Shows
Parents Take FiveEpisode 144 - Getting to Know a hospital ChaplainJen is starting a new series with Eric Nolin, a former hospital chaplain, to talk about death and grief. This conversation started after Jen read Eric's Presbyterian Outlook article, My death and resurrection as a chaplain.
Eric Nolin, M.Div., is a recent graduate from Fuller Theological Seminary, where he took a special interest in studying grief, pastoral care, and the resiliency of the human spirit. When he's not reading or writing, you'll find him running, climbing, or exploring new restaurants with his wife.
2023-04-1510 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 134 - Domestic AbuseJen is beginning a conversation with Rev. Gen about domestic abuse. This is the first of a few episodes that Jen will have with Rev. Gen. For more information about Gen visit https://www.hoperisethrive.com/ for more resources. You can also go to https://www.thehotline.org/ for help and resources.
2022-11-1510 min
Small Business Boot Camp PodcastFinding Your Strengths (with Kim Tudor, Controller)Send us a textThis is Episode #7 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Jen and Megan talk with Kim Tudor, Kids First's Controller about our Top 5 Strengths! The Clifton Strengths Gallup Assessment is a personality and strengths assessment used by many organizations today. We break down Kim, Jen and Megan's top 5 strengths and how they relate to our roles at Kids First!To learn more about the Clifton StrengthsFinder, click here. Podcast Audio is also available on:+ Spotify+ Apple Podcasts+ Google Podcasts For more information about...
2022-03-1032 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 108 - Memories and Growing ForwardIt's the 3 year anniversary of Parents Take Five and in this episode Jen takes a walk down memory lane.
"I have learned so much from listeners, guests, and the many parents and church workers that I’ve met as a result. It offers a place to be authentic by sharing my own parenting struggles as we attempt to model faithful discipleship." -Rev. Jen Evans
2022-02-2538 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 105 - Let’s Set the Bar LowThis week Jen has guest Brian Wallace with her. Brian is the primary presbytery staff liaison for congregations in the North Branch and East Branch of the Pittsburgh Presbytery, Administrative Commission for Transformation, Commission on Preparation for Ministry, New Worshiping Communities Commission, and Next Generation Ministry Team, as well as overseeing areas of children & youth ministries. He's here to talk about continuing to parent through this pandemic.
2022-01-2510 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 104 - The Grace, Tell, Love EffectJen is back this week and is talking about deepening relationships with those we love. It is hard but can truly be worth the work.
2022-01-1609 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 103 - GriefIn this episode Sarah Grace Montgomery and Rich Evans (Jen's partner) fill in. Jen experienced a sudden loss. Her father passed away over the Christmas holiday and so Sarah Grace and Rich discuss grief and a few resources for kids and adults alike who may also be experiencing a loss.
Resources discussed in this episode:
The Next Place by Warren Hanson
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
2022-01-0509 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 102 - Season of Advent - JoyThis week we have the last in our advent series. Jen and guest Sarah Grace Montgomery talk about where they find Joy is this advent season.
2021-12-2310 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 101 - Season of Advent - LoveIn the third in the series, guest Sarah Grace Montgomery and Jen discuss Love in the series on Advent. Let's light the Love candle.
2021-12-1509 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 100 - Season of Advent - PeaceIn this weeks episode, Sarah Grace Montgomery is back with Jen to continue the series on Advent. This week they are discussing Peace.
2021-12-0511 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 99 - Season of Advent - HopeThis week Jen has a series guest joining her. Welcome Sarah Grace Montgomery to the first in a series on Advent. We begin with HOPE.
2021-11-2510 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 98 - The Problem with YellingJen discusses 3 types of yelling she notices and the perception and feelings of others when they are being yelled at.
2021-11-1508 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 97 - The Power of ParentshipsIn this episode Jen discusses what she calls 'Parentships' and why she believes they are something every parent should have.
2021-11-0508 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 96 - Thomas Lynch - Unconditional LoveIn this episode Jen continues her conversation with Thomas Lynch. This week he has a word of gratitude and has a good reminder for parents.
2021-10-2506 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 95 - Judgment, Worth & ShameIn today's episode Jen reminds us that our worth is in God and that we need to kick judgment and shame to the curb.
2021-10-1506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 94 - Team Parenting with Thomas LynchIn today's episode, Jen welomes one of her former youth, Thomas Lynch! Thomas is a 26 year old living in Greenville, South Carolina and he chats with Jen about the things his parents passed down to him and what made their brand of parenting particularly special.
2021-10-0509 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 93 - Sabbath & WorthToday, Jen comes to us on the heels of a conference for ministers that offers them a chance to cultivate wholeness and rest for themselves as a way to better serve their churches. Coming out of that space, she offers some insight she's had through the words of Katy Stenta about how Jesus rested and continues to encourage us to rest.
