It’s crucial that pastors take an active interest in encouraging the development of the arts within their church communities. Perfection isn’t required; only a willingness to explore. I had no experience when I started, but I grew into it and discovered my passion.

What has helped us navigate biblical truths is taking part in an intergenerational Bible Study: an intentional practice that builds relationships and fosters learning between people of different age groups.

But Christmas is also a time for reflection on what Jesus actually did, in giving up his heavenly throne and becoming human: Jesus was God “with skin on!” As his kinfolk, can we follow his example in this season? Where do we see incarnational ministry―God’s love with skin on?

In many instances my clients were not just the children who had come to my office for help, but also the parents who came with them, most often mothers. Mothers who were exhausted, anxious, depressed, lost, and breaking under pressure―struggling to know how to help themselves and their children.

This was one of my favorite Women’s Ministries conventions! Why? I think it was how the theme of “Women Together” was embodied in this day. Together, every two years, we, as women, have this opportunity to forge new friendships, embrace long-lost friends, and raise our voices in praise to God who created us as individuals, but unites us together in his Body.

We need the meat and potatoes that Scripture can offer. The deeper we dig into the Bible, the more we learn we don’t know it all. So, dig deep for great riches and even greater understanding.

All five of my kids are coming home for Christmas this year; I can hardly contain my excitement! With one missionary family and two pastors in the mix, merging our Christmas schedules is challenging. It has been thirteen years since we were all together on Christmas. Admittedly, I inwardly sigh with contentment whenever I picture them all here!

As a Christian woman, I have felt the need to be pious—prayerful, generous, and constant in my Bible reading. As a young mother and worship leader, I have worried, “How could I teach my son or lead our praise team with a worshipful heart if my own Christian walk feels lacking?” I have often felt I am not doing enough. I’ve even felt angry at the standards that seem to be necessary to be a good Christian.

It’s Wednesday morning. Glancing at the spiral bound planner before me, the word “PRAY” is penciled in for today. As 10:30 nears, I lift the magnet holding a piece of paper upon the fridge, grab the iPad and head on over to the kitchen table.

What a blessing is a church willing to take a risk and invest their time and love into those who may be with them only for a short time! I am forever grateful for our experiences here at Rock of Ages and with the other churches, small groups of believers, our families and many more who impacted us and have played a part in God equipping us for what is ahead.

It was a cold January Minnesota evening, after a busy Christmas season. A good night to stay cozy at home. Would anyone be brave enough, or interested enough to come to church for a seminar about leading Bible studies?

Women Together is the tagline for the Women’s Ministries of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren (WMCLB) vision and values statements that were formed this past year. This has also been fitting for this year’s WMCLB focus project, which supports a group of women meeting the physical needs of their families and community all the way across the ocean from us in Chad, Africa.