Life on Martin Luther Drive.

"For in him we live and move and have our being." [Acts 17:28]

Hello to those who are still reading this blog! Please forgive me for not being more faithful to regularly updating the blog. I realize it's now the last day in October - Reformation actually or for those of you who participated in the secular holiday, Halloween!  Didn't really get to observe Halloween today other than to see a bunch of decorations adorning walls at the retirement/health care center I stopped by today.  I did sing Martin Luther's solid paraphrase of Psalm 46 hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" in chapel today. Is singing that hymn 4 times in the past two days too much!? Naah! :)

What a whirlwind the last month has been... my studies definitely picked up and I experienced my first crunch time two weeks ago and here I am in the midst of another crunch time part of the quarter - so of course, I am blogging.

Life on Martin Luther Drive is absolutely splendid. Don't get me wrong...it's not perfect, but I love love love it here and am extremely blessed to study in this place. Here are some recent thoughts I'll share of highlights/delights/ learning of life here:

-I'm still desiring an oven to be able to use at my disposal whenever I have the craving to bake bread...but let's face it: grad school doesn't lend itself well to the disposal of tons of free time for as much stress relieving baking I did in Seward last year. I do miss being able to share bread with friends, but God blessed me to use a friend's kitchen two weekends ago and bake 4 loaves of coffee tin English muffin bread and pumpkin dessert.

-I no longer have to sleep with ear plugs...guess I'm just so exhausted my body can block out the loud water/pipe noises I hear in the "natural" background of my dorm room.

-I'm continuing to grow closer to deaconess sisters and gals on this campus. I'm learning. I'm living. I'm growing. I'm serving... and yet waiting to serve. Does that make sense? I'll expand that thought sometime soon - that's a whole subject of its own!

-I've learned to survive on 6-7 hours of sleep. I've only slept through missing 20 minutes of class and of course it happens for my favorite topic of all...Liturgics. I saw it coming though. I went to bed the night before thinking, "Wouldn't it be awful to sleep through this class?" Bam. It happened. I guess though I did get ready in 5 minutes and the prof didn't give me too much grief about it :)  

-I can't for the life of me figure out how long mail takes to get here to Ft. Wayne or how long it takes to get elsewhere. It's weird to not be able to check for mail on Saturdays. I am so my father's daughter. I just get really excited when there's something in the real mail box for me and it's not a filler advertisement from the sem community. So if you ever want to write me... I will write you back. I am so my mother's daughter.

-The Lord continues to teach me even when I think I'm done learning for the day. Love that. I am thankful for learning and pray it will be put to good use one day.

-And there's so much else to include...but I am going to have to pause here now in this list.

It's now week 9 and next week is the last week in the quarter. I'm trying and hoping and praying I get tons of homework related things done this week because one of the best conferences I've been blessed to attend the last two years is next weekend.

The Good Shepherd Institute occurs each fall at the Ft. Wayne seminary and is the annual sacred music and theology conference. Wonderful speakers present papers and there are a myriad of opportunities shared for continuing education in attending this institute for church musicians and pastors currently serving in the field. I pray I am blessed to attend this conference every so often when I am serving in my call as a deaconess somewhere. This year's topic is all about weddings. Considering a lot of my summer was filled with going to weddings and playing at weddings, I'm excited to hear more about the musical end of things!

What else is there to say? So much I wish I could type it all out, but I also don't care to bore any of you. I am still debating the choice between completing the one year program or the two year program. Praying God allows me peace in that decision and that the answer comes sooner than later...part of me wishes that when you have to make a decision in life there needs to be a right answer and a wrong answer! In this case, either route I go I know will be a blessing... but if there was a wrong answer... I think that'd make the decision easier. 

Once classes end next Friday, I look forward to the drive WEST to Iowa and also to Nebraska. To see friends and family. To be refreshed and probably, most likely, to catch on all the sleep I've missed the last 10 weeks.

Church shopping is just not for me...

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." [Hebrews 13:8]

and probably won't ever be for me. Church shopping is not something I grew up doing and maybe that's why I've felt as though I have been doing this the last 3 weekends in this town I currently find myself in.

