My journey with AI (artificial intelligence) in Children’s Ministry has been gradual and consistent—but it’s made a real difference! I thought I’d share a few ways I’ve been using it lately in case it inspires you to give it a whirl, save some time, or just play around with some fresh ideas.

Fun Website Staff Bios: We fed ChatGPT a list of Q&As from our staff bios and asked it to turn them into something fun, warm, and engaging. Boom! Instant personality upgrade. You can see the results here.

Summer Theme Song: We used the Suno AI music app to create our very own driveway-party-meets-Jesus jam! Think: dance-pop, praise-filled, joy-packed, under 2.3 minutes, with both male and female vocals. It’s perfect for singing and dancing at our summer Driveway Parties!

Children’s Moment Prompts: Sometimes the sermon leans abstract—and our littles? Definitely concrete thinkers. Google’s AI tool helps jumpstart ideas when I search something like “children’s sermon + the scripture.” It’s a great way to spark creativity fast.

Themed Events for Adults: For a men’s dinner, we asked ChatGPT to blend Braves baseball, Jesus, and BBQ into a fun event title—and it delivered! For a women’s luncheon, we gave it our speaker’s blog titles, and it whipped up suggestions for activities, décor, menus, and more. Each team now has a springboard to build from.

Other Ways We’ve Used ChatGPT:

• Created a 10-question spiritual growth survey for youth—super helpful for a new staff member to learn her audience by tracking the answers in a Google Sheet.
• Crafted youth intern interview questions in language that actually sounds like, well, teens.
• Wrote a cute rhyme for an end-of-year gift to thank our amazing Wednesday night leaders—based on our Bible study theme for the school year!
• Staff reviews and evaluations were even uploaded to share this evaluation season.

Several ministry social media content creators I follow have started using AI to generate hilarious, heartwarming, and helpful images and posts for those of us in the family ministry trenches. Some are laugh-out-loud funny; others are spot-on reminders of what we’ve always known.

So, how are you starting to use AI in your ministry? Or maybe this is your nudge to give it a try. You don’t have to dive in all at once—just start where you are and see what it can do. Come on in—the water’s fine!

“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” Proverbs 18:15

Every year, our daughter and I take a special Mother’s Day trip—the week before the actual day, a beautiful tradition I look forward to. This year, she surprised me with a destination she knew I’d love: the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC.

Now, “library” is a bit of a misnomer. It’s really a museum—part inspiring archive, part holy ground—telling the story of Billy and Ruth Graham, their family, and the faithful friends and co-laborers who joined them in ministry over the decades.

My daughter had stopped there on a road trip to Washington, D.C. with her family and instantly knew: “Mom has to see this.” And wow, did she call it right. She knows my heart.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear: this place doesn’t just talk about the love and generosity of Jesus—they show it. Admission? Free. Parking? Free. Gifts when you arrive and when you leave? Yes, please. And the volunteers? Delightfully joyful—genuinely kind, welcoming, and crystal clear about why they’re there: to share the gospel of Christ in every possible way.

We left Canton around 6am-ish and arrived just in time for lunch. First stop: the onsite restaurant, where the chicken salad croissants were fresh and yummy.

Then came the Corrie TenBoom exhibit—“The Hiding Place” brought to life through photos, artifacts, vintage news clips, and video interviews.

Next, we took the self-guided tour—an immersive walk through tents, recreated radio stations, TVs, and the sounds of the crusades around the world; from tiny beginnings to worldwide revival. Billy’s voice followed us through it all—preaching from pulpits, on airwaves, with presidents and the powerful, and with janitors who stayed behind to clean up.

My emotions got the best of me several times. I found myself stopping more than once just to catch my breath and hold back tears. This wasn’t just his story—it was mine too. I saw my own journey reflected in those old revival tents, in the broadcasts that made it behind the Iron Curtain, and in the songs that became the soundtrack of the faith of many of my elders.

