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
|
Posted in Author Jane Fryar, Children's ministry, Christmas, Sunday School, Teachers
|
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 16, 2009 – 11:07 am
Five years ago our preschool was looking for a way host a Christmas celebration for our families. We decide on an Advent Worship and Cookie Reception. We’ve made it an annual event. The service offers an opportunity for even our non-member families to gather in a casual, non-threatening environment to celebrate the Savior’s birth.
CTA has helped make [...]
November 10, 2009 – 10:07 am
Happy Thanksgiving Day!
But wait! What about the month? What about a Happy Thanksgiving month?!
I’ve always enjoyed sharing Thanksgiving Day at church and with my family. But this year, I’ve decided to observe a personal thanksgiving month. I want to take some time and effort to say thanks to people who have been a such blessing [...]
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
|
Posted in Author Jane Fryar, Church Volunteers, Encouraging Volunteers, Witnessing
|
Tagged appreciation, children's ministry, Christmas, Christmas gifts, Pastoral Ministry, Sunday School, teacher, Volunteers|
November 4, 2009 – 11:02 am
Have you ever felt awkward about talking with a friend who has lost a loved one? We all probably have. The good news for us as Christians is that Jesus is the master when it comes to directing our steps. He encourages us to get ourselves out of the way and reach out to the [...]
November 2, 2009 – 8:13 am
Yes, we need courage. We face many struggles—in the economy, in raising children, in creating a spiritual home environment, in relating to others as good husbands or wives, brothers or sisters, daughters or sons, friends, employee, or employers. Many days, it takes a good deal of courage just to get out of bed in the [...]
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
|
Posted in Author Jane Fryar, Christian Worker, Devotions, Encouragement, Ministry, Pastor, Pastor Appreciation, Teachers
|
Tagged Encouragement, Pastoral Ministry, teacher, Volunteers|
October 21, 2009 – 5:00 pm
Fall is upon us in all its glory. Families have adjusted to the “back to school schedule,” the temperatures are dropping, and so are the leaves!
I find this to be a very special time of year, yet another beautiful season God sends us to enjoy. With these changes, we also begin to see pumpkins and [...]
Pay Your Blessings Forward
Our culture has a term—“Pay it forward! ” The idea is that we don’t expect people we help to pay us back. Instead, we hope they will remember our kindness and help someone else.
It’s not a new idea. In fact, our heavenly Father has always encouraged his people to “pay it forward.” We don’t pay [...]