If you'd like to read more of Katy's work, you can check her out at https://katyandtheword.com
2021-09-2509 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 92 - Trust with CeCe ArmstrongToday, Jen welcomes Rev. CeCe Armstrong from St. James Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC. CeCe shares the way her own faith has intersected with her decisions around keeping children safe and heatlhy during this back-to-school time. While everyone is absolutely entitled to their own opinions, CeCe's view rests in trust and, specifically, her trust in God.
2021-09-1511 minParents Take FiveEpisode 91- Prayer for AfghanistanToday, Jen takes a different route and shares a hymn-prayer with us. The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, a Presbyterian hymn-writer and the parish associate at First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego, New York, has written new lyrics to an old hymn for the people of Afghanistan. This hymn-prayer is sung to you today with extra verses written and added by Leigh Thomas Brown from North Carolina.
2021-09-0506 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 91- Prayer for AfghanistanToday, Jen takes a different route and shares a hymn-prayer with us. The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, a Presbyterian hymn-writer and the parish associate at First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego, New York, has written new lyrics to an old hymn for the people of Afghanistan. This hymn-prayer is sung to you today with extra verses written and added by Leigh Thomas Brown from North Carolina.
2021-09-0506 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 90 - Responding to the PainToday, Jen talks about how, historically, some voices of faith have used their words, actions, and even the Bible to cause pain. Thinking on this history, she offers a time of reflection for us to consider how our words and actions may be unknowingly affecting those around us.
2021-08-2609 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 89 - Being A Dad with Court MichaelIn today's episode, Jen sits down for a conversation with Court Michael. Court is a member of Second Presbyterian Church and a dad to three little ones. Jen is always in awe of Court's parenting skills and took the time today to talk with Court about what motivates him to be the best dad he can be and some of the ways he builds trust and honesty into the relationship he has with his kiddos.
2021-08-1614 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 88 - AuthenticityIn today's episode, Jen welcomes special guests "Joseph" and "John" talk about authenticity and the support we need to stay authentic to others and to ourselves.
2021-08-0609 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 87 - The Transformative Faith of a 4-Year-OldToday, Jen recounts watching a child's conversation with an adult at a conference she attended recently. Watching this child's joy, wonder, love, and faith had thinking more and more about what our children can teach us too.
2021-07-2607 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 86 - Developmental Stages with Dr. TinaToday's episode is part two to Jen and Dr. Tina's conversation on sex and sexuality. We're going back to children with this episode and discussing the "100 one minute conversations" parents need to be having with their kids as they grow into their bodies and this world. To learn more about Dr. Tina, check out the bio in Episode 85 or find her at https://www.tinaschermersellers.com.
2021-07-1508 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 85 - Redefining Sex & Sexuality with Dr. TinaDr. Tina Schermer Sellers (a PhD in Clinical Sexology, an M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy, a B.S. in Education, a certified Sex Therapist and Sex Therapy Supervisor, as well as being a speaker, author, mother, and wife) wears a LOT of hats! In this episode, Dr. Tina and Jen talk openly about one thing parents often have a hard time talking about…their own sex lives. They ask if you and your partner are talking about what sex is worth having? Are you having connection and pleasure when you come together? What does sex look like for yo...
2021-07-0610 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 82 - Sexuality SeriesToday, Jen introduces the sexuality series Parents Take Five will be covering over the next few episodes. Jen will bring a few different people on who are going to talk us through how sexuality, faith, and family intersect throughout different stages of our kiddo's development. These episodes will include language that you may not be comfortable with your children hearing so please be aware of that if you often listen with your little ones.
2021-06-0609 minParents Take FiveEpisode 81 - Acknowledging Trauma in Kids with Greg Allen-PickettGreg Allen-Pickett serves as the senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, Nebraska. Greg has an amazing partner in ministry in his wife, Jessica, and a gregarious and compassionate daughter in elementary school. They are loving life in central Nebraska with their ridiculous beagador dog named Luna.Today, Greg and Jen talk about ways we can acknowledge trauma and big emotions in our kids. He talks through some of the ways he and his daughter have processed his father's death together and how that's helped them both grieve in a healthy way.
2021-05-2610 minParents Take FiveEpisode 80 - FearToday, Jen sits in a bit of vulnerability. We all experience fear. Fear of not being good enough, smart enough, not doing things right. And, while we teach our kiddos they're good and smart and enough, sometimes we can forget what Scripture says to us adults about it as well.
2021-05-1506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 79 - Talking to Kids About God with Paul PastorPaul J. Pastor is a writer, editor, and wilderness lover who lives in the woods near Portland, OR with his wife and three kids. His award-winning writing on Christian spirituality is widely recognized for its beauty and insight. He loves good questions (especially ones about God), big stories, and the holy wonder of living.
