Done In A Day is an annual training event for those who serve children and their families in ministry offered by the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. This is one training held simultaneously, at multiple locations, across the conference offering nurture, and support for those in ministry with children; either as pastors, staff or volunteers. There is about 1.5 hours for the training material which includes places for conversation and group sharing.

We’ve offered training for connecting children in worship, in mission, and in Sunday school. Last year we offered training in using Holy Listening Stones to engage in sacred and every-day conversations with children in multiple settings by Leanne Hadley.

The theme this year is “Creating a Discipleship Pathway (Plan) for Children.” The video presenter will be Rev. Kathryn Pittenger. She serves as the Children’s Initiatives Coordinator in the Michigan Conference and author of Developing an Intentional Discipleship System for Children offered through Discipleship Ministries. She will be presenting the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ to prepare a plan for discipleship for children in your context. Ken Willard offered training for a Pathway for Discipleship last October here in North Georgia sharing we must propel disciples of Jesus to make strides to become more like Jesus through intentionally offering next steps in resources and experiences. As he reminded us, the goal and mission of the local church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. It is not church growth. That’s the job of the Holy Spirit. I recall him speaking about offering a certain amount of high chairs in a church nursery. We can’t keep adding high chairs for Baby Christians without a plan to move disciples in their relationship with Jesus through the spiritual disciplines of the saints of the yesterday and today. There’s more about my take-aways from that training here.

When we speak about children’s discipleship, are we event coordinators or disciple-makers? Disciple-making doesn’t just happen. We must have an intentional plan if our job is make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Even the little disciples.  BUT….. What is developmentally appropriate for children? What is helpful for parents? What is realistic, measurable, and intentional? When we bring our kids to soccer, baseball, and dance on a weekly basis, our children have coaches. Those coaches guide their practice so their skills at the end of a season are better than they were at the beginning. Can we offer anything less for our kids when it comes to their ‘soul training”? We are those coaches!

The question I hear all the time is, “Who’s got time to lay out a plan for discipleship that is developmentally appropriate when Sunday keeps coming, VBS is in a few months, and don’t even ask me about the Christmas play?” I know you want more than just to survive a calendar of events, get through a season, or decorate another bulletin board. Let’s get together and help each other come up with a plan. I’ll be at the McEachern Memorial UMC location and our facilitator with be the fabulous Kate Morris of Acworth United Methodist Church. Will you join us this year for Done in a Day at night? Register here today.

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

Mrs. Jennifer Clark is our guest blogger today. Jen serves as the Children’s Ministry Director at Mountainview United Methodist Church located in Marietta, Georgia. 

While recently attending the Children’s Pastor’s Conference, I kept hearing this statistic: “The average time for a Director of KidMin to stay in the job is 18 months.” Yikes. That’s not very long. You can’t even get the supply closet organized in 18 months.

But it’s also not surprising, is it? I mean, it only takes about a week on the job to discover how hard it can be. The kid part tends to be the fun, rewarding part, but the behind-the-scenes stuff – wrangling volunteers, maintaining rosters, bargaining for facility space – those are things that can break you in a hurry.

I’m at the beginning of my 25th month on the job. And to be honest, I’ve thought about quitting at least a hundred times. Flooded classrooms, double-booked Fellowship Halls, keys that didn’t work, adults arguing… My husband will testify to the tearful conversations that typically end with me saying, “This is so HARD. I want to quit.”

So what’s keeping me from quitting? Some days, it’s just sheer laziness – it would take too long to write a resignation letter. But more often, my merciful Father reminds me of the tools that He gave me along with this amazing, challenging call. And the good news – He’s given you these tools too.

A Direct Help Line
There is no more powerful tool than calling out to God directly during an hour or season of discouragement. Jesus says to come to Him when we are worn out and overwhelmed, and He will help. (Matthew 11:28)

Encouraging Words
These are a few of the verses I treasure in my heart and pull out during the dark hours of discouragement:
2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This verse reminds me that I don’t have to have it all together, and the best thing is to stand down so Jesus can stand in.

Psalm 30:5 Weeping may remain for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Don’t things always seem a little better after some sleep and that first cup of coffee (or tea)? Sometimes, literally, God says, “Go to bed”.

John 16:33 “In this world you will have trouble.” I know on the surface scripture about life’s difficulties may not seem encouraging, but isn’t there some comfort in knowing that this isn’t supposed to be easy? When things get hard, perhaps that means we’re on the right track!

A Community of Support
God doesn’t expect us to do this by ourselves. He provides people to encourage us, whether it be through a mentor’s wise counsel, a volunteer’s enthusiasm or a child’s hug. We all have access to an extraordinary collection of KidMin champions through the North Georgia United Methodist Church’s Children’s Ministry Network, whose collective experiences and wisdom are available for the asking.

A Clear Goal
God has called us into Children’s Ministry to make Jesus-disciples. Staying focused on our purpose acts like a filter, allowing us to tune in to the clear frequency of God’s call, and tune out the static of distractions that lead to discouragement and a longing to give up.

