What is ideas! For Church Leaders?
ideas! For Church Leaders is a new online resource from Congregational Ministries Publishing that provides church leaders and Christian educators with articles and materials that fit the season. Each month, we’ll send subscribers an e-mail with links to ideas! articles. Download these articles for FREE and use them to enrich and deepen your ministry.
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Gathered under a tent
This summer, think outside the church building and gather under a tent! This article offers a new way to engage your whole congregation for worship in an informal setting.
175 years of mission and ministry
2012 marks 175 years of Presbyterian mission and ministry for the GAMC. This article invites you to look at your own mission and ministry in the church, and suggests ideas for building disciples in your congregation.
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A Great Easter Vigil Experience
Written in first person, a pastor shares his experience of an Easter vigil that allowed him to experience the resurrection of Christ in a meaningful way. Discover ideas to tell the story of Christ’s life, death and resurrection.
The Passion of Christ on Easter Sunday
Incorporating the events of Holy Week — from Palm Sunday to Good Friday — this article offers an order for worship that reviews the stories of Easter for members and visitors.
Lenten practices 101
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent and people in the pews may be asking questions. This basic guide to Lenten practices may be helpful in interpreting the traditions of this holy time
Midweek during Lent
The season of Lent is an important time in the congregation, and midweek activities, such as a meal with evening prayer or participating in a Lenten study, can encourage new members and seasoned believers to worship in new ways.
For All the Saints
Near the end of Ordinary Time, there comes a remarkable day: All Saints’ Day. This article includes ideas for remembering those who have gone before us, as well as ways to praise God through singing.
Eight Practices for Home and Family during Advent and Christmas
A list of practices, such as decorating cookies and using an Advent calendar, that can become part of family life and assist in keeping the focus of the season on the birth of the holy baby.
Epiphany Service of Lessons and Carols
Continue seasonal celebrations into the new year with a special worship on Epiphany, January 6. Article includes hymn suggestions.
Accept the Challenge — The Year of the Bible
Challenge your congregation to read the whole Bible over the course of one year. That’s the premise for The Year of the Bible, a congregation-wide study, designed to help churches with their commitment to read the Bible in its entirety.
Observe Christian Education Week, 9/11/2011
Sunday, September 11 marks the beginning of Christian education week this year, as well as the tenth anniversary of 9/11. This article offers suggestions for ways your congregation can honor the memory the fallen on what is sure to be an emotionally charged Lord’s Day.
A Season of Strengthening Disciples
Prepare to strengthen disciples in your church by using the free online resource Opening Doors to Discipleship, Course D: Discipleship. This article guides you through all the steps needed to navigate and register on the website as well as begin a course on discipleship.
hope for Haiti
Members of the Presbyterian Haiti Response Team share their stories about continuing relief efforts in Haiti. This article takes you through the rebuilding of Port-au-Prince and Léogâne, and offers ways for you and your congregation to help restore these earthquake-ravaged cities.
What is Christian Education?
An article for Christian educators beginning conversations about their churches’ curriculum needs for fall. It offers suggestions for evaluating and choosing curriculum, as well as inviting teachers back for another church school year.
Making a case for summer education
Many churches struggle with the decision of whether or not to offer Christian education in the summer. This article reminds us of the importance of summer education, while offering new and unconventional ideas for getting the whole congregation involved.
Be a partner in mission through the Pentecost Offering
The story of Robert Morrison, a Young Adult Volunteer, whose year-long commitment to serve the homeless and care for needy youth was funded by the Pentecost Offering. Also included: about the Pentecost Offering and how your church can give.
Easter Is a Season
Easter isn’t over the week after Easter Sunday. In fact, Easter is a season that lasts 50 whole days — until Pentecost. In this article, you’ll learn ways for your congregation to continue the Easter celebration in worship and at home.
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Talking with children about Lent and Easter
This article provides ways to teach the children in your life to understand crucial events of our Christian faith.
Take part in sacramental practices during the Lent/Easter cycle
This article offers an invitation for congregations to participate in five shared practices over the Lenten season.
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Find spiritual practices for Lent
This article describes ways to give special attention to the work of self-examination and repentance during the Lenten season.
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New Every Morning
Spring is often associated with new life — blossoming trees, blooming flowers, and sprouting gardens. This article takes a look at new ideas for seeing God’s work in nature and rejoicing in God’s love and mercy, which are new each day.
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