I have been blessed to visit 5 different churches and worship with many other brothers and sisters in Christ. I've found things I like, things that are new & different to me (Hello, Healey Willan's setting of liturgy), but not necessarily things I dislike (too terribly much). Visiting so many churches in such a short time has allowed me to think about things I prefer but realize that what I prefer is not necessarily what others prefer. This is something I've noticed before, it's not new to me that people can differ in what they like or dislike. It's nice to have my eyes opened to other and new things in regards to worship.

I will say I am very thankful that tomorrow marks the day I won't have to feel like I am a church shopper any longer. Tomorrow, in one sense (a very, very tiny sense) I am receiving a call. Really, I am being placed in my field work parish for this academic year. I am so excited for this!!! I pray that wherever the Lord has placed me for this year that I may grow and learn more about serving Him in the parish I am placed. I will be meeting the field work pastor and getting to dine with him. Who knows what we'll discuss? Most likely the usual introductory stuff to find out a bit about myself, where I grew up, where I went to college, etc and possibly (hopefully!!) we'll discuss what will be expected of me during my time as field work deaconess in the parish. Maybe, I'll give you an update of how that goes :)

As the beautiful season of fall is upon us, I have been pondering all that comes with the changing colors of this season. I think that's why I love autumn so much!!! I get to see the beauty of God's handiwork in creation (Check out Psalm 8, good stuff there). Things don't stay the same during autumn. Things change. And that's how life is: things change. And that's how life is for me, currently.

Maybe you can relate.

Here are some themes in the story of life: Changes. Stages. Chapters. Newness. And then, same old, same old. There is so much to ponder with life decisions, and ultimately I don't want it to be left up to me. But one day, that's what seems to be the case. I have to make the final say. I have to decide what's best for my life, so it seems. God will bless me and continue to bless me as He always does where ever life takes me.

I am forever grateful that Jesus is the same in all of life's changes I experience and go through. He never leaves me and never forsakes me and the same is true for you.

10 things re: grad school thus far...

 "O my people, hear my teaching;
   listen to the words of my mouth.
 I will open my mouth in parables,
   I will utter hidden things, things from of old—
 what we have heard and known,
   what our fathers have told us.  

We will not hide them from their children;
   we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,
   his power, and the wonders he has done."

[Psalm 78: 1-4]

Well, here it is another Sunday night: I am heading into week #3 of classes and am still super excited. Part of me thinks the excitement should have worn off by now, but God continues to grant me encouragement in the things I am learning and digging deeper into things I've looked at before. I am thinking about the coming week and not stressing one bit. It's weird because I keep telling myself I need to be concerned more and worried about things up and coming. But I'm not. I'm at peace. There's a lot going on. A lot of information coming in what seems to be too short of time...and yet this is the amount of time I am supposed to have been here. And yet at the same time it all seems to be moving way too fast. I was chatting with a friend tonight and she said something about how we've been here for 18 days. I couldn't believe it!

I'd figure I'd share a short list of 10 things I've come to realize whether in or out of the classroom. Keep in mind this is a rather broad list of things I have learned, observed, and reflected upon since beginning my studies at the seminary. Some could be considered common sense, some are my favorite things about being here, etc nonetheless the list follows:

1. Stay ahead while you can and as much as possible. This is the number one way to avoid being over stressed and I am all about not getting stressed.

2. Ridiculously large reading assignment?! No problem! Reading is all about pacing!! Learn to read quickly by highlighting, hunting for the important stuff & skim, skim, skim! Take notes when needed.

3. Fit in Fun First and foremost, I am here to study, grow, and learn as much as possible. This also means I need to take full advantage of activities in the surrounding area (Johnny Appleseed Fest, contra dancing, Philharmonic, etc) and things on campus. My favorite past time is finding seminarians to challenge me in a round of Ping Pong (which is the greatest indoor game ever!) I may or may not be somewhat of a challenge :)

4. A good night's sleep is helpful to maintain in this whole being a morning person thing. The night owl in me is slowing down and preparing for hibernation (I hope). Again, have I mentioned how thankful I am for the invention of ear plugs?? They also assist in the process of being well rested.

