The Cokesbury Kids blog is all about ministry!

Our goal is to provide ideas and examples to assist you as you minister to families and teach the gospel to the kids in your community.

Creatively Approaching Ministry - Interview with Ellen Gotelli

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Ministry in today’s world is continuously changing. It can be hard to discern what your ministry needs and how to best meet the needs of the children in your care. Today we’re interviewing Ellen Gotelli, a Youth and Children’s Director, to hear about a creative way she is approaching ministry amidst the pandemic.

 

Tell us a little about your context of ministry.

 

I am a part-time Director of Children's and Youth Ministry at an upper-middle-class, mostly white congregation on the Northside of Chicago. When I started at this church, we had no youth programming, and about 5 children we've expanded to about 25 to 30 two children, pre-Covid 19.

 

What did children’s ministry look like in your context prior to the pandemic?

 

Prior to the pandemic, because we were growing so much and trying to keep up with building our volunteer base, we were using a one room school model using Cokesbury’s Deep Blue Curriculum.  

 

What is the current state of your overall church’s ministry today?

 

After gathering input from key parents as well as my volunteers, we decided to suspend in-person children's programming for the time being. We do have in-person worship on a limited basis but other educational opportunities at our church for adults, children, and youth have gone completely virtual or have taken a new creative path.

 

What creative idea have you implemented to continue ministry in the midst of gathering restrictions?

 

After surveying my parents and my volunteers, there seem to be several problems with just a virtual version of what we were doing. Kids are on computers all day long and they're exhausted by it. Not to mention, programming for a virtual class just isn't the same as we do so many kinesthetic activities. One of my volunteers, who is an elementary educator, shared with me that weekends are a time where their family takes a break from technology and do things together because when everyone's on their own Zoom calls during the week, there's almost no connection. So, I wanted some sort of low-tech Sunday school that could be done at home while also recognizing the individual needs of each family.

 

 I was also inspired by my weekly produce subscription box, where I choose my own produce based on what I want to cook that week and it’s delivered to my home. I thought about what would it look like to have a Sunday School subscription box or bag so that we could create low tech activities for children to do either by themselves or with an adult that can offer faith-based conversations and activities in the home, encouraging caregivers and children to have faith-based conversations and to learn together. So far, these subscription boxes have been following our congregation’s sermon series.

 

I further gathered from different parent input that it's hard to come together as a family and talk about some of these things that are happening in the world. So in response, I also include a hard copy of a dinner table devotional, which is a set of questions that are made to encourage deep conversation about the values and faith basics of a household and allowed caregivers to have a springboard to talk about harder things with their kids.

 

How do families choose their options and what is included in each box/bag?

 

Caregivers receive an email with a link to a Google Form where they are presented with 6-8 options to choose from as well as to indicate the ages of the children in that household. They'll then pick up to four activities. It also includes a hard copy of the dinner table devotional, a note from either me or one of my Sunday school volunteers, and something fun I surprise them with. In my last bag, I included a tiny plastic dinosaur and encouraged in my note for the children to give their dinosaur a name and let me know what they named them, as an effort at connection as well as giving them resources to work through. We are currently sending these out every two weeks, but playing around with the idea of moving to once a month or even twice a quarter.

 

How can you work to implement communal elements in the midst of this ministry format?

 

So that's been one of the biggest challenges, is how do we still offer some sense of connection and community. One of the things that I have tried is inviting children to create art that can be communally displayed or shared. In my last bag, there was something called the backyard photo challenge which gave kids a couple of photography tips and tricks and then 10 creative prompts such as something that's changing, a good hiding place, something that's happy, and allowing kids to interpret those things to take pictures. Then their caregivers can send them to me to post on social media or put together as a video compilation that we can send out.

 

What do you love about this format or find life-giving?

 

I love this idea because it's customizable for every single child. It really has given parents the option to choose rest for their kids, if that's what they need. I am not in the business of forcing everyone to do a bunch of activities if your kid is totally burnt out from how hard this season is. I really strive to serve my students not just facilitate them, and right now if rest is what you need, I still want to meet your need. The subscription bag is a great way for families to say we only want one activity because that's all we can handle, or you know we're going to skip this bag we're going to see how we feel the next time around.

 

What changes will you make in the future to continue to use this format to meet the needs of your families?

 

I think for us it's an excellent format. As we go forward, the biggest challenge is going to be finding volunteers willing to help me with the legwork of putting them together and delivering them. I will also say that I have been really inventing the wheel to create all new content to match our sermon series. As we go forward, I'm switching over to the Celebrate Wonder curriculum seeing how we can adapt the already curated curriculum into these bags so that I'm not writing every single thing or creating every single thing that goes in there. The prototype was tough but I'm excited to see what the evolution of this idea looks like.

