Mother's Day at Church: Unique Ideas

For a lot of people, Mother's Day is a For a lot of people, Mother's Day is a beautiful day. For others, it can be one beautiful day. For others, it can be one beautiful day. For others, it can be one of the most painful Sundays of the year. of the most painful Sundays of the year. of the most painful Sundays of the year. The best Mother's Day services are aware The best Mother's Day services are aware The best Mother's Day services are aware of both of these realities. They of both of these realities. They of both of these realities. They celebrate loudly. They grieve gently. celebrate loudly. They grieve gently. celebrate loudly. They grieve gently. So, let's make that specific. Today, So, let's make that specific. Today, So, let's make that specific. Today, we're going to give you ideas to we're going to give you ideas to we're going to give you ideas to celebrate motherhood and make space for celebrate motherhood and make space for celebrate motherhood and make space for the pain. Because the best Mother's Day the pain. Because the best Mother's Day the pain. Because the best Mother's Day services make space for both. Let's dive services make space for both. Let's dive services make space for both. Let's dive in. in. in. Well, hey there and welcome to the Well, hey there and welcome to the Well, hey there and welcome to the ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm Brady Sheerer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Sheerer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Sheerer, your host. I'm joined as always by my co-host. We call him the always by my co-host. We call him the always by my co-host. We call him the pastor of the puck. It's Alexander pastor of the puck. It's Alexander pastor of the puck. It's Alexander Mills. Mills. Mills. >> Hello. Hello. >> Hello. Hello. >> Hello. Hello. >> Well, we made it. If you're watching >> Well, we made it. If you're watching >> Well, we made it. If you're watching this on and or close to the publishing this on and or close to the publishing this on and or close to the publishing date, Easter is in the rear view. Let's date, Easter is in the rear view. Let's date, Easter is in the rear view. Let's relax. No, relax. No, relax. No, >> there's always something. >> there's always something. >> there's always something. >> Mother's Day is about a month away. And >> Mother's Day is about a month away. And >> Mother's Day is about a month away. And so, you know, we don't want to put any so, you know, we don't want to put any so, you know, we don't want to put any anxiety on you. And that's why this anxiety on you. And that's why this anxiety on you. And that's why this podcast is here to help you to equip you podcast is here to help you to equip you podcast is here to help you to equip you and empower you with ideas that you can and empower you with ideas that you can and empower you with ideas that you can use. Some you can discard. use. Some you can discard. use. Some you can discard. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> these aren't all going to be applicable >> these aren't all going to be applicable >> these aren't all going to be applicable to you. But let's get into the very to you. But let's get into the very to you. But let's get into the very first idea, which is the honest first idea, which is the honest first idea, which is the honest acknowledgement from stage. And we acknowledgement from stage. And we acknowledgement from stage. And we wanted to kick off this podcast by wanted to kick off this podcast by wanted to kick off this podcast by talking about like the different groups talking about like the different groups talking about like the different groups of people that make up a congregation, of people that make up a congregation, of people that make up a congregation, those that are visiting. I've heard it those that are visiting. I've heard it those that are visiting. I've heard it said that the second most visited Sunday said that the second most visited Sunday said that the second most visited Sunday per week per year, pardon me, is per week per year, pardon me, is per week per year, pardon me, is Mother's Day. I've heard it said.

Mother's Day. I've heard it said. Mother's Day. I've heard it said. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> I I have no citation. I have no >> I I have no citation. I have no >> I I have no citation. I have no confidence in that, but I've heard it confidence in that, but I've heard it confidence in that, but I've heard it said. Mhm. So, who is in the room on said. Mhm. So, who is in the room on said. Mhm. So, who is in the room on Mother's Day? We've got five groups Mother's Day? We've got five groups Mother's Day? We've got five groups here. Group number one is celebrating here. Group number one is celebrating here. Group number one is celebrating moms. Okay. They're thriving. They're moms. Okay. They're thriving. They're moms. Okay. They're thriving. They're grateful. Okay. I mean, I know a lot of grateful. Okay. I mean, I know a lot of grateful. Okay. I mean, I know a lot of moms. Are they thriving? If their kids moms. Are they thriving? If their kids moms. Are they thriving? If their kids are young, they might be very grateful are young, they might be very grateful are young, they might be very grateful and they're surviving. And that's just and they're surviving. And that's just and they're surviving. And that's just how the period looks like. Okay. I don't how the period looks like. Okay. I don't how the period looks like. Okay. I don't want to say necessarily you must be want to say necessarily you must be want to say necessarily you must be thriving to be a celebrating mom, but thriving to be a celebrating mom, but thriving to be a celebrating mom, but you are almost certainly grateful you are almost certainly grateful you are almost certainly grateful >> and you want to be honored. You ex This >> and you want to be honored. You ex This >> and you want to be honored. You ex This is my day. This is great. is my day. This is great. is my day. This is great. >> And frankly, those are the people top of >> And frankly, those are the people top of >> And frankly, those are the people top of mind when you look at, you know, when mind when you look at, you know, when mind when you look at, you know, when you think about celebrating Mother's you think about celebrating Mother's you think about celebrating Mother's Day. Those are that's the first group Day. Those are that's the first group Day. Those are that's the first group that probably comes to mind. Second that probably comes to mind. Second that probably comes to mind. Second group, the grieving. Maybe they've lost group, the grieving. Maybe they've lost group, the grieving. Maybe they've lost their mother like me. They've lost a their mother like me. They've lost a their mother like me. They've lost a child. They've had a miscarriage. child. They've had a miscarriage. child. They've had a miscarriage. >> Third group, the longing. These are >> Third group, the longing. These are >> Third group, the longing. These are people who might be dealing with people who might be dealing with people who might be dealing with infertility, single women, people that infertility, single women, people that infertility, single women, people that want to be mom but have not yet reached want to be mom but have not yet reached want to be mom but have not yet reached that part of their life. May never. that part of their life. May never. that part of their life. May never. Number four, the complicated group. This Number four, the complicated group. This Number four, the complicated group. This is where maybe you had a bad mom, you is where maybe you had a bad mom, you is where maybe you had a bad mom, you know, aranged mom, painful know, aranged mom, painful know, aranged mom, painful relationships, even abuse growing up. relationships, even abuse growing up. relationships, even abuse growing up. And then finally, there's the And then finally, there's the And then finally, there's the overlooked, the foster parents, the overlooked, the foster parents, the overlooked, the foster parents, the spiritual mothers. five different spiritual mothers. five different spiritual mothers. five different groups. And so I think one of the best groups. And so I think one of the best groups. And so I think one of the best ways that you can um serve and honor all ways that you can um serve and honor all ways that you can um serve and honor all of these different groups is with a very of these different groups is with a very of these different groups is with a very brief acknowledgement from stage. It's brief acknowledgement from stage. It's brief acknowledgement from stage. It's only going to take you roughly 1 minute.

