Kids + Empathy = VBS
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
6/1/23
We all want our kids to be empathetic and caring. But what are some ways we can help instill that in our children? Below you’ll find a link to an article with some ideas. I would also add children’s literature to this list. There are a lot of great children’s books that can spark conversation and model being caring and empathetic towards others.
And one more way is attending VBS! It is a great week of faith, friends and fun, and in their small groups they learn how to lead, follow, and care for each other! Join us this summer June 12-16th for Vacation Bible School at Desert Cross Tempe. Use the link below to register.
Tell Us a Story!
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
5/10/23
I LOVE a good story! My dad is a great storyteller, and even to this day, my boys will say, “Tell us a story, Grandpa!” What’s great about his stories is they are true things that have happened in his life. So while being entertained with an action story or a heartfelt story, we are learning more about him. What a beautiful bonus! Below you’ll find a link to an article called “Blessing Our Family With Story.” It has some great topics and tips and hopefully will encourage you to start or continue to share your stories with your family!
Teaching & Learning Forgiveness
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
4/19/23
Below you’ll find a link to an article from Living Lutheran on Sin and Forgiveness. Our kids are never too young to start understanding forgiveness.
Teaching & Learning Forgiveness
Countdown to the Cross
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
3/7/23
Blessed Lenten Season! I always loved paper chains as a kid . . . a fun, visual countdown. Here is a link to a “Countdown to the Cross” from Family Life. You can print it out, create your chain and follow the easy activities each day as we countdown to Easter!
Encourage Their Questions
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
2/16/23
Do your kids ask lots of questions? Toddlers seem to ask WHY? a lot. As they get older, they can be simple questions or ones that challenge us even as adults. Here is a great article from Living Lutheran that provides the opportunity to look at our kids and their questions in a different light.
Epiphany Prayers
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
1/12/23
Our friends at Building Faith have compiled some prayers for Epiphany. You can use these at home around the dinner table or as part of bedtime routines. This goes with our playlist theme of “light” this month so don’t forget to check out the children, youth, and adult playlists by using the menu above.
Gathering the Generations
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
12/12/22
This month’s Playlist theme is Generations. That is something that is so special about the holidays . . . gathering with all the generations! Here are some fun ideas of family Advent traditions for your family. You can even get the littles and the grandparents to join in. Enjoy each other and this joyous season!
Prayer Practices with Children
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
11/17/22
Below you’ll find a link to an article about the Practice of Prayer with Children. It has some great ideas for kids of all ages on different ways to pray. Intergenerational prayer within a family can be powerful, so check out these ideas and see if there are any your family would like to try. I loved the idea of the matchbox prayers, a mini mailbox for God! Also included at the end of the article are some great tips.
Prayer Practices with Children
Lessons from Homework
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
10/26/22
The kids are back in school and we are into the routine of school schedules, after school sports, extracurricular activities, and then there’s . . . homework! In some houses, homework can be a struggle. We want our children to succeed, and learning from homework is an important piece. Below is a link to a practical article with some faith based reminders on how we can equip our kids without taking over.
Practicing Generosity
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
9/15/22
This month’s theme is Generosity. Generosity is the willingness to give without expecting anything in return. There are lots of ways we can be generous. Here is a link to a resource with five ways to practice generosity with our kids. And don’t forget to check out the Generosity Playlists for more ways to explore this theme. You’ll find the Playlists in the menu at the top of this page.
Walking to School with God
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
8/1/22
School is in session (or it soon will be). We pray it’s a great year for all the teachers and students! In our Family Night sessions this past year we did a Parenting For Faith course that talked about ways we can help model and connect our children to God. Click the link below for one you can use on the walk or drive to school to connect our kids to God.
Chat and Catch with God
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
7/6/22
This past year during Family Nights at Desert Cross we explored the “Parenting for Faith” Course. There was a great concept about teaching our kids to chat and catch with God. We all sometimes struggle with how to connect to God. Rachel Turner has a great article with ideas and resources on how to make this easier for children and youth. Click the link below to learn more about how to Chat and Catch with God.
Celebrating Pentecost
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
6/3/22
We’ll be celebrating Pentecost this weekend at Desert Cross, and we hope you’ll be joining us for worship. You can also celebrate Pentecost at home. Here are some extra ways you can celebrate it with your family. They are simple ideas, and they don’t take a lot of planning. I think #2 might be my favorite, but they all sound fun!
