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Author Rachael Groll discusses her book, Go: Beginning a Kids Outreach Ministry

One way the church can achieve a more personal connection with members and visitors is by starting a greeting card ministry. A simple card pulled from the mailbox can put a smile on someone’s face.

Author Tina Houser walks us through her two books that include fascinating science experiments.

So most churches still use bulletins? The answer is YES, they do, but they may or may not look like

the ones you’re familiar with.

As we transition into the dog days of summer, kids are likely getting restless, bored, wondering what they can do. And that’s understandable, especially with COVID-19 and many events and activities canceled. No camp. Pools closed. Libraries canceling in-person summer kids’ programming. Minimal, if any, time with friends. The list is lengthy.

So what’s a parent, or grandparent, to do? I suggest checking out the extensive offerings of coloring and activity books for preschoolers to elementary age available from Warner Press. These are more than just a way to fill time and occupy kids. These are hands-on books that teach important lessons from the Bible and can prompt discussion and follow-up activities. All in a fun way.

Whether you’re a professional creative like me, a hobby artist, or simply an appreciator of the arts, I think we can agree that art holds value. Art causes us to reflect. Art inspires, encourages, uplifts, entertains, engages, and so much more. And now more than ever in these challenging times of living in a global pandemic, the arts seem especially important in bringing joy to our days. People are rediscovering the joys and rewards of creating—whether stitching face masks, painting uplifting signs, penning encouraging notes, filming funny videos, or baking bread.

To read to a child is, in my opinion, one of life’s sweetest blessings. The physical closeness, the connection, the learning and delighting in images and words from the pages of a book strengthen family bonds. I chose those books for my granddaughter with care.

The materialism of Easter draws me in. I need my fix of egg-shaped chocolate-coated peanut butter candy. I need a box of Easter egg dye. And those bunnies and frilly little girl Easter dresses tempt this Grandma. But it’s necessary for me to stay focused on Jesus and His glorious resurrection, not Easter bunny lore and accompanying secular merchandise. Moderation and perspective are important.

Whether a big celebration or a small one, a party holds great importance. Given that natural excitement, Christmas seems the perfect time to throw a birthday party for Jesus and simultaneously bless the child/children in your life with a meaningful faith gift.

She is my 3½-year-old granddaughter, Isabelle. Izzy for short. She’s tall and lean with a swirl of unruly blonde curls and big brown eyes. In moments, I catch glimpses of her mama, my eldest. Then I see her daddy, who moved across the country from California to Minnesota to marry my daughter. But mostly I see darling Izzy, a preschooler who knows Jesus and ballet and is loved beyond measure by so many. Grandpa and Grandma in the Midwest. Opa and Oma on the West Coast.