only going to take you roughly 1 minute. only going to take you roughly 1 minute. And here's an example of what could be And here's an example of what could be And here's an example of what could be said. It's Mother's Day, and for many of said. It's Mother's Day, and for many of said. It's Mother's Day, and for many of you, this is a day of deep gratitude. you, this is a day of deep gratitude. you, this is a day of deep gratitude. Your mom is here. Your kids made you a Your mom is here. Your kids made you a Your mom is here. Your kids made you a card. You feel celebrated, and that's card. You feel celebrated, and that's card. You feel celebrated, and that's beautiful. We want to honor that today. beautiful. We want to honor that today. beautiful. We want to honor that today. But I also know that for some of you, But I also know that for some of you, But I also know that for some of you, today is hard. Maybe your mom isn't here today is hard. Maybe your mom isn't here today is hard. Maybe your mom isn't here with us. Maybe you've been trying to with us. Maybe you've been trying to with us. Maybe you've been trying to become a mom and it hasn't happened yet. become a mom and it hasn't happened yet. become a mom and it hasn't happened yet. Maybe the word mother brings up pain, Maybe the word mother brings up pain, Maybe the word mother brings up pain, not warmth, something like that. And not warmth, something like that. And not warmth, something like that. And then, you know, you close it out in a then, you know, you close it out in a then, you know, you close it out in a way that's appropriate to your church. way that's appropriate to your church. way that's appropriate to your church. It takes one minute. And it does a few It takes one minute. And it does a few It takes one minute. And it does a few very important things. Firstly, very important things. Firstly, very important things. Firstly, >> it makes the invisible people feel seen >> it makes the invisible people feel seen >> it makes the invisible people feel seen and it allows them to participate. and it allows them to participate. and it allows them to participate. >> Now, I want to be very clear that >> Now, I want to be very clear that >> Now, I want to be very clear that there's a delicate line between like, there's a delicate line between like, there's a delicate line between like, oh, we also want to acknowledge like oh, we also want to acknowledge like oh, we also want to acknowledge like dads cuz like, you know, they're like dads cuz like, you know, they're like dads cuz like, you know, they're like like I'm not trying to do that thing like I'm not trying to do that thing like I'm not trying to do that thing where we're just being like inclusive where we're just being like inclusive where we're just being like inclusive for the sake of inclusivity. I think for the sake of inclusivity. I think for the sake of inclusivity. I think there are very important like missional there are very important like missional there are very important like missional reasons for this. I don't want anyone to reasons for this. I don't want anyone to reasons for this. I don't want anyone to feel the feeling of all right, it's feel the feeling of all right, it's feel the feeling of all right, it's Mother's Day Sunday today. Oh boy. And Mother's Day Sunday today. Oh boy. And Mother's Day Sunday today. Oh boy. And like have that kind of feeling of like have that kind of feeling of like have that kind of feeling of knowing they're going to go to church knowing they're going to go to church knowing they're going to go to church and be reminded of something that like and be reminded of something that like and be reminded of something that like is not in their life. And so with a is not in their life. And so with a is not in their life. And so with a brief acknowledgement at the beginning, brief acknowledgement at the beginning, brief acknowledgement at the beginning, you basically tell them like, hey, we you basically tell them like, hey, we you basically tell them like, hey, we understand how where you're coming from.

understand how where you're coming from. understand how where you're coming from. We understand your feeling. And now like We understand your feeling. And now like We understand your feeling. And now like you're welcome to participate because you're welcome to participate because you're welcome to participate because you have been acknowledged. you have been acknowledged. you have been acknowledged. >> That's right. The second thing it does >> That's right. The second thing it does >> That's right. The second thing it does is it builds trust. Why? because it is it builds trust. Why? because it is it builds trust. Why? because it shows that you're aware of these things shows that you're aware of these things shows that you're aware of these things that are happening. There's no like that are happening. There's no like that are happening. There's no like tonedeaf element to what's happening. tonedeaf element to what's happening. tonedeaf element to what's happening. And then the third thing is it sets up And then the third thing is it sets up And then the third thing is it sets up everything else. Okay. So now if you're everything else. Okay. So now if you're everything else. Okay. So now if you're a jerk and you're listening to this and a jerk and you're listening to this and a jerk and you're listening to this and you're like, I only want to celebrate you're like, I only want to celebrate you're like, I only want to celebrate thriving moms. Okay, great. That's your thriving moms. Okay, great. That's your thriving moms. Okay, great. That's your call. I would say this is useful even call. I would say this is useful even call. I would say this is useful even for you because it basically like gets for you because it basically like gets for you because it basically like gets this part out of the way in a sense. It this part out of the way in a sense. It this part out of the way in a sense. It says, "Hey, we've acknowledged it and says, "Hey, we've acknowledged it and says, "Hey, we've acknowledged it and now you're free to like celebrate hard now you're free to like celebrate hard now you're free to like celebrate hard and you don't have to feel like you've and you don't have to feel like you've and you don't have to feel like you've purposely done something wrong in that purposely done something wrong in that purposely done something wrong in that sense." sense." sense." >> Yeah. This is this is a pastoral sense, >> Yeah. This is this is a pastoral sense, >> Yeah. This is this is a pastoral sense, right? To acknowledge that there are right? To acknowledge that there are right? To acknowledge that there are more than one group or type of woman or more than one group or type of woman or more than one group or type of woman or mother um in the room that Mother's Day mother um in the room that Mother's Day mother um in the room that Mother's Day touches everyone in the room in a touches everyone in the room in a touches everyone in the room in a different way. Of course, it's the different way. Of course, it's the different way. Of course, it's the thriving or maybe surviving moms who are thriving or maybe surviving moms who are thriving or maybe surviving moms who are top of mind, but but beneath that, if top of mind, but but beneath that, if top of mind, but but beneath that, if you think about Mother's Day critically you think about Mother's Day critically you think about Mother's Day critically for a moment, all of a sudden, it it for a moment, all of a sudden, it it for a moment, all of a sudden, it it will become immediately apparent to you will become immediately apparent to you will become immediately apparent to you that that this day is is complicated.

that that this day is is complicated. that that this day is is complicated. And I know the feeling of when you do And I know the feeling of when you do And I know the feeling of when you do that critical thinking and and you that critical thinking and and you that critical thinking and and you realize, oh, how complicated it is, then realize, oh, how complicated it is, then realize, oh, how complicated it is, then there's a temptation for the pendulum to there's a temptation for the pendulum to there's a temptation for the pendulum to swing the other way and be like, well, swing the other way and be like, well, swing the other way and be like, well, maybe we shouldn't say anything at all. maybe we shouldn't say anything at all. maybe we shouldn't say anything at all. Maybe this should just be a regular Maybe this should just be a regular Maybe this should just be a regular Sunday. We don't acknowledge that it's Sunday. We don't acknowledge that it's Sunday. We don't acknowledge that it's Mother's Day. You know, it's like that Mother's Day. You know, it's like that Mother's Day. You know, it's like that anxiety. Um, but to to face it head on anxiety. Um, but to to face it head on anxiety. Um, but to to face it head on and and come at it from a pastoral and and come at it from a pastoral and and come at it from a pastoral approach. You know, as we're talking approach. You know, as we're talking approach. You know, as we're talking about these five groups, I'm seeing in about these five groups, I'm seeing in about these five groups, I'm seeing in my mind's eye women in my congregation my mind's eye women in my congregation my mind's eye women in my congregation who I know fit into each one of those who I know fit into each one of those who I know fit into each one of those groups. And there's one woman that's groups. And there's one woman that's groups. And there's one woman that's coming to mind in particular um whose coming to mind in particular um whose coming to mind in particular um whose whose mother died at at um you know, at whose mother died at at um you know, at whose mother died at at um you know, at the end of her life. She lived a long the end of her life. She lived a long the end of her life. She lived a long time. It wasn't it wasn't a short life time. It wasn't it wasn't a short life time. It wasn't it wasn't a short life or a sudden death, but Mother's Day I I or a sudden death, but Mother's Day I I or a sudden death, but Mother's Day I I can see her kind of grieving face. can see her kind of grieving face. can see her kind of grieving face. Mother's Day is always hard for her. And Mother's Day is always hard for her. And Mother's Day is always hard for her. And so for for the pastor or whoever is so for for the pastor or whoever is so for for the pastor or whoever is acknowledging it from stage to say, "I acknowledging it from stage to say, "I acknowledging it from stage to say, "I see you." That's pastoral care even see you." That's pastoral care even see you." That's pastoral care even there in that brief 60-cond there in that brief 60-cond there in that brief 60-cond announcement. And like you said, paves announcement. And like you said, paves announcement. And like you said, paves the way for any woman in the room to the way for any woman in the room to the way for any woman in the room to participate in whatever you choose to do participate in whatever you choose to do participate in whatever you choose to do to celebrate or acknowledge these women to celebrate or acknowledge these women to celebrate or acknowledge these women beyond that that um you know kind of beyond that that um you know kind of beyond that that um you know kind of opening acknowledgement. I think there's opening acknowledgement. I think there's opening acknowledgement. I think there's a certain group of people that hear a certain group of people that hear a certain group of people that hear things like this as well and go to like things like this as well and go to like things like this as well and go to like ah you know what like people are just ah you know what like people are just ah you know what like people are just being up in arms for no reason like being up in arms for no reason like being up in arms for no reason like we're trying to celebrate this one thing we're trying to celebrate this one thing we're trying to celebrate this one thing you're trying to make it about you and you're trying to make it about you and you're trying to make it about you and if this is at all helpful as someone who if this is at all helpful as someone who if this is at all helpful as someone who has lost their mom has lost their mom has lost their mom >> like I don't think of that very often in >> like I don't think of that very often in >> like I don't think of that very often in terms of like oh wow at this point terms of like oh wow at this point terms of like oh wow at this point anyway like this weighs on me but I anyway like this weighs on me but I anyway like this weighs on me but I could foresee like a thing where oh could foresee like a thing where oh could foresee like a thing where oh you're in a service and like you're you're in a service and like you're you're in a service and like you're reminded oh right mom's not here

