This year we have many challenges with new ways to celebrate special events in our churches.

Yes, it is a challenge and can be difficult, but it's also a great time to stop and think about what makes a holiday truly special, and what are some timeless ways we can celebrate it?

We can evaluate what we've always done because it's a tradition and ask ourselves what do we do that is truly meaningful and honors the Lord and His people as we celebrate?

Mother's Day might be one of the most challenging times of all because it is when we tangibly and in very public ways celebrate the moms in our churches. It can also be a painful time for women who aren't mothers as they silently smile at the service and cry later alone at home.

Past challenges to expand your thinking on Mother's Day

I've often reminded churches that the reason Mother's Day Sunday gets the biggest attendance of the year just behind Christmas and Easter is not because of the moms who are there. They are there every Sunday. It gets the big attendance it does because on that Sunday the unchurched kids and spouses who don't normally come to church will come to make mom happy. [Read more...]