Oookay. The chocolate bunnies are eaten (or melted). The Peeps are put away for next year. (Does anyone actually eat them?) Eggs are found. Baskets are rummaged through. The overflow seats for the sanctuary are dollied away. Now can we focus on the Resurrection? Easter hype is fine. Good actually. But … [Read more...]
InWord’s Bracket Bible Challenge
For us sports minded youth workers, it’s about this time of the year, after the NCAA football championship, the Super Bowl, and the beginning of March Madness, that some students remind us that not everybody is into sports. Other activities such as music, band, theatre, brain clubs, etc., do exist and are just as valid. These … [Read more...]
How To Be Like Christ
A few years after Jesus’ ministry on earth, the apostle Paul helped a handful of people plant a church in a city called Philippi. Ten years later, Paul wrote a letter to strengthen this growing church. This letter became the book of Philippians in our Bibles. Tucked inside this encouraging book is one of the greatest challenges … [Read more...]
In Prep for National Doughnut Day!
You’ve probably observed that nearly all days in the calendar are designated as some kind of “national” day. In fact, today is National Cherry Cobbler Day, National Pack Rat Day, and National Walnut Day. One day coming up, however, June 3, is a day your teens will not want to miss: National Doughnut Day. As youth … [Read more...]
Serving Up a Big Peace
Imagine the disciples’ situation that first Easter weekend. They’d followed Jesus for three years. They depended on Him for guidance, even for daily things like food. They found His teaching irresistible. They were moved by His mercy and compassion. And they’d just watched Him die—at the hands of an angry mob they thought might … [Read more...]
Lent: The “21 Day Fix” for the Soul
The Lenten Season is the “21 Day Fix” fitness surge for our souls. Or perhaps more accurately, the 40-Day Fix for our souls. Whether or not your faith tradition practices Lent, and whether or not you’ve heard of the recent “21 Day Fix” fitness rage, your soul can benefit from building muscle in the area of saying “no.” This is a … [Read more...]