101 Faith Place
Entry points for nurturing faith in the home

Living Faith
Foundations for forming faithful disciples...

101 Faith Place is designed as a quick reference for parents looking for ways to nurture faith in their home and family life. It suggests creative, natural ways to bring God to mind during ordinary moments, routines, rituals and special occasions. There are no prerequisites, equipment or necessary supplies. All you need is a heart and mind that is open to God's spirit moving in these days and times.

One Sunday, I arrived early to pick up my daughters from church school. As I waited in the hall with other parents, I pulled out the family calendar to coordinate another week's worth of activities, inevitable conflicts and "catch and carry" meals. In the background, I could hear children singing. "Faith walkin' people (clap, clap)...." It had a fun beat and if I hadn't discovered a conflict in Tuesday's schedule, I might have hummed along. "Faith Talkin' People (clap, clap)...." They continued to draw me into their song ." Ok..." I sighed, "Maybe I'll just mumble along." "Sing and pray and live each day, learning about God's special ways....." Suddenly I thought, "Wait a minute! This is going too far! We only have time for church on Sundays from 9:15-10:30. Why would they expand the program for "singing and praying and learning about God's special ways" to everyday?!! We've got too many other things to do! I've got to talk to these people! What are they thinking?!" ¹ Rollie Martinson, Luther Seminary

Managing extracurricular activities is an overwhelming reality in families today. Dozens of specialized programs and organizations entice parents with their ability to enhance a child's growth and development. They enrich the home with the service they provide but often threaten to reshape it with their own set of expectations and requests.
     
Take a moment to reflect upon your home. As you open your front door, what image comes to mind? Is it stressful or peaceful, a challenge or an inspiration, a workshop or a playground, a revolving door or a "drive thru," a refuge or grand central station, all of the above or none of the above? As varied as the answers might be, most people regard the home as the most influential place in the world.
     
The home is where it all begins. It sets the stage for mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and relational growth. "Whatever else families are doing, whether intentionally or not, whether constructively or not, they are passing on values and faith of one kind or another"¹ Research confirms the role parents play in nurturing faith. When Search Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota did a study on effective Christian education in mainline churches, it discovered parents were the greatest religious influence in their children's lives. 

Among Lutheran youth surveyed,
* 67% were involved because their mothers modeled faith.
* 43% were involved because their fathers modeled faith.

AI pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you together with all God's people will have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep in Christ's love.@ Ephesians 3:17-18

What about the church! I thought they were supposed to be the ones to teach kids faith!?

The church sets the pace for nurturing faith in children, youth and families. In Holy Baptism, parents age to take primary responsibility for helping their children live godly lives. They promise to "faithfully care for their children and help them in every way as God gives them the opportunity." The task and privilege of the church is to welcome, engage and support these children and their families as they live their faith in daily life.
     
The church provides a faith base for strengthening The church provides a faith base for strengthening a person's identity in Christ. As God's people "sit at the feet of Jesus" they receive life giving perspectives that flow through their attitudes, actions and conversations. They are refreshed and renewed by God's gracious love and forgiveness as they participate in worship and the sacraments. The variety of programs and opportunities for worship, education, fellowship and service provide a vital link for living faith in daily life. They provide key tools and inspiration for gaining clarity and confidence in God's plan and purpose.

So I'm in charge of the "singing and praying and living each day!" Where do I go to get a crash course in "God's special ways?" Where's my script? Are there rules or guidelines for nurturing faith?!

There is only one prerequisite to nurturing faith. A person must have an open heart and be willing to let the love of Christ shine through. God has gifted each person with a unique blend of characteristics and abilities to reflect God's own love and creativity. As people open their hearts and minds to Jesus, they begin to see themselves and the world through God's "eyes." Faith becomes the lens through which they view everything they choose to do! And, living and sharing it becomes something you can't help but do.
     