5. FRIDAYS! are still going to continue to be one of my favorite days of the week. Why? Not just because it's the one week day that shares with the beginning of the weekend but it's also the day we sing Matins (LSB, pg. 219) at the main chapel service. Last week we had Matins TWICE in one week. I was stoked!

6. Chapel opportunities!! are endless. I really enjoy the opportunity to worship with brothers and sisters in Christ each day, 4 different times. Living life by the sound of the chapel bell is a beautiful thing. Hearing God's Word read, reading a psalm, and singing hymns each day doesn't get much better than that. (I also enjoy being the Chapel deaconess intern..helping out when extra help is needed!)

7. A few favorite things to share about the experience thus far:

     -people who've come to study here (from ALL over)

     -Liturgics class & everything that has to do with this subject

     -Deaconess choir (& accompanying this!)

     -studying God's Word (in & out of class)

     -impromptu hymn sings!

     -fellowship!

     -free coffee hour following the main chapel service

     -the Gospel of Luke

     -interacting with incredible pastor/professors

     -MATINS!

     -thought provoking, deep theological sermons

     -Psalm Tone H

     . . . and much, much more

     (+ I know this list will continue to grow as time goes on!)

8. GEMÜTLICHKEIT!!! I like to describe it as a specifically set aside fellowship time the sem hosts each week and it happens to include Lutheran Lemonade. Great way to unwind, chat with friends, profs and play a bit of ping pong if any one wants to play.

9. Correspond frequently. Why? Because I am my mother's daughter. I appreciate emailing, skype, FB, texting, twitter, etc but above all I so enjoy participating in the USPS. Snail mail is the best thing ever!

10. Appreciate symbolism. There is SO much symbolism in this place; the more days I go through  observing and learning the more symbols and deeper understanding of looking at scriptures I am made aware of and it is SO cool. I can't wait to share the knowledge with God's people!

I'll tell you about one of the neatest things about this campus: All over campus you'll see bricks that lay horizontal but they are not just any old square or rectangle shaped, they are diamond shaped:

Nothing too special about these right? Just some diamond shaped bricks laying horizontal. They don't have any special meaning or do they? Here's some more:

 

So you may be asking, "Just why is she showing pictures of bricks and parts of the architecture of campus on her blog?" Wait for it! These bricks appear ALL over campus. I figured there had to be a story behind them and sure enough there is one! I learned earlier in the duration of my time being a student that the bricks can be found no where else and are branded to this campus. They are measured to have the angle of 23.5 degrees. I guess that is the measurement the earth's axis rotates upon. The diamonds that lie horizontal represent the command Christ gives to all people to love one another. There is only one place on campus where the diamonds lay vertical and point towards the Son. You probably guessed it: the chapel.

 

 

And the reason behind only the Chapel having the diamond vertical bricks is because it reminds us of God coming to us and giving us the gift of faith. Because He shares faith with us, we are able to turn to others we meet in life and share His love with them. I also think the bricks all around campus serve as a good reminder for the various vocations we have in life. We are called to love God and we are called to serve others in various tasks and duties we serve in during this lifetime.

How Firm a Foundation, LSB 728

1. How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord,
    Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
   What more can He say than to you He has said
   Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?

2. "Fear not! I am with you, O be not dismayed,
    For I am your God and will still give you aid;
    I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
    Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

3. "The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
    I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
    That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
    I'll never, no never, no never, forsake!

4. "When through fiery trials your pathway will lie,
    My grace, all sufficient, will be your supply.
    The flames will not hurt you; I only design
    Your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

5. "Throughout all their lifetime My people will prove
    My sov'reign, eternal, unchangeable love;
    And then, when gray hairs will their temples adorn,
    Like lambs they will still in My bosom be borne."

"How Firm a Foundation" (LSB 728) is my first [Hymn of the Week] choice because it's been in my head and on my heart a ton recently. This is a hymn that falls in the TRUST section of the Lutheran Service Book and is the hymn I've chosen to memorize for one of my deaconess classes at seminary.