Be Kind
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
5/26/22
As parents we want our kids to be happy, but we also want them to be kind. So, are kids born with kindness? Click the link below to listen to a 4-minute story, read the article, or both . . . to delve into this a bit deeper.
Teaching the Meaning of Easter
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
4/6/22
Hopefully you’ve picked up a “Lent in a Bag” for your family to explore at home. If not, they’re still available for pick up at both our Gilbert and Tempe Sites. With Lent and Easter it’s a busy time of year. I thought this article had some practical tips for parents to help teach your kids about the spiritual meaning of Easter while still having fun!
Teaching the Meaning of Easter
Praying the News
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
3/22/22
You have a heart for prayer, but the news is so overwhelming you don’t know where to start. Click the link below for some ideas on how to start Praying the News.
Be a Better Listener
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
2/21/22
This month’s playlist theme is Listen. Here is an article with five easy ways to be a better listener for our children. Giving our undivided attention to our children is important and listening can show things like empathy. Sure, our kids and grandkids can go on and on about their favorite dinosaurs or their favorite show, but these are some ways to make sure you are tuned in when you need to be. The “Ask Good Questions” section has some great ideas that ALL listeners (and talkers) could benefit from! Click the link below to read more.
I Wonder . . .
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
1/26/22
Kids are always asking questions and wondering. I’m sure you remember the stages of your kids asking the never-ending WHY? and HOW? questions, or maybe they still do! Wondering is an important part of developing our faith. Here are five ways you can help cultivate wondering in your child.
Celebrating Advent
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
12/6/21
Advent is here! Hopefully you picked up your advent calendar from Desert Cross, and you are are finding some time to do the simple daily activities. Here are a few extra ideas for ways to celebrate Advent with kids!
Give Thanks
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
11/18/21
The holidays are approaching! Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with friends and family and reflect on all our blessings. Do you have certain traditions you do when you gather around the table for a meal? Here are 15 Thanksgiving Table Prayers and Blessings from the Building Faith Blog. Take a look, there might be one that becomes your new family tradition. Blessings to you and your families!
The Joy of Service
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
10/20/21
This month’s Playlist theme is Serve. Desert Cross has a heart for mission and service, and we it love when all generations are serving together! Thinking of others and having a service heart is something kids can learn even when they are young. Click the link below for an article that talks about teaching our children the joy of serving others.
Hospitality & Kids
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
9/23/21
This month’s theme is “Welcome.” How can we talk about and practice hospitality with our kids? Check out this resource 5 Ways to Practice Hospitality with Kids.
Then prepare a simple picnic to eat in your backyard, in a park, or on your living room floor while you talk about these questions together and make a “Family Hospitality Plan.”
- What is hospitality? (Adults, listen to your kids’ ideas, and talk about hospitality in terms of providing food, shelter, and protection.)
- How could we show hospitality to people we don’t know well, instead of just to friends and family?
- What are some good ways to welcome someone new to our home? How can we show the love of Jesus to people who visit our home?
- How can we show guests that they matter to us? (sharing, guests go first, etc.)
- Do we want to have any technology rules when guests are visiting? What should they be?
- What are some ways we can show hospitality to others outdoors or online?
Prayers for Back to School
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
8/2/21
School is back in session. Click the link below for some prayers for the new school year. You can pray them as a family or individually. All our students, parents, and educators can use our prayers, so find a moment and join us as we prayerfully welcome a new school year with hope, excitement, and blessings.
Praying with Raindrops
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
7/21/21
Some families are traveling this summer, but have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a raindrop that travels from a specific location to the ocean? Well, here’s your chance to take that adventure! Using this interactive map you can drop a raindrop from any location and ride along with it as it travels to the ocean. As you travel through the landscapes, take time to pray out loud or silently about things you are thankful for. Share a prayer of thanks for all of God’s great gifts. I am thankful for rain! I am thankful for cool places to visit! I am thankful for the beautiful ocean to swim in! Enjoy your journey as a raindrop and realize all the amazing things God has given us!
Click the link below to read about this project. Look for the River Runner link in the article to follow a raindrop on its journey.
Passing on Your Faith
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
6/24/21
Families, below you’ll find a link to an article about passing on your faith to your children. I have a feeling we’ll be exploring this more in the near future. Here is a short article to get you thinking about it!
God’s Love
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
5/17/21
This month’s playlist theme is Love. Below is a link to an article on helping children grasp the reality of God’s love. Make sure to read down to the end. There are activities for all ages, from preschool to teens, to explore God’s Love. I love the “Family Mealtime Moment”–check it out!
