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Tabletop decorations make really great additions for a wide variety of different church functions. Learn about tabletop decorations for church functions with help from a crafts expert with over fifteen years of experience in this free video clip.
The Bible was written for human salvation. It does not contain a definitive answer regarding the afterlife of dogs. The subject of whether dogs and other pets go to heaven has nonetheless been a matter of debate by Catholics and other Christians throughout history. Pet owners can take comfort in Bible verses and teachings from Catholic church leaders that suggest dogs and other pets do indeed share an eternal afterlife in heaven with humans and God.
A youth lock-in is an event put on by churches, youth organizations, recreation centers or schools. The event begins sometime in the early evening and continues on through the night and into the morning. It is called a lock-in because young people are not allowed to enter or leave the premises once the lock-in begins. A lock-in typically has a theme or goal, providing youth with an opportunity to socialize with their peers in an adult-supervised environment. A lock-in also keeps kids off the streets and out of trouble. If you are planning a youth lock-in, create an itinerary to…
Some churches today are quite small and have limited space for the many activities or groups that use their facilities. With a little planning, however, you can design and create a welcoming nursery for children and infants in a small room, and still provide the care and tending they will need.
Churches often have little extra room for stage extensions, but for occasional events, such an extension may be necessary. The solution is to build a portable stage that can be taken apart and stored or slid under the main stage. The main materials are inexpensive and easily found; construction will require two people and can be finished in a day or so. Your stage extension can be built to fit exactly to the existing stage or can be lower to provide a second level for chorus groups or for other purposes.
Become a church choir member by developing the voice and talking to the music director about a possible audition. Most church choirs will gladly accept a new member if she can learn to sing the music quickly by ear and have a desire to learn how to read music. Singing in a church choir provides an outlet and a sense of belonging within the choir. Church choir members are instrumental in guiding the rest of the convocation in the singing of hymns.
A corner kitchen nook made from old church pews is a cozy spot for morning coffee or a casual family dinner. The style particularly suits country kitchen or farmhouse decor, but painting the pews to match the cabinetry or countertops helps them fit into any kitchen plan. To find pews for this project, check local churches that are remodeling, as they may be willing to sell or give away old pews. If that's not an option, check online, at architectural salvage yards and at thrift stores for old pews.
Churches enable the residents of a community to come together in celebration, with many hosting fun events for their congregations. Church organizers considering hosting a chili night can enhance the atmosphere by decorating the party room with a chili theme. Looking to legend and real life provides a range of ideas for suitable decorations.
People in a church often form close bonds of fellowship, bonds that continue even as people move on to other parts of the world. A church homecoming takes many different forms. Some churches make it an annual event with a homecoming Sunday that includes a dinner, special singing and day-long events. Others celebrate it only on such occasions as a major church anniversary. In some church traditions, such as some African-American churches, it takes on the additional role of celebrating the heritage of the people and faith.
If the only temple mount that comes to mind when the topic is broached is Jerusalem, you may be surprised to learn that these sacred summits are everywhere. Some are small, humble temples atop mountain peaks that are so sacred worshippers climbing to the top risk being cursed. Others attract pilgrims as eager to see ancient architecture as they are to worship. If you plan to visit one or more temple mounts, knowing their size will help you plan ahead so you wear the correct clothing and shoes.
While time may make loss a little easier, the pain of losing a loved one never truly goes away. For many families and friends, remembering the deceased and reflecting on their lives helps the memory of their loved one live on. A church memorial garden provides parishioners with a place to remember the important people in their lives who have passed on, in an environment filled with natural beauty. The religious aspects of a church garden, such as a statue of Mary or Jesus, along with the birth and rebirth of flowers year after year, also provide a comforting space…
Some churches are able to generate revenue by renting their rooms and facilities for functions such as weddings, receptions, community meetings, and social events. A church rental policy determines how the premises can be used, the venue’s occupancy limitations, restrictions and the cost involved. A written church rental policy ensures that both church administrators and renters understand the church policies that govern the rental event.
