A practical church guide to helping families evaluate online claims, verify unexpected requests, and build thoughtful digital habits through age-appropriate discussions
All Posts By: Lauren Todd
Faith & Learning
How Churches Can Talk About Sports Betting With Compassion And Clear Boundaries
Sports betting is more visible across North Carolina, creating new conversations for churches and families. A practical church response can combine United Methodist teaching, stewardship, compassionate pastoral care, and referral to qualified problem-gambling resources.
Events & Seasonal Programs
How Asbury UMC’s Youth-Led Summer Deliveries Turn Faith Into Consistent Community Service
See how Asbury UMC’s monthly Salisbury Urban Ministries deliveries combine youth leadership, adult support, safe ministry and dependable outreach.
Family & Volunteers
Identifying leadership talent
Finding early talent is a joy for any mentor. When we focus on youth leadership, we invest in our community’s future. We start by looking at the young people serving today. In the Bible, Aquila and Priscilla showed us a great model. They noticed God-given gifts in a young man named Apollos. By recognizing his […]
Faith & Learning
What makes devotionals effective for kids
Watching kids learn about God and the Bible’s stories is beautiful. Parents should do more than just share stories or follow rules. You want your family to feel connected to the gospel personally. Starting a daily habit is a great way to begin this journey together. These routines offer a safe space for deep questions […]
Family & Volunteers
Growing role of media ministry
Connecting with people today means meeting them where they live. Most people spend a lot of time on phones and computers. With 94% of Canadians active online, digital outreach is a powerful tool for modern congregations to share their message well. Leaders like the Rev. Matthew Ruttan and the Rev. John Borthwick say adapting to […]
Faith & Learning
Why prayer matters in childhood faith
Starting your kids on a spiritual path is simple. It begins with trust and love. Teaching kids about prayer is key to their faith. It shows them they’re never alone, no matter what. Prayer helps young hearts connect with God early. It’s a tool for growing spiritually and finding peace in hard times. Prayer lessons […]
Faith & Learning
Importance of engaging lessons
Watching young ones discover the Creator is truly a beautiful experience. When children connect with biblical truths, their spiritual growth flourishes naturally. Creating a vibrant environment helps them grasp deep concepts with ease and joy. A well-designed sunday school curriculum makes a massive difference in how children perceive these ancient stories. It transforms simple reading […]
Events & Seasonal Programs
Purpose of fall events
Let’s be honest: the pumpkin spice latte gets all the seasonal credit. But the real cultural shift of autumn isn’t in a cup; it’s in our collective desire to reconnect. There’s a sweet spot between summer’s languor and winter’s hibernation—a crisp, golden window where people actually want to put on a flannel and do something […]
Programs & Activities
What is a Youth-Led Service
Imagine your typical Sunday morning. Now imagine the ushers are TikTok creators, the worship band features Gen Z musicians, and the sermon comes from someone who wasn’t alive during Y2K. That’s not a dystopian novel – that’s the reality of a youth led service. This isn’t about letting teens pass the plates. It’s about genuine […]