What did I take away from this pilgrimage? A few things:

• One obedient guy, saved by grace, led another to faith… who led another… and another. Obedience is powerful.
• Billy Graham used what he had—whether a Bible, a microphone, a radio tower, or a TV camera—and God multiplied it. He leveraged the resources and media available with one goal: to share the good news of Jesus. Faithfulness meets opportunity.
• He had a deep commitment to teamwork and surrounded himself with like-minded, gifted, faithful, guarded disciples who took on their clear roles. Nearby the gravesites of Billy and his beloved Ruth are the gravesites of both Cliff Barrows and his wife as well as George Beverly Shea, his committed and life-long co-laborers.
• The music from those crusades? That’s the heart music of today’s senior saints in our churches. I came of age on Amy Grant, Wayne Watson, Michael W. Smith, and Sandi Patty. Their songs saw me through diaper changes, school drop-offs, and beach walks with a Walkman while the babies napped.  But the music of the crusades and the local church chorale pieces were the foundation of our senior saints’ youth.

The takeaway? Know the good news. Share the good news. All the time. Anytime. Be clear. Be ready. Be consistent. Keep it simple and true: God loves us. Sin separates us. Jesus saves us. And now? I get to live that out every day—asking, “What can I do today with what I know about Jesus?”

I’m fired up about what this summer will hold—town movie nights, block parties in driveways, a youth retreat, local church vision trainings, denominational workshops, and divine appointments with old and brand-new friends in the Lord.

Lord, let me be found trustworthy and faithful!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Every person in a community faces life changes—empty nesting, caring for aging parents, handling that first paycheck, and more. These moments can be tough, and we believe the local church can be the best place to find guidance, wisdom, and hope—all rooted in a Biblical worldview. After all, Jesus really is the answer for every question.

That’s why we’ve started creating spaces not just for “sages on stages,” but for “guides from the sides.” People who can say, “I’ve walked that path too—let’s do this together.” It’s a beautiful way to build trust and support in every season of life.

Last month, we hosted a one-hour Anxiety Workshop for all ages. A licensed counselor from our church family led the session with compassion and clarity. The room was welcoming, the water was cold, and the message was clear: You are not alone.

With simple promotions, a banner by the road, and clear next steps, we saw grandparents, teens, parents, teachers, and coaches all show up—and 20% participated in a follow-up opportunity. That’s a win!

From one set of grandparents, “I came because my granddaughter has been diagnosed with anxiety and we want to have the best relationship with her and need some help.”

Now our new Women’s Ministry Leadership Team is taking the lead, and next up is “Caring for Your Aging Parents,” taught by someone who’s lived it more than once and is ready to pray, teach, and walk alongside others with grace starting with a free, one-hour workshop.

Workshops on the horizon? Topics like Forgiveness, Empty Nesting, Healthy Boundaries, Self-Defense, Abiding in Community through Discipleship Bands, and more—each one designed to help us grow stronger in faith and community.

And we’re not alone—the Spirit is moving across our county! Another church nearby is offering similar teachings, and after a recent conversation, it’s clear: God is stirring hearts and equipping His people through the local church.

There is not a life struggle, moment, or milestone that Jesus can’t speak into and over. I think it’s about time we set the table for the relationships to start so that we navigate these seasons together as we point to God the Creator, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit our comforter and helper.

So… what season are you in that you’d find additional information helpful especially when you don’t even know what question to ask? And what have you been through that might just help someone else?

Let’s walk this road together—pointing to Jesus every step of the way.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

For us, summer means June and July—and those two months are a perfect opportunity to experiment, train, and take the church on the road through meaningful partnerships. Our campus will still be open for office hours and Sunday mornings, but the rest of the week? We’re hitting the streets!

PARTNERSHIP #1: Family Movie Nights in the Park

We’re teaming up with our town’s Family Movie Nights, happening five times this summer. Each evening gives us nearly four hours to play, connect, and pray with our neighbors—right where they are.

It might be hot, but we’re coming prepared:

• Hand-fans, hula hoops, and bubbles
• A portable netted Gaga ball pit
• Mini Jesus figurines and prayer chairs for meaningful conversations
• Smiles, joy, and open hearts

Other churches and local businesses will be there too—so this is truly community in action, living up to the name we carry!

PARTNERSHIP #2: Community Driveway Parties

We’re also partnering with the neighborhoods of our own congregation! Throughout the summer, church members will host one-hour driveway parties for their neighbors—kids, families, seniors—anyone nearby.

Here’s how it works:

• The host connects with their neighbors and provides freeze pops
• Our team brings the fun: music, games, Jesus stories, crafts, and takeaways
• It’s simple, joyful, and deeply relational

We want to show up where people already are—and celebrate the good news of Jesus in ways that feel natural, neighborly, and joy-filled.

