Then consider CTA’s new fall festival theme: Light the Night with Jesus! And check out the new event planning guide that accompanies that theme–it’s free, downloadable, and fun!

If you’ve never sponsored a fall festival before, you may find our free Trunk or Treat Planning Guide and the free Fall Festival Planning Manual helpful, too. Both are downloadable.

Across the nation, year by year, more and more churches are finding ways to leverage Halloween alternative events as opportunities to share Jesus with children and their families. How will your children’s ministry capitalize on this trend in 2010?

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright lines below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Article with permission grant #081810 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

As Paul encouraged the believers in Rome to exercise and express their various gifts in the church, he also urged generosity. The apostle, inspired by the Holy Spirit, envisioned vibrant church families in which each person would freely contribute the gifts God had given him or her—whether money, property, talents, gifts, or abilities. No matter what needed to be done, a willing servant of God would show up to do it, and do it wholeheartedly.

Yet Paul was no Pollyanna. He knew that God’s people, sinners all, often act selfishly. Some of us doubt our abilities. Some of us choose to serve sparingly. Some of us deny our talents and offer nothing. As we look inside ourselves, as we consider our own past behavior, we see ourselves reflected in these descriptions. We see our own weaknesses and reluctance, our uncertainties and limitations.

Our natural tendency is to pull back, deciding that our contribution, or the lack of it, will make little difference. But consider this: When the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles at Pentecost, they shared immediately with anyone who would listen, using the gifts God supplied (Acts 2:1–12). And there were many listeners on that festive day!

Many came to saving faith. And from that point on, enabled and empowered by the Spirit, many gave themselves unreservedly to the work of Jesus Christ, teaching and preaching his message of forgiveness and salvation in Jerusalem and beyond.

The result?  The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47

God’s mode of operation has not changed! It is still by the working of the Holy Spirit that we are able to serve generously, sharing with others our many gifts, talents, and abilities. Energized by Spirit-flamed faith, we strive to use our gifts and also to nurture in others the gifts God has given them, so that his family continues to grow even more vibrant, more dynamic.

 As you talk with Jesus today, ask him to show you the gifts you have yet to discover. Also ask him to flood your heart with joy as you speak, act, and give for the good of your brothers and sisters in the faith and, especially, for those who do not yet know the Savior.

Lord, I need you so much! You have given yourself into death for me and you continue to serve me in so many ways. Show me . . .

Editor’s note: This devotion is drawn from CTA’s newest devotion book, Thank You for Serving the Savior. It’s still in production, but watch for it on our website!

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion used with permission grant #082310 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

Bumper to bumper on the interstate—a common, everyday practice in patience, and even more so when you’re trying to catch a flight. Finally in the security line, I gave up on being in the first group to board the airline that doesn’t reserve seats. Grumbling at the traffic, the driver, and the airline, I boarded in the last group. No chance for my favorite row. I found myself far back and in the middle seat besides!

 Doors closed. Jet crawled out on an apron nearly as congested as the interstate. Such gross delay and inconvenience shouldn’t happen to somebody working for God! Then the young man behind me began to gasp. Someone had opened a bag of peanuts; he was highly allergic, and he had mistakenly packed his Benadryl in the bag he checked. He asked for help. I was the only one with Benadryl in my briefcase. God had put my own allergies and the day’s disappointments to good use.

Reliable volunteers plan ahead. They think through the details, consider contingencies, and allow plenty of time for their team to work out details. But sometimes things happen and our best-laid plans go awry. We’re delayed or even derailed.

Knowing that, it’s also good to know that God always keeps his promise to work through every circumstance for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). The writer of Proverbs puts it this way: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Watch your steps, dear friend! You know where you want to go, but sometimes you’ll have a hard time getting to your destination. When you do, wait for God to act. Watch for what he is doing. Is he providing opportunity for ministry outside your usual role? Is he giving you a chance to reflect the image he created in you—his image? Is there something he wants you to learn, something that you’ll need to know but never imagined?

Prayer: Dear Father, work in me to make me what you want me to be, even if it’s well beyond my imagination. Give me a servant’s heart, one willing to follow you wherever you want to take me. Amen. 

Editor’s note: Written by Ed Grube, today’s devotion comes from Proverbs for Teachers, one of the many devotion books CTA offers as an ecouragement to those who teach or serve God’s people in other ways.  How will you express your appreciation to all your volunteers as the new year begins?