There's a possibility that you got to hear a little bit of the behind-the-scenes moments from Paul and Jen's conversation last week. This week is the actual conversation that's here to help you take steps towards having real conversations about God with your...
2021-05-0611 minParents Take FiveEpisode 78 - Staring or CaringToday, Jen tells a story of a recent flight she was on and a struggling mom and son. This story, like so many that happen every day around us, reminded her of something the Bible tries to teach us about truly caring for those around us.
2021-04-1607 minParents Take FiveEpisode 77 - Watering the Grass with Jerusalem GreerToday's episode is part two of Jen's conversation with Jerusalem Greer. To see more about Jerusalem and her life, check out episode 76, "Happiness vs. Wholeness with Jerusalem Greer".
2021-04-0611 minParents Take FiveEpisode 76 - Happiness vs. Wholeness with Jerusalem GreerIn today's episode, Jen welcomes author, parent who's survived those kiddo and teen years, and Episcopal minister, Jerusalem Greer. Jerusalem provides some golden nuggets in this episode so make sure to turn that volume up! She reminds us that, while this pandemic is harsh, "generations upon generations upon generations have weathered worse" and we can do hard things. There are things we can't (and maybe shouldn't) get our kids out of but that doesn't make us bad parents. That makes us more concerned about their wholeness than their happiness.
2021-03-2509 minSmall Business Boot Camp PodcastCasey Campbell - Most Veteran DL & Our Largest ProgramSend us a textThis is Episode #6 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Jen and Megan talk with Casey Campbell, Kids First's most veteran Department Leader and the leader of our largest Kids First program. Casey runs our Tumble Bees preschool gymnastics program whose peak enrollment is 1600-1700 students weekly. We talk with Casey about our decentralized organizational structure, her personal mentors and how growth and innovation have impacted her time at Kids First on this episode of the Small Business Boot Camp podcast!Podcast Audio is also available on:+ Spotify+...
2021-03-1546 minParents Take FiveEpisode 75 - International Women's Month with GigiOn today's episode we recognize International Women's Month with a conversation between Jen and her Gigi! This is such a special episode for Jen as she gets to talk parenting with one of the people who spent a ton of time helping to parent her growing up.
2021-03-1513 minSmall Business Boot Camp PodcastReece O'Hara - Kids First's Newest Department LeaderSend us a textThis is Episode #5 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Jen and Megan talk with Reece O'Hara, Kids First's newest Department Leader. Reece runs our Fly Kids Ninja & Parkour Academy which has quickly grown to 300 students in 8 months and began a competitive ninja team in January 2021. We talk about our culture, hiring practices, and more on this episode of the Small Business Boot Camp podcast!Podcast Audio is also available on:+ Spotify+ Apple Podcasts+ Google Podcasts For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp...
2021-03-0839 minParents Take FiveEpisode 74 - Hands-On Faith Parenting with Joelle Brummit-YaleIn today's episode, Joelle Brummit-Yale joins Jen to talk about some of the more artistic resources she's making available to parents. These resources help parents find hands-on ways to get Bible stories into their kid's weekly lives. They also talk about the importance of a good children's Bible.
2021-03-0611 minParents Take FiveEpisode 73 - Two Years of Parents Take FiveHappy anniversary to Parents Take Five! It's been two whole years, 730 days, of editing podcasts, talking to guests, belly laughs, and deep recognition of our mistakes. Jen cannot thank you all enough for your support in this community so, as a token of her appreciation, here's a look back at some of the best moments and bloopers of the past two years.
Make sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode for a surprise addition that even our host, Rev. Jen, didn't know about.
2021-02-2537 minSmall Business Boot Camp PodcastJeff Metzger (Part 3 of 3) - Retirement and Moving Forward without PresidentSend us a textThis is Episode #4 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Jen and Megan talk with Jeff Metzger, Founder of Metzger Gym Club Owners Boot Camp and Kids First Sports Center. This is the final part of a three part series with Jeff focused on the history of Kids First and Boot Camp, succession planning and carrying out an exit strategy as well as retirement and what life at Kids First is like without our 47 year President/Owner at the helm. Podcast Audio is also available on:+ Spotify+ Apple...
2021-02-2340 minSmall Business Boot Camp PodcastJeff Metzger (Part 2 of 3) - Succession Planning and Building Your Exit Strategy from your BusinessSend us a textThis is Episode #3 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Jen and Megan talk with Jeff Metzger, Founder of Metzger Gym Club Owners Boot Camp and Kids First Sports Center. In this part 2 of a 3 part series, we cover succession planning and building your exit strategy from your business. Episode #4 will be Jeff talking about retirement for Jeff and what that looks like as well as how Kids First is faring without their 47 leader at the helm.Podcast Audio is also available on:+ Spotify+ Apple Podcasts
2021-02-2345 minSmall Business Boot Camp PodcastJeff Metzger (Part 1 of 3) - History of Kids First and Boot CampSend us a textThis is Episode #2 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Jen and Megan talk with Jeff Metzger, Founder of Metzger Gym Club Owners Boot Camp and Kids First Sports Center. In this podcast, we cover more historical information about the humble beginnings of Kids First Sports Center and how Boot Camp came to be! This is part 1 of a 2 part interview with Jeff!Episode #3 will be Jeff talking about succession planning and your business exit strategy as well as what 'retirement' looks like for Jeff!Podcast Audio is...
