Point of View

Need a fresh idea to honor moms at your church?

Mom & Me Video

Ask the youth group to prepare a two-minute video to honor mothers. How about a montage of testimony clips by children explaining "My Mom's the greatest because..."? Or gather photos of church members with their mothers for a slide show set to music.

Preschool Parade

Prepare signs for all preschoolers, e.g., "I thank God for my mom," "Honor your mother and father." While worshippers sing a song, the joyful Mother's Day parade marches in one door and exits another. Delightful!

Senior Adult BYKTSS

If it fits your church, plan "Bring Your Kid to Sunday School" for senior adults. The oldest adult Bible class invites their adult offspring to join them for class, arriving early for snacks and studying God's Word together.

Children's Scripture Shout

Choose an appropriate scripture to teach elementary age children. Kids march into worship during a congregational song, spread out around the worship center, then quote the scripture in unison.

Here's Your Daisy

If your church presents gifts on Mother's Day, it's a good idea to give one to each woman present. (Many childless women have been like a mother to other children.) Each year's gift can be unique and meaningful, such as:

• A single flower.

•A book. A CD. A pin. A pen.

•Multi-ribbon bookmarks for her Bible.

•A corsage made by children in your church.

•Laminated copy of an original Mother's Day poem.

A scripture bookmark with original art by a church youth.

Recruit a different group of people to present the gift each year, e.g. teen boys, deacons, fifth grade girls, new members, elderly men or church staff.

Old Women, Please Stand

Not to be a fuddy-duddy, but pointing out the oldest, youngest and most prolific mothers during worship is not always flattering. As an alternative, consider recognizing mothers with a new baby since last year, great-grandmothers, mothers of teenagers, or mothers of military. Then include all mothers in a thanksgiving prayer.

I Was Born

One pastor announced a special prayer time for mothers, asking everyone in the congregation who had been born to a mother to stand. That's everyone!

A Mother's Day Gift Idea

Advertise in the local newspaper, encouraging readers to bring their mom to church.

Mom's Brunch

Youth pamper their moms by planning and serving a lovely brunch. Guys carry a towel draped across their arms and wear eyebrow-pencil-drawn curly mustaches. Plan a program of poetry readings, serenading and prayers.

No Cooking

How about a catered picnic at a local park for a church-wide Mother's Day lunch? The pastor of a Filipino church in New Jersey excitedly told us about their top-secret plan for Mother's Day. The men of the church reserved an entire local restaurant for lunch. They'll surprise their mothers and families with a special meal. Don't tell.

Sense and Sensitivity

Scripture instructs us to honor our fathers and mothers, but use discretion. Some in your congregation may dread Mother's Day because of marital status, childlessness, death, or problems with parents.

Worship Him, not her

Many unchurched family members will attend worship with their moms today. Tell them how Jesus can change their lives! It's a great day for a baptism, baby dedication or children's choir song. Joyfully honor mom on Mother's Day, but focus on the only One worthy of worship—our God.

Fresh Ideas are shared by Diana Davis, wife of executive director for State Convention of Baptists in Indiana.