We’re Prepped and Ready

We’ve stocked up on:

• A branded tent, table cover, feather flag, and car magnet
• Portable netted Gaga ball pit, prayer chairs, and lawn games
• Sidewalk chalk, Lego bricks (thanks, senior moms!), storytelling tools, and rebus salvation bracelets
• Bluetooth speaker, custom summer t-shirts, and lots of love to give

Everything we bring is designed to spark conversation, stir curiosity, and make space for gospel moments in everyday places.

Why Are We Doing This?

Three big reasons:

1. To be a good, loving neighbor,
2. To train our littles, middles, and bigs to share the gospel clearly—and to practice doing it with confidence, kindness, hospitality, and joy,
3. After training we plan to take our kids on the road to assisted-living homes this fall during their school breaks to host a morning VBS with seniors.

We don’t need to copy what other churches are already doing well. We’re a new church with a great message, deep relationships, and a bold desire to make disciples right where we live.

Ready or not, here we come to share Jesus with neighbors and nations!

“When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.” Luke 21:30

There’s something powerful about pausing to reflect right after a big ministry moment. Whether it’s a special Sunday or a seasonal event, taking time within a day or so to debrief can lead to rich insights for the future. Think of it as a joyful experiment—an opportunity to learn from spaces, supplies, staging, and what God has already placed in our hands.

Here’s one simple tool I use: a Google Doc with three honest, hope-filled columns.

Hiccups | Wins | Discoveries

Here’s what each column means and why it matters:

Hiccups are those small snags or delays that don’t derail the event, but do interrupt the flow. 

• A misplaced TV remote
  
• Using insider language without clear signage
  
• A broken dress shoe while setting up a Storywalk with bubbles and eggs on brand-new mulch (thank you, backup flip-flops in the car!)

They’re not disasters. They’re just real-life reminders to tweak, prep, or bring extras next time.

Wins are those heart-lifting moments when things go better than you imagined:

• A youth boldly sharing the gospel with a preteen guest over Legos at lunch
  
• A dinner team noticing a need and stopping at the grocery store unprompted
  
• Spotting someone absolutely shine while leading a station—and inviting them on the spot to lead a ministry in the fall (and they say YES!)

These moments remind us that God is always doing more than we can see, and that teamwork is truly a beautiful thing.

Discoveries are the unexpected delights and insights you want to tuck away for future planning:

• Guests came because they noticed a roadside banner or a Facebook ad
  
• One building entrance worked best in daylight, another after sunset
  
• You might need to shift the date next year to get access to a better space; if the space is unavailable perhaps an alternative event is what’s called for

These are gold nuggets of information—little “a-ha” moments that shape wiser, more effective ministry down the road.

Celebrate the Good. Don’t Take the Rest Personally.

President Ronald Reagan and Coach John Wooden both famously said, “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

I’d like to add: “…and if I don’t take hiccups personally.”

Hiccups aren’t the place for finger-pointing—but wins and discoveries? Celebrate those loudly and often. Name names, thank people, and give the credit where it’s due. It builds joy, trust, and a culture of celebration.

This past Sunday was a big one. And the Lenten season? Full of moments worth remembering and learning from through discoveries.

So… what would make your list? What were the hiccups, wins, and discoveries?

Open a fresh Google Doc. Take ten minutes. Jot it all down. Then, revisit it during your next planning season. It’s one of the most effective, joy-filled ways to keep growing as the innovative discipler God has called you to be—hiccups and all.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1

While listening to episode #63 of the FamTime Podcast I was introduced to the encouraging voice and wisdom of Beth Meverden. It was such a joy! In that episode, Beth shared four Biblical, simple, and deeply practical keys for helping kids stay engaged in church. Her 74-page book, Church(ing) Kids, published in 2024, is a treasure for families and church leaders alike. This little book packs a punch.

Beth has been loving families to Jesus for over 25 years, and she brings both wisdom and warmth from her home base in Colorado. Here are the four keys she outlines—each one packed with purpose and possibility:

Key #1 – Intentional Spiritual Training at Home

We get the parental responsibility as the primary spiritual trainers of their own children, but I really liked her emphasis on conversations. She says:

“It is giving the answers before they have to ask you the questions. Because sometimes when we do not talk about spiritual things with our children, they think we do not know the answers and will seek answers somewhere else. If we are not talking about our faith with them, they will assume it is not important to us since we talk to them about other things that we think are important for them to learn.”

So simple, yet so powerful. Talk to your kids about your faith like it matters—because it does.

