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A New Youth Ministry Resource: Coloring & Conversation

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Youth at Living Waters Christian Church coloring our Stations of the Cross Coloring Posters

Many of you have been avid fans of our coloring posters and pages over the years.

And since the beginning of Illustrated Ministry, we’ve had many ask us some version of this question:

“When are you all going to start making youth ministry resources?!”

After a few months of listening to youth workers and surveying hundreds of youth pastors and leaders, we’re thrilled to bring you some fantastic news: we’re ready to launch our first youth ministry product!

And since we know that so many youth ministries have used our coloring posters and pages in the past, we’re introducing a product that will add new life to your coloring experience: Coloring & Conversation. 

Coloring & Conversation

The title says it all—while you immerse yourself in meditative coloring, this new resource will spark engaging conversations.

Coloring & Conversation is divided into three sections: Look, Listen, and Learn. Begin your creative journey by looking at and naming images you see in the coloring illustration. Then, we encourage you to listen to some of our musical suggestions found in each lesson. We are also working on curating a Spotify playlist that we will make available as soon as it’s ready. Finally, the heart of Coloring & Conversation lies in the thought-provoking quotes and questions specific to the theme to encourage conversation and learning. 

Youth at Christ Church Cranbrook coloring our Stations of the Cross Coloring Posters

Our first Coloring & Conversation perfectly complements our new Advent Coloring Posters and Advent Coloring Pages. It includes four lessons on hope, peace, joy, and love. While they align well to be used during the Advent season, the beauty of this product is that it can be used to encourage meaningful discussion all year long. 

The possibilities are endless with Coloring & Conversation, whether it’s a vibrant youth Sunday school curriculum during Advent, an intergenerational activity after church, a stress reliever for college students during finals, or a dynamic addition to your young adult small group gatherings. 

So, how exactly does it work? Order your Advent Coloring Posters or Advent Coloring Pages, and use the Coloring & Conversation guide to walk you and your group through a time of looking, listening, and learning. For example, as the group is coloring the Hope coloring page/poster, have your leader or designated individual read through the lesson and discussion questions, pausing for reflection and connection.

We are genuinely excited about this new product and can’t wait for you to dive into the world of Coloring & Conversation. We’d love to see your pictures and hear about your experiences when you do.

Young people at First Lutheran Church coloring our Stations of the Cross Coloring Posters

Additional Advent & Lenten Resources for Youth

If you are looking for additional resources to use with your youth or college ministry during Advent or Lent, check out some of the devotionals below:

Advent:

Lent:

All Saints’ Day Youth Resource

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All Saints' Day Youth Resource

Freebie: Download our All Saints’ Day Youth Resource here

All Saints’ Day, observed on November 1st, is dedicated to celebrating the saints and the deceased faithful. In the Catholic tradition, it commemorates canonized Saints—those exceptional Christians who exemplified remarkable faith. Protestants, on the other hand, recognize all followers of Christ as “saints.” Thus, All Saints’ Day celebrates this inclusive “communion of saints,” referenced as the “cloud of witnesses” from Hebrews 12, who stand in solidarity and support with us as we seek to follow the way of Christ.

All Saints’ Day honors not just biblical figures—like Abraham, Deborah, Thomas, and Junia—but also beloved family members. And don’t forget the Dolly Partons and Nelson Mandelas of our time can all be considered and represented on All Saints’ Day.

All Saints’ Day Youth Resource

Considering celebrating with your youth group? Our All Saints’ Day Youth Resource is here to help. It offers:

  • An All Saints’ Day introduction
  • Insights into historical and modern-day saints
  • The significance of ancestors
  • Reflection on grief, loss, and All Saints’ Day
  • A guided spiritual meditation
  • A take-home page for families

This All Saints’ Day Youth Resource is adaptable for various group sizes and settings, be it Sunday morning or evening gatherings.

On All Saints’ Day, it’s also crucial to address the grief stemming from the death of loved ones. Understand that grief isn’t linear and doesn’t abide by time. Before delving into such topics, be aware of any youths who’ve recently experienced loss, and possibly inform their families in advance. As a leader, it may also be helpful for you to examine your relationship to your ancestors, your understanding of the saints, and your experiences with grief.

Whether All Saints’ Day is a novel or familiar tradition for you, we trust our All Saints’ Day Youth Resource will enrich your experience.

If you work with children, we also have more information on how you can experience All Saints’ Day with younger ages here: 3 Wondrous Ways to Celebrate All Saints’ Day with Kids.

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

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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).