You just "do it." You utilize the same skills and creativity you use in other forms of communication and appeal to your natural ability to relate to people. Before you begin, consider the person, the place and the circumstances involved and you adapt your conversation accordingly. Basically, you just "do it!"

D Discern the appropriate time and place to share.
O Open your heart to the age, stage and unique characteristics of the individual and respond accordingly.
I  Interpret your thoughts in real, relevant ways.
T Trust your own ability and reason for sharing.

Could you give me a few examples of some entry points for nurturing faith?

The following pages highlight some of the many ways faith can be nurtured during some of the most ordinary times and places in family life. Dozens of practical suggestions also energize the rhythm and seasons of the calendar year with a variety of creative and practical entry points for faith sharing. Included are easy-to-use ideas, discussion starters, activities and service projects that have been inspired by biblical tradition and Lutheran practice. Consider prayer your "entry point." Let God's Spirit lead you as you consider the many ways you might nurture faith in your family life. Keep a notebook handy to record your own inspirations!

Everyday in every way...

On the Home Front

• Before taking on the stress of a new day, wake your family with a prayer and the words: "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) Consider an interpretation like, "Come on, God's got another great day going..."

• Post the lyrics from "Day by Day" as a prayer in your entry way. Pray it as you begin your day and go on your way.

• Purchase or design a calendar on your computer large enough to incorporate the schedules of each family member. Color code them for easy reference to specific individuals or categories. Add the prayer "Day by Day" to set the pace for your days and times together.

• Display symbols of faith in your home at a level children can see (e.g. pictures of Jesus, Biblical scenes, crosses, Bible quotes, etc.)

• Frame a Bible verse that reflects your family's current understanding and commitment to faith.(e.g. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15).

• Create a mission statement for your family identifying who you are as a family, who you would like to be, and some of ways you will accomplish the goals and ideals you set. Post it on your refrigerator and invite your family reflect on it regularly.

• Write words of affirmation on self adhesive notes to stick on mirrors, doors and other places where children can see them.

• Leave voice mail and E-mail messages for family members with words of encouragement.

• Invite grandparents to send frequent postcards to their grandchildren encouraging them with prayer and words of praise and affirmation.

• Have "Parent Time" cards available for children to signal their need for time with you. Respond by setting a date or time they can count on.

• When you are washing clothes, dishes or taking baths, remind each other how the waters of baptism make our hearts feel fresh and clean.

• Set aside a time to read an age-appropriate Bible together to help acquaint your children with life truths and faith stories.

• Choose age appropriate devotion books to ground your family faith discussions in a Bible story or verse.

• Set aside Sundays as special days to pause and reflect upon all that God has done for you and your family. Identify a specific family ritual you may want to incorporate into your day of Sabbath "rest" and celebration (e.g. playing games, popcorn, pizza party, etc.).

• Distribute "Memorable Moment" awards to recognize an accomplishment, a good deed or attitude, good coping skills, etc., even on the most ordinary days! Give each other "high 5's" and say a prayer of thanks for their God given talents, attitudes and abilities. Put up a sign and dedicate a meal or snack to the person being honored.

• Create a jar of questions (it could include anything from favorite colors to scary moments to impressions about God) to use as conversation starters during your meals together. Refer to the importance sharing thoughts with each other.

• Make "going to bed" a time of personal attention and rich conversation by reading, singing and reflecting on the joys and frustrations of the day. Through prayer, reassure your child that no matter what happens in a day, God walks beside them all the way.

• Purchase Christian CD's and cassettes to relax your younger ones as they go to sleep.

Learn Bible verses that promote healthy behavior such as Psalm 19:14--"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O,Lord."--and post them on your refrigerator.

Prayers to Pray

• Provide a "Let's Pray" notebook to give family members the opportunity to draw or write their thoughts and prayer concerns for friends.

• Decide as a family to set aside a minute or two around noon each day to think about one another and whisper quick prayers of thanks or make special requests.

• Pray before meals. Whether memorized or spontaneous, long or short, "get the good Lord in on it."

