January 2018 (2)

Our Mission:
Supporting lifelong faith formation in the home and congregation.


From the President's Desk
 
Dear Friends,
 
In our January Facebook party, Emily asked...
what are barriers to self-care?
 
Many of us said the same things: time, social media, cell phones, other's expectations and never- ending to-do lists. If I am totally honest, for me, the greatest barrier is myself. I am not good at self- care. I do not like to say no to others. My children are grown young women so why not work, especially since I love what I do.
 
In September, I went on leave from call for six months before starting my next call. It allowed me the opportunity to reflect on my time with my spiritual director instead of running from one appointment to another. It gave me a new start to ministry where I can set healthy boundaries. I worshipped in a loving congregation where I could sing in the choir, worship, and then leave. After 21 years of ministry, it allowed me to focus on simply being. I want to think I have developed new habits for self-care. I also know that there will be setbacks. Then I will have to begin again... and again... and again.
 
A pastor once demonstrated this during a sermon. Walking down the aisle away from the cross, he described repentance. Then he turned and walked back toward the cross. Then he turned again as he walked a bit before turning toward the cross once again. He repeated this process several times up and down the aisle. Repentance, returning to the Lord, is our theme for this Lenten season.
 
Self-care is not easy for most of us. But it is essential for us as leaders to keep returning to and growing our faith practices so we can live out our faith and our call to ministry. So I encourage you to give up something for Lent that will allow you to draw closer to the Lord.
 
May you find peace, rest and blessings.
 
 
Pastor Juli Lejman-Guy
President, CENetwork



Resources

 
February is Black History Month

 
 
Vividly expressed in Faith Ringgold's sumptuous colors and patterns,  We Came to America  is an ode to every American who came before us, and a tribute to each child who will carry its proud message of diversity into our nation's future. Great for children's sermons!


 

 

Lent
 
 
Flame Creative Children's Ministry offers 27 Lent ideas including a prayer chatterbox. Instructions are included with printable resources.


Self-Care

The podcast Pray-As-You-Go brings together music, a passage of scripture and a few questions for personal reflection in a 10-13 minute prayer session every day! Not to mention, it's all spoken in a British accent which will make you feel instantly more sophisticated! Check it out here,
.

Check out the CENetwork on Pinterest!

 
Good Reads
 
Make Room: A Child's Guide to Lent and Easter
Author: Anna Boyajian

Simple language focusing on welcoming space for God with activities like cleaning a room, making bread and inviting a neighbor for supper as acts of justice and kindness.

Purchase on Amazon!
 
How You Can Support the Christian Education Network


You can become a member or make a one-time donation via PayPal on our website; or, y ou can purchase from AmazonSmile and designate The Christian Education Network as your charity. We receive a percentage of the proceeds! Simply go to smile.amazon.com.
 
  
  
Prayer Pause
 
 
Gracious God,
 
Gather us together in our faith.  Help to remind us to put our trust in you. When we have troubling times, guide us through. When we are celebrating, watch over us. When we need to pray, remind us that you are always near to us.  Amen.
 
Amen.

 
  
Facebook Party!

Our next Facebook Party will be Tuesday, February 20 at 1:00 p.m. Central.  The topic is VBS!  Join us!
 
 
 
Like our
 
 
Check out our 
Facebook group for the latest!

 
Join the conversations!
 

 




  
  
     Christian Education    
 Network of the ELCA
  Vision Statement

Building a community which equips, encourages, and empowers those engaged in lifelong faith  formation in a changing world by:
  • Providing resources and educational opportunities
  • Facilitating communication and conversation 
  • Offering networking, idea sharing, and mutual support
  • Nurturing spiritual growth

 

 

Contact Us
  
CENetwork of the ELCA 
P.O. Box 9304
Rochester, MN 55903

 
Phone messages may be left at 
(507) 721-0057