reminded oh right mom's not here reminded oh right mom's not here >> oh and it's not like you're like coming >> oh and it's not like you're like coming >> oh and it's not like you're like coming at it from a victim mentality. It just at it from a victim mentality. It just at it from a victim mentality. It just kind of gets sprung on you in the kind of gets sprung on you in the kind of gets sprung on you in the moment. You're like, "Oh, wow. That that moment. You're like, "Oh, wow. That that moment. You're like, "Oh, wow. That that wasn't expected." wasn't expected." wasn't expected." >> Just like the tiniest little mention of >> Just like the tiniest little mention of >> Just like the tiniest little mention of it is like, "All right, it is like, "All right, it is like, "All right, >> there's space for that, too." >> there's space for that, too." >> there's space for that, too." >> Yeah. God cares about that. >> Yeah. God cares about that. >> Yeah. God cares about that. >> Yeah. Just tiny little thing. And now >> Yeah. Just tiny little thing. And now >> Yeah. Just tiny little thing. And now like it allows for everyone to like it allows for everyone to like it allows for everyone to participate, everyone to like be part of participate, everyone to like be part of participate, everyone to like be part of the celebration um in their own ways. the celebration um in their own ways. the celebration um in their own ways. And I think that's like a good thing. And I think that's like a good thing. And I think that's like a good thing. Yeah. And Yeah. And Yeah. And >> is we want to build bridges, right? Not >> is we want to build bridges, right? Not >> is we want to build bridges, right? Not like not barriers for people to enter like not barriers for people to enter like not barriers for people to enter into. You also don't want to like cater into. You also don't want to like cater into. You also don't want to like cater to people that are like the loudest to people that are like the loudest to people that are like the loudest voices cuz that that's how I think voices cuz that that's how I think voices cuz that that's how I think people interpret this, right? Like people interpret this, right? Like people interpret this, right? Like there's that one person who's just going there's that one person who's just going there's that one person who's just going to make a big deal about everything and to make a big deal about everything and to make a big deal about everything and because they're so loud, we're like, you because they're so loud, we're like, you because they're so loud, we're like, you know what, let's just like do the thing know what, let's just like do the thing know what, let's just like do the thing and then we can like pacify them. I and then we can like pacify them. I and then we can like pacify them. I don't think that's what this is. don't think that's what this is. don't think that's what this is. >> Idea number two, the Mother's Day >> Idea number two, the Mother's Day >> Idea number two, the Mother's Day letterw writing station. So, you can set letterw writing station. So, you can set letterw writing station. So, you can set up a station in the lobby before or up a station in the lobby before or up a station in the lobby before or after service can be the cue where after service can be the cue where after service can be the cue where people can write a letter to their mom. people can write a letter to their mom. people can write a letter to their mom. Now, I would do this, okay? Set it up Now, I would do this, okay? Set it up Now, I would do this, okay? Set it up with nice stationery with nice stationery with nice stationery >> and envelopes and pens. I don't know >> and envelopes and pens. I don't know >> and envelopes and pens. I don't know anything about this, but my wife is an anything about this, but my wife is an anything about this, but my wife is an amazing amazing amazing orchestrator of this type of thing.

orchestrator of this type of thing. orchestrator of this type of thing. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> For example, we host Thanksgiving every >> For example, we host Thanksgiving every >> For example, we host Thanksgiving every single year. I do the cooking. If all I single year. I do the cooking. If all I single year. I do the cooking. If all I if I was the only one hosting, it'd be if I was the only one hosting, it'd be if I was the only one hosting, it'd be like, here's your paper plate with your like, here's your paper plate with your like, here's your paper plate with your 24-hour like sousie turkey on it. Like, 24-hour like sousie turkey on it. Like, 24-hour like sousie turkey on it. Like, wow, wow, wow, >> these things are mismatched. But I do >> these things are mismatched. But I do >> these things are mismatched. But I do not have that skill. She on the other not have that skill. She on the other not have that skill. She on the other hand has like everything decorated and hand has like everything decorated and hand has like everything decorated and fancy napkins and all these things and fancy napkins and all these things and fancy napkins and all these things and every time every year it happens I'm every time every year it happens I'm every time every year it happens I'm like oh this is better than paper like oh this is better than paper like oh this is better than paper plates. plates. plates. I just like don't really I can't really I just like don't really I can't really I just like don't really I can't really like see that or I can see it but I like see that or I can see it but I like see that or I can see it but I can't be a part of orchestrating it. So can't be a part of orchestrating it. So can't be a part of orchestrating it. So to the men listening you can't be caught to the men listening you can't be caught to the men listening you can't be caught tearing out you know papers out of a out tearing out you know papers out of a out tearing out you know papers out of a out of a you know some sort of booklet to of a you know some sort of booklet to of a you know some sort of booklet to for women to come and write letters to for women to come and write letters to for women to come and write letters to their moms. you really got to invest their moms. you really got to invest their moms. you really got to invest some energy or you know identify a some energy or you know identify a some energy or you know identify a gifted person maybe even a woman in your gifted person maybe even a woman in your gifted person maybe even a woman in your congregation Allah Britney your wife and congregation Allah Britney your wife and congregation Allah Britney your wife and empower them to uh maybe make the choice empower them to uh maybe make the choice empower them to uh maybe make the choice on stationary here on stationary here on stationary here >> when I was coming at it from a different >> when I was coming at it from a different >> when I was coming at it from a different angle which was like save the men in angle which was like save the men in angle which was like save the men in your church your church your church >> because don't don't put them in charge >> because don't don't put them in charge >> because don't don't put them in charge of this at all of this at all of this at all >> let's say their mom doesn't go to the >> let's say their mom doesn't go to the >> let's say their mom doesn't go to the same church now son comes up with this same church now son comes up with this same church now son comes up with this beautiful envelope and mom goes you beautiful envelope and mom goes you beautiful envelope and mom goes you really thought this through right your really thought this through right your really thought this through right your church church church >> can stand in the gap >> can stand in the gap >> can stand in the gap >> for incapable men. Okay, I think that >> for incapable men. Okay, I think that >> for incapable men. Okay, I think that theme may come up a few times on this theme may come up a few times on this theme may come up a few times on this episode.

episode. episode. >> We're not here trying to stereotype. I >> We're not here trying to stereotype. I >> We're not here trying to stereotype. I cooked a Thanksgiving dinner. Okay, cooked a Thanksgiving dinner. Okay, cooked a Thanksgiving dinner. Okay, sometimes those stereotypes have some sometimes those stereotypes have some sometimes those stereotypes have some element of truth to them. Okay, I think element of truth to them. Okay, I think element of truth to them. Okay, I think it would also be cool to provide a it would also be cool to provide a it would also be cool to provide a basket where you could have letters that basket where you could have letters that basket where you could have letters that are written to moms that are not with us are written to moms that are not with us are written to moms that are not with us anymore and then you could put that in anymore and then you could put that in anymore and then you could put that in the basket. So, that like is a really I the basket. So, that like is a really I the basket. So, that like is a really I think um think um think um >> that's an exercise that's cathartic in a >> that's an exercise that's cathartic in a >> that's an exercise that's cathartic in a way, right? Like, oh, you know what? My way, right? Like, oh, you know what? My way, right? Like, oh, you know what? My mom's not here anymore. I can still mom's not here anymore. I can still mom's not here anymore. I can still participate in this. And there's like an participate in this. And there's like an participate in this. And there's like an actual like way for this to happen. You actual like way for this to happen. You actual like way for this to happen. You can say a quick little prayer when you can say a quick little prayer when you can say a quick little prayer when you put it in the basket. Very nice. put it in the basket. Very nice. put it in the basket. Very nice. >> How about a letter from mom? >> How about a letter from mom? >> How about a letter from mom? >> Look, there are some moms and they're >> Look, there are some moms and they're >> Look, there are some moms and they're like, I want to be included in like, I want to be included in like, I want to be included in everything. Don't tell them they can't everything. Don't tell them they can't everything. Don't tell them they can't write a letter. write a letter. write a letter. >> They can get they're like, I I like this >> They can get they're like, I I like this >> They can get they're like, I I like this stationary, too. Honestly, I'm the one stationary, too. Honestly, I'm the one stationary, too. Honestly, I'm the one that picked it all out. I I want to use that picked it all out. I I want to use that picked it all out. I I want to use it. And then they could write a letter it. And then they could write a letter it. And then they could write a letter to their kids or to their kids or to their kids or >> to their own mom, whatever it might be. >> to their own mom, whatever it might be. >> to their own mom, whatever it might be. Hey, we talk on this show. We love Hey, we talk on this show. We love Hey, we talk on this show. We love things that are tactile in service. We things that are tactile in service. We things that are tactile in service. We love things that are personal in love things that are personal in love things that are personal in service. We love things that extend service. We love things that extend service. We love things that extend service through the week. Anything service through the week. Anything service through the week. Anything that's not just sit in the pew and that's not just sit in the pew and that's not just sit in the pew and observe what's happening. And this is an observe what's happening. And this is an observe what's happening. And this is an example of that. example of that. example of that. >> You could provide stamps, too. Make it >> You could provide stamps, too. Make it >> You could provide stamps, too. Make it easy like make it easy for folks to mail easy like make it easy for folks to mail easy like make it easy for folks to mail these. Do it do it, you know, whatever these. Do it do it, you know, whatever these. Do it do it, you know, whatever kind of um ceremonial touch you can make kind of um ceremonial touch you can make kind of um ceremonial touch you can make to to kind of make this a standout to to kind of make this a standout to to kind of make this a standout moment. You go ahead and do it.

