I have read the book Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel and have gotten so much out of it that I feel moved to teach a Sunday School Class based on it.
What I love about this book is that it taps into basic human needs for all people, not just little ones and their parents. It is truly a book about relationships of all kinds, but obviously focuses on the specific relationship between parents and their children. Continue Reading »
First, allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is Sarah Nichols. I have been a member of SEPC since I was 11 years old and an attendee with my family since I was 8. I grew up in this church, moved away to college in Atlanta, graduated, came back, got married, reconnected with SEPC and had a son, Finnegan. I love St. Elmo. I LOVE SEPC. It is not just my Church family but my Family… Continue Reading »
The nursery at St. Elmo Presbyterian serves children from birth to the age of three. Currently there are about 30 children in that range among the families of our members and regular attendees. Because of the way our nursery system operates I realize that it may be hard for those who serve in the nursery only a few times a year to feel like they know what the expectations are when they volunteer. I wanted to offer a brief synopsis of what a typical Sunday service might entail and some tips for helping your time in the nursery to go smoothly. Continue Reading »
This is a topic which has no simple answer.
Let’s first ask about our motives. Are we worried that the people around us think that we are bad parents? Are we wanting our children to respect others? Although these motives are not terrible ones, how can we redirect our motives to ones that are Kingdom building? I want to encourage us to ask questions like, how can my children glorify God during church? How can what I allow and not allow help my children to know Jesus more? How can I help my children to become active members of this church body? I thought of several ideals that I hope to keep in mind as we participate in the weekly ritual of worship and wrestle with our motives. Hopefully, they will help us to keep a Godly focus when we struggle with what to do for that hour with our children. Continue Reading »