2021-02-1945 minParents Take FiveEpisode 72 - Holy Ordinary Time with Jocelyn WildhackDue to the once-in-a-few-decades weather that Central Arkansas has been experiencing this week, we took a day to spend time out in the snow with our families and make sure our heaters weren't rattling in their boots.
In today's episode, Jen joins Ferncliff's Chaplain and Camp Director Jocelyn Wildhack to talk about the resources Ferncliff has been offering families so that overworked, pandemic-era parents aren't carrying the brunt of faith formation and entertainment of their kiddos all by themselves. Jocelyn spends her time at work sending worshippers on scavenger hunts, fills hundreds of boxes with sparkly pipe c...
2021-02-1611 minParents Take FiveEpisode 71 - InterruptionsLife comes with a lot of interruptions. Interruptions as momentary and harmless as a kiddo who keeps asking what's for dinner in the middle of a grown-up conversation to interruptions as long-lasting and deeply impactful as the onset of an illness. In today's episode, Jen reminds us that scripture is full of these interruptions and gives us a deep hope in the midst of them.
2021-02-0506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 70 - The Joy of Play with Coach Ryan Pt. 2Ryan Stallings (a.k.a. Coach Ryan) has been coaching youth sports for the past fifteen years, ranging from flag football and baseball to basketball and soccer. For more information on Ryan's background, check out the bio of Episode 69 or go to our website: www.parentstakefive.com
In this second part to Coach Ryan and Rev. Jen's conversation, Ryan talks about ways he keeps the parents and players in a positive mindset and how he uses critical thinking to help his young players always look for growth.
*This episode was recorded before COVID-19 hit home for...
2021-01-2506 minSmall Business Boot Camp PodcastPodcast Introduction!Send us a textThis is Episode #1 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Woohoo! Jen and Megan talk about Metzger Boot Camp, their roles at Kids First Sports Center and the future of this podcast!
2021-01-2115 minParents Take FiveEpisode 68 - Welcome 2021Happy New Year, Take Five friends! This new year has been long awaited and anticipated. But with it comes new stuff...and not so new stuff. Listen in with Jen about how we continue to keep ourselves grounded and thankful as we enter 2021.
2021-01-0506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 67 - Merry Christmas from the Take Five FamilyIn today's episode, Jen's family joins her for a few minutes of reflection on the Christmas story and even more laughs. Merry Christmas and a happy new year from all of us on this side of the podcast!
2020-12-2512 minParents Take FiveEpisode 66 - Advent Week 3 with Anne RussWelcome to week three of our 2020 Advent series with Rev. Anne Russ of Doubting Believer! Anne and Jen have been partnering on episodes to talk us through Advent and this preparation season. Today they talk about ways families can change up their "regular" spaces to create some holy space for Christmas and Anne gives us all the permission to do whatever our heart and souls need us to do (or not do) this holiday season.
Doubting Believer: www.doubtingbeliever.com
Parents Take Five: www.parentstakefive.com
2020-12-1611 minParents Take FiveEpisode 65 - Advent Week 2 with Anne RussWe're back with the second week of Advent episodes! Today, Anne and Jen talk about the grief that's going to come with this holiday season. For some kids, it'll be the first Thanksgiving or Christmas without their grandparents or cousins. For parents, this will be equally, if not more, painful for them to watch their kids miss out on these experiences. In the midst of all that grief though, Jen and Anne bring the reassurance that yes, everything is a little chaotic and everything was a little chaotic when Jesus was born. He still came then and he will st...
2020-12-0510 minParents Take FiveEpisode 64 - Advent Week 1 with Anne RussWelcome to our 2020 Advent series with Rev. Anne Russ of Doubting Believer! Over the next few episodes, Anne and Jen will be partnering on episodes to talk us through Advent and this preparation season. They're also introducing their Advent calendar they've partnered on! This Advent calendar has been made with busy parents and families in mind and is available on the Doubting Believer website and the new Parents Take Five website. We hope it helps prepare your heart and soul for the coming of Christmas.
Doubting Believer: www.doubtingbeliever.com
Parents Take Five: ww...