Key #2 – Involvement in Big Church

We get the idea that kids should be involved with multiple generations of Christians, but I really like her emphasis on modeling today for the future:

“You are modeling what it looks like to be an engaged Christian adult so they know how to become Christian adults participating in church. God will seat us next to the people He wants us to serve.”

What a beautiful reminder that our kids are watching and learning what adult faith looks like in real time.

Key #3 – Developing a Church Skill Set

We get the idea that kids can serve, but I really like her emphasis on God’s people training God’s people for life skills inside the church house to also use outside the church house. She explains:

“A ‘church skill set’ is a set of skills and gifts a believer uses to serve God and His people at church. We do our children a disservice when we train them that going to church is all about them, thus laying a foundation for a lifetime of service.”

This is apprenticeship in action—raising up faithful disciples of Jesus through meaningful service.

“The best benefit of your children serving at church is this. Upon graduation, your children will look for a church family to serve instead of a church that will serve them.”

Beth offers pages of practical ideas for involving children and youth in service at church. If your kids are bored at church, get them serving! As she puts it, serving is the ultimate boredom killer.

Key #4 – Age/Stage Group Involvement

We get the idea that most families are looking for age/stage activities, but I really like her emphasis on belonging. She says:

“Youth group is an awesome place to remind your teens they are not alone in their faith.”

And there’s more. When children and teens are involved in age/stage ministries….

“We build a team of spiritual cheerleaders in our children’s lives. These servant leaders support you as you disciple your children toward being like Christ. When your children learn alongside other children, they have built-in spiritual conversation topics to discuss with them at school or as they play together. When children invite their friends to church, they’re also inviting their friends’ families.”

How encouraging is that? Belonging leads to conversations, friendships, and kingdom invitations that can ripple out to whole families.

While each of these keys can stand strong on its own, it’s when we use all four together that they create a wholistic path for our kids and teens to engage with the whole church—the whole Body of Christ. Beth Meverden offers us a hopeful, practical vision for raising up the next generation of faithful, joyful disciples.

Let’s take the keys—and unlock a faith-filled future for our children.

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. Proverbs 20:11

This Lenten season, our church journeyed through a rich and meaningful theme inspired by the 40-day devotional Soundtrack by John David Walt of Seedbed. It’s a beautifully curated playlist through the Psalms—the ancient sounds of God’s people offered in rhythm and rhyme, through voice and instrument, lifted up in worship to the One and Only: our Creator, our Rescuer, our Redeemer, and our King.

The Psalms are more than poetry; they’re a holy playlist stretching from the time of the pop-up tabernacle in the wilderness to the majestic temple of Solomon—songs for every season of the soul.

But what is it about music that makes it so powerful?

Music adds strength to a story.
Think about it—the #10 movie soundtrack of all time is Disney’s The Lion King. Can you even picture the story without humming Hakuna Matata or hearing Rafiki’s iconic shout as he presents baby Simba? And the #1 movie soundtrack? Whitney Houston’s The Bodyguard. Unforgettable. Whose workout playlist doesn’t include Rocky’s Eye of the Tiger?

Music stirs our emotions.
Just a few notes of Garth Brooks’ Callin’ Baton Rouge and I’m transported back to LSU—friends, classes, football games on humid Saturday nights. Music has that power. Think of alma maters at national championships, songs played at memorials of loved ones, or the national anthem at the Olympics—each one stirs something deep in us.

Music helps us remember.
It shapes the soundtrack of our lives: the first dance at a wedding, a lullaby hummed by a tired mama in the middle of the night, or a family favorite like You Are My Sunshine. My high school years were set to Fleetwood Mac, Bread, and the movie soundtrack of Grease. My young mama days? Wayne Watson and Amy Grant. We even learned civics with Schoolhouse Rock (“I’m just a bill, yes I’m only a bill…”), and we remember the Fruit of the Spirit through a hand-jive rhythm.

In Scripture, as God’s people ascended to worship in Jerusalem, they sang the Songs of Ascent—15 psalms, psalm 120-135, preparing their hearts for communal worship through a shared ministry of presence, food, music, sacrifice, repentance, and their shared identity as God’s people. As one of our pastors shared last Sunday, “These are songs worth singing.” I have a Spotify Sunday Hype playlist I sing to at the top of my lungs on my drive into church every week which includes songs like Church Kids by Natalie Layne, Big God by Terrian, and That’s My King by CeCe Winans.

