Six New Things – Week of January 30, 2023

As we move from the month named after the two-faced god Janus into Februa's month of purification, we explore flip-sides of the same coin: love and grief; cleansing conversion that comes from stillness; and wiping away destructive systems created…

Humanize and Empower

This is more than a Great Idea from Bishop Lanette Playback of the Dakotas-Minnesota Area, United Methodist Church. Following the brutal beating and murder of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, TN, Bishop Lanette encouraged congregations to be in prayer,…

Self-Compassion Empowers Love

Thanks to Mindful Schools for sharing these two related Great Ideas: two practical ways to grow love for self and others in ministries with young people. We're hearing the buzz phrases everywhere: 'trauma-informed'; 'teen mental health';…

Six New Things – Week of January 23, 2023

Be inspired by bold girls, strong and compassionate women, and apocalyptic dragons - all possibilities for a great Lenten journey. ONE What does it mean to be made in the image of God? God Is Just Like Me (Beaming) gives us a fresh take as…

Radical Hospitality

This Great Idea is inspired by numerous podcasts and blog posts from various leaders, thinkers, and teachers listed throughout. In a world where supremacy-based 'exclusionary thinking' is part of the air we breathe; where people in all age…

Six New Things – Week of January 16, 2023

We're drawing lines from personal transformation to neighborhood renewal, congregational awareness to social engagement, and from particular change-makers to systemic justice work. It's a week of individual inspiration leading to faith-based…

Six New Things – Week of January 09, 2023

As promised, this is a Lent-full post - loaded with devotions and study guides - supported by deeper dives into trauma-informed preaching, Jesus-infused justice, racism-undoing guides, LGBTQ2S+-embracing welcome, and life-enriching reads. ONE Let's…

SHROVE TUESDAY PARTY PACKS

Thanks to Shawn Howell for this Great Idea. Building Faith originally posted this in 2020, so watch for an updated link, below. Shawn writes, "Many churches celebrate Shrove Tuesday with a big pancake supper. If your church does not do a…

Diversify Everyone’s Reading!!

Thanks to my cousin, Kelsee Jean Macintosh-Ellig for sharing this Great Idea!! Kelsee invited her Facebook friends to join her in a book exchange that works like this: "Buy your favorite book (just one) and send it to a stranger." She…

SIX NEW THINGS – WEEK OF JANUARY 04, 2023

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let's embrace this season of endings and beginnings by setting an intention to end the unhealthy, oppressive cultural norms of supremacy and consumerism by beginning new patterns and systems that are life-giving and affirming…