Prayers for Peace
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
4/13/21
This month’s playlist theme is Peace. The children, youth and adult playlist pages have lots of things for you to explore. Here is one more resource with books you can check out at the library. Plus it has some great prayers you can use at the dinner table or before bed…all about peace! Click the link below to check it all out.
Praying During the Pandemic
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
3/9/21
We are a year into this pandemic, and our kids still have questions. Their worries might be growing as time goes on. The first link is to an article with some great ideas on how to pray with our children in uncertain times. Although the article was originally posted at the beginning of the pandemic, the ideas and prayers are still very relevant. We can all benefit from “Looking for God’s Gifts” in our world. The second link is to some prayers and coloring pages posted for the one-year mark of the pandemic. Talking, coloring, and praying may be just what our souls need.
Teaching Mercy
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
2/24/21
Our playlist theme this month is Mercy. Families, here is a great resource on how to explain Mercy to our children. I love the example of how children DO have the power to choose their behavior, attitude and words. At the end of the article there is a list of ways to talk about Mercy with kids of all ages from babies to the young adults in your life. Click the link below to read more and to learn more about Mercy.
Ash Wednesday @ Home
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
2/15/21
Here is an idea of how to celebrate Ash Wednesday at home. Who doesn’t love s’mores?! Click the link below to learn how to connect toasting marshmallows to Ash Wednesday. Gather the family around a little fire with a few supplies and connect with each other as you celebrate this special day on our church calendar.
Epiphany Stars
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
1/4/21
Epiphany is January 6th. Here is a fun activity for the whole family! We are all looking forward to a new year, but like the Magi, we could all use a guiding star sometimes. Gather your family and a few supplies and celebrate Epiphany! For more details, click the link below.
Teaching Joy
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
12/16/20
This month’s Playlist theme is JOY! We are in Advent, and we are awaiting the Joy of Jesus’ birth. Our kids are excited about Christmas, but how can we teach our children the true nature of what Joy is? Here is an article with some ideas and age appropriate activities.
Gratitude and Thanksgiving
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
11/17/20
Our holiday celebrations look different this year. Some families might not travel. Some families might not gather for Thanksgiving. However, this can still be a time of looking for signs of hope and finding gratitude in the little things. This article provides some ideas on how to focus on the blessings as you celebrate Thanksgiving. Click the link below to read more.
Unconditional Love
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
10/14/20
Grace is the theme for our Playlists this month. At its simplest, Grace is God’s unconditional love. This can sometimes be hard for children to grasp. The link below is to an article titled “Helping Children Understand Unconditional Love.” This mother’s open and raw conversations shed some light on this topic. There are a few more articles on this same topic under the ‘Parent Resources’ on the Children’s Playlist page for Grace this month.
More Than Peach
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
9/22/20
This month’s theme for the education playlist is Justice. The link below is to a beautiful story about a girl who saw a need for change and inclusion in something as simple as crayons. She didn’t just talk about it, she did something about it! Her “More Than Peach” project is inspirational and shows that kids can make a difference! Now she’s partnering with Tru-Colour Bandages to spread the message of inclusion even further. This is a great reminder of how we should foster a love of ourselves and others! Click the link below to learn more.
Praying for Schools
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
9/9/20
School has begun around the country and whether your kids are attending virtually or in person, we are praying for all students, teachers, families, and staff. This article has some prayer practices and ideas for this unusual school year. Click the link below to read the article.
Let’s Talk
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
8/3/20
Let’s be real, these past few months have been difficult. Kids haven’t been able to see friends or finish out the school year. Now it looks like they won’t be able to start in-person school until later this fall. Some families have experienced loss either due to COVID-19 or other reasons. Times like these can bring up difficult questions and conversations from our kids, not just about current topics but all kinds of things. Here is an article featuring three parents sharing how they talked to kids about difficult topics. Click the link below to read the article and then share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of the page.
Sacred Play
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
7/14/20
It’s officially summer and lots of vacations have been cancelled. We find ourselves getting creative at home with indoor fort building, dusting off old board games and puzzles, time in the swimming pool, and maybe movie nights. Did you know you can integrate Bible principles and highlight faith topics in the everyday play with your kids? You do not have to open the Bible to have faith talks with your family. Click the link below for an article that highlights spiritual practices that involve what kids are already doing; wondering, playing, and imagining.
Try some of the ideas and share your experience in the comment section at the bottom of the page.
