Scrip Improvements, Take 2

Thanks for all the feedback on the Scrip program over the past couple days! Here’s a summary of what I heard, both online and off, from this group of readers and research in other programs:

Increased visibility of point-of-sale. It’s hard to find it and when you do, it’s really crowded. A sign would be helpful. [...]

Heart of a Teacher

During the Dave Ramsey Town Hall for Hope event, he talked about what to look for in a financial advisor: one who has the heart of a teacher. If they aren’t willing to teach you about managing finances, they aren’t worth having as an advisor.
I like to think I have the heart of a teacher. [...]

Prayer Party

We had what we’re now calling a “Prayer Party” last night for Jennie with our youth group at church.  Here’s how the name came about:
On the way to the Lake yesterday, Kelsey was telling me about her experience at camp this year. She told me that she had mentioned some other counselors that she had [...]

Workcamp T-Shirts

Here’s our Workcamp T-Shirt for this year.  Big thanks to Randy for the design:

Our Workcamp shirts are becoming something of a spiritual memorial.  After we’re back, they remind us of the work we did in a particular city.  We can remember what God has done in the past and look forward to what He will [...]

Kingdom Thinking: Hotel First Trinity

During the Eastern District Convention last week, there was a time during one of the Bible Studies to talk in small groups about things that we’re discouraged and encouraged about in the church at large.  In other words, what do you see in the church that discourages you and what do you see that encourages [...]

Confirmation Banquet 2009

Last night, we celebrated our 8th Graders who are getting ready to make their Confirmation this Sunday.  It’s a special day in the lives of our students, so we celebrate them at a special banquet every year.  Everyone gets dressed up and we put on an amazing spread of food for families.
Each year, we get [...]

Short-Term Missions

Kent Shaffer has a nice summary of the Barna Group’s recent research on short-term missions.  He wrote:
How do short-term mission trips affect those who go?

75% say the experience changed their life in some way
25% say it helped them become more aware of other people’s struggles
16% say it taught them more about poverty, justice, [...]

Discipling Youth

I think part of discipling youth is teaching them how to use their gifts at church in meaningful ways.  We’ve had youth acolytes forever, but there’s so much more out there.  Here are some of the exciting things youth are doing (or will be doing soon!) at First Trinity:

Jon W., Abby, Anna and Joe regularly [...]

Billboard #1s

Continuing the theme of new things in Student Ministry this year, we’ve added a new series to the Crossroads Sunday School:

The Sunday before the series starts, we’ll be voting on some of the top songs at Billboard’s music charts.  The highest vote-getter will be the basis for our lesson the following week.  The plan is [...]

Juggling Schedules

This is one of the most chaotic times of the year for me.  We’re trying to put out a master calendar for all events in Cornerstone and Crossroads at the beginning of the year so families know when to plan on being at church.  It includes teaching topics, events and more.  I’m always thankful for [...]