masks be worn by everyone who enters your Children's Ministry area? Do you stand up in the pulpit and ask everyone in your church to get their covid shot who are over the age of 12? Do you call out the misinformation and outright lies about the vaccine and covid? Do you ask people to stop using excuses to "justify" not getting their shot and tell them they need to be responsible and loving - AND they need to help protect the children by getting their shots?

Children's Ministry Matters & So Does Getting It "Right"

Children's Ministry matters. I believe everyone reading this blog agrees with this statement. Children's Ministry matters, so it matters for us to get it right. I believe you all agree with this statement as well.

So, how do we know if we are, "getting it right"? Consider the following questions . . . 

Hand Down Confident Faith with Aardvarks, Coelacanths, Colugos & More!

 

I am happy today to let you know about the new release of book eleven in the Life on the Goldilocks Planet series - Aardvarks, Coelacanths, Colugos & More! - it is now available and is an excellent tool for you to make available to the families in your church!

Please Step Up

What is your church doing to protect children and encourage the people who attend your church to get their covid shot? With the delta variant, people are dying from covid - the numbers are up 60% - and these are people who didn't get their shot.

More of My Resources to Help & Equip

I have been writing this blog for eleven years. Over these many years About the Children's Department has consistently ended up as a "Top Children's Ministry Blog" - currently we are once again listed as the number two, most read blog by FeedSpot. This means a fair number of people who are involved in Children's Ministry read what I write.

Jaguars, Lilac-Breasted Rollers, Nautiluses & More! is Now Available!

I am very happy today to let you know I have another new book in my Life on the Goldilocks Planet series which is now available - book ten - Jaguars, Lilac-Breasted Rollers, Nautiluses & More!

In this book children (and parents/grandparents) will learn about Jaguars, Satanic Leaf-Tailed Geckos, Fairy Penguins, Bison, Lilac-Breasted Rollers, Bilbies, Asian Tapirs, Sea Pens, Coatimundis, Jabirus, Sloth Bears, and Nautiluses as they learn fun facts, are able to see full-color photos of these animals, participate in fun activities, and learn what science has to tell us about God's amazing creation.

Now Available - Polar Bears, Purple Gallinules, Numbats & More!

I have some good news today! First, I have a new book in my Life on the Goldilocks Planet book/curriculum series - Polar Bears, Purple Gallinules, Numbats & More! and I have been able to work with my books and take almost $3 off the price of each one! 

No Cookie-Cutter Children's Ministries is Available Today!

I am very happy to let you know about the release of my new book - "No Cookie-Cutter Children's Ministries" - it is available in our bookstore at this link and on Amazon at this link today!

We are Number Two in FeedSpot's Top 40 Children's Ministry Blogs for 2021!

I am honored and happy to say, About the Children's Department is the Second most read Children's Ministry blog, according to FeedSpot's Top 40 Children's Ministry Blogs in 2021! (You will find their full results at this link.)

More Time to Win Tickets!

Six days ago I wrote about the upcoming Chris Tomlin concert and the opportunity you have to win two tickets to the concert - you will find what I wrote at this link.

Keep the Masks in the Children's Ministry

As Covid restrictions are lifted in businesses across our country, churches are also lifting their restrictions. While this is understandable, is it the best thing for them to do? We all know many of the people who protested the loudest about wearing masks in the midst of the pandemic, sadly were Christians. These are also many of the people who refuse to get their covid vaccine, so are we really able to operate on a "honors system" and expect those who were against wearing a mask, and who refuse to get their shot to now tell the truth and continue to wear a mask because they have not gotten their shot? If we do, we are putting children at risk.

Chris Tomlin Concert - Win Two Tickets!

I am very happy today to let you know about a Chris Tomlin concert opportunity for you and the ones you love - and an opportunity for you to win two tickets to the concert as well!

Add This to Your Must-Do List

For years I have written about how essential it is for those in Children's Ministry to be certain they engage children actively in learning, make sure all children feel wanted by helping all children make friends, plan each week for time to send notes/post cards to children who have missed Sunday and/or Wednesday services, and equip parents and grandparents so they are able to hand down confident faith at home. These are clearly the most important things we will do in Children's Ministry. Today I want to tell you about one more essential thing for those in Children's Ministry to add to this list.