The shepherd's crook has been a long-standing symbol of Christianity, as Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd. Therefore, it is no surprise that couples want to incorporate this tradition into their church weddings. However, attaching a crook to the side of a pew can seem a tricky task, particularly if the sides of the pew do not offer a tall platform to which you can tie the crook. In these instances, a residue-free solution is to use a pew clip.
Decorating the door of a church can add some liveliness to an often sacred place. Since there are so many different events that take place at a church, the decoration ideas that will work are many. For special occasions, think about the colors and decorations that are often associated with those occasions. Whether you are using the door for information or for simple themes, decorating it can be fun and can help the congregation get into the sprint of the season.
The role of godparent is an important one in the Catholic church. There can be up to two godparents, a male and a female, for a single child. The role of godparent becomes official upon baptism of the child in question. There are many reasons why it might be necessary to change a child's godparent, such as the chosen godparents moving away or even dying.
Church youth centers in California are subject to the same regulations as other youth centers in the state. Regardless of religious affiliation, all youth centers in California must maintain a safe and secure atmosphere for children, and follow all state food and fire safety laws. In addition to state guidelines, church youth centers in California must abide by the mission of the church as well.
Church foyers are a central part of a church. Guests and members enter the church through the foyer; it is also a place for displaying announcements and things going on at the church. Decorate the foyer for spring so it welcomes people into the church. While Easter is a big part of spring for a church, the foyer table does not have to simply reflect that holiday. Be sure, when decorating, to leave room on the table for the different pamphlets and necessary items you might normally display.
Over time, the interiors of churches have undergone significant transformations; what were once classical and traditional in nature are now often contemporary in nature. Today, it's possible to choose from a variety of styles, colors and designs for the interior area of your church to enhance your patron's overall experiences during worship.
The Catholic Church records the names and dates of sacramental events such as baptisms, confirmations, first communions, marriages and funerals. This information may be found through other sources, including census records or newspapers, but in some cases the church may be the only source of information about family members, especially more distant ancestors. Records are kept by individual parishes, so those looking to research their genealogy or conduct other research that involves these records must contact the church by writing or in person.
While some people view a funeral as a time to say goodbye to the person who has passed away, others see it as a way to remember and honor that person's life. Neither view is wrong and most funerals incorporate elements of both views. One of the ways in which you can focus on remembering the person's life is to create a picture board to display in the church during the ceremony.
Although the amount of money your church takes in might vary each week, there are likely standard expenses your church pays for on a weekly or monthly basis. You can set aside money to pay these expenses, including ministerial staff salaries, if you establish a church budget. If you use software packages like Excel or Lotus 1-2-3, you can create a church budget in less than an hour.
Capital grants for Catholic churches range from small to extensive, and examples of these grants are many and varied. They benefit not only churches, but also their communities, providing the means for constructing new facilities and refurbishing or expanding old ones. They include parish facilities connected to the churches, like schools and community halls. Capital grants are available from sources such as private, nonprofit and community foundations and trusts that provide funding worldwide.
Financing a church is a relatively common process as evidenced by a Dave Ramsey's article stating that the church in America is $33 billion in debt. Building a new church, expanding an existing facility, adding a fun park or renovating an old parsonage is an important decision to a local church body. Applying for a church loan is typically quite straight-forward, often easier than applying for a loan for a business or a private home. There are, however, several steps in this process and preparation is quite important.
Church organs weigh upwards of 350 pounds, so moving one is no easy feat. Not only are these instruments heavy, but they have many delicate parts, and must be handled with care. If you are unable to hire professional movers to move your organ, or feel it is unwarranted due to the short distance that you plan on moving it, there are some steps you can take to ensure that you move the organ safely without doing any damage to it or injuring yourself.
The Catholic church is known for its strict rules and regulations in regard to the holy sacraments, such as baptism. The church is also strict with other areas of life, which includes sex between an unmarried couple. However, if a member of the Catholic church has a child out of wedlock, he may wish to have the child baptized into the Catholic church.
