Just a few simple prompts will help remind families to dig into the fun inside their PowerPaks. Just download the memes below and post to your social media platform of choice. We’ve even added some sample text to include with the meme. Simply copy, paste, and edit before publishing your post.
Encourage grown-ups to share their stories and pictures of their families in your group as much as possible! Be sure to comment back so they know you’re engaged with what they’re doing and feel your support and encouragement. And encourage them to do the same!
Hi, families—we know your calendars are quickly filling up this fall, but try to pick a Connect Card from your Team Family PowerPak to try this week. They’re easy to work in to your everyday lives. Come back here and share what you did—we want to hear allllll about it!
Hey, families—tonight at dinner time (or bedtime or literally anytime that works for you), take out your Take Courage Family Prayers booklet and choose a prayer idea to try with your family. We want to know...when is your family’s favorite time for prayers?
Spin, spin, and spin again! Go get your “Make-a-Masterpiece” from your Take Courage PowerPak (go ahead, we’ll wait here). OK, now grab your family, make your spinner, and give it a whirl!
We are a community that’s all in this together. Just like we ask our kiddos to be brave when facing new things, we face hard things that require us to be brave, too. Facing anything that we can pray for today?
Simply copy and paste these messages into emails or text messages to inspire parents and caregivers to set aside time for their families to enjoy the contents from their Team Family PowerPaks.
Include a link to your social group(s) in your messages and inspire families to share so your group can become a vibrant and supportive place for grown-ups.
Hi, [NAME]! As your kids get ready for the new school year ahead, let me know if there’s anything specific I can be praying for. I know that kids can have a lot of worries, and I want to cover those in prayer. I’m here for you, too. So if you have something you need me to lift up in prayer, let me know! And check out the Family Devotions and Prayers inside your Take Courage family pack—there are lots of ideas that’ll help your family talk to God about what’s on your minds.
Hi, [NAME]! Just checking in. How’s school going for the kids? I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have a hard time getting kids to talk and really find out what’s going on in their lives. If you’re struggling like me, I’d like to suggest the “Kitchen Connect” card from the Take Courage family pack. Oh, and don’t forget to share your heart with them, too. It helps to know they’re not alone in their feelings! Let me know if there’s anything I can do for your family.
Hi, [NAME], I have a family challenge I’m hoping your family will accept! Today, before you forget, pull out your Take Courage Family Devotions and Prayers booklet. Flip it to the prayers side and turn to the last page of prayers (Thanksgiving Day Countdown). Clip or tear it out and tape it to the fridge. Then, set a reminder to fill it out on Thanksgiving morning before the day gets hectic. Happy Thanksgiving!
You're not alone...
Hello, [NAME]!
It’s hard to believe summer is over and school is beginning. As the children’s ministry leader, I want you to know how much I care for your kids and your family! I’m here to support you.
As kids head back to school, this can drum up all kinds of emotions for both you and your kids—from fear to excitement, and maybe even sadness. I understand! So, the first thing I want you to know is it’s okay to not be okay. To not have it all together. To forget to take pictures on the first day of school. (Start a new trend and take a “we made it through the week” picture instead!) It’s okay to feel frazzled and forget where you put your car keys or to spill your entire cup of coffee on the dog as you’re heading out the door. It’s okay if you snap at your kids and then feel bad. God doesn’t expect perfection. Breathe. Say a prayer. Be real.
Second, keeping up with the Joneses isn’t reality. You’re not the Joneses. You’re the [INSERT FAMILY NAME]. Your kids aren’t the Joneses kids. Your kids are real. They have real feelings. Real meltdowns. Real talents. They’re unique. They’re God’s masterpiece! Look at them. Smile. Breathe. Pray for them.
Third, it’s okay to say “no.” “No” to adding more than you can handle to your calendar. “No” to your kids. (Boundaries are comforting to kids—even if they pout and get upset.) “No” to the PTO. “No” to coaching soccer. “No” to making dinner (there’s take-out!). Saying “no” takes courage. Close your eyes. Picture God there with you. Say YES to allowing God to give you strength.
Last, don’t feel like you have to get involved in every church activity you see me planning. I want you to come. I really do. But not if it adds to your stress or takes quality time away from your family. It’s okay. I’ll miss you. I won’t judge you. I’ll still be here for you.
Oh, and one more thing: ”Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
That is all ❤️
Whatcha cookin'?
Hi, [LAST NAME] family!
Can you believe it? Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I was looking through the Take Courage family pack and pulled out the “Shopping Connect” card and had an idea. Since we’re a few weeks out from Thanksgiving, I thought it would be fun if all the families were to share recipes with each other. So get your family together and pull out the “Shopping Connect” card from your Take Courage family pack. And then…
Talk about a recipe your family is going to bravely try this Thanksgiving (or during another mealtime soon).
Try to agree upon a family recipe that your whole family loves (could be a Thanksgiving side dish or some other family favorite).
Go to our Facebook group [LINK TO YOUR GROUP OR OTHER PLACE TO SHARE] and share your two recipes.
I can’t wait to see what everyone shares (and to add to my recipe book)!