moment. You go ahead and do it. moment. You go ahead and do it. >> Idea number three, we call this the mom >> Idea number three, we call this the mom >> Idea number three, we call this the mom report. Everything so far has been report. Everything so far has been report. Everything so far has been pretty emotional, pretty heavy. Okay, pretty emotional, pretty heavy. Okay, pretty emotional, pretty heavy. Okay, let's let's get a little bit more let's let's get a little bit more let's let's get a little bit more light-hearted. So I would say you have a light-hearted. So I would say you have a light-hearted. So I would say you have a cue a question prompt and you ask a cue a question prompt and you ask a cue a question prompt and you ask a variety of different people that same variety of different people that same variety of different people that same prompt. So the example here is what's prompt. So the example here is what's prompt. So the example here is what's one thing your mom always said. So we one thing your mom always said. So we one thing your mom always said. So we all know this in the context of our all know this in the context of our all know this in the context of our pastor, right? We all have pet phrases. pastor, right? We all have pet phrases. pastor, right? We all have pet phrases. That's true of anyone who's talking to That's true of anyone who's talking to That's true of anyone who's talking to the same group of people or humans over the same group of people or humans over the same group of people or humans over and over and over again. People pick up and over and over again. People pick up and over and over again. People pick up on it in the comments. It happened a few on it in the comments. It happened a few on it in the comments. It happened a few weeks ago. Someone was like, "Oh, weeks ago. Someone was like, "Oh, weeks ago. Someone was like, "Oh, irrespective sure is Brady's new irrespective sure is Brady's new irrespective sure is Brady's new favorite word. Fair enough. And I will favorite word. Fair enough. And I will favorite word. Fair enough. And I will never say it again." I know. Then you never say it again." I know. Then you never say it again." I know. Then you prune it from your vocabulary because prune it from your vocabulary because prune it from your vocabulary because you're a little bit you're a little bit you're a little bit >> My mom always said you're full of >> My mom always said you're full of >> My mom always said you're full of baloney. baloney. baloney. >> Really? >> Really? >> Really? >> Interesting. You know, I think bologna >> Interesting. You know, I think bologna >> Interesting. You know, I think bologna gets a bad rap. gets a bad rap. gets a bad rap. >> I totally agree. >> I totally agree. >> I totally agree. >> Really? Well, Italian. Okay. >> Really? Well, Italian. Okay. >> Really? Well, Italian. Okay. >> Well, I think it gets a bad rap because >> Well, I think it gets a bad rap because >> Well, I think it gets a bad rap because people are dignified in eating their people are dignified in eating their people are dignified in eating their mortadella and won't admit that mortadella and won't admit that mortadella and won't admit that mortadella is just baloney. mortadella is just baloney. mortadella is just baloney. >> That you know what for us? >> That you know what for us? >> That you know what for us? >> You're glad to hear me say that for I >> You're glad to hear me say that for I >> You're glad to hear me say that for I mean I know you're not you know from mean I know you're not you know from mean I know you're not you know from Bolognia where mortadella is from Bolognia where mortadella is from Bolognia where mortadella is from Sicilian. It's a little different. But Sicilian. It's a little different. But Sicilian. It's a little different. But like for an Italian to acknowledge that like for an Italian to acknowledge that like for an Italian to acknowledge that the number of Italians that I served in the number of Italians that I served in the number of Italians that I served in the deli that you could tell just on the deli that you could tell just on the deli that you could tell just on their high horse that pretentious I cut their high horse that pretentious I cut their high horse that pretentious I cut their mortadella they say thinner. I'm their mortadella they say thinner. I'm their mortadella they say thinner. I'm like you I'm literally not even holding like you I'm literally not even holding like you I'm literally not even holding it. It's so thin it's gone. It has it. It's so thin it's gone. It has it. It's so thin it's gone. It has fallen apart. Like no even thinner. We fallen apart. Like no even thinner. We fallen apart. Like no even thinner. We had three types of baloney in the deli.

had three types of baloney in the deli. had three types of baloney in the deli. We had blue ribbon, We had blue ribbon, We had blue ribbon, >> all beef, and my favorite waxed baloney. >> all beef, and my favorite waxed baloney. >> all beef, and my favorite waxed baloney. You know wax baloney? You know wax baloney? You know wax baloney? >> I'm not familiar. And I would not like >> I'm not familiar. And I would not like >> I'm not familiar. And I would not like to circle back on the all beef. I think to circle back on the all beef. I think to circle back on the all beef. I think I want to pass on that too. Well, I I want to pass on that too. Well, I I want to pass on that too. Well, I thought that was like the healthy thought that was like the healthy thought that was like the healthy version. version. version. >> Oh, maybe. >> Oh, maybe. >> Oh, maybe. >> But wax baloney came in a giant tube as >> But wax baloney came in a giant tube as >> But wax baloney came in a giant tube as as as all like deli meats do cuz you as as all like deli meats do cuz you as as all like deli meats do cuz you know you have to cut from this big big know you have to cut from this big big know you have to cut from this big big old hunk. But think of it like a giant old hunk. But think of it like a giant old hunk. But think of it like a giant tube and it's waxed and you don't take tube and it's waxed and you don't take tube and it's waxed and you don't take the wax off. the wax off. the wax off. >> Okay? You take the giant tube wax and >> Okay? You take the giant tube wax and >> Okay? You take the giant tube wax and all and you put it on the slicer and all and you put it on the slicer and all and you put it on the slicer and then people would get like really thick then people would get like really thick then people would get like really thick cut and then the newies would like fry cut and then the newies would like fry cut and then the newies would like fry up the baloney and then you take the wax up the baloney and then you take the wax up the baloney and then you take the wax off of it afterwards but like you give off of it afterwards but like you give off of it afterwards but like you give it to them in the wax. It was the best it to them in the wax. It was the best it to them in the wax. It was the best one. one. one. >> Yeah, I'm kind of loving this >> Yeah, I'm kind of loving this >> Yeah, I'm kind of loving this >> maple leaf wax baloney. Don't sleep on >> maple leaf wax baloney. Don't sleep on >> maple leaf wax baloney. Don't sleep on it. My mom uh would always insert my it. My mom uh would always insert my it. My mom uh would always insert my name into real songs. name into real songs. name into real songs. >> Oh, that's cute. >> Oh, that's cute. >> Oh, that's cute. >> Yeah. Well, is it time and place? I grew >> Yeah. Well, is it time and place? I grew >> Yeah. Well, is it time and place? I grew up uh going by my middle name. So, my up uh going by my middle name. So, my up uh going by my middle name. So, my first name is Brady. My middle name is first name is Brady. My middle name is first name is Brady. My middle name is Cole. Family tradition, the boys go by Cole. Family tradition, the boys go by Cole. Family tradition, the boys go by their middle names.

