When we arrived at our current church, a little over four years ago, our two children (then aged 4 and 2) were the only regular kids attending. Some weeks it was just the two of them - and other weeks, they had one or two friends join them - but, with such small numbers, they always had the run of … [Read more...] about SHOULD CHILDREN BE ALLOWED TO RUN AROUND IN CHURCH?
Discipleship for kids
When it comes to nurturing faith in our kids, the road can be rocky. Here are my favourite resources, alongside thoughts and ideas from our family's experience.
5 FABULOUS THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR FAMILY THIS LENT
After the long Autumn term - which feels like it'll never end - this term, by comparison, goes in a flash. Linger in January for a moment too long, and suddenly it's Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday and BANG! We're into Lent. I love using the seasons and festivals to make some family traditions and … [Read more...] about 5 FABULOUS THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR FAMILY THIS LENT
FOLLOW ME! LENT DEVOTIONAL FOR FAMILIES
It's a sad irony that the years when storyteller Amy Robinson and I lived in the same city never overlapped with the years of me being a parent, as I think our family would have loved her storytelling performances. The next best thing to being able to watch Amy, though, is surely to immerse … [Read more...] about FOLLOW ME! LENT DEVOTIONAL FOR FAMILIES
LEADING A CHURCH TODDLER GROUP
For the last year, I've had the joy of leading a toddler group at our church along with two friends. Knowing that others may be wondering how to run or set up a similar group, I offer these few thoughts from my own experience - not because we've got it right, but so that you might learn from what's … [Read more...] about LEADING A CHURCH TODDLER GROUP
DAVID AND GOLIATH – A SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS
If you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll be well aware of my slightly disturbing obsession with writing simple Bible songs for my kids. Many kids' worship songs are too long and wordy for small children (of preschool age) to sing and/or understand. And I often find that when my kids are … [Read more...] about DAVID AND GOLIATH – A SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS
CREATION SONG FOR KIDS
I struggle to find Christian songs which are easy for pre-school kids to sing and remember. Most Christian kids' songs have far too many words for tiny ones, and are clearly geared towards primary-age children. So my preference, where possible, is to re-word a nursery rhyme or popular tune with some … [Read more...] about CREATION SONG FOR KIDS
PARENTHOOD AND CHURCH: IS IT WORTH IT WHEN IT’S SO HARD?
This is part of a mini-series on various aspects of discipleship as a parent. I've written about the challenges of prayer, Bible reading, meeting together and offering hospitality once parenthood descends - and today I'm writing about church. Where do I start on this one? Perhaps by acknowledging … [Read more...] about PARENTHOOD AND CHURCH: IS IT WORTH IT WHEN IT’S SO HARD?
EASTER BELLS – AN EASTER SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS
If you have a tiny child in your life and you're looking for a way to sing them the Easter story, and don't mind high levels of cheese, then you're in the right place. I think there's a lack of really simple Easter songs for preschoolers and, while I know a few general worship songs which are simple … [Read more...] about EASTER BELLS – AN EASTER SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS
PARENTHOOD AND HOSPITALITY: HOW DOES GOD BLESS OTHERS THROUGH OUR MESS?
When I contemplate how different my discipleship looks now compared with before I had children, it's easy to feel a little frustrated that some areas are not as substantial as they were. My prayer life as a parent is hard work, and finding time to read the Bible with kids around is about as easy as … [Read more...] about PARENTHOOD AND HOSPITALITY: HOW DOES GOD BLESS OTHERS THROUGH OUR MESS?