The English District Idea Network
The idea network provides congregations and individuals the opportunity to share beneficial ministry ideas. You are doing something unique in children's ministry- share it with others! The more stories that are shared the more all of us within the English District will benefit. Are you doing something unique in outreach to your community, in worship, in confirmation, in youth ministry, a special grant you received, or unique way to increase your giving for missions? Share your idea so we can all benefit!
Idea Name | Idea |
|---|---|
| Apple Pie Mondays | “We have been able to fund many special projects over the years with apples that fall off the trees. It’s amazing what an apple can do!” A group of people go to the orchards on the weekend and leave with bushels of apples costing $1.00 apiece. At 7 a.m. Monday morning the peelers arrive and by that afternoon 200 to 300 pies have been made. Apple Pie Mondays occupy the month of October. Each year 800 to 1200 pies are made and sold for $6.00. |
| Elementary school outreach | We have a ministry to one of the elemetary schools in the neighborhood of our churh. Several times a week, volunteers go to the school at lunchtime just to be with the kids. On Tuesday afternoons we have "Afternoon Blast", an after school program held at one of the apartments complexes that house many of the children from the school. Our food basket ministry, which provides baskets at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas to those in need, is expanding the ministry to include families from that school. We are really excited as we plan and prepare for our first distribution at Easter. |
| Giving back to nurses | We have many in our congregation who are under the care of nurses for chronic medical problems. We found a way to celebrate the nurses during National Nurses Week in May. We orderd coin purses for nurses that says," Nurses - helping one life at a time" and we are going to solicit donations of $5 Starbucks Cards to put in each purse, and give to hospital, home health, and nursing home nurses. |
| The Ten Foot Rule | Some churches follow the 10-foot rule: |
| Young Family Friendly Registration | Consider using a drive up parking lot registration system as an option for classes that involve parents with young children. Show families you care by eliminating the need for parents to get young children in and out of car seats and strollers - dodge cars in the parking lot - then stand in lines - fill in forms - all while juggling the little ones and keeping an eye on toddlers. Registration could take place in the comfort of their vehicle while the children are safely buckled in their seats. |