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion used with permission grant #080910 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

It seems that back-to-school comes earlier every year. The weather isn’t yet cool–at least in most places. But the days get busier and stress mounts for children and parents alike. As a reminder that Jesus is our source of guidance, love, and protection during the school year, many churches set aside one Sunday before school begins to “bless the backpacks.” 

St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Walled Lake, Michigan, has a “Blessing of the Backpacks” each year on the last Sunday in August. Children in 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grades are invited to bring their backpacks with them to church that Sunday. During the children’s message, they take their backpacks to the altar for a special blessing. The pastor prays for learning, safety, and guidance for the children. After the service, each child is given a gift to attach to their backpacks. 

“Two years ago, we used CTA’s GLOW bookmark to remind the children that ‘God Lights Our Way,’” said Linda Willmann, a member of the youth and family life staff at St. Matthew. “Last year, we passed out CTA’s The J Team ID tag. CTA always provides items that are inexpensive, but are still a big hit with the children and their parents!” 

The First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Alabama, includes the parents in its “Blessing of the Kindergarten and Elementary Children.” A two-week prayer vigil is held for the children before the school year begins. Each child’s name is posted in the church’s prayer room, and members of the congregation are invited to come there to pray for the children, as well as praying at home. 

During the service on the Sunday before school starts, Pastor Greer calls all kindergarten children and their parents up to the altar. Pastor and congregation pray a responsive prayer, asking God for strength, peace, comfort, and love for all the children. The 1^st through 5^th graders come up after the prayer, and every child receives CTA’s Gospel Cross Cloth Keychain to attach to their backpack zippers. 

“The service helps children and parents both feel special and reminds them that a community of people is praying for them,” said Director of Children’s Ministry Ann Crabbe. “The crosses remind the children of who they are in Christ and encourage them to be mindful of God in the choices they make.”

How will you send the children of your church off to school with a blessing this fall?

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright lines below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Article with permission grant #072810 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Luke 14: 28

• Jesus often spoke about the cost of discipleship. How often do I add up those costs? How would I sum them up?   
• When does my service feel more like a “cost” than a “benefit”? When am I most aware of the “benefits”? What might my Lord want to teach me about that?

Lord Jesus, as I share your Word and especially your love in any way, you build your kingdom.  What a privilege! Work in me a firm  . . .

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion used with permission grant #072610 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

Here are six helpful steps:

1. Revisit your mission statement and ministry goals. Ask Jesus to guide your planning and bless your efforts.

2. Brainstorm ideas. Let them flow. Don’t consider cost, space or the need for volunteers. Just dream! What might be possible?

3. Review last year. Ask questions like these:

• What went well? How could we repeat, extend, and/or expand it?
• What specific improvements could we try?
• What should we drop?
• What new options (from step #2) seem promising?

 4. Forage for ideas. Check creative websites, blogs, friends, colleagues, bookstores. You might not duplicate someone else’s approach, but their stories may trigger other, workable ideas.

 5. Calendar the events you choose to do. Coordinate with other leaders in your church. By starting early, you’ll make negotiation easier.

 6. Explore your church directory, asking God to open your eyes to potential volunteers. Before you pick up the phone, plan a recruitment strategy. Have in mind a compelling picture of your dream. Then make contact with potential workers, assuring them that since you’ve begun early, there will be plenty of time to organize and execute your plans.

Make the most of the hazy, lazy days of June to plan for the craziness of September and beyond. You’ll be glad you did!

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include this copyright line and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #062310. © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com.

Every Lent, I also like to do an activity with the Jelly Bean Prayer because the children relate to it so well.  They love the use of the colors and relating these colors to the candies they see at Easter. I also like reading the Jelly Bean Prayer book to my class.

Here are two of my favorite craft ideas related to the Jelly Bean Prayer:

• Prayer beads.  These can be made inexpensively by purchasing stringing beads and nylon cording, both available at any craft store. Give each child one of the Jelly Bean Prayer bookmarks. Talk about each line of the poem; then have the children string one or two beads of each color onto the  cording.  Have the children cut a cross from craft foam and add that to the string of beads, too.

•  Baby food jar craft.  Give each child one of the Jelly Bean Prayer bookmarks  and a baby food jar. Cover the lid with fabric, gluing it down. Then tie a ribbon around the jar. Let the children put one jellybean of each color into their jar. (If you let them make two or three jars, they can keep one and give the others away as a witnessing tool. Be sure the children take a bookmark to give to each friend who will receive a baby food jar.)

