There is something about putting words onto paper… In response to my previous article, The Write Idea (Part 1), a reader shared a thought about writing she had heard on an NPR program. The idea is that writing can be a place to express emotions that are so big that they need to be let out, yet are too painful to be expressed out loud. In such situations, writing can serve as a liminal space, a safe place to explore our thoughts and feelings. I believe this is true and it is yet another good reason for starting a writing club!

Ash Wednesday seems like an especially appropriate time to talk about prayer. When I talk with children (and sometimes youth and adults) about prayer, I always tell them, “You can pray anywhere, anytime and about anything.” God is accessible to all of us. We do not need eloquent words or a seminary degree to pray. If asked, most Christians would agree with these statements. And yet…

From time to time, books tied to the larger theme of death capture our collective attention. Two recent examples, The Last Lecture and Tuesdays with Morrie, are engaging reads—not so much because they are representative examples of superb literature, but because they deal with the finality of life in a reflective and relatable way. In case you aren't familiar with them, both books are about college professors who share their wisdom with others before they died.

Although it is often near the end of our lives that we think about passing on wisdom to others, any time of life is a good moment to reflect on what one has learned and would want others to know. (After all, we are never guaranteed a tomorrow.) Today, I'd like you to consider how you might create your own "Last Lecture Series" in your own congregation, but one with a bit of a twist from the usual approach.

You have likely heard the saying “Everyone has a novel inside of them.” (Skeptics sometimes add “most of them are not any good.”) I’m not sure whether I believe that everyone has a novel in them; I do not particularly feel that I do, and I consider myself a writer! I do believe that we all have thoughts! Writing is one way that we communicate our thoughts, feelings and ideas to others. Some people write only for themselves, using a journal or diary as a way to record events or emotions and/or explore them more deeply.

There is something about putting words onto paper that allows us to view things from a new perspective. Regardless of one’s skill level, writing can serve as a creative outlet, a fun hobby and/or a way to connect with others. Consider starting a writing group at your church. A writing group can nurture writers of all skill levels from beginner to experienced. In such a group, people are invited to explore writing as a means of expression in a safe, caring and encouraging community. As writing is shared, both writers and listeners will benefit from the experience.

Families are formed in many ways, and no doubt your church has done and is continually doing many things to be supportive of the families in your church, regardless of their configuration. (And we all know there are MANY ways a family can look in today's world.) Parenting classes are often offered in many congregations, and family ministries councils are frequently charged with coming up with great ways to connect families and offer them opportunities for fellowship, service, and education. But what about those individuals or couples who do not yet have children but who are considering or pursuing adoption or foster care? Have you considered how their needs and interests may be different from those families that already have children?

Two couples go out to dinner together. At the end of the evening, each person gives an account of the evening. Not surprisingly, although there are similarities between the accounts, each story is different. Details and conversations that are prominent in one person’s retelling may be completely absent or just a minor mention in another’s version. (For those of you who were fans of the TV show "thirtysomething", this storyline was used in one of the episodes during the first season.) Point of view affects the interpretation and memory of events. No two people have exactly the same point of view. Hearing the same story told from different perspectives can help give a more complete understanding of what happened. This process can be used with Bible stories both as a way to gain new insights and as a method of keeping children, youth or adults interested in a story they may have heard many times before.

The winter weather that the Midwest and many other places are experiencing this week, has me thinking about warm food. As I write this, I have chili simmering in the crock pot. While I was making the chili this morning, I was reminded of a ministry idea that a fellow Christian Educator shared with me. (Unfortunately, I don’t remember who shared this idea. If it was you, please post a comment and take credit!) Adapting an idea used by secular organizations, her church hosted a chili cook-off.

Society embraces brevity. Text message – up to 160 characters. Tweet – less than 140 characters. Facebook is generous, allowing 420 characters.

The brevity trend is not new. CliffsNotes began in 1958. Still today, they summarize and deliver knowledge in short bursts.

The Bible contains over 750,000 words. A fifty word summary neglects details, but is quickly read. It invites further exploration.

Today’s ministry idea embraces society’s attraction to knowledge imparted concisely. Use this idea with older children, youth, adults and families.

According to retail stores, Christmas is over on December 26. After December 25, it is time to return unwanted gifts, shop the after-Christmas sales and begin thinking about Valentine’s Day. Of course, if you take your cues from the retail world, you began celebrating Christmas in mid-October. As a church, we have been celebrating Advent since November 29, preparing and waiting to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas. Isn’t the birth of Jesus is deserving of more than one day of recognition? Indeed, Christmas is a season that lasts from December 25 through Epiphany on January 6. There really are twelve days of Christmas! In our curriculum co-op, you will find a resource that will help you and/or members of your congregation acknowledge and celebrate the twelve days of Christmas (even if you take your Christmas tree down).

Christian educators tend to fall into one of two camps: those with organized supply closets, and those who have a more scattershot approach to the "stuff" of ministry. If you're in the former group, bravo! Your teachers undoubtedly are grateful for your obsessive, compulsive approach to storage. (And keep reading for a chance to be rewarded!) If you're in the latter group (as I tend to be), don't fret! We're launching a community-based effort and contest to get your stuff stashed or trashed, labeled, and maintained...with awesome prizes as an incentive to take part.

Everyone can participate! Here's how to enter...