Stanza 1 reminds those who sing it where a foundation for their faith is found - God's Word.

Stanza 2 is a paraphrase - or almost a literal translation of the following scripture verse: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).

Stanza 3 comforts those who have put their trust and faith in Jesus. This stanza reminds us that Jesus will never leave or forsake us.

Stanza 4 speaks of hard times those in faith may endure, but God doesn't leave us hanging. His grace is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12: 9).

Stanza 5 ends the hymn up with a reminder of how God's love will surpass all time and when life's end comes our way the Lord will protect and care for us just as a shepherd cares for his sheep.

How comforting are the words and meaning of this beautiful hymn!

Let the Learning begin!!!

"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another." [John 1:16]

This post is an attempt to fill in those dear loved ones, friends, family, all brothers and sisters in Christ who care to know about what's occurred in my life the past 6 or so days. It's been a whirlwind of a few days. I am still gathering my thoughts together as I reflect on the experience of moving 2 states eastward and the beginning (finally!!) of graduate studies in the MA Theology Deaconess program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne. Bear with my randomness and hope you can piece things together; if not, I'm an email away (for clarification).

I'll begin by sharing, I am amazed at how God continues to give me blessing after blessing each step of my life. He is unbelievable and full of so much love, I don't deserve any of it, and yet day after day, I feel his grace, blessing and love showered upon me in various ways. Thanks be to God for this!!

The drive here seemed to take forever, but all in all a week ago I spent the majority of the final day of August on the road, with my parents' van following me here. I felt like I was on Cloud 9 as soon as I got to Ft. Wayne. It was so great to arrive before dusk and give my parents a very quick (& brief) driving tour of campus before enjoying dinner at Applebee's.

Thursday, all of sudden decided to be super hot, which of course happened to be moving into the dorm day. Oh well, as I've done the packing/unpacking process more than once before, my attitude & mission quickly became "My van is full, let's get it empty." So, I was off, unloading, along with my father helping me. He also helped put together a 5 shelf bookcase for my room. Unloading and all of that went well and rather quickly. We didn't eat lunch until almost 4. Mom and Dad headed off to IL to visit my brother and sister-in-law. This helped to break up their trip home.

Spent most of Thursday evening unpacking/getting organized and so I'll show you "home" in Ft. Wayne:

 This is what you see as you look towards the door that you enter & leave the room. Behind the wood is my closet. I kind of have two closets :)

Bed & desk on one side of the room.

My first study area in the room.

The other half of the room! Loads of books to help aid in studies this year!

Friday came quickly and began with a Matins service at 7:30am in the chapel. From there, we were in a lecture hall to meet any one and everyone that had anything to do with campus community. It was great to see all the people but after awhile my brain was turning to mush with trying to keep straight who's face belonged to who's name. This was also when my eye began to hurt really badly, but I didn't figure I should miss any of orientation. Friday late afternoon, there was a short time to get a nap in and I thought the eye would feel better after being closed for a bit. It didn't though. Enjoyed a banquet with professors and new students that evening and an excellent speech by the sem's new president. He quoted from a Walther sermon circa 1542 who quoted Luther. It just amazed me that something said so long ago was relevant to what I'm beginning this year of my life. (I'd share the quote - but waiting to get it from the president!)

Saturday, I woke up and my eye hurt even worse so I showered and figured out how to get to a doctor. Turn's out I ended up with pink eye and I was so so so sad because the doctor said I shouldn't be around any one for 24 hours. I was very unhappy to have to miss deaconess orientation activities, but figured I should abide by the doctor's orders. Watched a couple movies to pass time, napped, and hung up pictures on the wall. Finally, girls returned to the dorm and I spoke with a few but didn't touch any one. (Thankfully, the eye drops helped and I looked much better by Monday!)

Sunday, I went to a seminarian's daughter's baptism and baptismal dinner at his house afterwards. It was so beautiful to witness a family celebrate this special day in their daughter's life and enjoy fellowship with other people. After that I enjoyed time with a dear friend - she teaches first grade and visited Ft. Wayne for her Labor Day weekend. We had a blast being together and catching up. It was great to have a visitor. Monday was especially nice to enjoy not having to go to class for the first time in 4 years.

