Illustrated Ministry

Progressive Faith Resources for the Church & Home

You are here: Home / Archives for Parents

Parents

8 Simple Ways to Celebrate The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi

Leave a Comment

Icon of St. Francis of Assisi drawn with a white outline surrounded by illustrations of birds, flowers, and leaves with a dark background.

October 4th is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.

As the patron saint of Italy, ecology, animals, and archaeologists, St. Francis of Assisi is remembered as a kind and gentle man who loved animals, nature, and people. He inspired many to embrace the wonder and beauty of all things and beings created by God as he advocated for the equality of the more-than-human world and humanity.

There are many fun ways to celebrate this holy day—with perhaps the most adorable being a Blessing of the Pets worship service. So, we tried our best to narrow it down. Here is a list of eight simple ways for humans of all ages to connect with nature and celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.

1. Create a zoo featuring your favorite animals

Use simple craft materials, play dough, or blocks. As you build and create, explore the different biomes your animals live in and talk about what things they need to thrive.

Two children sitting at a table in a library reading a book. One child points at a picture in the book, both children look engaged with what they are reading.

2. Visit your local library to learn more about animals you think are weird, creepy, or gross

How does learning more about them change the way you feel towards them?

3. Learn about endangered species

Look up the list of endangered species. Are you surprised to see any animals on this list? How does reading through this list make you feel? 

4. Remember species that have gone extinct

Light a candle or hold a moment of silence for species that have gone extinct. What role did humans play in their extinction?

Three children sitting in grass. Two children cuddle a puppy with short black fur while one child cuddles a kitten with fluffy gray fur.

5. Show your pets or stuffed animals they are loved

Find special ways like extra cuddles, playtime, or treats. For pets who have died, remember them. Say their name, look at pictures, and tell stories.

6. Spend time outside

Make a list of creatures you notice, or draw the nature patterns you see.

7. Make a nature-friendly craft

Check out these window decals that help migrating birds stay safe.

A warm, vibrant mosaic of St. Francis holding a scroll in one hand and a bird in the other. He stands between a bush full of birds on one side and a sheep and wolf on the other. The moon is near his head on his right and the sun is near his head on his left.

8. Read, listen to, or sing along with some of the nature-inspired prayers, poems, and songs St. Francis wrote.

Two examples are The Canticle of Creatures or All Creatures of Our God and King (these are two of my favorite versions: Rain for Roots, Gungor).

To the Outrageously Fabulous Parents with Your Kids in Church: I Salute You

Leave a Comment

Having your kids in church with you is hard. And it matters. I promise.

kids in church 101

DOWNLOAD A FREE PDF COPY TO GIVE TO FAMILIES: This is our encouragement letter to all the parents out there, and we think families in your congregations might really enjoy reading it. Click here to download a copy to share with families at your church or parents you know.

You Are Fabulous

To all the parents out there: You are fabulous. Yes, you! I guarantee you that you’re better at raising kids than you often think you are. And all you’re investing in those little humans is already at work in them. This is true even on those days (yes, even those days), when there isn’t even a glimmer of confirmation of that fact.

I see you showing up to church with your arms full. In one hand, the snack bag, a tiny hand in the other and the diaper bag slung over one shoulder. And off you jog after your other little one who’s charging across the parking lot, while shouting back to your oldest, still dawdling, “Lock the car when you get out!”

I know you’re already tired from last night’s less-than-luxurious night of sleep. Yesterday, you were probably at a tournament for your oldest before rushing over to that afternoon swim party.

And, yet, you’re here.

And even when you’re not here…we still think you’re fabulous. We all know that church attendance is not what it was back in the day, and we’re not bemoaning that. Really. We get it. This life stuff…it’s hard. And busy. And filled with many wonderful opportunities for children and youth. And with the schedule of so many families today, sometimes what a family needs more than anything is the chance to just be together on a Sunday morning.

But when you are able to make it to worship, we know the question you might be asking as you pull into the church parking lot…

kids in church 102

“Is It Worth It?!”

You probably wonder if it’s worth it. Does it really matter that you show up at church on Sunday morning? Is it making a difference to anyone that you scramble to get everyone dressed and out the door to be here?

Parenting is hard. It’s so rich and beautiful, lovely and heart-expanding. It’s more than any of us ever imagined it would be. More joyous, more disappointing, more invigorating and more demanding.

And I’m here to tell you that in the midst of all the more-ness of parenting, I’m in awe of you. I don’t need to know you. If you’re the parent who’s reading a blog about having kids in church, I can definitively say I am in awe of you.

And when you invest in having your kids in church – it matters.

kids in church 103

Kids in Church Matters

Kids in church matters to the congregation.

Your family brings with it the gift of your children’s voices. From the sweet sound of their singing to their unassuming (sometimes loud) questions, children invite joy.

When kids are in church, we are all reminded that it’s simply about showing up as we are to worship together. Children’s unfiltered curiosity and authenticity consistently help us let go of our pretense. For this reason, children force us to let go of the notion that worship is an hour-long performance.