Sometimes, in seasons of discouragement, I am lulled into the deceptive thinking that quitting will make things better. But then the Lord provides – a verse of encouragement, a nudge to call on His name, a hug from a child. And that’s sufficient to sustain me for the day.

I’d love to know – what tools sustain you through seasons of discouragement?

If you’d like to connect with Jen Clark, contact her at jenniferleeclark@gmail.com.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Extending radical hospitality to first time guests should constantly be on our minds and ready for an upgrade. We’ve addressed signage and location to the best of our abilities, but what else?

Checking out images of a fellow blogger who visited and posted images at a mega-church, I stopped over a simple image he’d posted specifically for first time guests. A round table, set a bit higher than most tables, with a simple sign, ink pens, and a general form. Something so simple, yet so intentional.

I asked our facilities manager if he had a similar table tucked away in storage and he did. The taller round table meant that a dear Mom or Dad wouldn’t be bent over filling out forms (not attractive and very uncomfortable) and made it easier to keep an eye on their littles. The sign was printed with our logo with clear instructions for parents. Multiple ink pens were set in a plastic cup with stones to keep it upright. We set it all in the middle of the entrance used specifically for little people so it couldn’t be missed. Didn’t even need to man it since our greeters could easily see it and it’s purpose.

We set it up three weeks ago.

Week 1: Our greeters (we set up the table and gave no announcement or instruction) directed a Mama of 3 to the table where she easily completed paperwork and the kids had space to move around, yet didn’t stray far. Mama brought the younger two to the nursery and the older one to me with paperwork in-hand with time to spare for quick welcoming conversations and me being fully present to speak to her son as we explained what would be happening that morning. I paired her son with a welcoming buddy of his same age to show him the ropes. We didn’t have to hand her forms, ask her to step aside and fill it out in both the children’s area and the nursery, then try to come back to us when a whole host of people would be talking to us. Smooth, personal, clear and we were all fully present with time to spare for conversation and connection.

Week 2: A grandfather who is a member brought his grandson for the first time. Granddad went straight to the table to fill out paperwork and brought it to me as I was able to welcome the grandson by name. We introduced him to a great welcome buddy in the Children’s Ministry Welcome Center which was a student in his grade level and the transition into the morning was smooth and very welcoming.

Week 3: I watched as an older couple with no children went to the First Time? table and retrieved two forms. When I stepped up to greet them, they told me they wanted to welcome their new neighbors with two kids with the forms AND a monthly flier of what’s happening. These folks would not have come to me directly because it may look like I’m too busy, yet the table made it easier for them to pickup forms/documents for First Time guests as part of their welcome to their new neighbors.

I pass the paperwork on to to their Sunday school teacher. The Sunday school teacher returns it to me after class so that I can input their information into the database AND followup with a couple of postcards: Welcome postcard and any upcoming event postcard, as well as an email on the second week. It’s been up for only three weeks!

What are other ways to be intentional to welcome guests into your ministry with children?

“And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:5

Jesus is our model for worship, study, play, and prayer.  Prayer is one of those sacred practices which can be caught, but when we offer an intentional teaching time, students grow to have more confidence.  When practiced with their families, it’s a shared sacred memory.   This is the motivation behind the Faith Milestone: I Can Pray offered to our families with 1^st and 2^nd grade students. The event was scheduled for a Wednesday evening 5:45pm-6:30pm.

After students decorate a solid colored gift bag to hold all their take home goodies and printed instructions, we share that “Prayer is talking AND listening to God (Father and Creator), Jesus (God’s son, our best friend, and Savior), and the Holy Spirit (Comforter, reminding us as believers/followers what will please the Lord.)” Students are required to stay with and participate fully with their parents/caregivers. Students and families are then led to these stations spread throughout a large room.

Supplies:

• Berenstain Bears Say Their Prayers
• Bottles of Bubbles
• Snack packages of plain M&Ms
• Call bell
• Silly Putty
• Fidget Spinner/Spinning Top
• Composition books

These are the various stations with directions:

Find The Page – Choose a book. Find the page where the little bears are praying before bedtime and read aloud. Take one for your family prayer bag.

Spinner Prayers for Who’s At The Top – Each Day, pray for…
Monday – Teachers and Coaches (by name)
Tuesday – Local Government of Mayor and City Council (by name)
Wednesday – Pastor and Spiritual Teachers (by name)
Thursday – National Government of President, Congress, and Supreme Court (by name)
Friday – Law Enforcement & Firefighters (by name)

Teacher, Coach, and Spiritual Teacher names are easy, but finding out the name of your town’s mayor and a city council member may require you asking your parents. Ask your parents to also help you find out the name of your US Congressperson and find the name of someone who serves in law enforcement and a firefighter so you can pray for ‘by name’, too.  Names are so important and it will make your prayers specific and more personal.