2020-11-2506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 63 - A Different & Same ThanksgivingToday, Rev. Jen talks a little bit about Thanksgiving. A holiday that, back in April or May, we couldn't imagine would be affected by COVID. She talks about ways to keep the familiar and comforting parts of our holidays as well as ways to break in the new and different to accompany this new and different world we're living in. Make sure you listen all the way to the end for news about our Advent episodes and an exciting announcement about Parents Take Five.
2020-11-1507 minParents Take FiveEpisode 61 - Blur the LineToday, Rev. Jen touches on the one subject on all of our minds right now...politics. She reminds us that our children are watching, listening, feeling, and processing during this time. So what will we be modeling for them?
2020-10-2606 minParents Take FiveEpisode 60 - Balancing & Faith with DJ Pryor
We're back with a second episode from American actor, comedian, and television personality, DJ Pryor. Last week, Jen and DJ chatted about his early life and how he's learned what to do and what not to do as a father. This week they touch on how to keep on parenting even when they're "pluckin' our nerves" and ways he models faith for his own children.
To learn more about DJ, and to check out the first half of this awesome conversation, go back and take a listen to episode 59, "Dadfluencer with DJ Pryor".
2020-10-1612 minParents Take FiveEpisode 59 - Dadfluencer with DJ PryorWe are so excited to welcome DJ Pryor to the Parents Take Five podcast! DJ is an American actor, comedian, and television personality who's quickly becoming one of the most energizing and in-demand voices. With a gift of relatable expression, he has appeared on The Steve Harvey Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show and has opened for legendary gospel singer Fred Hammond just to name a few. DJ also helped all of us welcome in the New Year with NBC’s Toast to 2020 and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. One of Mr. Pryor’s latest endeavors...
2020-10-0516 minParents Take FiveEpisode 58 - DivisionThe news has been a less than uniting place recently. There is so, so much division in our society and in our culture right now. In the midst of so much division, how do we model to our kids the values we find to be so important and so faith-based? Rev. Jen takes a few minutes today to talk with us about Paul's words and how we model love in our families.
2020-09-2507 minParents Take FiveEpisode 57 - Pandemic Prayers with Katy StentaWelcome to the second part of Jen's amazing conversation with Katy Stenta! In this, she wraps up her thoughts around parenting children with special needs and talks a bit about her writings and the prayers for this pandemic world she's been Tweeting.
For more about Katy, check out the bio in episode fifty-six.
2020-09-1510 minParents Take FiveEpisode 56 - Special Needs Parenting with Katy StentaKaty Stenta is a solo pastor and a full-time mom, reader of fantasy and creator. She basically talks all the time...sometimes it’s to God, sometimes it’s through a blog, sometimes it’s to nonexistent book characters and sometimes it’s out loud. Today we have the first of a two-part episode with Katy where Jen chats with her about parenting special needs children, Katy's writing, her own personal theology, and so much more. Make sure you come back next time for the rest of Jen and Katy's conversation.
2020-09-0511 minParents Take FiveEpisode 55 - KindnessIn today's episode, Jen is back to talk about kindness. Something so simple, yet something we see so little of in our social media lives right now. Jen suggests a book on kindness you can read with your kids at the end of the episode. Head over to the Parents Take Five Facebook page to learn more.
2020-08-2608 minParents Take FiveEpisode 54 - Simple, Authentic, Repeatable with Traci SmithTraci Smith is an ordained minister, mother of three, and author. Traci's passion is helping families find times for connection and spiritual nourishment amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. What began as a quest to help her own family has provided valuable insight for thousands of others. Traci believes faith practices should be simple, authentic, and repeatable. Today, Jen chat specifically about Traci's book "Prayers for Faithful Families" and the valuable ways we pray with our children.
To find more of Traci's resources, including her weekly Treasure Box Tuesday newsletter, check out www.traci-smith.com.
2020-08-1610 minParents Take FiveEpisode 53 - Love God, Love Others, Love You with Aisha Brooks-JohnsonRev. Aisha Brooks-Johnson has a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and is currently the executive presbyter of the Greater Atlanta Presbytery (a network of 92 churches and over 400 clergy). Aisha is also a proud mom and a heck of a singer. Today, she talks with Rev. Jen about what parents need to hear and need to remember in this time of uncertainty and constant hard decisions.
2020-08-0510 minParents Take FiveEpisode 52 - Big FeelingsAlong with all the newness that's accompanying our new normal, there are also a lot of big feelings coming along with it. We think that as parents we aren't allowed to feel or show these big feelings. Even more, we can sometimes forget that our little ones are feeling big things as well. In today's episode, Jen acknowledges those big feelings and talks through how to sit with those big, intense, and sometimes scary feelings.
2020-07-2507 minParents Take FiveEpisode 51 - List of 5 with JC McDanielToday we welcome back licensed therapist JC McDaniel to talk about his List of 5. This is a concept JC came up with in his marriage and something that Jen swears by in her own marriage. To hear more from JC, make sure to check out episode 50 "Who's the Heavy Lifter" as well.