• When praying, "Come Lord Jesus be our guest, let this food to us be blest," place an extra chair around your table to symbolize his presence. Talk with family members about how Jesus might affect your actions and conversations.

• Use "Oh God, thank you" as a spontaneous response to special people and things you see in the world.

• Choose some age appropriate articles from your local newspaper. Consider the lives of the people involved, the feelings they might have and share a prayer for their lives or circumstances.

• Share brief, spontaneous "instant prayers" as you and your family encounter joys and challenges through out the day.

• Connect parts of your congregation's worship service to moments in your daily life (e.g the offertory prayer as a morning, evening or meal time prayer).

• Enrich your leave-taking from each other with this prayerful exchange, "The Lord be with you....and also with you."

Dealing with Conflict and Forgiveness

• Respond to inappropriate behavior or choices using the phrase "Lord, have mercy" as a way to capture attention and appeal to the presence of a higher authority.

• Help your children appreciate your discipline as healthy guidelines, not final performance ratings. Encourage them to respond to your words with, "OK, I'm learning."

• When conflicts arise, retitle your "Time Outs" to be "Begin Agains" and refocus from alienation to the goal of rejoining the family when ready.

• Learn Bible verses that promote healthy behavior and display them on your refrigerator.

• Model God's unconditional love by teaching your children to respond to people's mistakes with the phrase, "I don't like what you do, but I still love you!"

• Talk openly with family members in age appropriate ways about long term conflict. Be open to seeking outside support. Check with your pastor or community services to identify the help you need.

Things to do

One day Ginny was working in the kitchen and anxiously watching the clock. She had several tasks to do and very little time to do it. As she talked through the list of things she had to accomplish, her three year old tried to intercede, "Mom...Mom... Mommy,..." After several interruptions, Ginny finally knelt down in exasperation to sigh and say, "What-- is it?" "I just wanted to tell you that "I'm a helper, so you can just ask me." "You are?" "Yup. My Sunday School teacher said that was the #1 thing God wanted me to be!" "Well, how about helping me?"

• When you grant allowances, foster a healthy understanding of stewardship by dividing the amount into savings (30%), spending (60%) and church offering (10%).

• Put a new twist on accomplishing the most common household tasks by appointing a "Servant of the Week" to fulfill specific routine tasks. At the end of the week, recognize them for their efforts by letting them choose a special video to rent or meal to make.

• As you begin to give your little ones tasks to accomplish, encourage them to respond positively using the phrase, "I'm a helper - just ask me!"

• Make a poster charting jobs to instill a sense of pride in completing household tasks. Use stickers, treats and compliments to affirm motivation and accomplishment.

Here, There and Everywhere

Just after God inspired Moses with the Ten Commandments as a framework for faithful living, God went on to present a model for experiential Christian education. God recognized the parent's role in nurturing their children's faith "on site", urging them to use a variety of different learning styles and contexts in their teaching. "You shall love the lord your God with all your heart, and soul and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart, recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise " (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). The task is to recognize the teachable moments.

• Identify various road signs as you drive. Recognize how they help you make good, safe choices. Talk about how other people and experiences guide your lives.

• Purchase a Christian music cassettes tapes or CD's to play while you're the car.

• Let the sight of a police car, fire truck or ambulance prompt you to say a quick prayer for the people involved.

• While in route to movies, programs and athletic events, talk about the qualities that have brought success to some of the popular players, stars, heros or public figures who have risen to fame. Invite your children to talk about what they would like to do when they grow up. Assure them that God has gifted them to do something significant with their lives.

• Model random acts of kindness (e.g. Let people go ahead in a check-out line if they are in a hurry or have less items to purchase, put a quarter in someone's parking meter, or open the door for someone).

• Recognize and compliment the check out clerk and other attendants who are employed to serve you.