When introducing a church staff member to parishioners in written form, it is important to convey personability while detailing qualifications for the position. As a leader in a church family, staff members must be accessible to the congregation and the introduction must set a tone of approachability. Write a lively introduction that will connect the new staff member with the people she will take part in leading.
Whether your church is celebrating its first year in the neighborhood or has been a pillar in the community for decades, members will want to plan something special for the church's anniversary. There are several enjoyable, spiritual activities your congregation can engage in to make this milestone memorable, and keep everyone looking forward to the next anniversary.
Decorating church doors with flowers may seem like an easy task, but the key is keeping the flowers fresh while they are in position. These flowers will be the first thing that guests see when arriving for your wedding and they should be as fresh as possible for the duration of the event. A few tips and tricks will help you make that happen.
Finding volunteers to help with children's ministries in a church can seem like a 24-hour job for youth directors. There are always volunteers needed to help fill roles to make a children's church ministry successful. Finding help, matching those people with a project and getting them to commit is easier said than done. On top of that, keeping current volunteers happy presents another challenge. Being creative, having good communication and giving people volunteer assignments that suit their schedule can help ease the burden -- and reduce the turnover rate.
Step dancing, or stepping, began in America as a way for African slaves to communicate with one another and pass on native customs that otherwise weren't allowed to be openly discussed. Stepping involves using the body to make rhythmic sounds. Dancers stomp, speak and clap -- and they may use props, such as canes or rhythm sticks, to convey their soulful message. Stepping has evolved to become a popular form of expression in colleges as well as in the entertainment industry, and its history and thoughtful involvement make it a wonderful instrument for praising God and keeping the attention of…
Designing church games for teens require particular attention to creating an inclusive atmosphere that offers fun for all attendees. Avoid planning games which exclude students due to disparities in academic or physical abilities. Indoor, outdoor or religious education games can be a fun and rewarding part of church youth groups.
Different church bodies choose their own methods for decorating their churches to fit with their individual beliefs and traditions. These traditions are often reflected in the architecture of the church, as well as the interior decorating. Whether the architecture of the church is more contemporary or traditional, the interior sets the mood for the church service itself. Some churches decorate in different ways depending on the season and holidays in the church as well.
A church talent show provides the opportunity to showcase and develop the talent of individual members of the church, and it may also be used as a teaching tool to shine light on various spiritual ideas and themes. In addition to individual performers, a talent show requires people who are willing to dedicate their time and skills to organizing and decorating the stage. Time spent thoughtfully and carefully decorating the stage enhances the experience for both the performers as well as the audience.
The Bible refers to both the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit. While most Christians agree on the relevance of the fruit of the Spirit, which mostly deals with character issues such as patience and faith, discussions of the gifts of the Spirit are often met with controversy. Both Protestant and Catholic churches practice these gifts, usually called charismatic gifts. The leadership of the Catholic Church, including the Pope, acknowledges the relevance and importance of the charismatic renewal.
Church choir directors are responsible for a significant portion of the music in their church’s worship service, and often have the fringe benefits of limited work weeks, relative freedom with their musical choices and doing a job they truly love. This job requires you to have a strong musical background and a close relationship with the church.
Starting a new church is a spiritual and benevolent undertaking, but there are some practical steps that must be taken as well. You've got to get the word out to potential members if your church is going to succeed. If you're putting together flyers to announce your new church opening, place them in community hot spots where potential members are likely to see, such as libraries, grocery stores, doctor's offices, coffee shops and gas stations. Also, try announcing your opening on social networking sites, like MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.
Whether you're celebrating your wedding day, arranging a funeral or preparing for a church anniversary party, it's a common practice to decorate the entrance to the church. Tulle -- a lightweight net fabric typically made from nylon, silk or rayon -- is the perfect medium with which to work when you want to accentuate the entryway to the sanctuary. Tulle is inexpensive, offers great flexibility and can be hung and removed easily.
Sundays aren't the only time church bells ring. During the holidays and at weddings or special ceremonies, the great bells can be heard resounding over towns, villages and cities worldwide. Children seem to have a great appreciation for bells and jingling things. They can make their own church bells, too. You can show them how by beginning with premade foundational items, or just use some common crafting items and decorations. Soon, their smiles and their own happy sounds will ring out, too.