Enjoy preparing for Easter with the children in your life!

1. Women go to retreats be fed and nourished spiritually, as well as for the fellowship. Women love to be in the Bible, so enlist a speaker who is willing to help you lead your group into Scripture. (Can’t find a speaker like that? Then consider using one of CTA’s new free women’s retreat planning guides: Recipe for Life or Woman of God. Scroll down to find the retreat planners.) 







Women of God - Moments of Grace Devotion Book

2. Find a way to include a “Personal Retreat” time for the women towards the end of the retreat. This is an hour or more when they go off by themselves to have quiet time with God. They are in the Word and prayer and they can reflect on what they have heard at the retreat. Many women never have a whole hour of quiet for devotions and they relish this time without the normal distractions or busyness of life. (Both of CTA’s free retreat planners have built-in activities just like this!) 




3. Try to book a site where women can enjoy God’s creation—walking, sitting outdoors, or singing around a campfire. But be aware of costs. You don’t want to exclude anyone because the retreat is too expensive. Might you scholarship some women who might not otherwise get to attend? 




4. Include time for discussion! This could be during the presentations with pauses to talk with a partner or small group—discussion questions are included in both Recipe for Life and Woman of God.




5. Music! Food! Candles or decorations on tables! Mixers! Crafts! Chocolate!  




6. Prayer partners: If possible, have women who aren’t attending the retreat pray for specific participants ahead of time and during the retreat. They could also write personal prayer letters ahead of time which can be given to the attendees as they arrive. Participants will love knowing that someone is praying specifically for them and took the time to write them a personal note. 




7. Allow time for sharing at the end of the retreat—either with a partner, in small groups, or in the large group. Sharing helps everyone think about ways God touched them through His Word. Women love to hear how God is at work in their sisters’ lives. 




8. Keep registration forms simple and easy to use. Think it through! The part registrants send in should clearly include contact information so you can reach them before the retreat if you have questions. Pre-address it if you can so there’s no question about how to return it! The part the registrants keep should clearly list retreat dates, times, the retreat location/address, contact information in case they have questions ahead of time, and a list of what to bring.




9. Door prizes are always fun. No need to spend a lot of time gathering them if you use one of CTA’s retreat themes. Inexpensive, fun items are available for both Woman of God  and Recipe for Life. 




10. Bathe the retreat in prayer: for the speaker, that God would bring women, for the committee, all the details, the weather and especially that Christ would be glorified and everyone who attends would be encouraged.

Many thanks to Renee Gibbs and Amelia Fortmeyer for the valuable ideas and advice they contributed to this article!

Short. To the point. Powerful in its simplicity. First John 4:19 is all that and more. I call attention to this verse as I work with my kindergarten students and as I talk with my own children each year whenever we focus on Valentine’s Day. 

Looking around at the flowers, hearts, cupids and candy that overflow from store shelves this time of year, I know I can feel overcome by the commercialism of it all. That’s when it helps me to focus attention God’s love for us. And that’s the message I work to communicate to all the children in my care every day.

This year, Ash Wednesday comes just three days after Valentine’s Day. As Christians observe both, our Savior reminds us of his love for us, despite our sins. In the weeks of Lent ahead, as we prepare our hearts for Easter, we will think often about the mercy and compassion of our Lord Jesus who died on the cross because He loved us so much.

God himself is the source of all love. He is the essence and definition of the word love. In response to all he has done and all he will do for us, both now and throughout eternity, we actively look for ways to demonstrate his love by serving others.

Check out the CTA website for some great ideas about keeping children (and adults, too) connected to their Savior throughout the Lenten/Easter season. You will find many products and projects there that will make the all-important truth of God’s love a fun and easy one for your children to learn. Now that’s something to celebrate!

The kits were easy to assemble and the children loved the experience of “creating” their own nativity set, especially since they have read and learned so much about Jesus’ birth this month. 

Traditionally, the Christmas season in liturgical churches starts on Christmas Day and extends into January, culminating with Epiphany on January 6, so it is not too late to use the nativity kits.

Christmas Day will soon come and go, but we will have some winter vacation days at home with our children before they must go back to school.  This craft would be an excellent activity for one of winter’s cold and snowy days at home! 

Enjoy your families and may God grant you all a blessed and Merry Christmas!