 

 

Ellen Gotelli is a part-time Youth and Children’s Director at a United Methodist congregation in North Chicago. Have questions or want to learn more about how to implement this idea in your ministry? You can contact Ellen at Ellen.Gotelli@Garrett.edu

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hsolkunal008
Provides valuable tools for nurturing faith during uncertainty. I am a problem solver, dedicated to resolving issues, including troubleshooting email delivery problems and improving communication efficiency. Read my latest blog post now! Why You Cannot Receive Emails and How to Fix "Not Getting Emails" Issues One of the most frustrating issues many people encounter when using email is when they suddenly cannot receive emails. Whether you're using Gmail, Outlook, or any other email provider, the problem of not getting emails can disrupt your work or personal communication. In this article, we will explore the common causes behind these issues and provide practical steps to help you fix them. Understanding the Issue: Cannot Receive Emails When you find that you cannot receive emails, the first thing to understand is that email delivery problems can be caused by a variety of issues. These can range from simple settings errors to more complex problems like server issues. Let's break down some of the most common reasons why this might happen. 1. Email Account Storage Is Full One of the most common reasons for not getting emails is that your email account has reached its storage limit. Every email provider, whether it’s Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook, has a storage limit. Once you hit that limit, you will not be able to receive any more emails until you free up some space. Solution: Check your storage limit in your email settings and delete old emails or attachments you no longer need. Consider upgrading your storage plan if you frequently run out of space. 2. Email Filters or Spam Folders Another reason you might be not getting emails is because they are being redirected to your spam or junk folder. Many email providers have aggressive filters that automatically send suspected spam or promotional emails to a separate folder, which means you might not see important emails in your inbox. Solution: Check your spam or junk folder regularly. If you find legitimate emails there, mark them as “Not Spam” so they can appear in your inbox in the future. You can also adjust your email filters to ensure that important emails get through. 3. Incorrect Email Settings If you’ve recently changed your email settings or added new devices, this can interfere with your ability to receive emails. Incorrect settings for incoming mail servers or other account configurations can prevent you from getting new messages. Solution: Verify your email account settings. For instance, check the IMAP/POP server settings, port numbers, and authentication methods. You can usually find the correct settings in your email provider’s help section. 4. Issues with Your Email Server Sometimes, the problem is not with your email account but with your email provider's server. If your email provider is experiencing technical issues or outages, you may temporarily be not getting emails. This problem is typically rare but can affect many users at once. Solution: Check your email provider's service status page for any ongoing outages. If the issue is on their end, you will have to wait until it’s resolved. You can also contact their support team for further assistance. 5. Blocklist or Blacklist Issues If your email address or domain has been blacklisted due to sending a large number of spam emails or other reasons, you might be blocked from receiving emails. This can occur due to technical errors, or if your account was hacked and used for spam. Solution: You can check if your email address or domain is blacklisted using online blacklist checking tools. If you’re blacklisted, contact your email provider’s support team to resolve the issue. 6. Email Sync Issues on Mobile Devices If you’re using a mobile device to access your email, not getting emails could be due to sync issues. This often happens when the device’s connection is weak, or if the app is not configured properly. Solution: Check your device’s internet connection and ensure that the email app is properly synced with the email provider. You may need to remove and re-add the account to refresh the settings. What to Do If You’re Still Not Getting Emails If you’ve tried all the above solutions and you’re still not getting emails, it might be time to contact your email provider’s support team. They can help you troubleshoot the issue further and may be able to offer solutions that are specific to your account or service. In conclusion, not getting emails can be a frustrating experience, but understanding the reasons behind it can help you resolve the issue quickly. Whether the problem is related to storage, email settings, filters, or server issues, there are several steps you can take to fix it. If all else fails, reaching out to support can help get your email working again in no time.
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Highlights real biblical examples of overcoming doubt. As a dedicated problem solver, I specialize in diagnosing and resolving various Canon printer error codes, including B200, B203, 5100, 5200, and 6000. Have a look at my fresh blog update! Troubleshooting Common Canon Printer Errors: B200, B203, 5100, 5200, and 6000 Canon printers are known for their reliability and quality, but like any electronic device, they can sometimes encounter errors that disrupt your printing tasks. If you’ve ever faced issues with a Canon printer, you may have encountered one of these common error codes: B200 fault, B203 Canon error, Canon error 5100, Canon printer error code 5200, or Canon 6000 error. Understanding these errors and knowing how to fix them can save you time and frustration. B200 Fault in Canon Printer One of the most frustrating errors you may encounter on your Canon printer is the B200 fault. This error typically appears when there’s a problem with the printer’s print head or ink cartridges. The B200 fault usually indicates that the printer has experienced a serious internal error, often related to print head malfunction or issues with the ink system. To resolve this issue, first, turn off the printer, unplug it, and wait for a few minutes. Then, open the printer's cover and check the print head for any visible issues. Cleaning the print head might help, but if the problem persists, you may need to replace the print head or consult a