For each leader, spin the spinner and talk to God about ‘Who’s At The Top’ until the spinner stops. If your top is still spinning when you finish the prayer below, you must be a master spinner! So keep praying until it stops!

Example: (Insert names)
Dear Lord, I pray for _________________ and _______________ to lead a life that is worthy of You Lord.
I pray that __________________ and __________________ will please You in every way, God.
I pray that __________________ and __________________ will want to grow to know You better, God.
I pray that __________________ and __________________ will be strong and patient, God.
I pray that __________________ and __________________ will never give up and be joyful, God.
(based on Colossians 1:10-11)

Silly Putty Prayers (W.I.T.H. Prayer)

• Take out your silly putty and stretch, mold, pull, tug on it as you sit quietly and ponder the following:
• Take a deep breath and blow it out slowly.
• Think of something that makes you say “WOW!” (pause)
• Take a deep breath…when you slowly and quietly exhale, whisper, “Wow, God!”
• Take a deep breath and blow it out slowly.
• Think of something that you’ve said, done, or thought that would not please God….something you’d want to say, “I’m sorry” about.  (pause)
• Take a deep breath…when you slowly and quietly exhale, whisper, “I’m sorry, God.”
• Take a deep breath and blow it out slowly.
• Keep pulling on your silly putty.
• Think of something you want to thank God for.  Several somethings. (pause)
• Take a deep breath…when you slowly and quietly exhale, whisper, “Thank you, God.”
• Take a deep breath and blow it out slowly.
• Think of someone you know who needs help…maybe they are sad, maybe they are sick, maybe they are poor, maybe they are hurting. (pause)
• Take a deep breath…when you slowly and quietly exhale, whisper, “Help them, God.”
• Then close to tell God whatever you want.  He loves to hear from you! Amen.
• Thankful to Mark Burrows for sharing this experience at National Christian Educators Fellowship Conference in Nashville several years ago.

Bubble Prayers

Blow a bubble.  As it floats to the floor, pray a help prayer.

“Lord, please help _____________________ because ______________________. Amen.”

Journal Prayers

1. Choose a journal.
2. Open to the first page.
3. Trace the hands of everyone in the family on individual pages and write their name on the page.
4. Put your hand in each family member’s traced hand and talk to God about that family member.
5. Then turn to a fresh page each day with a date to invite family members to write prayer requests. As you pray for that prayer request, place your hand on the family member’s traced hand.

A Wiggle Prayer

O God, who made my fingers (wiggle fingers)

O God, who made my toes, (wiggle toes)

O God, who made my eyebrows, (wiggle eyebrows)

O God, who made my nose, (wiggle nose)

You made my heart for laughter, (put hand to heart)

You made my voice for song, (make a “singing” pose)

You made my soul to dance, (dance in place)

And praise you all lifelong. (raise both hands in the air)

Amen

“Glory” Celebration Prayers –  Open a call bell.  Every time you think of a time to say, “Thank you, Lord!”, ring the bell and say, “Glory!” Place the bell somewhere in your home when anyone in the family wishes to express a thanks to the Lord, they ring the bell and shout, “Glory!”

M&M Prayers – Find a quiet spot, take a deep breath, and open your bag of M&Ms. As you put an M&M in your mouth, close your eyes and take time to feel and taste as the candy melts in your mouth. As the candy melts, turn your thoughts to God, and use the color code below to focus your prayers:

Red candy: Think about the greatness of God. Think about the great things God has made.

Take a deep breath, hold it counting to 5, then breathe out slowly and whisper “God, You are great.”

Orange candy: Thank God for the blessings you have received and the goodness in your life. Take a deep breath, hold it counting to 5, then breathe out slowly and whisper, “God, You are good.”

Yellow candy: Pray for those who are in need of basic human needs; food, shelter, water, peace.

Take a deep breath, hold it counting to 5, then breathe out slowly and whisper, “Thank you, God.”

Brown candy: Pray for those close to you or far away in need of God’s guiding spirit, that they will feel God’s abundant love in their life.

Take a deep breath, holding it counting to 5, then breathe out slowly and whisper, “Help them, God.”

Blue candy: Confess to God (agree with God) that you are sometimes weak and fail to follow God as you should. Ask God to help you stay strong.

Take a deep breath, holding it counting to 5, then breathe out slowly and whisper, “Forgive me, God.”

Green candy: Sit in silence as you ask God to hear your prayers, those spoken and those that are unsaid in your heart.

Take a deep breath, holding it counting to 5, then breathe out slowly and whisper, “Praise you, God, for hearing my prayers.”

Upon completion, we debrief by asking:

What was your favorite station?

What do you think you could do to pray tonight before you go to bed?

What do you think you could do in the morning when you wake up to help you pray?

What is prayer? “When we _____ & ______ to the Lord.”

Prayer is ‘caught’ AND ‘taught’. What other ways can we intentionally teach children and families to pray together?

“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1