And Tuesday finally came!!!! First day of classes and I loved every minute of it....well minus having to wade through logistics of introducing the courses. Sometimes, I wish the syllabus could be sent via email and we just show up the first day and already begin the learning. I'm ready to dig in!!!!

Things I've learned since becoming a seminary student:

1. Ear plugs are an ingenious man made creation, and allow me to get sleep here.
2. Living life by the sound of Kramer Chapel bell is wonderful. I know it's only been a few short days, but I really have enjoyed the depth of hearing God's Word shared 4 times a day and the opportunity to pray and worship my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.
3. Don't ignore when your body says something's wrong to you.
4. Professors everywhere are hilarious.
5. Believe it or not, I'm becoming a morning person.

There's much more I could add to this list, but I think I'll end there for now. God bless you all. Thanks so much for your encouragement and prayers as I begin my time here at the sem!

Protecting His faithful ones.

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways. It will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. None who go to her return or attain the paths of life. Thus you will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it."

[Proverbs 2]

Seeking the wisdom of the Lord is something I desire to do in all my life, in every season and stage of life I endure and transition into. I am sure some (if not all of us - at some point in your life) of you desire the same thing. My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ has been with me every step of the way; knowing that, I am blessed with a huge sense of peace and comfort understanding I am never alone wherever life may take me. I can always go to Him when I think no one is listening, when I don't know who else to talk to or if no one answers the phone or text. He's never too busy for me. He "...protects the way of his faithful ones."

I am astonished as I reflect on where the Lord blessed me to travel this summer: Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois (x3), northwest Iowa (x3), northeast Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska (x3). Many of these trips to these various states involved witnessing weddings of dear friends and family. May the Lord bless the beginnings of all the marriages that occurred this summer. As I think of the many miles I traveled on the highways and byways, I am beyond thankful for God's protection of everywhere I went.

This past weekend, marked my final wedding of the summer. I played piano for a friend's wedding and all went smoothly. After rehearsing the morning of her big day, I watched the bride and her party get ready and take pictures; I couldn't help but think of my life-long friend getting married this December. I am super excited for that because it's the next wedding I know of and will be the first one I am in as a bridesmaid! I was blessed to stay in Seward with a friend at the house I lived in last year. Then, I was doubly blessed to extend my weekend trip to last a week and babysat a very sweet little girl I watched during my senior year of college. We had some fun times playing together and it was so good to space out my time seeing people before I had to leave town.

Never would I have imagined preparing for graduate school by spending the week before I move in Seward. I couldn't think of a better place to spend my time! Now, it's time to hit the ground running as I normally do and finish details of packing/getting my ducks in a row for heading east to seminary.

I AM STOKED!

one/half.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." [Hebrews 12:1-3]

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." [1 Corinthians 9: 24-25]

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." [Phil. 4:13]

Well, I suppose this makes it official. Or more official than just thinking about it or saying that I am going to do this. My dear, spontaneous friend, Cap, and I are going to begin training for running in a half marathon later on this fall. I hope I follow through. I hope I can fit in the training runs amidst a new school, a new schedule, digging into more theology than I have ever immersed myself in before. I know it's going to take a ton of endurance, time, and possibly some pain.

But people do this all the time, I remind myself. And oh yeah, you did run 4 years of Cross Country in High School. You can do this. We can do this.

Only with the power of Christ in me am I going to be able to survive this endeavor. And knowing that a friend is training for the same thing...just a mere 11.5 hours away from me is just the start of encouragement for me.

Let the training journey begin!

100 things...

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. [Psalm 100.]

Well, after a short hiatus (week and a half?) from blog world here's the latest from my corner of the world. It's been busy times as the month of July turned into August. I was blessed so much so last week to be in Seward, NE and serve at the Seward Worship Conference. Great to be gathered around others that care to learn more about a great topic! 

