Author Archives: Jane Fryar

About Jane Fryar

I’ve been blessed by God to teach and write for his people for several decades now–most recently at CTA! I’m single and live in the St. Louis area with Tolpel the Canine Cannon Ball.

25 Meaningful Ways to Affirm Kids & Youth

This time of year, activities in Christian schools, Sunday schools, CCD classes, choirs, Awana, and Bible clubs begin winding to a close. In a few weeks, the children and youth you have worked with for multiple weeks, months, or perhaps even years will move on—to a different class, school, or community. Perhaps one of the [...]

A Hand-y Way to Pray — A free devotion for your children’s ministry

Editor’s note: Are you looking for a way to expand the prayer horizon for the kids in your VBS, Sunday school class, or Bible club? Then check out the prayer cards CTA has developed. Referring to the fingers on one hand, these cards remind children to pray and suggest what to pray about. This devotion is [...]

Jesus Is Crucified — A free devotion for this week’s meetings

 Editor’s note: This brief devotion is adapted slightly from Journey to the Cross, a journal designed to provoke reflection and prayer in the 40 days of preparation leading up to Easter Sunday. If you use it, plan time for discussion. (Hint: you may want to provide paper, asking participants to jot down their responses to [...]

Jesus Enters Jerusalem — A free devotion for this week’s meetings

 Editor’s note: This brief devotion is adapted slightly from Journey to the Cross, a journal designed to provoke reflection and prayer in the 40 days of preparation leading up to Easter Sunday. If you use it, plan time for discussion. (Hint: you may want to provide paper, asking participants to jot down their responses to [...]

Welcome to the Father’s House! — A free devotion for this week’s meetings

 Editor’s note: This brief devotion is adapted slightly from Journey to the Cross, a journal designed to provoke reflection and prayer in the 40 days of preparation leading up to Easter Sunday. If you use it, plan time for discussion. (Hint: you may want to provide paper, asking participants to jot down their responses to [...]

Jesus Raises Lazarus — A free devotion for this week’s meetings

 Editor’s note: This brief devotion is adapted slightly from Journey to the Cross, a journal designed to provoke reflection and prayer in the 40 days of preparation leading up to Easter Sunday. If you use it, plan time for discussion. (Hint: you may want to provide paper, asking participants to jot down their responses to [...]

Making a Presentation? Follow These Three Rules!

For several years now, CTA has been tying free, downloadable PowerPoint presentations to specific products. We do this because we want to help busy volunteers, pastors, and other church professionals maximize the impact of their words on hearers. Linking words, images, and tangible items (e.g., themed key chains, pens, pocket calendars) helps you deliver the [...]

Teaching Kids to Be Thankful—A Simple Game for this Sunday

Editor’s note: Here’s a variation on a game that’s been around for decades. Plan to have one or two age-appropriate Count Your Blessings items available to award as prizes for everyone who plays with you. This would make an excellent intergenerational activity. Serve hot cocoa and apple slices while the teams work.  What You’ll Need [...]

Give Thanks! A free devotion for Thanksgiving

How empty life would feel if we could not remember! The happy lick of a puppy’s tongue. That week we spent in bed with chicken pox at age seven. The tottering gait of our child’s first step. The splendor of a path cut through a yellow, orange, green, brown forest. The agony of sacrifice that [...]

Steppin’ Lively — A free devotion for this week’s meetings

Editor’s note: In many churches, October is Pastor Appreciation Month. How will you recognize the shepherd-leaders who serve you? CTA has several options. Check them out! Read John 13:1-14. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:17 When do you “step lively”? Maybe it’s at the gym [...]