And now it’s baseball season.
Even little league batters have walk-on songs! So here’s a question for you: What would be your walk-on song? The one that gives you strength, stirs your soul, and tells the world something about who you are and what matters to you?

Music is sticky—it helps us hold onto truth. It brings hope. And it’s a good gift from the Lord to His people.

So go ahead—sing the song.

“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’” Psalm 126:2

Spring in Atlanta brings two things in abundance—Lenten celebrations and a whole lot of pollen. The pollen? I could do without. But intergenerational Lenten experiences? I wouldn’t miss them for anything.

The liturgical year draws us into the life of Jesus, reminding us of the moments that define our faith. But why do the Old Testament stories matter just as much?

Dr. Sandra Richter explains it beautifully: “The great narratives of the Old Testament have been preserved for us for a reason. Rehearsing these stories to each other reminds us of who we are. It reminds us of who our God is. ‘Stories that matter’ strengthen us… If the God I serve is the God of the exodus, the conquest, and the resurrection, then there is real hope, real strength, a real reason to get back in the game. But what if I don’t know the God of the exodus, the conquest, and the resurrection? What if the God I’ve come to know is the God of shallow pop songs and feel-good motivational speeches? … Then I’m in trouble. And so is the kingdom.” (The Epic of Eden: Deborah, p. 102)

Part of our family tradition during Lent is to watch The Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston: the OG when it comes on network television (4/12/25 on ABC). Part of my personal tradition is to watch The Passion of the Christ (Netflix). This year we have access to The Chosen’s presentation of The Last Supper, Part 1 (opened 3/29), Part 2 (opens 4/4), and Part 3 (opens 4/11). As a visual learner, I’m here for it all.

Another powerful way to experience the season is through discovering Jesus in the Passover, both in the classroom and at home. Faith formation that engages all five senses deepens our understanding, making these traditions come alive:

• Wonder Ink offers a series of five Easter-themed Sunday School lessons, culminating in an Around the Table Passover Event using candy to give the account of the plagues. Families and children journey through the Easter season while experiencing elements of a traditional Jewish Passover meal that point to Jesus. But why limit this to Lent? Imagine using these lessons for a VBS at a local nursing home, with kids and youth as teachers! We’ll be inviting our senior saints and women’s ministry team to join us to take this on the road.
• Chosen People Ministries recently led our entire church in a Passover Seder. For a little over two hours, we shared a meal, honored the roles of men, women, and children at the table, and explored how every part of the Seder points to Jesus. Children delighted in interactive elements—stickers representing the plagues, plastic locusts, flies, and frogs—while one thoughtful hostess even provided coloring books and a plush lamb for the little ones at her table. It was a night filled with laughter, learning, and deep connection as we discovered more about the Messiah of the Passover. Free children’s resources can be found here. One of our moms of three littles, two very littles, set her dinner and table that night in a way that worked for her family committed to starting this tradition.
• Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper is more than just sacred art—it’s storytelling through paint. Da Vinci, a scientist, artist, and master of detail, wove layers of meaning into his famous work. Last week, in our kids’ Sunday school, we explored this masterpiece alongside objects that tell Jesus’ story. We compared an original darkened print with a lighter version, discussing how artists of faith once shaped Biblical storytelling. My co-teacher, an incredible art educator, helps our students see the beauty of sacred art. Last year, we introduced them to the Mona Lisa, inviting them to “do the Mona” by sitting still with hands folded in their laps, ready to receive instructions. My unruly rosemary bush provided the stalks of rosemary for the lingering smell of the woman with the alabaster jar of perfume.

Each of these traditions—whether through art, food, film, or storytelling—points us to the God who still rescues, hears the cries of His people, gathers us in community, provides, restores, blesses, and calls us to a believer’s obedience through His Son, Jesus.

From our tables to our classrooms, from sacred art to sacred meals, we are invited to tell the story of our Savior—because it’s a story that matters.

“One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty – and I will meditate on Your wonderful works.” Psalm 145:4-5

Children’s ministry curriculum rarely explores the Judges of Israel deeply—the rescuers during the settlement years of God’s people in the Promised Land which made it the perfect choice of study this Lenten season. By this time, Joshua, Moses’ faithful wingman, had passed away, and the Israelites had yet to fully claim the land God had promised through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Yet, they were called to live as a distinct people under the reign of the One True God, surrounded by tribes that worshiped many gods—El, Baal, Asherah, Anat, Mot, Dagon, Chemosh, and Molech—whose temples and festivals filled the high places and green groves of Canaan. As Dr. Sandra Richter puts it, “It’s hard to swim upstream against the cultural tide.”