• Be kind to the people you meet by offering them a smile, a greeting or a gesture as you pass by. Explain to you children that "We love, because God first loved us." (1 John 4:7-8)

Children yearn to feel a sense of belonging and engagement with you and the many tasks you do. Be mindful of your children's needs to learn by doing and the significant role you play in mentoring them.

There is no one day or time set aside to nurture faith. Every season gives new reasons to celebrate God's presence and activity in our lives.


Nurturing Faith Throughout the year...

Birthdays

In one family of four growing girls, the birthday focus is on giving gifts of love to everyone. The birthday person thinks of inexpensive or homemade gifts to give while the sisters think of birthday gifts they can bring to their annual birthday breakfast.

• Say a special prayer of thanks for the life of the birthday person.

• Encourage the birthday person to give small tokens or gifts of gratitude to family members for the role they play in their lives.

• Share stories about special people God has provided to love and care for the birthday person.

• Gift wrap "words" or visual symbols that represent the most relevant gifts, talents and abilities that God has given the birthday person. Present this package along with the other gifts you give.

• Invite the birthday person to sign a few birthday cards on the day of celebration. Go together to deliver them to newborns and their parents in a local hospital.

• Tape interviews of the birthday person sharing their favorite color, food, hobby, activity, TV show, movie, actor, musical group and song, etc. Point out how special and wonderfully unique God has made them.

Baptisms

Baptisms can be as memorable and meaningful as you nurture them to be. If you have questions about baptism or desire age appropriate ways to describe it, contact your pastor, church librarian or nearest Christian bookstore.

• Mark your family calendar with the baptismal dates of each family member.

• Surround your child's baptismal date with special rituals and traditions. Plan a special meal or treat for your family or with some friends from Church School. Share pictures of their baptism day and light their baptismal candle.

• Make a connection between birthdays and baptisms. Talk first about birthdays as the day they were named and became a part of your family. Then identify baptism as the day they became a part of God's family.

• Tape an interview with your child each year. Have them identify their favorite Bible character or story, new things they've learned about God or any questions they might have about God.

• Take annual pictures of your children in front of the baptismal font in your church. Point out the many ways they have grown as a "child of God."

• Invite baptismal sponsors to send a special note or word of encouragement as the child continues to grow.

• Place a bowl on your table and invite family members to think of their own baptisms and what it means to be a member of God's family as they dip their fingers into the water and make the sign of the cross on their foreheads.

• Make the sign of the cross on your children's foreheads as a daily reminder that God loves them and considers them special members of God's family.

Back to School

• As you shop for school supplies, talk about the resources they need for school that stores don't sell (e.g. "eyes" to read and see, "ears" to listen, "a voice" to ask and answer questions, "hands" to raise, write and draw, "brains" to think things through and "bodies" that move).

• Give your children a sense of security during the first few days of school by making leather bracelets for your entire family to wear as reminders that even though you are physically apart, you are together in God's love.

• As you shop for new shoes and clothes, note that many children easily become self conscious about their growth, appearance and development. Help them realize that their growth is in God's hands and recognize the amazing job God is doing.

• Place notes in lunch boxes and backpacks with a silly thought or encouraging word.

• Entertain and reassure your child with stories of your own school days as you address their fears, uncertainties and disappointments.

• In the morning before school, preview the days activities and the people who will be involved. Then, pray for teachers, students and friends by name.

• Connect with your children after school. Give them a call at your home or day care to let them know you're thinking about them. Assure them that you are looking forward to hearing about their day.

• Every child worries about acceptance; listen to their thoughts and feelings. Remind them that God knows them "inside and out" and loves them no matter what!

• When dealing with peer pressure, put downs and challenging relationships, remind your children that people only have as much power over us as we give them.

Harvest and Halloween

• When you pass by fields of harvest or purchase vegetables in a store, name the farmers you know and the things they grow. Talk about God's role in the growth cycle and the equipment that might be used at each stage.

• Take time to play; to run through the leaves and listen to them crunch . Delight in the creative ways God provides for our enjoyment.