their middle names. their middle names. >> Um, so until I was 18 and left the house >> Um, so until I was 18 and left the house >> Um, so until I was 18 and left the house and said, "Banks will not accept this." and said, "Banks will not accept this." and said, "Banks will not accept this." I went by Cole. And you know, some of my I went by Cole. And you know, some of my I went by Cole. And you know, some of my affectionate nicknames were like Coley. affectionate nicknames were like Coley. affectionate nicknames were like Coley. And it was not uncommon for the name And it was not uncommon for the name And it was not uncommon for the name Kohley to be replaced in worship songs Kohley to be replaced in worship songs Kohley to be replaced in worship songs with the word holy. with the word holy. with the word holy. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> So cute. Also a little blasphemous. >> So cute. Also a little blasphemous. >> So cute. Also a little blasphemous. Certainly. Right. Yeah. Holy holy koly. Certainly. Right. Yeah. Holy holy koly. Certainly. Right. Yeah. Holy holy koly. >> Oh, not that one. >> Oh, not that one. >> Oh, not that one. >> Merciful and mighty. Wow. No, he's a >> Merciful and mighty. Wow. No, he's a >> Merciful and mighty. Wow. No, he's a child. child. child. >> He's a lunatic. >> He's a lunatic. >> He's a lunatic. >> So, but you can see the potential here. >> So, but you can see the potential here. >> So, but you can see the potential here. We've both shared our little stories and We've both shared our little stories and We've both shared our little stories and and it's unearthed some pretty some and it's unearthed some pretty some and it's unearthed some pretty some pretty valuable and comedic uh feedback. pretty valuable and comedic uh feedback. pretty valuable and comedic uh feedback. >> Yeah. And maybe I wouldn't share that >> Yeah. And maybe I wouldn't share that >> Yeah. And maybe I wouldn't share that story in church, right? story in church, right? story in church, right? >> So, uh diverse ages, different stages of >> So, uh diverse ages, different stages of >> So, uh diverse ages, different stages of life for different moms, different life for different moms, different life for different moms, different backgrounds, uh you know, different backgrounds, uh you know, different backgrounds, uh you know, different people. Like, don't just ask kids this. people. Like, don't just ask kids this. people. Like, don't just ask kids this. Ask a man, right? Like, get him to talk Ask a man, right? Like, get him to talk Ask a man, right? Like, get him to talk about his mom. That's nice. about his mom. That's nice. about his mom. That's nice. >> And just film this with an iPhone. >> And just film this with an iPhone. >> And just film this with an iPhone. >> Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. I think, you >> Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. I think, you >> Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. I think, you know, at this point, you don't you don't know, at this point, you don't you don't know, at this point, you don't you don't have to break out the Canon T3i anymore. have to break out the Canon T3i anymore. have to break out the Canon T3i anymore. This is good news.

This is good news. This is good news. >> Thank you, Lord. >> Thank you, Lord. >> Thank you, Lord. >> So, you would you play this on that? You >> So, you would you play this on that? You >> So, you would you play this on that? You could play this at a moment during the could play this at a moment during the could play this at a moment during the service, service, service, >> repurpose it for social later on. >> repurpose it for social later on. >> repurpose it for social later on. >> Yeah, you could do this up to the >> Yeah, you could do this up to the >> Yeah, you could do this up to the service on social as like a hey, you service on social as like a hey, you service on social as like a hey, you know, maybe don't show every single one. know, maybe don't show every single one. know, maybe don't show every single one. If you do 12 of these, maybe you don't If you do 12 of these, maybe you don't If you do 12 of these, maybe you don't want to play 12 straight minutes, but want to play 12 straight minutes, but want to play 12 straight minutes, but you could do these as like, hey, and and you could do these as like, hey, and and you could do these as like, hey, and and Mother's Day service is coming. Mother's Day service is coming. Mother's Day service is coming. >> I love it. >> I love it. >> I love it. >> Idea number four, the outward focus. >> Idea number four, the outward focus. >> Idea number four, the outward focus. Look, we don't want to only be Look, we don't want to only be Look, we don't want to only be celebrating the moms in our churches. We celebrating the moms in our churches. We celebrating the moms in our churches. We want to be serving the moms in our want to be serving the moms in our want to be serving the moms in our community as well. So, the idea here is community as well. So, the idea here is community as well. So, the idea here is you partner with a local organization you partner with a local organization you partner with a local organization that serves moms, maybe a women's that serves moms, maybe a women's that serves moms, maybe a women's shelter, crisis pregnancy center, uh shelter, crisis pregnancy center, uh shelter, crisis pregnancy center, uh foster care agency, and then you collect foster care agency, and then you collect foster care agency, and then you collect supplies, raise money, volunteer as a supplies, raise money, volunteer as a supplies, raise money, volunteer as a church. Yeah. So many different ways to church. Yeah. So many different ways to church. Yeah. So many different ways to serve. serve. serve. >> A couple practical examples or specific >> A couple practical examples or specific >> A couple practical examples or specific examples. Number one, the diaper drive. examples. Number one, the diaper drive. examples. Number one, the diaper drive. So, you would announce this, let's say, So, you would announce this, let's say, So, you would announce this, let's say, two to three weeks before Mother's Day. two to three weeks before Mother's Day. two to three weeks before Mother's Day. That's why we're recording this episode That's why we're recording this episode That's why we're recording this episode now. People, we know. Oh, Easter now. People, we know. Oh, Easter now. People, we know. Oh, Easter fatigue. Nope. fatigue. Nope. fatigue. Nope. >> You can you still have time to >> You can you still have time to >> You can you still have time to initialize your diaper drive. initialize your diaper drive. initialize your diaper drive. >> Well, and last year we did an episode on >> Well, and last year we did an episode on >> Well, and last year we did an episode on Father's Day and guess what happened?

Father's Day and guess what happened? Father's Day and guess what happened? >> Guess what happened? People said, "Well, >> Guess what happened? People said, "Well, >> Guess what happened? People said, "Well, well, well, well, well, well, well, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> I must have missed the episode you did >> I must have missed the episode you did >> I must have missed the episode you did about moms." And I said, "Well, I'm not about moms." And I said, "Well, I'm not about moms." And I said, "Well, I'm not a mom. I I was just talking about my a mom. I I was just talking about my a mom. I I was just talking about my perspective and my posture." and say, perspective and my posture." and say, perspective and my posture." and say, "Well, you had a year to figure it out "Well, you had a year to figure it out "Well, you had a year to figure it out for next year." Cuz if you don't, for next year." Cuz if you don't, for next year." Cuz if you don't, >> hey, we gave the women the time that the >> hey, we gave the women the time that the >> hey, we gave the women the time that the the time that they deserved, you know, the time that they deserved, you know, the time that they deserved, you know, we put a lot, we put a year's worth of we put a lot, we put a year's worth of we put a lot, we put a year's worth of just off the cuff, you know, it's like, just off the cuff, you know, it's like, just off the cuff, you know, it's like, oh, get subscription to oh, get subscription to oh, get subscription to >> some football package. >> some football package. >> some football package. >> Okay. Example number two, the financial >> Okay. Example number two, the financial >> Okay. Example number two, the financial gift. So, an offering on the Sunday. gift. So, an offering on the Sunday. gift. So, an offering on the Sunday. >> So, this would not be premother's day, >> So, this would not be premother's day, >> So, this would not be premother's day, on the actual day. And then you can give on the actual day. And then you can give on the actual day. And then you can give that to a maternal cause. uh you know, that to a maternal cause. uh you know, that to a maternal cause. uh you know, hey, the Mother's Day offering today hey, the Mother's Day offering today hey, the Mother's Day offering today supports this organization in our supports this organization in our supports this organization in our community. We we want the focus to not community. We we want the focus to not community. We we want the focus to not just be inward at church, right? I think just be inward at church, right? I think just be inward at church, right? I think the default is we're always focused on the default is we're always focused on the default is we're always focused on what we're doing, totally natural, what we're doing, totally natural, what we're doing, totally natural, totally human, but the church exists to totally human, but the church exists to totally human, but the church exists to serve the community, to be a light in serve the community, to be a light in serve the community, to be a light in the region that you exist. And this is the region that you exist. And this is the region that you exist. And this is one practical way to do it. And you can one practical way to do it. And you can one practical way to do it. And you can tie it to a specific thing. You can do tie it to a specific thing. You can do tie it to a specific thing. You can do this annually, right? Like we found in this annually, right? Like we found in this annually, right? Like we found in our church when you partner with an our church when you partner with an our church when you partner with an organization every single year like you organization every single year like you organization every single year like you build such a strong bond with them build such a strong bond with them build such a strong bond with them because every organization that's a because every organization that's a because every organization that's a nonprofit like they're not flush with nonprofit like they're not flush with nonprofit like they're not flush with cash for the most part. And so when an cash for the most part. And so when an cash for the most part. And so when an organization like a church commits organization like a church commits organization like a church commits something to them regularly that makes something to them regularly that makes something to them regularly that makes all the difference in the world and that all the difference in the world and that all the difference in the world and that is you know what what what better way to is you know what what what better way to is you know what what what better way to uh embody being the church.

