The Faith Practices Project

Earlier this month we released our first set of resources in the Faith Practices Project—a year-long dive into twelve life-giving spiritual disciplines. This first set of resources explores the practice of sabbath. Find highlighted posts and resources below or explore on your own at crcna.org/faith-practices-project-sabbath. We’ll release new resource sets monthly, so check back often on the project landing page. (Late-breaking news: October resources for the practice of gratitude are ready early, so we just posted those too! Look for more on gratitude in the October edition of Faith Formation Matters.)

Training to Be More Like Jesus

“During the COVID-19 shutdowns and home-based work, I have taken up running again. It’s been a few decades since I last ran with any sort of commitment. As I’ve slowly stretched my legs, timidly stepped back onto the road, and actually started running, I’ve been surprised by how lessons from my middle school track coach (30+ years ago) have come back to mind.”

Continue Reading »

Sabbath: The Gift of Restoration and Realignment

“How can I practice sabbath when church activities make Sunday so busy?”

“I’m a young mom with three kids under age 8, working a part-time job on weekends; when do I actually get a day off to keep sabbath?”

“We’ll be at church when we can, but we have to be at our kids’ games. They need every opportunity they can get if they’re going to be able to pay for school.”

“Why does sabbath really matter? I already enjoy my weekends, and the fun stuff I do helps me relax.”

Sabbath so often comes across as complicated, unrealistic, inconvenient, or counterproductive.

Continue reading »

Sheep, Not Superheroes: How Sabbath Helps Us Right-Size

Technology distorts our sense of self . . . but this faith practice can help us realign.

Continue reading »

What Do You Mean, I Should Take a Nap?

“A nap?” I thought, “Are you kidding me? . . . Aren’t the spiritual practices about us carrying out some sort of task?” Children's Ministry Catalyzer Mimi Larson reflects on the rhythms of rest that refresh and empower ministry.

Continue reading »

The Kids Are Not Fine: Engaging the Pandemic Generation

It’s probably too soon to be calling the children and youth growing up in the middle of this pandemic “Generation P.” But it certainly isn’t too soon to begin empathizing with the fact that the pandemic is taking a toll on the mental health of our tweens, teens, and emerging adults.

Continue reading »

Why Your Church Needs to Be Part of a Cohort Team Now More Than Ever

Are you curious? Do you have the desire and opportunity to focus on “big picture” questions, such as “how might intergenerational online faith formation experiences bless us during a time of social distancing?” Here are four upcoming cohort opportunities that might bless your congregation. .

Continue reading »