Baptism is essentially a change of allegiance towards God and a vital part of being a Catholic. Baptisms often occur in childhood before the individual can understand the significance of the ceremony. However, the goal is for the parents who witness the ceremony to impart the values on the child. Child baptisms are quite simple and often occur during a regular mass service.
Moving to a new church building brings anticipation of a larger space for worship and ministry opportunities. Moving also includes leaving a church location that may have seen the beginning or significant growth of the ministry. Celebrating the move means acknowledging the past and bringing the best into the future with a special celebration that includes pastors, members of the congregation and dignitaries.
The decision to get married is an important decision that changes the lives of the couple. The Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox Churches teach that marriage is a calling for the bride and groom from the Holy Spirit. Once the couple are joined in marriage, they are joined for eternity. Catholic and Greek Orthodox weddings are public celebrations of the vocation of marriage. The teachings of the churches about marriage are incorporated into the wedding ceremonies of the Catholic and Greek Orthodox Churches.
Catholicism relies heavily on its many icons and symbols. Specifically, the chalice plays an important role in the traditions and beliefs of millions within the faith. While it only composes a small component of Catholic belief, understanding the chalice is important if you wish to know about the many aspects of this religion.
Houses of worship, once simple places of gathering, can now be as sophisticated as live-music venues. Relatively quiet spoken-word levels must compete with organs, choirs and, in some cases, full bands, so it is not surprising that the complexity of church sound systems has grown. Incorporating audio equipment into a chapel or church has challenges, both for aesthetics and protection of the equipment. Although there is no single surefire design that will work for every installation, a few considerations will apply in all cases.
Many churches and other organizations find themselves in substantial debt after building a new facility or other major capital expenditure. As a parishioner or community member, you may want to help the church by pledging to their debt retirement fund. Many churches even have retirement pledge cards available in their weekly offertory baskets for those who wish to contribute to this fund. You can double the amount donated by matching retirement pledge cards on a special Sunday, for a designated time period or up to a certain dollar amount.
Working as a singer may sound like a simple job. But a lot of effort goes into rehearsing and performing a song well. Besides just mastering a song, a singer may have to travel to perform in front of live audiences. However, the responsibilities of a singer vary based on the type of singing career they choose to pursue.
Many churches build a cafe where church members can go after the service to visit with each other and discuss the weekly sermon and lessons. If you're looking for decorating inspiration for your church cafe, look no further than your own church. The furniture and accessories that most churches use have a distinct look that people associate with church life. Incorporating some of these elements into your cafe decorating tasks allows you to use up some of the items that you might have sent to the second-hand store and gives the church cafe a more authentic atmosphere.
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. called 11 a.m. church services on Sunday "the most segregated hour in America." Decades later, many churches are still mainly composed of one racial group. Some existing churches and new church planters want to build a multi-diversity church that can serve people of all races, cultures and ethnicities. A new church can start as a community of believers who intentionally recruit and embrace people from diverse backgrounds, are actively seeking racial reconciliation, and deliberately plan administrative systems that promote diversity.
The Catholic Church has a strong sense of tradition concerning marriage, and matrimony is one of the church's seven sacraments. Divorce is taboo for many conservative Catholics because neither the Bible nor the church sanctions it. The church prefers annulment, which is a ruling by a priest declaring that there is no marital bond in the eyes of God, enabling the couple to separate with the blessing of the church.
Starting or planting any church requires commitment. Baptists are a Protestant denomination that believe in the complete truth of the Bible, which they consider the word of God; the unity of the Trinity; the deity of Jesus, and his sacrifice on the cross for the sin of man; and the importance of the church.
Even in the midst of tough economic times, many church groups are still looking to build new churches. While the goal of raising funds and raising spirits may seem daunting, building a church is a chance to bring together every church member -- young and old, rich or poor -- with the sole aim of building a new home for your congregation.