Compassion & Service
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
6/8/20
Desert Cross is a very giving community! Our kids have big hearts too! During our Virtual VBS the kids participated in small service projects each day . . . some donated non-perishable items that we are giving to the Kyrene Resource Center. They made origami flowers for folks who might need their day brightened, they made kind and hopeful messages from chalk art, and they called or sent a letter to a family member or friend they haven’t seen in awhile.
Teaching our children compassion and service does not have to be difficult or time consuming. The first link below is to a great article with concrete ideas and a free printable. Comment below if you try any of these or they spark new ideas!
If you missed our Virtual VBS, you’re in luck. The second link below includes all the details for you to participate now.
Have a Little Faith in Me
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
4/29/20
Passover at home. Easter at home. Ramadan at home. People of all faiths are celebrating their holy days differently this year. We’re sharing a video featuring images of people practicing their faith and supporting each other through the pandemic. It’ll be uplifting for adults and kids of all ages to see these beautiful images. Be sure to watch for the street of hearts! It’s from Mesa!
Click the link below to watch. You can always share your thoughts with our faith formation community by using the comment section below.
Holy Hike with the Psalms
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
4/21/20
We are spending our time at home these days, but hopefully you are getting outside to soak in some sunshine. While you are out in nature on a walk or hike, why not incorporate some faith at the same time! Take the psalms with you and see how they speak to you. Discuss what you see/find/learn as a family. There are ones for children and youth and also for adults!
Click the link below for a Holy Hike with the Psalms from Building Faith. Let us know about your experience by using the comment section below.
Holy Week at Home
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
4/3/20
It’s hard to believe it is almost Palm Sunday. I have been looking for ideas for us to celebrate Holy Week as a community–but Holy Week at Home. I came across a fun idea of making a Holy Week centerpiece (thanks to Traci Smith from Treasure Box Tuesday). Click the link below to find the supplies and directions. Each day, starting with Palm Sunday, there is an activity/response you can do on your own or with your family to retell the story of Jesus’ last week of life. The centerpiece is similar to an Advent Wreath but works in reverse. You start with all the candles lit on Palm Sunday and Monday, and then you extinguish a candle each day so it is dark on Saturday. Then all candles are re-lit on Easter!
If you participate, comment below or post a picture on your social media with a link to this faith formation website.
Practicing Faith at Home
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
3/17/20
We know that these are stressful times, and we are saddened that we are not gathering with our community for worship and education. However, God is always with us! Here is a great list of resources that will help you and your families focus on faith at home. Plus, at the bottom of the post there are a few links to articles to help parents and kids during these times. We may not be gathering in person, but we are gathering in spirit!
Let us know if you try any of the resources by using the comment section at the bottom of the page. Click the link below to check out the resources.
Coloring through Lent
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
2/27/20
Last year we did a Family Night on “Praying in Color”–it’s a different way of praying through drawing, coloring, doodling, etc. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to incorporate it into our Lenten Midweek Worship Services last year. This year, why not bring the idea into your home? Click the link below for a free resource from “Praying in Color” for Lent 2020. Download your favorite template and print it out. Then follow the directions. There are examples as well.
Let us know if you try this with your family by using the Comment section below.
Transfiguration of Our Lord
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
2/20/20
Matthew 17:1-9
1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Ben’s Bells
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
1/20/20
I read a quote by Amelia Earhart the other day. It read, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” I love that image!
Kindness can be a very simple act, but it can have profound effects on all who give and receive it. That’s why I’m excited about our event Wednesday, January 22 at 5:30 pm at our Gilbert Site. A speaker from Ben’s Bells is coming to talk to us about kindness at our Family Night. Ben’s Bells is an organization that started in Tucson and promotes performing simple acts of kindness. You’ll find a link to a video below that provides more information about their mission. Since this video was created, they’ve added a site in downtown Phoenix.
The talk Wednesday evening will be “A Conversation on Kindness,” an in-depth discussion of the challenges and opportunities we encounter in every interaction as we strive to create a kinder community. They will discuss the emerging body of research on the science of kindness and the power of kindness to transform people and communities.
This is a great intergenerational event. Pastor Andrea has mentioned several times the idea of Desert Cross being neighborly. In her newsletter article this month, she wrote, “Together we will find new ways to partner with our community to bring the peace and love of Jesus into people’s hearts and lives.”
I hope you will join us Wednesday, January 22 at 5:30 pm at the Gilbert Site. We’ll have pizza and salad before the presentation, so please RSVP to me at sfossett@desertcross.org so that we have enough for all.
