November 9, 2020
by The Rev. Jessica Jones, Canon for Next Generation Discipleship
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Category:
COVID 19 Updates and Resources
10 Considerations for Building Online Church Communities
When the pandemic closed Sunday services, churches quickly (and adeptly!) moved online. Everyone I know has been immensely grateful for the work that pastors and church leadership teams have completed, enabling the people to be part of their worshiping community while safe at home.
But how has this pandemic changed...
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August 28, 2020
by The Rev. Jessica Jones, Canon for Next Generation Discipleship
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Category:
Next Generation Discipleship
Camp Araminta continues to be integral to our diocesan discipleship of the next generation, even during a pandemic! This summer, approximately 30 leaders (mainly young adult counselors), coordinated and launched Camp Araminta Nights. Camp was held during the scheduled week, but virtually in the evenings. These counselors planned elaborate skits, worship, activities, and ga...
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June 5, 2020
by The Rev. Jessica Jones, Canon for Next Generation Discipleship
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Category:
Next Generation Discipleship
Phased re-entry has begun by now and many churches are already rolling out phase 1 and perhaps even phase 2. According to most guidelines, children's Sunday school is feasible for phase 3 and beyond. If you have read the most recent CDC guidelines for schools, however, you will quickly realize the implications for children's Sunday school programs are significant. Re-entry...
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June 5, 2020
by The Rev. Jessica Jones, Canon for Next Generation Discipleship
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Category:
COVID 19 Updates and Resources
Those of you considering hybrid ministry following re-entry, consider how your plans might help to build an online community, rather than just offer online programming. For more about this distinction, read here.
10 IDEAS FOR HYBRID MINISTRY
Here are 10 specific programming ideas for hybrid ministry, aimed at building an online community:
Regarding live-streamed event...
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June 5, 2020
by The Rev. Jessica Jones, Canon for Next Generation Discipleship
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Category:
Next Generation Discipleship
We've already outlined the need for each ministry to have its own online ministry coordinator in and the importance tobuilding online communities, andnot just entertaining kids. Specific to family ministry, it is the church's role to come alongside parents as they are uniquely called to disciple their children.
15 IDEAS FOR HYBRID FAMILY MINISTRY
Here are 15 ways to move...
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June 5, 2020
by The Rev. Jessica Jones, Canon for Next Generation Discipleship
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Category:
COVID 19 Updates and Resources, COVID 19 Updates and Resources
One of the concerns many churches faced mid-March when the global pandemic shut our doors, was how to keep connected to those who do not utilize technology on a regular basis. This concern continued as families sought to be discipled without their children being exposed to unprotected technology, as well. As a result, here are a few ideas to help keep your households conne...
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April 9, 2020
by The Rev. Jessica Jones, Canon for Next Generation Discipleship
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Category:
COVID 19 Updates and Resources
Very few people adapt to change easily. For most of us, change is uncomfortable and "doing things the way we've always done them" is easier. This pandemic has caused all of us to change and it hasn't been easy. But with change, comes the opportunity for innovation and improvement. Sometimes change brings surprising blessings, as well. We wanted to encourage you by sharing ...
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April 9, 2020
by The Rev. Jessica Jones, Canon for Next Generation Discipleship
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Category:
COVID 19 Updates and Resources
by Rev. Dr. Jessica H. Jones
This season in ministry has forced churches everywhere to move to an online environment, exploring video conferencing, live streaming, pre-recording and video editing segments for their website, and trying to navigate pastoral care for those not connected, as well as those already saturated with online content. Someone joked last week on our c...
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March 23, 2020
by The Rev. Jessica Jones, Canon for Next Generation Discipleship
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Category:
Next Generation Discipleship
by Rev. Dr. Jessica Jones
As God's people, are we struggling with what to say during this time? Times like this have a way of disabling my speech, even sometimes to God. But expressing our emotions to God, all of our emotions, is exactly what he asks of us. The Psalms provide an outline for expressing our emotions to God, even during difficult seasons such as this.
The...
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March 18, 2020
by The Rev. Jessica Jones, Canon for Next Generation Discipleship
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Category:
Next Generation Discipleship
by Rev. Dr. Jessica Jones,Canon for Next Generation Discipleship, Gulf Atlantic Diocese Director of Family Ministry, ACNA Next Generation Leadership Initiative
byRev. Aaron Buttery,Associate for NextGen Leadership, C4SO Diocese
Due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, we are in the beginning of a new season of ministry with young people. This season of challenges p...
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March 16, 2020
by The Rev. Jessica Jones, Canon for Next Generation Discipleship
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Category:
Next Generation Discipleship
| Tags: next gen, covid, corona virus, clergy
by Rev. Jessica JonesCanon for Next Generation Discipleship
Many of you may be facing the issue of how to best support your students and small groups during social distancing. This is a difficult time for many and when students face the unknown, or their routine is disrupted, it can cause anxiety and have ongoing ramifications.
We have the opportunity during this time to...
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March 16, 2020
by The Rev. Jessica Jones, Canon for Next Generation Discipleship
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Category:
COVID 19 Updates and Resources
| Tags: covid, clergy blog
Due to social distancing, our diocese went online almost overnight. Some churches will offer services virtually, but most will not have them temporarily. Below are some ideas for you as you seek to lead alternative options for worship during this difficult season.
Please note: The Gulf Atlantic Diocese does not specifically endorse the individual websites or authors of th...
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