uh embody being the church. uh embody being the church. >> Yeah. Absolutely. Idea number five, the >> Yeah. Absolutely. Idea number five, the >> Yeah. Absolutely. Idea number five, the what mom actually wants survey. So a few what mom actually wants survey. So a few what mom actually wants survey. So a few weeks before Mother's Day, survey the weeks before Mother's Day, survey the weeks before Mother's Day, survey the moms in the church. Simple Google form, moms in the church. Simple Google form, moms in the church. Simple Google form, nothing crazy, right? What would nothing crazy, right? What would nothing crazy, right? What would actually make Mother's Day at church actually make Mother's Day at church actually make Mother's Day at church meaningful for you? You could give meaningful for you? You could give meaningful for you? You could give options. Don't make it only open options. Don't make it only open options. Don't make it only open response questions. Now you're just response questions. Now you're just response questions. Now you're just like, "Hey, mom. Want to do some more like, "Hey, mom. Want to do some more like, "Hey, mom. Want to do some more work?" work?" work?" >> Want to have some open response, but >> Want to have some open response, but >> Want to have some open response, but often just like, "Hey, some multiple often just like, "Hey, some multiple often just like, "Hey, some multiple choice. Get it going. Come out of the choice. Get it going. Come out of the choice. Get it going. Come out of the gate with like three straight multiple gate with like three straight multiple gate with like three straight multiple choice. Let the moms build momentum in choice. Let the moms build momentum in choice. Let the moms build momentum in the form. Okay. You can tell we work in the form. Okay. You can tell we work in the form. Okay. You can tell we work in software. We're kind of like this is software. We're kind of like this is software. We're kind of like this is >> um and you know what? Hey, >> um and you know what? Hey, >> um and you know what? Hey, >> let's be honest here. Most churches, lot >> let's be honest here. Most churches, lot >> let's be honest here. Most churches, lot of men on leadership. of men on leadership. of men on leadership. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> If you're not intentionally including >> If you're not intentionally including >> If you're not intentionally including moms in the process of picking the moms in the process of picking the moms in the process of picking the stationery and planning Mother's Day stationery and planning Mother's Day stationery and planning Mother's Day activities at church activities at church activities at church >> and listening to these two buffoons on >> and listening to these two buffoons on >> and listening to these two buffoons on this podcast, we're certainly full of this podcast, we're certainly full of this podcast, we're certainly full of baloney. baloney. baloney. >> We had a year different. We are full of >> We had a year different. We are full of >> We had a year different. We are full of baloney, but it's the good kind.

baloney, but it's the good kind. baloney, but it's the good kind. >> It's possible that you could plan Mother >> It's possible that you could plan Mother >> It's possible that you could plan Mother Mother's Day activities and maybe be on Mother's Day activities and maybe be on Mother's Day activities and maybe be on a different wavelength. a different wavelength. a different wavelength. >> Certainly. Like, is that unheard of? >> Certainly. Like, is that unheard of? >> Certainly. Like, is that unheard of? Like, certainly there's been a place Like, certainly there's been a place Like, certainly there's been a place where that's happened. So, we've got where that's happened. So, we've got where that's happened. So, we've got some sample questions here. Alex, take some sample questions here. Alex, take some sample questions here. Alex, take them away. them away. them away. >> Sample questions for this Mother's Day >> Sample questions for this Mother's Day >> Sample questions for this Mother's Day survey. What would make Mother's Day at survey. What would make Mother's Day at survey. What would make Mother's Day at church meaningful for you? Would you church meaningful for you? Would you church meaningful for you? Would you prefer to be recognized publicly or prefer to be recognized publicly or prefer to be recognized publicly or celebrated privately? What's the best celebrated privately? What's the best celebrated privately? What's the best gift you've received on Mother's Day? gift you've received on Mother's Day? gift you've received on Mother's Day? There's some good content there. There's some good content there. There's some good content there. >> Yeah, just ju just just just steal it, >> Yeah, just ju just just just steal it, >> Yeah, just ju just just just steal it, right? Like there's an idea. There's 38 right? Like there's an idea. There's 38 right? Like there's an idea. There's 38 moms that fill this out. Certainly one moms that fill this out. Certainly one moms that fill this out. Certainly one or two of them is like going to share or two of them is like going to share or two of them is like going to share your Oh, that's an amazing idea. Just your Oh, that's an amazing idea. Just your Oh, that's an amazing idea. Just steal it. steal it. steal it. >> Yeah, just put that in your back pocket. >> Yeah, just put that in your back pocket. >> Yeah, just put that in your back pocket. >> This isn't just about acknowledging >> This isn't just about acknowledging >> This isn't just about acknowledging moms. Okay. moms. Okay. moms. Okay. >> This is about mining data. >> This is about mining data. >> This is about mining data. >> Absolutely. Can you tell we work in >> Absolutely. Can you tell we work in >> Absolutely. Can you tell we work in software? Okay. Um, hey, a serious turn software? Okay. Um, hey, a serious turn software? Okay. Um, hey, a serious turn here. Is there anything about Mother's here. Is there anything about Mother's here. Is there anything about Mother's Day at church that has made you Day at church that has made you Day at church that has made you uncomfortable in the past? This is a uncomfortable in the past? This is a uncomfortable in the past? This is a perfect question for a survey because perfect question for a survey because perfect question for a survey because you're going to get an you're likely, you're going to get an you're likely, you're going to get an you're likely, especially if you make it anonymous, especially if you make it anonymous, especially if you make it anonymous, you're likely to get an honest answer, you're likely to get an honest answer, you're likely to get an honest answer, honest feedback about something that's honest feedback about something that's honest feedback about something that's uncomfortable, something that's uncomfortable, something that's uncomfortable, something that's difficult to talk about that that almost difficult to talk about that that almost difficult to talk about that that almost positively someone is not going to come positively someone is not going to come positively someone is not going to come to you unprompted and give you this to you unprompted and give you this to you unprompted and give you this feedback. Oh, last year this made me feedback. Oh, last year this made me feedback. Oh, last year this made me very uncomfortable. Could be sensitive very uncomfortable. Could be sensitive very uncomfortable. Could be sensitive and and you know, maybe they just got and and you know, maybe they just got and and you know, maybe they just got their heads down hoping that it doesn't their heads down hoping that it doesn't their heads down hoping that it doesn't happen again. But you offer this happen again. But you offer this happen again. But you offer this question in a feed in a form form form question in a feed in a form form form question in a feed in a form form form survey form and uh open yourself to survey form and uh open yourself to survey form and uh open yourself to getting that feedback that can really getting that feedback that can really getting that feedback that can really guide what you do or more importantly guide what you do or more importantly guide what you do or more importantly what you don't do. Um one last question, what you don't do. Um one last question, what you don't do. Um one last question, what would you want your kids to know what would you want your kids to know what would you want your kids to know about being a mom?