Please click the link below to watch the video from Ben’s Bells.
Take Your Kids to Church
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
1/8/20
January is usually a time of resolutions and setting goals. But what if we gave ourselves some grace? Instead of adding to our to-do list, let’s look at something we are already doing and make it a bigger focus. A friend of mine sent me this beautiful article titled Take Your Kids to Church. I found myself smiling and nodding my head in agreement through the whole thing. Yes, parents, you are doing a HUGE thing by bringing your kids to church. All of us involved in Children’s Ministry are so grateful that you share your awesome kids with us! Thank you for your commitment to bringing your children to worship and education. If you have struggled with that commitment, the door is always open. We’d love to have you join us!
Click the link below to read the article. Use the comment section below to share your thoughts with us.
Advent Wreath
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
12/10/19
Do you know that the tradition of what we know now as our modern Advent Wreath began in 18th century Germany in the Lutheran church? It is a sign for Christians to use as they wait for the celebration of Christ’s birth. The evergreen wreath is a sign of God’s faithful promises to us. Each candle is a reminder of the light of Christ.
We are exploring the themes of the four candles this Advent season: Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love. During Education time the kids are putting together their own colorful paper advent wreath. They’re bringing them home on Sunday, December 15.
Below is a link to some Advent prayers you can use at home.
God Sightings
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
11/13/19
The weather is finally cool enough to go hiking again. This is an activity I really enjoy, and it can be a great family outing! There is something about being out in nature, connecting with God’s miracles that surround us. On a recent hike I found the perfect heart rock…I seem to find heart shapes in nature a lot, and I feel it’s God’s way of saying, “Love is all around us, just keep your eyes and heart open to it.”
At VBS in the summer we talk a lot about “God Sightings”–ways we see God at work in our daily lives. These God Sightings can be a heart-shaped rock, a beautiful sunset, a flower growing in the crack in a sidewalk, birds chirping, a smile from a friend and more.
Click the link below for a great article on “Seven Ways to Share the Joy of Creation with Your Kids.” Enjoy the fall weather and see what God Sightings your family can find together!
Share what you discover in our comment section below. We’d love to hear from you!
What Do I Tell my Kids?
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
10/16/19
As parents we want so much for our children. We want them to be happy, and we want to protect them. But the reality is sad things happen, and events we don’t understand will take place. So how do we talk to our kids about these things?
Sesame Street has been using their educational program to teach and empower kids for 50 years. This mission has been very intentional with research on “how to make the most vulnerable among us smarter, stronger, and kinder in the face of difficult realities.” This podcast is a conversation with Kate Bowler and Sherrie Westin, the President of Global Impact and Philanthropy at the Sesame Workshop.
You can listen to the podcast or read the transcript by clicking the link below.
Comment below on something that resonates with you.
Kids in Worship
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
9/4/19
Here at Desert Cross, children, youth, and family are important to us! We want to help our families live out their Baptismal Promises. We believe the “passing on of faith” is done in community. There are HUGE benefits to having all generations praying, learning, and growing together. EVERYONE is welcome in worship, big or small, short or tall, come one, come all!!! It is important to us to have children in worship. Just by sitting in worship the kids get to see, hear, and experience prayer, offering, communion, music, traditions, baptisms, Gospel readings, and more!
The article below has some great tips on how to help your children fully participate in worship. I especially loved her idea under the “Listening” section, where you can have your children squeeze your finger every time they hear a certain word in the sermon or throughout the service. This year we have a specific word/theme for each Sunday, and they will be listed on your Education calendars. So grab a calendar and be ready to go word hunting within worship!
Also, check the pews for a new Family Pew Card. It has some extra tips for children in worship, as well as a coloring side for the kids. They could even tally how many times they hear the word of the day on this card! Let us know if you try any of these tips or if you have any of your own to share by commenting below!
Kids in Worship
A School Blessing
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
8/19/19
Kids have been back in the classroom for a few weeks. The projects, tests, and presentations may be piling up. Students and teachers need our prayers throughout the school year. Use this school blessing as a prayer with your child, grandchild, or neighbor. Tell them you’re praying for them as they work hard in school. Tell them you love and support them through their struggles and successes.
Click the link below. Watch the video. Share it with a student or teacher. Post your experience in the comment section.
Desert Cross Faith Formation 
I love this idea of listening for a specific word! It reminds me of the times that James has heard his name during the sermon and the amount of joy that it brings him.
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