Children and Families

What is God Calling You to Do?

As many of you know, I recently traveled with the Haiti Mission Team from PUMC to Gressier Haiti.  I believe everyone has a calling from God, we must learn to listen to that calling, and to make decisions in our lives in response to that calling. Our team helped at the school in delivering and organizing math curriculum, building a stage, and…

The Real Gift of Sacrificial Giving

Last month, the children of our church and preschool worked together to raise money for Heifer International.  In a combined effort, our children raised almost $1,400.  We were able to purchase a heifer, 2 llamas, 2 goats, 2 pigs, chickens, and even rabbits!  It was very touching to hear the stories of our children as they emptied their box of coins into the large jars.  Some…

Heifer International: A Long Reaching Mission

Sometimes in my heart, I struggle with whether or not mission work that I participate in has longevity.   Although giving food, clothes, and money can be very helpful, it is also finite in its reach, when it’s gone, it’s gone.  This is the main reason I love the Heifer International. Heifer International is a great organization that works with communities to help end hunger…

Journey With Jesus: Experience Easter As a Family

Journey With Jesus Combines A Religious Experience and Treats for the Kids When: 2017 TBD Where: Parker United Methodist Church Many of today’s Easter experiences for families, especially those for children, focus on Easter egg huntings. We wanted to create a fun experience with elements that appealed to children but also give them and their families a religious experience centered on the life of…

Strengthening Your Focus on God in 2016

As we all step into 2016, we are faced with discussions of New Year’s Resolutions.  We all strive to be better people, to achieve more, to help more, to love more. In the past, I have frequently focused my resolutions on goals.  Most of these goals were quantitative in nature.  Would I set a new marathon personal record?  Would I start a new company?  Often times, I…

Mission Centered Family Activities

November is traditionally a time of reflection, a time to give thanks.   Last year, around this time, we took our children on a family mission day-trip downtown.  We started at the local Dollar Store.  We bought lots of toiletry supplies, as well non-perishable foods.  We set up an assembly line in the kitchen and stuffed plastic grocery store bags with various supplies for the homeless. Then,…