Life is messy and unpredictable, and a life of faith isn’t any different. Thank goodness your kids are in church, so we don’t forget that piece of wisdom.

Also, God’s family in it’s most vibrant expression is diverse. So, when we’re all together, we are at our best. We remain the most supple of heart and mind, learning Spirit’s teachings through one another.

kids in church 104

Being in church matters to your kids.

A faith community’s life together is the absolute best teaching tool a church has. Children learn most effectively through observing others. And what better way for them to understand a relationship with God than by watching their spiritual grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles walk the road?

Having your kids in church teaches them that their presence and their worship matters. When children are a part of worship, we show them that they are enough just the way they are.

Your investment in them, pushing to make it here on Sunday morning is nurturing their faith, showing them what it looks like to love God and how valuable they are, merely by being.

Thank You

And you’re doing it. Great job! And thank you. I share with you my sincere gratitude on behalf of all churches everywhere, because what you’re doing is hard and because it matters to us all.

5 Powerful Father’s Day Gifts That Keep On Giving

Leave a Comment

Father’s Day is right around the corner. And there are so many fabulous men who are worthy of celebration. So, we’ve put together a list of ways to honor them this year.

Father's Day

Perhaps Dad isn’t any longer with you or isn’t the father you’d hope for. But, Father’s Day can still be a day of joy. You can simply celebrate the men in your life who have been steadfast, supportive and nurturing. Share with them how significant they are to you.

Showing Gratitude on Father’s Day

No matter our life’s situation we all have father figures, biologically related or not, who have been wonderful to us. These are the men who have watched out for you, advocated for your best interest, given love and support, taught you about life, offered forgiveness and a listening ear.

These men have played a special role in your life and contributed to who you are. As a result, they are worthy of being shown care and gratitude. This is particularly true on Father’s Day. So, how might you do this for them?

First, sincere gratitude, of course, and then gifts. There are several lists to read that outline the best gifts for Dad. But, what if instead of giving him another thing, you do something that will carry into the world the legacy he’s already created in your life?

father's day

Father’s Day Gifts That Keep On Giving

As I perused blogs and Pinterest boards to research for this post, I came across countless gift ideas for Dad. But, to be honest, many of them were either crafts that wouldn’t last in my house (I’m sorry, a necktie wreath? Neither my husband nor I want that on our front door) or gadgets that weren’t all that personal. If this has been your experience, too, have no fear.

There’s an alternative that’s neither cheesy nor impersonal. Give, in honor of your dad’s impact upon you, to an organization that is particularly meaningful to who he is or his role in your life. Not only does this show him his specific value, it also creates a ripple effect that carries his legacy to other children and families.

There are several organizations making a profound impact on fathers and children around the world. We gathered a few here and would love to hear what organizations you support for dads and their kids, too. Share in the comments section below.

Father's Day

Carry on His Legacy This Father’s Day

Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military & veteran’s families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital. These homes are located at military and VA medical centers around the world. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. Since the beginning, the program has saved military and veteran’s families an estimated $407 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation. Watch one family’s powerful Fisher House story here.

National At-Home Dad Network strives to empower fathers and champion a culture that recognizes them as capable and competent parents. The organization’s mission is to provide advocacy, community, education, and support to at-home dads. As a result, dads are better supported and equipped in their role as a primary at-home parent. This and organizations like it are changing the face of families. And it’s opening doors for fathers and mothers to serve their kids as they feel best suits their needs. Watch a feature on CBS News here. And check out their 2018 At-Home Dad Convention here.

father's day

National Fatherhood Initiative offers powerful educational resources to be used by community organizations, rehab programs, and prisons that work with ill-equipped fathers. Many of the facilities utilizing these resources serve men who grew up without a stable, loving father figure and fell into a life of addiction and/or crime. Without a father figure in their life, a child is 5 times more likely to commit suicide. Also, they’re 9 times more likely to drop out of school and 20 times more likely to be imprisoned. The National Fatherhood Initiative resources assist fathers to be present and engaged in their children’s lives. Watch stories of its impact here.

International Rescue Committee responds to some of the world’s worst crises, delivering aid that saves lives while paving the way for long-term recovery. It serves people whose lives have been upended by war, conflict and natural disasters in countries where support to recover from a crisis is unavailable. The organization responds within 72 hours, staying to help countries stabilize and people rebuild their lives. Additionally, it resettles refugees welcomed by the United States. IRC focuses particularly on caring for mothers and children. So, this could be a beautiful way to celebrate your father figure’s care for you and your family. Find a gift to give in honor of your father here.

Door of Hope aims to equip homeless families to rebuild their lives. Empowered by God’s love, families restore their lives, strengthen their communities, and break the cycles of homelessness and domestic violence. The Door of Hope program seeks to do this for every man, woman, and child it serves. The organization provides families with employment help, financial classes, counseling, children’s programs, housing opportunities and follow-up care. Read and watch stories of families impacted by Door of Hope.

We hope that these five organizations inspire you to share the gift your father is with other children and families. Have a beautiful time giving thanks to God for the men in your life who have loved and nurtured you. And don’t forget to share in the comments below how you’re celebrating Father’s Day this year.