about being a mom? about being a mom? >> And that leads pretty nicely into idea >> And that leads pretty nicely into idea >> And that leads pretty nicely into idea number six, which is the mom panel. This number six, which is the mom panel. This number six, which is the mom panel. This can be in addition to or also as an can be in addition to or also as an can be in addition to or also as an alternative to the actual sermon, host a alternative to the actual sermon, host a alternative to the actual sermon, host a panel. Three to four moms. three to four panel. Three to four moms. three to four panel. Three to four moms. three to four moms all in different stages of moms all in different stages of moms all in different stages of motherhood. So you've got the mom with motherhood. So you've got the mom with motherhood. So you've got the mom with the younger kids the younger kids the younger kids >> surviving. >> surviving. >> surviving. >> You've got the mom of the teenagers. >> You've got the mom of the teenagers. >> You've got the mom of the teenagers. You've got the mom certainly not You've got the mom certainly not You've got the mom certainly not thriving thriving thriving >> of the 20 to 30omes. And you've got like >> of the 20 to 30omes. And you've got like >> of the 20 to 30omes. And you've got like the grandma. Yeah. the grandma. Yeah. the grandma. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Or a spiritual mother. You can you >> Yeah. Or a spiritual mother. You can you >> Yeah. Or a spiritual mother. You can you can you can anchor it back to those can you can anchor it back to those can you can anchor it back to those >> categories. I did it. See, I did it. I >> categories. I did it. See, I did it. I >> categories. I did it. See, I did it. I did it. I already didn't even include did it. I already didn't even include did it. I already didn't even include them. them. them. >> It's easy. But you anchor it back to >> It's easy. But you anchor it back to >> It's easy. But you anchor it back to those other other categories. and you've those other other categories. and you've those other other categories. and you've got someone in your congregation who was got someone in your congregation who was got someone in your congregation who was just recently adopted or like we just recently adopted or like we just recently adopted or like we mentioned earlier a spiritual mother mentioned earlier a spiritual mother mentioned earlier a spiritual mother someone who's really accepted maybe someone who's really accepted maybe someone who's really accepted maybe they're single maybe they've accepted they're single maybe they've accepted they're single maybe they've accepted the I was reading Corinthians this the I was reading Corinthians this the I was reading Corinthians this morning the gift of singleness and morning the gift of singleness and morning the gift of singleness and they've they've given themselves to they've they've given themselves to they've they've given themselves to singleness but they've devoted singleness but they've devoted singleness but they've devoted themselves to being spiritual mothers to themselves to being spiritual mothers to themselves to being spiritual mothers to people in the community uh it's good to people in the community uh it's good to people in the community uh it's good to amplify those voices too amplify those voices too amplify those voices too >> 100% Alex saving baloney >> 100% Alex saving baloney >> 100% Alex saving baloney >> all right you can have uh the pastor be >> all right you can have uh the pastor be >> all right you can have uh the pastor be the one that moderates this don't like the one that moderates this don't like the one that moderates this don't like put it all on the moms to figure it out.

put it all on the moms to figure it out. put it all on the moms to figure it out. And then again, we have some sample And then again, we have some sample And then again, we have some sample questions. questions. questions. >> Yes. Um, >> Yes. Um, >> Yes. Um, what's the hardest part of this season what's the hardest part of this season what's the hardest part of this season of motherhood that no one talks about? of motherhood that no one talks about? of motherhood that no one talks about? What has motherhood taught you about What has motherhood taught you about What has motherhood taught you about God? What's one thing you wish someone God? What's one thing you wish someone God? What's one thing you wish someone had told you? What's a moment you felt had told you? What's a moment you felt had told you? What's a moment you felt like you were failing and how did God like you were failing and how did God like you were failing and how did God meet you there? What do you want your meet you there? What do you want your meet you there? What do you want your kids to know? Um it's a one quick tip kids to know? Um it's a one quick tip kids to know? Um it's a one quick tip about hosting a panel and I've done this about hosting a panel and I've done this about hosting a panel and I've done this in church is it's good it's essential to in church is it's good it's essential to in church is it's good it's essential to be prepared to come with some questions be prepared to come with some questions be prepared to come with some questions and uh to be thoughtful about how you're and uh to be thoughtful about how you're and uh to be thoughtful about how you're kind of moderating the conversation. One kind of moderating the conversation. One kind of moderating the conversation. One thing I've learned just through practice thing I've learned just through practice thing I've learned just through practice is to hold the direction that I think is to hold the direction that I think is to hold the direction that I think the panel is going to go pretty lightly the panel is going to go pretty lightly the panel is going to go pretty lightly and pretty loosely. And if you do that and pretty loosely. And if you do that and pretty loosely. And if you do that and if you're patient enough, non- and if you're patient enough, non- and if you're patient enough, non- anxious enough, um you can read the anxious enough, um you can read the anxious enough, um you can read the responses and start to pull on some responses and start to pull on some responses and start to pull on some threads a little bit that get opened up threads a little bit that get opened up threads a little bit that get opened up by the people who are answering the by the people who are answering the by the people who are answering the questions. So maybe you never end up questions. So maybe you never end up questions. So maybe you never end up getting to your last two or three getting to your last two or three getting to your last two or three questions, but you've kind of camped out questions, but you've kind of camped out questions, but you've kind of camped out um in one area that you couldn't have um in one area that you couldn't have um in one area that you couldn't have foreseen it going. That is often where foreseen it going. That is often where foreseen it going. That is often where the really good stuff is. the really good stuff is. the really good stuff is. >> And what you're going to get from this >> And what you're going to get from this >> And what you're going to get from this is a panel that is rich in is a panel that is rich in is a panel that is rich in multi-generational wisdom. And the thing multi-generational wisdom. And the thing multi-generational wisdom. And the thing about about about being a man and listening to this is being a man and listening to this is being a man and listening to this is that I can tell you there are things that I can tell you there are things that I can tell you there are things that my wife has told me about being a that my wife has told me about being a that my wife has told me about being a mother that I'm like, I do not have that mother that I'm like, I do not have that mother that I'm like, I do not have that experience of being a father of these experience of being a father of these experience of being a father of these same children.

same children. same children. >> And that was enlightening for me to >> And that was enlightening for me to >> And that was enlightening for me to hear. Thank you for sharing it. hear. Thank you for sharing it. hear. Thank you for sharing it. >> For the women sitting in the room, >> For the women sitting in the room, >> For the women sitting in the room, they'll probably identify with one or they'll probably identify with one or they'll probably identify with one or more of the moms, but if you haven't more of the moms, but if you haven't more of the moms, but if you haven't gone through every stage, you'll be gone through every stage, you'll be gone through every stage, you'll be listening and being like, "Oh, listening and being like, "Oh, listening and being like, "Oh, interesting." So at that stage you're interesting." So at that stage you're interesting." So at that stage you're thinking about that. thinking about that. thinking about that. >> In my in my moment I'm thinking about >> In my in my moment I'm thinking about >> In my in my moment I'm thinking about this. this. this. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> There was a viral like Tik Tok trend >> There was a viral like Tik Tok trend >> There was a viral like Tik Tok trend that like illustrated this this power that like illustrated this this power that like illustrated this this power where people would a mother would write where people would a mother would write where people would a mother would write like hey one day the window won't have like hey one day the window won't have like hey one day the window won't have any smudges on it and there won't be any any smudges on it and there won't be any any smudges on it and there won't be any like crumbs in the carpet and like mom like crumbs in the carpet and like mom like crumbs in the carpet and like mom or dad you're reading and be like oh my or dad you're reading and be like oh my or dad you're reading and be like oh my god. god. god. >> And the whole point is like I know how >> And the whole point is like I know how >> And the whole point is like I know how hard this moment feels right now. I know hard this moment feels right now. I know hard this moment feels right now. I know the unique challenges of this season. the unique challenges of this season. the unique challenges of this season. I'm aware of them. I experience them. I'm aware of them. I experience them. I'm aware of them. I experience them. But just so you know, one day that will But just so you know, one day that will But just so you know, one day that will be gone and you'll be like, "Wow, be gone and you'll be like, "Wow, be gone and you'll be like, "Wow, >> isn't it nice that we're not doing this >> isn't it nice that we're not doing this >> isn't it nice that we're not doing this anymore, anymore, anymore, >> but >> but >> but >> as a byproduct of that, this will also >> as a byproduct of that, this will also >> as a byproduct of that, this will also be gone." And it's a useful reminder of be gone." And it's a useful reminder of be gone." And it's a useful reminder of like, wow, it is important to be like, wow, it is important to be like, wow, it is important to be grateful in this season. It is important grateful in this season. It is important grateful in this season. It is important to be aware of what I probably overlook.