Hand Down Confident Faith with the little answer book for children

As you have likely noticed, I have been writing about Barna's and Gallup's recent polls - for a very important reason . . . because we must stand up and take action to stop the loss of the ones we love. If someone does not speak up and ask others to join them, how will grandparents, parents, and church leaders know there is a way to stop what is happening? 

Child Discipleship Forum 2021 - Don't Miss This

I am very happy to let you know about a special opportunity September 16, 17, 2021 for you to join with others in ministry to think about vital questions - "Why are kids leaving the church after high school? What if the strategy to change this started in Children’s Ministry?"

Must Be at the Top of Our Most Important Things to Do List

Both the Barna and Gallup polls show us we are losing our next generations (at double the rate of any previous generation according to Barna). We must take action. We must make changes as to do nothing is not an option.

As Covid Comes to an End - Equip Parents & Grandparents

As states move past mask orders and churches have people without masks in them, you may find parents and grandparents make the choice to stay home until their children are able to be vaccinated. I know I will continue with at-home church with my grandsons as even though their poppa and I are fully vaccinated, they are not, and I do not want to see them get sick with covid.

New Resource to Help Grieving Children

Linda Ranson-Jacobs shared this wonderful resource from her friend Mel Erickson with me a couple days ago and today I am delighted to share it with you.

Engage. Equip. Empower - Make These Changes Today

I have been writing quite a bit about how we in the church - and in Children's Ministries in particular must make changes. We are losing children, teens, and young adults at double the rate of any previous generation as they decide they no longer want anything to do with church and are turning away from their faith. We are able to change this, but we must act now. Consider the following things you are able to do today - and then please do them!

Change What You Are Doing & What You Are Not Doing

Why do we do things the way we do them, particularly if there is solid evidence what we are doing is not working? For far, far too long our churches have run Children's Ministry in a way where the children have to sit and listen to adults who "teach" them what the Bible says. We know we learn many ways; reading, listening, being shown, etc., but we remember the most when we actually teach others. This applies for children of all ages and all abilities.

Give the Gift of "Why" for Mother's Day

 

Mother's Day is just over a week away, so if you are looking for a gift to give a mom you know, consider giving them the gift of "why" with the new book - the little answer book. This little book will give them "whys" to share with the ones they love - to equip them to have a confident faith, and to have important conversations with the ones they love who have turned away from their faith.

Do Your Actions Match Your Words?

As many States are experiencing a fourth wave of Covid, how do you respond? Especially since now more and more children are getting covid? 

Take Action Today

Did you see the Gallup Poll which released just before Easter this year? It shows only 47% of people in this country are members of a church/consider it an important part of their lives. Twenty years earlier it was 70% and now for the first time ever we have dropped below 50% of the people. If things continue as they have for the past twenty years, what do you think it will be like in twenty more years? 

Megabats, Scorpionfish, Giant Anteaters, Cheetahs & More!

I am happy today to let you know about the release of another four-book combo book in the Life on the Goldilocks Planet series - Megabats, Scorpionfish, Giant Anteaters, Cheetahs & More!

"Life on the Goldilocks Planet" Series & Some Changes to the Series

A couple weeks ago I mentioned a change in my "Life on the Goldilocks Planet" series - today I am going to explain what this change is and why there is a change.

One thing we all care about as Christian grandmas (or grandpas/parents) is for the children we love to be people who believe in, love, know, and walk with God. We want them to have a confident faith. Is there really anything which matters more than for our grown and grandchildren to be believers?

What are You Doing? How Do You Need to Change?

As you read this post, picture the families in your church's Children's Ministry. Think about the children who come to church with their parents - likely most of the children in your church are in this group. Think about children from the neighborhood around your church who come to church on their own - or possibly in your church bus if you have a Bus Ministry. Think about the children who come to church with their grandparents. Most, if not all, of the children in your ministry will fall into one of these three groups.