• As you shop for Halloween costumes, talk about how much fun it is to dress up and pretend to be somebody else. Have them name the person or character they would most like to be and share reasons for their choice. Ask them how they would dress if they were going to be like Jesus. How would they act? What would they say or do?

• After you finish "trick or treating," take off your costumes and have an "I like you just the way you are" party. Share a nutritious treat while you recognize silly and serious things you admire about each other and say a prayer of thanks for each person just as they are.

• Arrange the candy in specific categories as you do a safety check on them. Comment on the size of the inventory and the generosity of your neighbors and friends. Point out the significance of sharing what you have with others.

• Consider handing out heart balloons or a note attached to your treats saying, "God thinks you're a treat!" or "God loves you with or without that costume on!"

Thanksgiving

• Invite family members to draw pictures or write short notes to day care providers, teachers, coaches and special friends thanking them for the special role they play.

• Before you begin your meal, engage your guests in a prayer of thanks for each other inviting everyone to identify silly and serious things about the person for which they are thankful.

• Identify the foods on your table and "rewind" the phases they went through to get to your table. Then ask, "Who brought it all to be?" and invite everyone to comment on all the ways God provides for them.

• Do an alphabet of praise by naming something you are thankful for that begins with each letter of the alphabet.

• Write "Give 'em Five" on a poster or large sheet of paper and invite everyone to fill it with the names of people for whom they are thankful.

• Give "jars of thanks" or "baskets of blessings" to significant people in your life. Fill them with slips of paper identifying why you are thankful for them.

Christmas

Two parents were busy trying to choose activities to include in their Christmas traditions. The list included cutting a fresh tree, hanging outdoor lights, wrapping gifts and visiting Santa. Their two and a half year old heard them talking and said, "When will we be putting up our Bethlehem?" Her comment preempted any further considerations. They found a large box for their stable and small one for their manger. They hung a few stars on their windows and collected some oversized shirts and stuffed animals to be a part of the scene. And the little one proceeded to spend the majority of December sitting by the manger taking care of baby Jesus.

• Set up a "Bethlehem" play station for hours of preschool fun. Make a stable out of a large appliance box. Gather some old bathrobes, a little box for a manger, a baby doll and blanket, some Burger King crowns and a few stuffed animals. Add a small stepping stool for Mary to care for the baby, stars to hang from above and a pair of angel wings to complete the ensemble.

• Purchase an inexpensive nativity set for "hands on" play and storytelling.

• Sponsor a "holidazzle" contest, inviting your family members to identify homes decorated to reflect the true meaning of Christmas. Recognize these neighbors by presenting them a small award or ornament for "holidazzling" the neighborhood in this way.

• Display and use an advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas.

• Make an Advent wreath for use as a table centerpiece. Light candles to observe the four weeks of Advent and read portions of the Christmas story in Luke 2 throughout this time.

• Connect Santa with the work of St. Nicolas. (St. Nicolas was a monk who gave gifts to poor children.) Focus on Santa as a model for giving rather than getting.

• Bake a birthday cake for Jesus and have a party. Play games like "Put the Baby in the Manger (similar to "Pin the Tail on the Donkey) or "Come on Angel, Name that Tune," humming a few notes of Christmas songs and carols).

• Gift wrap the baby Jesus from your nativity set and place it under the tree with your other presents as a visual way to keep Christ at the center of your Christmas.

• Invite family members to compose "give" lists rather than "get" lists to help nurture an understanding that we give because God first gave to us.

• Visit residents in a nursing home or care center. Make door hangers or other decorations to deliver to their rooms with a message that Jesus came to brighten their days.

• Read the Luke 2. Ask, "If Jesus were born today, how would the story go? Who would the characters be? What would they say?" Act it out as a family drama.

• Use one or more Christmas carols as your table prayers during the Christmas season (e.g. the last verse of "Away in the Manger" works as a wonderful bed time prayer for little ones).