I’m now in the third week of Dr. Richter’s study on Deborah, and I’m already in tears. Not just tearing up—but actually calling a colleague to ask, “Have you seen the Week 3 video? What in the world?! We’ve been living this!”

Deborah, along with many others, was called by God, led by the Holy Spirit, to judge and rescue His unruly children through wisdom and military might, during one of the most corrupt and chaotic times in Israel’s history. Time and again, the Israelites fell into a cycle: obedience to God, then disobedience and idol worship, followed by foreign oppression, repentance, a desperate cry for deliverance, and then a judge sent by God to rescue them. Victory would come, peace would last for a time, but then—just like clockwork—the people would forget. Judges 3:7, 12 sums it up: “Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and…”

How could they forget so quickly? How can we forget so quickly? How can I forget so quickly?

Dr. Richter puts it plainly: “Mission drift is only a matter of time without ongoing effort and accountability.” By the time of the Judges, the third generation of Israelites—the grandchildren of those who had been delivered from slavery—had no personal memory of God’s mighty acts. They had no expectation of His good work in their lives. They drifted. They compromised. They blended in with their neighbors. They stopped taking risks, stopped standing out, and saw little difference between right and wrong. “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” Judges 17:6; 21:25.

The kingdom of God was no longer their first allegiance. Their faith was no longer their own. By the end of the book of Judges, God’s people were more evil than the Canaanites. She calls this the phenomenon of the third generation.

But here’s the good news: Over the past sixteen months, the church I serve has moved from experiencing this third-generation drift back to the passion and contagious fire of the first generation, thanks to a team of brave, Holy Spirit led, integrity-solid disruptors. The first generation experiences God’s power firsthand as a community. They take risks. They show up. They dare stand up. They protect God’s mission for the church over their own comfort and self-interests.

Think of Martin Luther, who dared to challenge corruption in the Catholic Church over indulgences, or John Wesley, who shook up the Anglican Church by calling people to a personal, experiential faith forming classes, bands, and societies. We honor them as heroes now—but in their time, they were unlikely, scarred, yet faithful disruptors and revivalists; dare I say, rescuers.

Just as Israel needed leaders—even unlikely ones—today’s church needs them too. We need disruptors, visionaries, and heroes who are willing to put the kingdom of God first, stake their lives on the gospel, not get sucked into the drama of ‘us’, and unapologetically put the Great Commission back at the center of the table.

How will you set your table? Which seat will you take? What will be at the center of the table?

“Villagers in Israel would not fight; they held back until I, Deborah, arose, until I arose, a mother in Israel.” Judges 5:7

We rented a bus from a family-owned business for our Ambassador Day Away. With the bus available until Monday, we saw an opportunity to surprise our youth (6th-12th graders) with a Mystery Bus Adventure after church! Their only clue? Jesus’ charge in Luke 12:35: “Be dressed and ready for service.”

Our journey began with bowling, arcade games, and a pizza lunch right after worship. Then, the real adventure kicked in—we traveled to two senior saints’ homes nearby. Despite the light rain, our students and chaperones joyfully got to work, refreshing flower beds, spreading pine straw, and delivering beautiful Kimberly ferns. Their hands were busy, but their hearts were even busier, serving with love.

Before heading back, our final senior saint graciously offered snacks, fueling us for one last stop at the church. There, we prepared sweet treats for an upcoming Walk to Emmaus event—because even when plans shift, there’s always a way to serve!

The evening wrapped up with an interactive How to Pray Lab, led by one of our pastors. Through scripture and hands-on practice, students prayed out loud with different partners, including their leaders and other adults. Even after a long day and soaked clothes, they stood confidently in prayer, encouraging one another and the children in the room. I even had the blessing of praying with a child about something happening the very next day—and later, I got to share with her and her mom how God answered that prayer!

What did we learn? Our students serve—rain or shine. They treasure time together and were blessed to meet some of the senior saints for the first time. Though we had one more stop planned, God had something even better in store. And in the end, there was no mystery about it—the Holy Spirit used an afternoon and a rental bus to pour out blessings on our church family, leaving wet clothes (and pine straw) scattered in His wake!

“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:5