2020-07-1609 minParents Take FiveEpisode 50 - Who's the Heavy Lifter?In today's episode, Jen sits down with licensed therapist, JC McDaniel. JC uses his own experiences as a father and husband to talk about the benefit of recognizing that this parenting thing was always hard even without the curve ball of COVID-19, how putting a new schedule in place within your family helps you all respond a little easier to life right now, and who happens to be the heavy lifter in your partnerships.
2020-07-0513 minParents Take FiveEpisode 49 - Do Less...and RecognizeToday, Jen talks with us about, oddly enough, how maybe right now we don't need to be doing even more. Perhaps we need to be doing a little less and taking the time to recognize ourselves and our own hearts.
2020-06-2507 minParents Take FiveEpisode 47 - How to Say "No" with Gail Henderson-BelsitoToday, Jen chats with Gail Henderson-Belsito about how to say "no". Gail homeschooled her children when they were younger and that huge life decision was one of the catalysts for learning how saying "no" to some things, means saying "yes" to other things.
2020-06-0511 minParents Take FiveEpisode 46 - Self Care for Parents with Katie WalkerWelcome back, Katie! Registered play therapist, Katie Walker, is back to talk with us about the phrase we tend to think is an oxymoron: self care for parents. She and Jen raise the fact that even God rested...so why wouldn't we?
2020-05-2507 minParents Take FiveEpisode 44 - Worship or Whine TimeToday, Jen talks about the difficult of keeping her own kiddos focused while attending worship from their couch. As she struggled with how to remind her kids in this new space how much they loved worship in the church building, she thought about the Apostle Paul...and how Paul also found a way to worship in a space he wasn't comfortable with.
2020-05-0507 minParents Take FiveEpisode 43 - Pandemic LaundryThis podcast was created as a short, concise, and tangible collection of tips and tricks on how to faithfully parents. Today though, in this unprecedented time we are in, Rev. Jen presses pause on the tips and tricks and sits with you in the difficulty of parenting in a pandemic.
2020-04-1506 minParents Take FiveEp. 42 - Lent On-the-Go Pt. 3We're back with returning guest, Rev. Anne Russ. Anne has joined us for episodes 39 and 40 as we continue our Lenten series so make sure to check out those episodes and head over to our Facebook or Instagram to read her bio. Today, Anne and Jen continue to talk about ways we voice the hard parts of Lent with our children as well as some tips on how to bring the Easter message home this year.
2020-04-0510 minParents Take FiveEpisode 40 - Lent On-the-Go Pt. 2Our Lenten series continues in today's episode with guest, Rev. Anne Russ. Anne joined us for our last episode so head over there or to our Facebook and Instagram to read her bio. Today, Anne and Jen talk about ways families can utilize a Lenten practice in the small pockets of time in their days. One way is through some guided questions provided in this episode that help kids recognize their own gifts and talents and the gifts of those around them.
2020-03-1505 minParents Take FiveEpisode 39 - Lent On-the-Go with Rev. Anne RussOur Lenten series continues in today's episode with our guest, Rev. Anne Russ. Anne is a Presbyterian pastor living in New York, New York as well as the founder and face behind Doubting Believer, an online community of progressive and inclusive Christians. Today, Anne and Jen talk about ways families can take a Lenten practice, literally, on the road. We spend so much time in the car with our kids going to school, practice, try-outs, rehearsals, all the things...why don't we use those moments of contained holy space to spend some time in a Lenten discipline together?
2020-03-0507 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 38 - Beginning LentThe Lenten season begins tomorrow so in today's episode, Rev. Jen walks us through what Lent is and what kind of language we can use to talk with our kiddos about this season and what it means for us.
2020-02-2505 minParents Take FiveEpisode 37 - Sabbath in the Moment Pt.Today's episode is the second part of a two-part conversation with Lauren Winner. Lauren writes and lectures widely on Christian practice, the history of Christianity in America, and Jewish-Christian relations. Dr. Winner, an Episcopal priest, is vicar of St. Paul's Episcopalian Church in Louisburg, N.C. For a more in-depth bio, check out our Facebook or Instagram pages! In this episode, Jen and Lauren talk about the moments we are able to find Sabbath for both our little ones and for ourselves.
2020-02-1508 minParents Take FiveEpisode 36 - Sabbath in the Moment with Lauren WinnerToday's guest, Lauren F. Winner, writes and lectures widely on Christian practice, the history of Christianity in America, and Jewish-Christian relations. Dr. Winner, an Episcopal priest, is vicar of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Louisburg, N.C. For a more in depth bio, check out our Facebook or Instagram pages! In this episode, Jen and Lauren talk about the moments we are able to find Sabbath for both our little ones and for ourselves.