• Celebrate the day the Wisemen came (Epiphany) by serving a Middle Eastern meal and providing crowns for everyone. Play "hide a star" letting everyone have a turn hiding and finding the star. Identify ways you will give "gifts" of time or service to others as a way to honor Jesus.

Valentine's Day

• Sign valentines from God or Jesus and send them to friends and family members. Point out that love is God's idea and use 1 John 4:7-8, "We love, because God first loved us," as your key Bible verse for the day.

• Make a big heart on your bathroom mirror. Write the words "You are loved" or "I love you."

• Display adhesive notes in your home or car with versions of the phrase, "Jesus loves you and I do, too."

• Bake a heart-shaped cake and have a party. Celebrate the love God has given you to share by looking through photo albums that portray occasions and expressions of your family's love for each other.

• Let the words of 1 John 3:18 be an inspiration for showing your love through action. "My children, we should love people not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring." Take the time to hug and hold family members. Listen to them, laugh with them, play a game, and accept requests for fun things to do with you.

• Write the words to John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son to die for us so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life." On a large piece of paper, write "Because I love you, I will..." and invite family members to fill in the blanks with things they will do to honor each other.

Before and After Easter

A father was pushing two little girls on swings across the street from a church. As one pointed out the cross on the top of the church, she said, "Daddy, why does Jesus have to keep dying on the cross every year. Before the father could answer, the other little girl said, "Until everyone knows why he did it." The father honored her comment as he gently explained how God's people gather to understand and appreciate what Jesus did so long ago.

• Put a budding branch in water and watch it come to life. Talk about the cycle of life as a miracle God provides.

• Arrange six purple candles in the shape of a cross to observe the six weeks of Lent. Extinguish one candle a week to symbolize Good Friday's approach; relight all of the candles on Easter.

• Read segments of Luke 22:1-24:49 throughout the days of Lent and help your children build a time line of the events in Jesus' life leading through Holy Week to Easter.

• As you eat a meal together talk about Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. Make the connection to communion practices in your congregation and share why it is meaningful for you to gather as a family around the Lord's Table.

• Provide a blank book with paper entitled, "Just To Think of the Cross..." for your family to draw pictures of Jesus and the events of his life and write any thoughts or questions they might have about Jesus and their relationship to him. Join together occasionally to consider it's contents.

• View a video about the life of Jesus and talk about its meaning together.

• On Good Friday, place a wooden cross on your kitchen table and cover it with a dark cloth to symbolize sadness as you explain that this is the day we remember Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Place a white cloth over the cross on Easter to celebrate new life.

• Draw a large cross on your bathroom mirror. Write the words "Jesus loves you and came to give us fresh new starts."

• Cut a cross out of a soap bar to use for bathing on Good Friday as a reminder that your sins are washed clean through Christ's death and resurrection.

• Hang paper butterflies around your house on Easter to celebrate new life. Relate the stages of a butterfly's transformation to Jesus' death and resurrection.

• Talk about how chicks break out of their shells as you dye eggs and relate their experience to Jesus coming forth from the tomb to give us new life.

• Write a note from the Easter Bunny to give to your children before they go to church saying, "Just hopping by to remind you that Jesus comes first today....so I'll be back later."

• Include a book, cassette tape or other memento in the children's baskets that reflects the true meaning of Easter.

• Make a cross, butterfly or lamb cake to include with your Easter dinner.

Summer Fun, Vacations and Family Time

Elsa was walking along a side walk one summer day when she suddenly dropped down and put her nose to the ground. She was mesmerized by an over populated ant hill. She redirected their paths with her fingers and slowly positioned her hand so they could run over and around her. She sat for along time before she got up and studied it from a variety of perspectives. Then she turned and said. "I bet God watches us like we watch ants. Now I understand how God can see and touch me.@

• Following a bike ride or other outside activity, comment on the amazing things God has created your body to do.

• Take a deep breath and thank God for fresh air to breathe.

• Draw chalk pictures on your sidewalk and include positive messages and faith thoughts for others to see.