to be aware of what I probably overlook. to be aware of what I probably overlook. And that's the type of thing that you And that's the type of thing that you And that's the type of thing that you get when you have all these different get when you have all these different get when you have all these different people from like different stages of people from like different stages of people from like different stages of life sharing their personal experience life sharing their personal experience life sharing their personal experience to maybe the same questions or the same to maybe the same questions or the same to maybe the same questions or the same type of subject matter that you can't type of subject matter that you can't type of subject matter that you can't get anywhere else. There's also a get anywhere else. There's also a get anywhere else. There's also a formatting element here which is hey we formatting element here which is hey we formatting element here which is hey we talk about the creative curveball in talk about the creative curveball in talk about the creative curveball in church disrupting routine for the sake church disrupting routine for the sake church disrupting routine for the sake of injecting some freshness into the of injecting some freshness into the of injecting some freshness into the every week rhythm of church. This is every week rhythm of church. This is every week rhythm of church. This is that creative curveball applied to that creative curveball applied to that creative curveball applied to service structure and you're using service structure and you're using service structure and you're using Mother's Day as the springboard, but now Mother's Day as the springboard, but now Mother's Day as the springboard, but now you're not doing the typical sermon. you're not doing the typical sermon. you're not doing the typical sermon. You're doing like a panel, let's say, You're doing like a panel, let's say, You're doing like a panel, let's say, either in addition or as a replacement. either in addition or as a replacement. either in addition or as a replacement. And now there's like this novel factor And now there's like this novel factor And now there's like this novel factor of Mother's Day that shows it's getting of Mother's Day that shows it's getting of Mother's Day that shows it's getting attention and perhaps leads to more attention and perhaps leads to more attention and perhaps leads to more fruit because oftentimes you get that fruit because oftentimes you get that fruit because oftentimes you get that like injection of something new and that like injection of something new and that like injection of something new and that re-engages attention in new ways and re-engages attention in new ways and re-engages attention in new ways and what is downstream of that which is hey what is downstream of that which is hey what is downstream of that which is hey all the participation and observation all the participation and observation all the participation and observation and attention that you were hoping to and attention that you were hoping to and attention that you were hoping to earn. I don't know what it is about a earn. I don't know what it is about a earn. I don't know what it is about a panel, but and I know certainly this is panel, but and I know certainly this is panel, but and I know certainly this is not true of every every panel, but not true of every every panel, but not true of every every panel, but anytime we've kind of opened the door at anytime we've kind of opened the door at anytime we've kind of opened the door at our church and and and done done a panel our church and and and done done a panel our church and and and done done a panel like this, it's always just it's always like this, it's always just it's always like this, it's always just it's always just been like the most emotional just been like the most emotional just been like the most emotional morning at church really.

morning at church really. morning at church really. >> Yeah. Like just like something opens up >> Yeah. Like just like something opens up >> Yeah. Like just like something opens up um that again, like I said earlier, you um that again, like I said earlier, you um that again, like I said earlier, you just couldn't have expected. you know, just couldn't have expected. you know, just couldn't have expected. you know, as a as a pastor or preacher, you're as a as a pastor or preacher, you're as a as a pastor or preacher, you're often kind of scripting things and and often kind of scripting things and and often kind of scripting things and and and preparing things, and you're kind and preparing things, and you're kind and preparing things, and you're kind of, especially when you're up there on of, especially when you're up there on of, especially when you're up there on your own, you're kind of just your own, you're kind of just your own, you're kind of just responsible for responsible for responsible for where the thing begins and where the where the thing begins and where the where the thing begins and where the thing ends, right? thing ends, right? thing ends, right? >> Unless God strikes something or somebody >> Unless God strikes something or somebody >> Unless God strikes something or somebody down. Um, but it's pretty much all down. Um, but it's pretty much all down. Um, but it's pretty much all within your control. But when you open within your control. But when you open within your control. But when you open it up to multiple voices, maybe voices it up to multiple voices, maybe voices it up to multiple voices, maybe voices who don't normally get amplified in your who don't normally get amplified in your who don't normally get amplified in your church, there's real great potential church, there's real great potential church, there's real great potential there for for some really good stuff. I there for for some really good stuff. I there for for some really good stuff. I think that number of three or four think that number of three or four think that number of three or four people is also important because if it's people is also important because if it's people is also important because if it's just like let's say you and I, you're just like let's say you and I, you're just like let's say you and I, you're the preacher and I'm being interviewed the preacher and I'm being interviewed the preacher and I'm being interviewed like it all lands on me. like it all lands on me. like it all lands on me. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> As like the one subject. >> As like the one subject. >> As like the one subject. >> If you're preaching on your own, it's >> If you're preaching on your own, it's >> If you're preaching on your own, it's all on you. You get a panel of three or all on you. You get a panel of three or all on you. You get a panel of three or four plus the moderator. And suddenly four plus the moderator. And suddenly four plus the moderator. And suddenly like everyone's kind of vibing off of like everyone's kind of vibing off of like everyone's kind of vibing off of each other. It's akin to like being each other. It's akin to like being each other. It's akin to like being around the dinner table where it's not around the dinner table where it's not around the dinner table where it's not one person that's doing everything. It's one person that's doing everything. It's one person that's doing everything. It's not a monologue and it's not like a not a monologue and it's not like a not a monologue and it's not like a one-on-one conversation. We've all been one-on-one conversation. We've all been one-on-one conversation. We've all been in conversations. If you're an in conversations. If you're an in conversations. If you're an introvert, you probably feel this more introvert, you probably feel this more introvert, you probably feel this more acutely where you're like, "Oh, this acutely where you're like, "Oh, this acutely where you're like, "Oh, this person is not leading the conversation.

person is not leading the conversation. person is not leading the conversation. Who's who's carrying this?" Well, if I'm Who's who's carrying this?" Well, if I'm Who's who's carrying this?" Well, if I'm not and they're not, nobody's carrying not and they're not, nobody's carrying not and they're not, nobody's carrying it. Oh, there's a lot of silence here it. Oh, there's a lot of silence here it. Oh, there's a lot of silence here happening right now. happening right now. happening right now. >> Feel some anxiety in the space there. >> Feel some anxiety in the space there. >> Feel some anxiety in the space there. >> Absolutely. So, six ideas for Mother's >> Absolutely. So, six ideas for Mother's >> Absolutely. So, six ideas for Mother's Day. Number one, the honest Day. Number one, the honest Day. Number one, the honest acknowledgement from stage for those acknowledgement from stage for those acknowledgement from stage for those five distinct groups. Idea number two, five distinct groups. Idea number two, five distinct groups. Idea number two, the Mother's Day letter writing station. the Mother's Day letter writing station. the Mother's Day letter writing station. Number three, the mom report. Keep it Number three, the mom report. Keep it Number three, the mom report. Keep it light. Number four, the outward focus. light. Number four, the outward focus. light. Number four, the outward focus. Number five, the what mom actually wants Number five, the what mom actually wants Number five, the what mom actually wants survey. And number six, the mom panel. survey. And number six, the mom panel. survey. And number six, the mom panel. Pick one. Pick one. Pick one. Yeah. Don't feel like you have to do all Yeah. Don't feel like you have to do all Yeah. Don't feel like you have to do all six. Pick one. Get the stationery. Save six. Pick one. Get the stationery. Save six. Pick one. Get the stationery. Save the dads. the dads. the dads. >> Unless you have a dad who's like, I'm >> Unless you have a dad who's like, I'm >> Unless you have a dad who's like, I'm actually kind of into stationary, actually kind of into stationary, actually kind of into stationary, >> right? Super dad. >> right? Super dad. >> right? Super dad. >> Respect to that dad. >> Respect to that dad. >> Respect to that dad. >> And thank you for your time, attention, >> And thank you for your time, attention, >> And thank you for your time, attention, and trust. We'll talk to you next week. and trust. We'll talk to you next week. and trust. We'll talk to you next week. >> I can be the archbishop of AI. I can do >> I can be the archbishop of AI. I can do >> I can be the archbishop of AI. I can do that for you. that for you. that for you. >> Yeah. But then like on the on your >> Yeah. But then like on the on your >> Yeah. But then like on the on your deathbed, you'll give me a note and be deathbed, you'll give me a note and be deathbed, you'll give me a note and be like, "You made me something I never like, "You made me something I never like, "You made me something I never wanted to become." Like wanted to become." Like wanted to become." Like you can't spell archbishop either. Okay.