professional technician for further diagnosis. B203 Canon Error The B203 Canon error is another common issue that Canon printer owners may face. This error code generally appears when there’s a problem with the communication between the printer and the ink cartridges or the print head. It can also happen if there is a blockage or misalignment of the cartridges. To troubleshoot the B203 Canon error, start by turning off the printer and unplugging it from the power source. Remove the ink cartridges, clean the contacts gently with a soft cloth, and reinstall them properly. If the error persists, consider resetting the printer or reinstalling the printer driver on your computer. Canon Error 5100 If you see Canon error 5100 on your printer, it generally means there’s a problem with the printer’s mechanical parts, particularly the carriage or print head. The Canon error 5100 often occurs when the print head gets stuck, or there’s a paper jam obstructing the print mechanism. To fix Canon error 5100, first, ensure there are no paper jams in the printer. If the carriage is stuck, gently move it by hand to free it up. Also, check for any foreign objects inside the printer that may be obstructing its movement. Once cleared, restart the printer to see if the issue is resolved. If not, you may need to contact Canon support for assistance. Canon Printer Error Code 5200 The Canon printer error code 5200 typically refers to a print head error, indicating that the print head is either not properly installed or is malfunctioning. It may also appear if the print head contacts are dirty or if the ink cartridges are not aligned properly. To resolve Canon printer error code 5200, first, turn off the printer and remove the ink cartridges. Clean both the ink cartridge contacts and the print head contacts using a lint-free cloth. After that, reinstall the cartridges and check if the error is resolved. If the problem continues, you may need to replace the print head or seek professional repair services. Canon 6000 Error The Canon 6000 error is often associated with the Canon PIXMA series printers. This error usually appears due to a paper jam, a misaligned print head, or an internal malfunction that prevents the printer from performing its functions. The Canon 6000 error is particularly annoying because it can indicate a serious hardware issue. To troubleshoot the Canon 6000 error, start by opening the printer’s cover and checking for any paper jams. Carefully remove any jammed paper and check for any debris or obstructions inside the printer. If the error persists, perform a printer reset by turning it off, unplugging it, and waiting for a few minutes before restarting it. If these steps don’t resolve the error, it might require a more advanced fix or professional service. Conclusion Error codes like B200 fault, B203 Canon error, Canon error 5100, Canon printer error code 5200, and Canon 6000 error can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, most of these issues can be resolved at home. Whether it’s a simple fix like cleaning the print head or more complex issues requiring a hardware replacement, knowing how to diagnose and address these errors is essential for maintaining the performance of your Canon printer. If you’ve tried all these solutions and the error persists, it’s always a good idea to contact Canon’s customer support or visit an authorized service center.
hsolankit008
Empowers adults to support children in their spiritual journeys. I am a dedicated problem solver, specializing in resolving common printer issues like HP DeskJet models not printing or going offline. My latest blog is out—go read it! Troubleshooting Common Issues with HP DeskJet Printers If you own an HP DeskJet printer, you might have encountered some frustrating issues, such as when your HP DeskJet 2700 is not printing, or your HP DeskJet 3755 or HP DeskJet 4100 printer is refusing to cooperate. These problems can arise for a number of reasons, ranging from connectivity issues to outdated drivers. In this article, we’ll dive into some common printer problems and how you can troubleshoot them to get your printer back to working order. HP DeskJet 2700 Not Printing: What to Do When your HP DeskJet 2700 Not Printing, the issue could stem from several sources. One of the most common problems is connectivity. 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Cultivates open, nonjudgmental conversations about faith and doubt. As a skilled problem solver, I specialize in diagnosing and resolving HP Envy printer issues, including printing failures. Go ahead and dive into my newest blog! Troubleshooting HP Envy Printers Not Printing: Common Issues and Solutions If you're facing issues with your HP Envy printer not printing, you're not alone. Many users experience problems with different models of HP Envy printers, including the HP Envy 6000 not printing anything on paper, HP Envy 4500 printer not printing, HP Envy 4520 printer not printing, HP Envy 5530 printer not printing, and HP Envy 7640 will not print. These issues can stem from various causes, ranging from software glitches to hardware malfunctions. In this article, we’ll explore common reasons for these problems and offer solutions to get your HP Envy printer working again. 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General Solutions for HP Envy Printers Not Printing In addition to troubleshooting specific models, here are some general solutions that apply to all HP Envy printers not printing: Check Printer Settings: Ensure the printer is selected as the default printer on your computer. Update Printer Drivers: Go to the HP website and download the latest drivers for your specific model. Clear Print Queue: Open the print queue on your computer and cancel any pending print jobs that may be causing issues. Check Ink Levels: Low or empty ink cartridges can prevent the printer from printing. Restart Devices: Sometimes, simply restarting both the printer and the computer can resolve the issue. Run Printer Troubleshooter: HP offers troubleshooting tools on their website that can help detect and fix common printing issues. Conclusion Whether it’s the HP Envy 6000 not printing anything on paper, HP Envy 4500 printer not printing, HP Envy 4520 printer not printing, HP Envy 5530 printer not printing, or HP Envy 7640 will not print, there are many potential causes for these issues. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can resolve most problems and get your printer back to work. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to contact HP customer support for more advanced assistance.