2020-02-0509 minParents Take FiveEpisode 35 - Finding The Word in "The Lion King"Today, Jen chats about watching the most recent remake of The Lion King with her family. During the movie night, she found herself connecting so many of the Disney movie's scenes with themes and stories found in the Bible. In case you wanted your own movie night to make these connections with your kiddos, she's lined up the things she noticed in this episode.
2020-01-2506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 34 - Honoring Pt. 2Today's episode is a continuation of episode 33 with Eugenia A. Gamble. Eugenia and Jen talk more about what the commandment, "Honor thy mother and father", truly means. They also discuss what ways the church is an extension of parenting and grandparenting for families and how we as parents still need that same kind of guidance and parenting ourselves.
2020-01-1511 minParents Take FiveEpisode 33 - Honoring with Rev. Eugenia A. GambleEugenia is a PCUSA pastor, now retired after 35 years of active and loving service in Alabama, Colorado, and California. She is an author, speaker, preacher, and retreat leader who loves nothing more than helping the Bible come alive for people. Today, she and Jen focus on the commandment to honor our father and mother. Eugenia takes a unique and deep dive into what God truly means for us through this particular commandment.
2020-01-0510 minParents Take FiveEpisode 31 - Favorite Family TraditionsToday we hear straight from the Christmas experts themselves: the kiddos! Rev. Jen sits down with a few kids of all ages to ask them about different traditions their families have around the holidays that have helped form their faith over the years. We hope this will give you and your family some ideas of traditions you can enjoy together too!
2019-12-1511 minParents Take FiveEpisode 30 - Advent Preparation with Jeannie FordIn today's episode, Rev. Jen sits down with Jeannie Ford to chat about different ways we can prepare for Advent with our kiddos. Specifically, they talk about the book "Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas: A Savior Is Born" by Patti Rokus.
2019-12-0510 minParents Take FiveEpisode 29 - What Do You Really Want?Today, Rev. Jen brings us to the book of Joshua to talk about what we really want during the next few weeks. We say we want memories of time with family and cozy gatherings around a Thanksgiving dinner or a Christmas tree. But when it comes down to it, we end up with last minute gift wrapping and worrying about whether we'll even end up being on time for these wonderful family moments. Why do we do this to ourselves? And how can we remind ourselves of what we truly want for ourselves and for our families?
2019-11-2506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 27 - Give ThanksNowadays, the words "grateful" and "thankful" are plastered on every coffee mug, throw pillow, cute door mat, and sweater you find around this time of year. Today, Jen breaks out her seminary knowledge to remind and refocus us on the true, Biblical meaning of thankfulness. She also walks us through ways we can include our kids in daily, genuine thankfulness.
2019-11-0507 minParents Take FiveEpisode 26 - Sabbath & Family with Cam ThomasToday, Cam Thomas, who serves as pastor at Topsail Presbyterian Church in Hampstead, NC and Jen discuss how we check in with our families, know when we're connecting together well, and that we simply cannot say yes to everything. While (in this episode and the Power Mom episodes) we use the words "dads" and "men" often, that's only because Cam is speaking from his own life and family experience. This advice and faithful wisdom is imperative for any and all parents of young ones.
2019-10-2510 minParents Take FiveEpisode 25 - Mental HealthOctober 10th was World Mental Health Day in an effort to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental illness conditions and mental health. Today, Jen talks about the importance of mental health for every single person but, specifically, how important it is to talk to your kids about. Don't shy away from the hard subjects...let's talk about it.
2019-10-1506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 22 - The Power of HugsToday, Rev. Jen takes us back to the basics of parenting. There are these little things that can seem so small and common, such as a hug, that have all the impact in the world. When was the last time you gave your little one (or your medium-sized one or your full grown one) a hug?
2019-09-1506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 21 - Rupture & Repair with Kami TranToday, Jen sits down and chats with Kami Tran. Kami is a licensed professional counselor, registered play therapist, a National Certified counselor, and a mental health supervisor with Pediatrics Plus Counseling and Diagnostics. This episode is a smidge longer than normal but worth every minute. Kami and Jen lovingly talk through the hard truth that moms and dads are human too with real human emotions that can be just as big and just as scary as their kiddo's emotions.
2019-09-0611 minParents Take FiveEpisode 20 - BreathingCan you feel it? Can you feel the pressure and the stress and the unique headache that is carpool lines? The school year has begun. While there are wonderful, beautiful parts to a new school year (reuniting with friends, a reliable routine, new office supplies) there are many hard parts to a new year. Jen takes a moment in today's episode to give you a technique she uses to breathe in God's grace and breathe out that new year stress.