• Bless ordinary moments: bring cookies to share at your children's athletic events, a towel to wipe off the bleachers before a morning game, or an extra bottle of water to share with someone who forgot to bring theirs.

• On vacation draw attention to the importance of rest and relaxation as part of God's vision for a whole, healthy life.

• Become familiar with some of the Bible's stories about water, boat rides and picnics.

Making the Connections Between God's Story and Our Story

Parades           Mark 11:1-11 (Palm Sunday)
Picnics            John 6:1-14 (Feeding the 5000)
Fishing            John 21:1-14 (The miracle of the fish)
                     Jonah 1 (Jonah and the whale)
Gardening         Matthew 4:30-32 (Mustard seed parable)
                      Luke 8:4-8, 11-15 (Parable of the sower)
Camping           Genesis 28:10-22 (Jacobs ladder)
Travel              Luke 2:41-52 (Jesus in the temple)
                      Luke 2:1-7 (Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem)
Sightseeing       Genesis 1:1-31 (The Creation Story)
                      Psalm 8:1-4
Boat rides         Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus calms a storm)
                       John 6:16-21 (Jesus walks on water)
Zoo                  Genesis 6:9-8:22 (Noah's ark)

Strengthening The Church-Home Connection

Nurturing faith in busy families requires the support of the wider faith community. Make church a priority for your whole family. Look for opportunities to strengthen the connection between church and home.

• Talk about your church when you drive by the building. Invite your children to update you on their church friends and activities.

• Encourage your congregation to include a sampling of these ideas in your church bulletins and newsletters.

• Request programs that respond to the needs of families in practical and supportive ways (e.g. skills for effective communication and prayer, conflict resolution and forgiveness, small groups for support and recovery, etc.).

• Consider the church to be an active partner as you live out your days in faithful ways. Express appreciation for the many ways your church supports your intent to nurture your child's faith.

• When opportunities arise to get involved in special tasks, programs and events in your congregation, let the promises you made at your child's baptism inspire your response.

• Participate in worship as a family and sit in the same pew to strengthen your common commitment to honor God together.

Ok! Now I'm on overload! When will I ever fit it all in! I've circled enough ideas to last a lifetime!

Making the Connections

Consider the errands you run entry points for making faith connections in concrete ways. For example,

AT A GAS STATION: "The gas tank's almost empty. Who fills your tank and keeps you going? What do they fill it with?" Faith Connection: God provides us with people to fill our "tanks" or lives with the things we need (e.g. food, clothes, education, piano teachers and athletic coaches, etc.).

GROCERY STORE OR RETAIL BUSINESS: "Look at all the things we can buy! They must have everything we need." Faith Connection: There is much God gives us for free (e.g. forgiveness, new days for fresh starts).
 
RESTAURANT OR FAST FOOD DRIVE-THRU: "It's great to have a break from making meals. I really appreciate being served." Faith Connection: Helping each other is God's idea.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL CLINICS: "I'm glad doctors and nurses have learned how to take care of us." Faith Connection: God made our bodies to fight pain and sickness, bur sometimes our bodies need a little extra help from others.

SCHOOLS: "What did you learn today? Who were your teachers?" Faith Connection: God teaches us many things through other people. What do you think God was teaching you?

PEER GROUPS AND DAY CARE: "Who took care of you and kept you going today? "FAITH CONNECTION: God provides us with people who support and uphold us.

BANK: "I'm thankful for how banks help us keep track of our money, pay bills and save our extra cash. "Faith Connection: God wants us to use our resources wisely as good stewards.

PLAYGROUNDS AND WORKPLACES: "What did you do at work or play today?" Faith Connection: God provides ways for us to develop our skills, gifts and abilities.
 

Writer: Miriam Dumke
Editor: David Poling-Goldenne
Design:  Sharon Schuster

Copyright 8 1999 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. 800/638-3522. Produced by the Division for Congregational Ministries.