Tag: families

Family Honor Plate and Table Thyme Discussion Cards {Product Review}

Kathie Phillips

I recently had the privilege of reviewing a fun keepsake product and discipleship tool with the help of two of my favorite people: my daughter (Kennedy, age 18) and my niece (Raigan, age 10).  It was definitely a sweet moment to watch the two of them work together on this project.

PRODUCT DETAILS

The Family Honor Plate, created by Michelle Weber, starts as a DIY ceramics-painting project you get to create and bake at home.

The plate can be used in two ways:

~As a family craft:  Paint and bake your plate and use it to create your new family tradition.

Family Honor Plate

~As a parenting discipleship tool:  

Step #1 MOM AND DAD – BE THE EXAMPLE. BE THE ROLE-MODEL:

The virtues are listed in the center of the plate for mom and dad to use as their anchor, their moral compass to guide them in how they need to show up for and to their children (based on the Fruit of the Spirit as written in Galatians 5:22).  This is how our children learn what character (Christ’s character) is, what it looks like, what it feels like. Our children are watching us and learning from us.

Step #2 BE ON THE LOOKOUT:

Look for the good choices and attitude your kids/spouse are making and showing throughout the day. Track it back to the virtues and character it shows.

Step #3 CELEBRATE THEIR CHARACTER:

Turn dinnertime into a celebration when you catch someone making good choices and showing good character and present their meal on the FAMILY HONOR PLATE.  This is when you:

  • Talk about the choices they made and the virtues and character that it showed (Be specific).
  • Talk about how they made everyone involved feel and the impact they had on people and how that is POWERFUL and BEAUTIFUL.
The Family Honor Plate can be used with Table Thyme Discussion Cards.  Table Thyme Discussion CardsThese cards take conversations to a deeper level and teach everyone in the family how to articulate and share special memories, learn how to voice their opinions, and for some, how to even have an opinion. These are skills required for success in relationships and careers.  This is a fun way for children to learn these skills in a relaxed environment.
Some of the questions included are:
  • What is your favorite thing about your best friend?  Why?
  • Do you prefer to play inside or outside?  Why?
  • If your friend were upset, what would you do to help them feel better?  Why?

Every question is followed up with “Why?” to take everyone’s answers to a deeper more intimate level.

GETTING STARTED

Just about everything you need to complete the project is included in the box, with the exception of Isopropyl Alcohol (which is used to remove any oily residue from the plate before you paint it).

The kit includes: 

  • 1 ceramic honor plate
  • 8 paint pots
  • 3 paint brushes
  • 7 discussion starters
  • Painter’s palette
  • Plate stand

 

 

The instructions for painting are pretty simple:

  1. Clean the Honor Plate with the alcohol to remove oily residue.  Protect your work space with craft paper or newspaper.
  2. Paint the plate with whatever design your choose.  (There are suggestions on the product’s website). It is recommended to keep designs to cover just the plate’s rim.
  3. Place the plate in a cold oven, turn it to 350 degrees, bake for 30 minutes, turn the oven off and let the plate cool.

THOUGHTS ON THE PRODUCT

My daughter and my niece worked on the painting part together and they offered some feedback.  They felt the paint was very thick and that made it more difficult for them to use.  They thought more rounded paintbrushes would’ve worked better instead of the square tipped brushes provided.  My niece also mentioned that it would have been better if the plate rim was wider so that she could paint more.  Lastly, the paint did not come off of our hands easily; we had to wash at least twice for it to be completely removed.

All in all, I loved the concept of the plate as a craft and then as a discipleship tool for families.  I love that it comes with discussion starters to aid in this.  I think it’s definitely something for families to check out.

LEARN MORE

Here is a video that walks you through it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKmFVPbyfCg

Here is another video from the owner, Michelle Weber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwLlnS3t0LI&t=3s

Find out more about Michelle: (https://honorplate.com/pages/about-us)

This is a great item to give (or purchase) for Christmas!  There are discounts available of 10-20% off in their online store.  Check it out!

*The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.  I was not compensated in any way.

10 Easy Ways to Partner with Families in Your Ministry

Kathie Phillips

10 Easy Ways to Partner with Families in your Ministry

“Partner with parents” is a phrase used quite a bit in the kidmin, student ministry and family ministry world. There are different ways to define what ‘partnering’ with parents means, but I define it simply as being a parent’s biggest cheerleader. I want to cheer them on as they lead their families.  I want to cheer them on as they help their children know, love and follow Jesus.  I want to cheer them on as they help their family navigate the culture and world we live in.

