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Join us on Sunday, September 7 for Fall Kickoff

Soteria Staff Shares

Back to school tips and resources

Josh Byers

I love using our church app and the bible reading plan to stay in rhythm with reading. It’s effortless to use, and it’s a blessing to know that many other people in our church are reading the same passages I am at the same time. I don’t feel pressure to use the checkboxes (in fact, I wish they weren’t there :), but it’s easy to jump in and read even if I’ve missed a day or so.

Kim Leichty

The beginning of the school year always started with my kids’ favorite breakfasts. It’s a simple thing, but one that reminded them that it was going to be a great year!

My other favorite thing that became the most meaningful to me was the time we’d spend together before bed on that last night of summer. We would all sit down as a family and talk while enjoying a last-day-of-summer treat. We’d ask them what they were looking forward to and what they were worried about, and they always had something on their mind. After our conversation, we’d pray together and remind them that God would walk with them into those school hallways for the year.

Tracy Keller

One fun routine we have is to create a new playlist together for before and after school. Before school we try to pick our favorite upbeat songs. After school we have a variety depending on the mood of the car! A few calming worship songs, a few belt it out fun songs and 2 audiobooks we picked out this summer and can’t wait to listen too. We have these on a playlist to have easy access and my kids love the routine! I’m Trusting You by LifeTree Kids and A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus are a song and a book on our list for this fall!

For me, after I drop off kids, I listen to the Chronological Bible in One Year.  I enjoy this routine as I make my way home or to work or errands. It helps ground me as I think and set my plan and priorities throughout the day.

Caleb and Colby

We would love to have you join us in listening to the student worship mix or youth worship set that our band will be consistently singing this year.

Zach Dietrich

Three practical back to school ideas:

  • A playlist or podcast that keeps everyone happy in the car. Sinclair Ferguson’s Things Unseen podcast is nearly a daily listen.  Sinclair’s five minutes of rich yet accessible theology and soothing Scottish accent have been a part of daily car ride for over a year. I think my kids actually like it!
  • A morning routine that helps you start the day focused on the Lord. Coffee! My morning routine consists of little bites rather than long meals.  I read a couple of pages of theology, sometimes a short letter by John Newton because of his gospel saturated wisdom, sometimes a chapter out of a daily liturgy book, and then onto Scripture.  I know some like to begin with Scripture, but sometimes I think I function better by getting the sleep out of my eyes with other books so that I can give better attention to Scripture.
  • A verse or passage of Scripture you come back to again and again. I’ve wrestled with Philippians 4 more than any other text this year. Paul shares how he hasn’t learned the secret of contentment whether he is abounding or abased.

Podcast Highlight

Listen to our podcasts for helpful prayer tools, Scripture readings, and moments for meditation throughout your week.

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