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Christian Educator Burn-out
News from the Melheimian Sabbatiblog
http://faithink.blogs.com
by Rich Melheim
What am I learning on the road this winter as I visit with hundreds of church folks?
Christian Education Directors are under-valued, under-paid, under stress, and their gifts are regularly under-utilized.
Other than that, things are peachy in most churches.
They are expected to do more and more ministry with less and less money, support, and training.
Most are extremely frustrated and a majority are willing to tell you so if you only ask. The problem is, most churches don't ask. Few have mutual ministry committees set up to listen, care, support and fix problems before they get out of hand. When it comes to Christian Education directors, most feel if they just do their job, stay in the basement, and don't bother anyone or try to impact other ministries in the church, they are left alone. The moment they start thinking systemically, ask to help shape ministry strategies, or expect to have input in what gets preached and taught outside the basement fellowship hall, they get in trouble.
[READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE]
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The Story of a Peach Tree
Thoughts about Healthy Congregations
by Debbie Streicher
Last year, US News reported that all mainline denominations have been experiencing large declines. Reports attribute this to declining birth rates, weaker denominational ties and a decline in giving.
If mainline denominations are dying, should we think about the fig tree? It was given another year to produce. If we are given another chance like the fig tree, what will we do? How will we change?
Our family has lived in ten houses over the past 28 years. My husband has planted fruit trees in every yard from Spain to Japan to Rhode Island to Pennsylvania to Virginia. I could never understand it. I felt it was a waste of time and thought he’d never see the fruits of his labor.
“If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.”
Luke 13:9
[READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE]
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Head to the Heart Confirmation University - May 21-23
Sign Up Now & Travel On Us*!
http://store.faithink.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIE...
by Monty Lysne
Head to the Heart University attendance has never been more affordable.
Sign up for the May 21-23 Head to the Heart University by May 4, 2007 and we’ll cover your roundtrip travel expenses up to $300*! And this is on top of our new reduced University tuition rates!
Register today on-line or call us at 1-888-55FAITH (553-4282). Don’t miss out on this great limited-time offer!
*Terms and conditions: Faith Inkubators will reimburse participants of the May 2007 Head to the Heart University only by ONE of the following methods: (if traveling by air) Up to $300 per person based on airline ticket receipt OR (if traveling by car) $0.50 per mile per vehicle, up to $300, based on Mapquest™ roundtrip mileage between participant’s church and 423 South Main Street, Stillwater, MN. Registration must be received by midnight, May 4, 2007 to qualify.
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New Sunday School Training Date Added
April 28th - Oakdale, MN
http://store.faithink.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIE...
If you missed Rich Melheim’s Bible Song Experience Tour this winter but still want to see what all the excitement is about, Rich has added one more Twin Cities site for you and your Christian education task force to consider.
Rich will be at Holy Cross Lutheran, 6355 10th Street in Oakdale, MN, from 10-2 showing off his new arts and brain-based solution to the Sunday School challenge.
For schedule, details, and costs, click here.
If you think it’s time to take a second look at Sunday School, you really ought to take a first look at this.
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Claire's Tri-Fold Blessing
Here's what a creative 8-year-old named Claire Crocker does with our nightly blessing concept:
"When I started using H2H for confirmation four years ago, our family started the nightly home huddle, though our kids were only 4 and 2. Our daughter Claire, now 8, has recently employed more symbols for our foreheads than just the cross. Each night when she blesses her brother, mother and me, she will say, "In the name of the Father [traces a cross] and the Son [traces an ichthus fish] and the Holy Spirit [traces a circle]." It's fun to observe the development of thought and practice, and even more fun to share in blessing one another.
Thanks, FINKs, for your tremendous gifts."
Pastor Brian Crocker & Claire
Zion/Calvary Lutheran Churches, Winter/Draper, WI
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