While a daunting task and key responsibility for ministry leaders, cheerleading for families doesn’t always have to be over-thought. Yes, there should be strategies in place to help move families from here to there, but there are easy ways to make this happen. Here are 10 to help you get started:

  1. Ask their opinion. Looking for ideas that a certain age group of kids might like? Looking for the latest trends in games, apps, television shows, etc.? Want to make tweaks or changes in your ministry? Keep your finger on the pulse of what kids like and what kids are talking about by going to kid experts – their PARENTS! I occasionally email parents in my ministry to get feedback and ideas on a variety of things. Doing this shows (1) I don’t have all the answers (which I don’t) and (2) I value them and their opinion. I have found parents to be very receptive to this!
  2. Provide a playlist of songs being played in your ministry. Give parents a glimpse of good, quality music by sharing your ministry’s playlist. You can share this through music streaming services such as iTunes or Spotify. This allows children to hear the music you play in church at home and on the go!
  3. Keep your website updated. Our families are busy. They don’t want to search for information on what’s going on in your ministry and when. Do them a favor and help them out by keeping your website updated. Include dates, times, pricing, locations and contact information. They will thank you for this.
  4. Ask how you can pray for them. The families we serve are facing so many challenges today and could benefit from our prayer support. One of the greatest ways we can cheerlead for families is to go to God on their behalf.
    One of the greatest ways we can cheerlead for families is to go to God on their behalf.

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     Not only that, but…

  5. Follow up about prayer requests shared. This shows that you care for the families and is a great way to build long-term relationships with them.
  6. Celebrate special milestones. Baby dedications, baptisms, first communions, confirmations, mission trips, etc. are just a few special moments in the spiritual lives of our kids.  Join families in celebrating these important milestones!
  7. Be visible. Take the time to greet families as they arrive, mingle in the hallways and see families off as they depart. Wave hello, give a high-five, and don’t forget to smile!
  8. Send a welcome note to guest families. This year, our guest family check-in team members began to write postcards to children visiting us for the first time. These cards are written on Sunday mornings after the family has been checked in and escorted to their classrooms. We also send an email to the parents the next day, welcoming them and inviting them to complete our brief guest family survey. [If you would like to see what’s included on our survey, you can email me.]
  9. Encourage them. Parenting is tough. Some of our families are really struggling and are just looking for a glimmer of hope. They’re looking for someone to give them a pat on the back and say, “I’m proud of you” or “I’m praying with you. Hang in there.” If you see them doing something right, let them know. If you see their child doing something right, let them know. If you have a resource that might be helpful to help, share it. Provide a gift card for coffee and a pastry.  Ease their burden after a hard day and have a pizza delivered to their house.  The small acts of love and kindness will deeply impact the very parents we’re trying to reach.
  10. Invite them to serve. I almost didn’t include this on the list, but many parents want to be involved in what concerns their children.  The key: invite them to serve in AND out of the classroom setting. Maybe parents or grandparents could:
    1. make costumes
    2. provide snacks for volunteers or classrooms
    3. greet families as they arrive
    4. cut out items at home
    5. gather supplies
    6. organize storage areas
    7. design media elements
    8. solicit businesses for donations

Parents today are looking for support but most of all deep, impactful relationships with others who care about their children.  

Parents today are looking for support but most of all deep, impactful relationships with others who care about their children.

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Look over this list and choose at least one way that you can strengthen your partnership with families you serve.

If you’re looking for more ways to partner with parents:

Check out my Family Ministry Pinterest Board.

Keep the conversation going! How are you cheerleading for families in your ministry?

Scripture Verses to Encourage Your Weary Heart

Kathie Phillips 2 Comments
Photo Credit: www.versexverse.com
Photo Credit: www.versexverse.com

A few weeks ago, I shared importance of leaders staying connected to the Vine (you can read that post here).  In that post, I shared why it’s important – and necessary – to stay connected to the Vine, Jesus.

If you’re like me, you lead a busy life.  Sometimes that busy life can get exhausting and overwhelming. Sometimes we are asking God for clarity, wisdom or direction.  Sometimes we just need to sit quietly in His presence.  Sometimes all we have to cling to are the promises of scripture.  According to bibleinfo.com, there are over 3,500 promises in the Bible.  I know when things get particularly difficult for me, I go back to those scripture verses that I’ve memorized and/or verses that I’ve highlighted in my Bible.

I thought I’d share just a few of my ‘go-to’ verses when my soul needs to be encouraged.  You can download a copy of those verses here.  Feel free to print it off, hang it up or tuck it in your Bible or journal.  Stay connected to the Vine!

What are your ‘go-to’ verses when your heart needs encouraging?  Share them below and I’ll add them to our list!

 

Last-Minute Ideas for Easter

Kathie Phillips 2 Comments

Palm Sunday is this Sunday and Easter is right around the corner!

Here is a list of just a few of the many resources available to help you get ready:

Children’s Ministry Deals: Games, curriculum, countdown videos and printables.

Kidology: Games, lessons, devotionals, printables, and discussion forums filled with tons of helpful ideas.

What’s in the Bible: Videos, Holy Week devotional, articles, and printables.

Worship House Kids: Videos, song tracks, countdowns and motion & still backgrounds.

Guildcraft: Printables galore and craft kits

If you’re looking for even more Easter ideas for church, home or school, be sure to visit my Lent & Easter board on my Pinterest page.  You can access the board here: http://pinterest.com/kathierphillips/kidmin-lent-easter/

What do you have planned to make the Easter season come alive this year?  I’d love to hear all about and pictures are also welcomed!