Community Prayer Steps

Thanks to Pilgrim Lutheran, St Paul and Denika Anderson for sharing this Great Idea in their Community Prayer Steps post: Pilgrim joined with other community congregations to create a prayer walk, inviting neighbors to write their prayers:…

Butterflies for All Saints

Thanks to the Synod of Lakes and Prairies Presbyterian Church (USA) for sharing this in their Nov, 23, 2020 newsletter. Heartland Presbyterian Church of Clive, IA created a Butterfly Memorial to memorialize all Iowans lost to Covid-19. When…

Together at the Table

Thanks to Living Lutheran Magazine's November Issue for this Great Idea! Many of us have powerful and compelling memories associated with food and/or special meals.  Favorite memories are connected with favorite times of year or particular…

Create a Snow Labyrinth!

Create a snow labyrinth in your church parking lot or yard, a family's yard or a farmer's field. You can choose from a few different designs. Ariadne's Thread is likely the easiest for snow construction. Or, try any of The Labyrinth Society's,…

Prepare Ye the Way…

We need a break! We most assuredly do. It is tempting to think that an Advent and Christmas as close to "traditional" as possible is what we need, but it will be especially important this year that Advent and Christmas be times for healing…

Small Group Communion

Thanks to Rene Mehlberg of Trinity Lutheran, Laporte, MN for sharing this Great Idea! While in-person worship remains on hold, offer small group in-person communion: Offer only as frequently as your schedule allows: don't add something…

Progressive Christmas Pageant

I've heard a few versions of this from several sources over the past few weeks; I apologize for not giving others the credit they deserve: Orchestrate a "progressive" Christmas pageant in which households choose a character, then decorate…

Election Day – Preparations / Vigil / Aftermath

Tensions are running high across the country. Election results may take days or even weeks to be tallied and confirmed - and chances are good they'll be contested for longer than that. This is a highly contentious and anxious time for many Americans. Christian…

4 Great Ideas to Reach, Bless & Serve

Thanks to Christa Meland of the MN Conference UMC for writing up this article highlighting four fantastic ways UMC congregations have gotten creative with caring for their communities and sharing hope in the midst of the pandemic. Read the…

Spirit Stories

Professor Jennifer Awes-Freeman of United Theological Seminary is doing this with the United community - it could be a great community builder and outreach tool for any congregation! Invite your members and neighbors to an evening of storytelling…