It's hard to believe that the summer is nearly done and over with. How blessed I have been to experience this summer. I shared with my mother recently that I probably will never have another summer like this, but only God knows what is in store in the future.

I began this summer wanting to keep track of things I learned during my summer internship in Children's Ministry and following you can read for yourself. Maybe you know it all and nothing is new to you, all I know is I had fun keeping tracking and learning tons this summer!

100 things to keep in mind while serving the Lord in the church: 

(All learned during my 2011 summer internship in Children’s Ministry at Gloria Dei Urbandale, IA) 

1. Always know where to get a refill of coffee. 

2. Find joy in long staff meetings. 

3. Be early to things you are responsible for. 

4. Snacks are a must! 

5. Always have a listening ear ready for use whenever someone stops by. 

6. When you don’t know something or are unsure about something, ask for help. 

7. Have a resource room available for anything and everything related to ministry. Label everything! 

8. Greet kids at their level and ask them questions they’re excited to answer. 

9. Plan ahead. Yep, think about the coming year and do some Advent preparations during the summertime. It’s okay to work ahead! 

10. Look for ways to save money. ALL the time. Coupons go a long way. 

11. More than likely there is a song to engage kids to calm down, clean up, or simply praise the Lord! Incorporate music into everything! 

12. When working alone, listening to music makes time go faster. 

13. Decorate at kid’s level. They’ll appreciate it. 

14. Always take time to plan. 

15. (VBS) Always take time to decorate. Decorate, decorate, decorate. 

16. (VBS) Hold a informational meeting with teachers and helpers. Run through the schedule and logistics of how things will go. 

17. (VBS) Make sure registration is organized: 1 table for walk-ins to register on the spot, another table for those pre-registered. 

18. (VBS) Keep your teachers informed of what to expect, what they can do, ask if they have questions. 

19. (VBS) Thank your teachers and helpers for all they do to make VBS run smoothly! 

20. Remember to communicate constantly with those you serve with at your church or ministry location. 

21. Thank your volunteers/ministry partners that help support you in your ministry. 

22. Be resourceful and use up all that you purchase for an event or activity. Leftovers? Recycle into another project. 

23. Never wear shorts when leading something. It’s kind of tacky. 

24. Be prepared for lots of meetings. Find joy in them and brainstorm ways to communicate whether or not the meeting is necessary to have or not. 

25. Think outside of the box when planning an activity/Bible game for kids. They’ll get more out of it if you make it fun. 

26. Be enthusiastic! Get into it! If you aren’t, the kids won’t get into it at all either. 

27. Never allow the church kitchen to double up as a person’s office. The kitchen needs to serve as the heartbeat of the church. Warm and welcoming for people of all ages. 

28. When it doubt, make it easy. Don’t spend too much time doing one thing. Look for the easiest way to do something when you can.  

29. Have things set up before the day you need it to be ready. Less to worry about the next day. 

30. Day camps are a great outreach to the community. 

31. Be prepared for a messy desk. That means things are happening…if your desk stays clean for a long time…well, something’s wrong with that picture. 

32. When teaching kids songs repeat the words and find actions to with the words. Be enthused! 

33. When teaching kids a Bible verse, help them remember it by acting it out. 

34. Always think ahead.  

35. Thank those you work with. Have time set aside to encourage and lift each other up. 

36. Find time during the summer to do large scale planning for the coming year. 

37. Look for ways to partner with other ministry areas/ages within the church. 

38. In educational rooms for kids, make them bright and appealing for kids. Murals on the walls and scripture verses painted on the walls. 

39. Know that in your ministry you never serve alone. God is with you in everything you do. 

40. When working with kids…and engaging them in prayers, remember to do repeat prayers every so often. 

41. Always be on the lookout for volunteers to help you in your ministry. Each bit some one else can do will help you in the long run! 

42. Explore many publishers for educational/curriculum ideas. Weed through any incorrect theology and tweak it if necessary.  