2019-08-2606 minParents Take FiveEpisode 19 - I Wonder with Elizabeth Lovell MilfordElizabeth is a wife, mother, Presbyterian minister, certified Christian educator, and a writer who currently serves as the pastor of Heritage Presbyterian Church outside Atlanta, GA. In today's episode, Elizabeth and Jen explore the opportunities parents have when our kids ask those big time questions. Do we have the answers? Do we not have the answers? How do we wonder right along with our kiddos?
2019-08-1609 minParents Take FiveEpisode 18 - Covenant MakingAs a prior youth director and an associate pastor that works directly with youth, Rev. Jen has made many a covenant in her time. Most recently, she came back from a trip with the Second Pres. youth to Montreat Conference Center where they revisited their covenant and even made their own personal covenant for the week. Jen reflects on how covenant making as a family could potentially change the environment as whole in a household with littles.
2019-08-0504 minParents Take FiveEpisode 17 - Faith & Sexuality with Sophie ManessIt can be rough figuring out how to talk sexuality with our kiddos so Jen teamed up with some of the best to chat about this very subject. Sophie Maness, the Director of Christian Education at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN is a certified christian educator with a Masters in Christian Education and uses that knowledge to lead workshops centered on faith and sexuality with parents and children alike.
2019-07-2507 minParents Take FiveEpisode 16 - Get SchooledRecently, Rev. Jen experienced a parenting revelation during family game night. Sometimes, as parents, we prefer to forget that we aren't always in control. This week, Jen reminds us to take moments to surrender our control and open our eyes to the things we can only see in that moment of surrender to our kiddos and surrender to our God.
2019-07-1505 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 15 - Parenting in the Pew with Nancy MyerToday we revisit how we best worship with our children and are joined by Nancy Myer from Chapel Hill, NC. In this episode, Nancy gives tangible and real advice on what parents can do during worship time to engage and grow their children. She and Jen also encourage parents to lean into remembering that we're all out here fighting the same battle, so let's give ourselves and each other some much-deserved grace.
2019-07-0508 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 14 - FreedomWe're back today just in time for a conversation around freedom right before Independence Day. Freedom is a topic we tend to only visit once a year but is a feeling that we face daily. Whether it be freedom...or a lack of freedom. Rev. Jen talks with us today about how you can talk to your kiddos about freedom in the bible and in our own every day lives.
2019-06-2506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 12 - Spirit ReachingIn such a time as this, it's good to remember the good. Rev. Jen addresses the flooding impacting Arkansas and some of our own congregation members at the moment and how this situation reminds her that at times we reach for the good. Sometimes it may not be obvious and within arm's length but we must always reach for the good.
2019-06-0504 minParents Take FiveEpisode 11 - Summer FunSummer is fast-approaching and our kiddos are about to be back in the house all day, every day. Summer's are the promised land for kids but can be overwhelming for parents trying to put together an over-crowded summer calendar for themselves, their kids, and even the dog! Today, Rev. Jen chats about setting intentional summer time with her own family in the midst of the busiest season that is summer break.
2019-05-1504 minParents Take FiveEpisode 10 - Generation Z with Sarah LeerJen and Sarah Leer, the Director of Children and Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Bentonville, Arkansas had a great conversation about Generation Z, who they are, their priorities, and how parents can successfully and supportively walk alongside them in their day-to-day lives. Check out our Facebook page, Take Five with Parents, to read more about Sarah and her contributions to the Presbyterian world.
2019-05-0608 minParents Take FiveEpisode 09 - Improv in Parenting Pt. 1Today's episode is one part of an amazing conversation Rev. Jen got to have with Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana. MaryAnn is a writer, pastor, speaker, and ministry coach from Virginia. Over the next few months, you'll get to hear installments of their conversation about how MaryAnn uses her knowledge of stage improv and applies it to her every day life, faith, and even to her parenting.
2019-04-2507 minParents Take FiveEpisode 08 - Children In WorshipIt's an ages long struggle passed from parent to parent to learn how to keep your squirmy little ones in the pew on a Sunday morning. Today, Rev. Jen recognizes that struggle firsthand and wholeheartedly but pushes us to reconsider sending them off somewhere else and reminds us what scripture says about worship and kiddos.
2019-04-1509 minParents Take FiveEpisode 06 - A Growing CaterpillarJen talks us through the tradition her family has adopted of growing a caterpillar into a butterfly and how that strikes conversation about faith, life and Jesus Christ.
2019-03-2506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 04 - S.N.A.P. ChallengeThis week, Jen sits down with a member of our congregation to talk about the S.N.A.P. Challenge and how we can faithfully talk to our kids about hunger and food insecurity.
2019-03-0506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 03 - Fun in WaitingIn todays episode, Rev. Jen Evans gives us five tips on how to productively and positively take advantage of those moments in life where we find ourselves waiting around with our kiddos.
2019-02-2505 min