November 19, 2009 – 8:11 am
“Black Friday” is upon us. If you plan to wander the mall, looking for a gift you can give to your elementary-age students this year–one you can afford that’s also appropriate for both boys and girls–here’s hope for a more relaxing day. This year CTA offers a great alternative for Sunday school teachers, Awana leaders, CCD teachers, [...]
By Jane Fryar
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Posted in Author Jane Fryar, Children's ministry, Christmas, Sunday School, Teachers
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Tagged children's Christmas gifts, children's gifts, children's ministry, Christian, CID gifts, Sunday School, Sunday school teachers, teacher|
November 17, 2009 – 9:00 am
Lanterns swung in the lower decks of the ship as 102 seasick men, women, and children tossed about in a cramped space the size of a volleyball court. All hatches were battened due to severe storms, stealing any hope of fresh air or light. The passengers survived on small rations of dried pork, beans, and [...]
November 10, 2009 – 7:07 am
One night on his way home the great Bible commentator Matthew Henry was robbed. After this unfortunate incident he recorded this prayer in his journal:
“I thank Thee that I have never been robbed before. I thank Thee that even though they took my purse, they did not take my life. I thank Thee that though [...]
November 9, 2009 – 4:33 pm
It happens every year. You make a Christmas list and check it twice, then scratch your head over dilemmas like these:
Those volunteers at your church do so much. You want to remember them at Christmas with a meaningful gift. But what!?
You work with a great group of professionals on your church staff. You want to [...]
By Jane Fryar
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Posted in Author Jane Fryar, Church Volunteers, Encouraging Volunteers, Witnessing
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Tagged appreciation, children's ministry, Christmas, Christmas gifts, Pastoral Ministry, Sunday School, teacher, Volunteers|
November 3, 2009 – 8:20 am
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 backlights, as it were, our [...]
October 27, 2009 – 12:01 am
Today’s devotion is the fourth in a series adapted slightly from Serving in His Steps: Focused Scriptures and Prayers for the Fast-Paced Life. It’s one of CTA’s newest products—an accordion-fold booklet with brief daily devotions and a pedometer to use while you walk. It makes a great thank-you gift for church professionals and volunteers who [...]
By Jane Fryar
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Posted in Author Jane Fryar, Christian Worker, Devotions, Encouragement, Ministry, Pastor, Pastor Appreciation, Teachers
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Tagged Encouragement, Pastoral Ministry, teacher, Volunteers|
October 20, 2009 – 12:01 am
Today’s devotion is the third in a series adapted slightly from Serving in His Steps: Focused Scriptures and Prayers for the Fast-Paced Life. It’s one of CTA’s newest products—an accordion-fold booklet with daily devotions and a pedometer to use while you walk. It makes a great thank-you gift for church professionals and volunteers who want [...]
October 13, 2009 – 12:05 am
Today’s devotion is the second in a series adapted slightly from Serving in His Steps: Focused Scriptures and Prayers for the Fast-Paced Life. It’s one of CTA’s newest products—an accordion-fold booklet with daily devotions and a pedometer to use while you walk. It makes a great thank-you gift for church professionals and volunteers who want [...]
October 5, 2009 – 8:35 am
arlier this morning, Christian Tools of Affirmation (CTA) announced that this year’s Servant Heart Pastor of the Year is Rev. Donald Ruth of St. John’s Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. Pastor Ruth was chosen from among more than 2000 nominations representing approximately 1400 pastors from around the United States.
“Our pastor is a humble-spirited kingdom [...]
September 30, 2009 – 11:31 am
We might as well admit it. Hard as we try to leverage every individual’s giftedness, volunteers do sometimes wind up serving in the wrong slot. It’s tempting to just hope for the best. We don’t want to cause hurt feelings. We do want to keep the misplaced volunteer as a church member and, ideally, as [...]