43. Invest your energy and time in your ministry to the church, but do not neglect time with your family. 

44. Don’t be afraid to take work home. It helps to get things done in a different atmosphere. 

45. Try to live in the good grace of the senior pastor where you serve. Things will go more smoothly. 

46. Be aware of multiple ways to contact people: via email, texting, Facebook, etc. 

47. Publicize events well in advance of the actual date of the event. 

48. Remember to keep in mind definitions of words people use around you. If you have a different understanding of the word, you need to communicate that. 

49. Don’t take shortcuts when you know you shouldn’t. 

50. If you update or rearrange something in your office, chances are some one else in the office will want to do the same. 

51. Whiteboards are excellent to hang on the wall in your office. Great brainstorming space. 

52. It’s okay to prefer liturgical style. It’s okay to prefer contemporary style. Really, it’s okay to prefer liturgical style. :)

53. When planning an event, always have plan A and a plan B set in case of weather issues. 

54. Take note of advice older, wiser coworkers share with you. They’ve been there, done that. 

55. Look for ways to involve high schoolers to assist and serve in ministry with you. 

56. When working with others, be specific as to what you expect. Less chance for confusion to occur. 

57. Surprise those you work with every so often. It brightens their day you know! 

58. Pray for your coworkers. 

59. Brainstorm with volunteers/ministry partners how to improve a program so it can go better next time. 

60. Be aware of your surrounding community. Find ways to reach out and serve those that are not part of your church. 

61. Always look multiple places for resources you could use for a new craft! 

62. If the church doesn’t have something, have a “needs” list published to ask for donations. 

63. (music) Set aside time to practice each week.  

64. (music) Communicate to the music people if there’s anything special or different about the service than usual. 

65. Learn how to use the copy machine. And…don’t forget how to use the copy machine. 

66. If you forget something, the secretary is bond to know what is going on. 

67. Ask permission if you are unsure you can do something or not. 

68. Have FUN. 

69. Time is money…doesn’t apply in my book. Enjoy what you do and it won’t seem like work. 

70. Embrace those that stop in the office to say hello or catch up. You never know for sure what all is going on in their world. 

71. Look for ways to involve your ministry with all generations of your church. 

72. If you’re the newest on staff, be prepared for being picked on – in a loving way of course! 

73. Appreciate what others on your ministry staff are doing and let them know! 

74. When brainstorming new ministry ideas make sure every one is on the same page about implementing the new ministry. 

75. Get tons of sleep when you have longer days than normal. 

76. Don’t be afraid to say no. 

77. Always keep track of your sales receipts and get them to the right person before you lose them. 

78. Be aware of those near you who serve in similar ways. Ask them for help when needed.  

79. Collaborate with surrounding churches to do events together every once in a while. 

80. Make every moment a teaching/learning experience. You’ll get a lot more out of it. 

81. Share your ideas with others in your congregation, zone, or district. 

82. Know who your district mentors are, they are there to support you! 

83. Always look for ways to learn how to do things better and more effectively in your ministry. 

84. Continue your learning by going to conferences on special topics relating to your ministry. 

85. At wit’s end? Stop what you’re doing and pray. 

86. When you make a mistake or wrong some one, approach them in love and apologize. 

87. Keep in mind the “Bob Riggert Edition” of the Bible: Psalm 46:10 where God says, “Shut up and listen!” 

88. Don’t mess with Steve Hayden. :)

89. If all else fails, use guilt (but you can’t use it all the time!) 

90. Learning does not stop once you have a college degree. 

91. It’s okay to cry. Really it is. You are just being real! 

92. When some one’s wronged you, step away from the situation and look at the situation from their point of view. 

93. Don’t forget to plan ahead. It’ll serve you better in the long run to work ahead. 

94. If you can get away with it, don’t schedule things before 9am in the morning. 

95. Realize that the devil is hard at work in the church. But don’t fret because the Lord is always near and on your side! 

96. Continue to digest God’s Word. Day in and day out. If you don’t feed yourself, how do you expect to feed others? 

97. Love what you do, and do what you love. You’ll never “work” a day in your life. 

98. Continually, share God’s grace. He’s gives it to us to share with others. 

99. Pray often. For anything and everything. 

100. Above all, give all that you do to our Lord Jesus Christ!