faith can move mountains
This Christian Planner belongs to
Religious Denomination
I can do everything
through Christ who gives me strength
table of contents
01 | How To Use This Planner
02 | Declare a Christian Rule of Life 03 | Choose A Christian Denomination 04 | Liturgical Calendar 05 | Advent Calendar 06 | Lent Calendar 07 | Ordinary Time Calendar 08 | Prayer Journal 09 | Bible Study Methods 10 | Church Log
without rain, nothing grows
learn to embrace the storms of your life
01
How To Use This Planner
what order should i go in -
you can go in any order
what sections would you like to make sure you cover first?
print + reference later -
many sections are more for reference what are some different traditions, important dates and other details you’d like to print, post and share with others?
who is this for
anyone
- everyone is welcome
there is no special secret password or initiation process - if you enjoy learning about Christianity, God, Jesus and incoporating that into your life, then you’re in the right place. still here?
who is this not for
it’s still for everyone
it is the evangelical mission of all christians to help spread the word and teachings of jesus christ
dogs are God’s way of saying
he didn’t want us to walk alone
02
Declare a Christian Rule Of Life
what is a rule of life -
your commitment with God
on how you will live your life, conduct yourself and what your intentions are - your pattern of living make an intentional and conscious plan for your life in fellowship with God in each area - begin with the end in mind this of this as a restatement of your typical new year’s resolutions
Finances
Spirituality
Attitude
Health
Mental
Relationships
Family
Work
a friend loves
at all times ~ proverbs 17:17
03
Choose a Christian Denomination
do you have to choose -
not at all
non-denominational is always a great choice but if you were curious...there may be some denominations that speak to you more or less than others
source: Wikipedia
finding a church
you can also use the next few questions to help you to find a particular place of worship to join, not just a denomination if you wish to stay non-denominational
how to choose
step 1 - research
yes, look online but how about visiting different churches and showing up in person to attend a Sunday service what are some local churches you could visit
how to choose
step 2 - favorite sermons
who are some of your favorite pastors and how do you like your spiritual guidance delivered - in a hopeful and helping manner or more of a strong-willed and my way or the highway type of lecture. what fits your personality best?
how to choose -
step 3 -
ensure its beliefs align with yours
ensure they believe that Jesus is the son of God, that God is part of the Holy Trinity, is all-knowing, all-powerful and good. ask for the church’s doctinal statements - review them. do you agree with what they believe?
how to choose
step 4 - meet congregation members
what are some questions you want to ask current members
catholic -1.3 billion
largest branch of christianity
Founded in the 1st century CE in the Roman Empire based on the teachings of Jesus what’s appealing
Potential Churches to visit
what’s not appealing
protestant - 900 million
2nd largest branch of christianity
Founded in 1517 when Martin Luther published his 95 Theses as a
reaction against the sale of Indulgences by the Catholic Church
what’s appealing
Potential Churches to visit
what’s not appealing
eastern orthodoxy - 230 million
based on the Nicene Creed
Split from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054 East-West Schism which disputed the authority of the Pope what’s appealing
Potential Churches to visit
what’s not appealing
oriental orthodoxy - 62 million
based on miaphysite christology Split from the Roman Catholic Church in Council of Chalcedon in 451AD after the excommunicating bishops for refusing the accept the “in two natures” teaching that the divine and human natures of Jesus do not exist beside one another but are joined in a personal unity misphysite is one nature
what’s appealing
Potential Churches to visit
what’s not appealing
anglicanism - 110 million
part of Protestantism Founded in 1534 Act of Supremacy + English Reformation break from the Roman Catholic Church which declared King Henry VIII the Supreme Head on earth of the Church of England when the Church of England what’s appealing
Potential Churches to visit
what’s not appealing
baptist church - 75 million
part of Protestantism Founded in 1609 in Amsterdam by John Smyth who rejected infant baptism in favor of believing adult baptism
what’s appealing
Potential Churches to visit
what’s not appealing
lutheran - 90 million
part of Protestantism Founded in 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church opposing the sale of indulgences what’s appealing
Potential Churches to visit
what’s not appealing
calvin aka reformed - 80 million
part of Protestantism Founded in 1609 in Amsterdam by John Smyth who rejected infant baptism in favor of believing adult baptism
what’s appealing
Potential Churches to visit
what’s not appealing
methodist - 80 million
part of Protestantism Founded in 18th century revival moment in the Church of England based on the teachings of John Wesley, George Whitefield and Charles Wesley what’s appealing
Potential Churches to visit
what’s not appealing
seventh-day adventist - 21 million
observes saturday as sabbath Founded in 1863 in the US from the Millerite movement, adhering to Kosher food laws, vegetarianism, and its emphasis on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and rejection of pagan traditions such as birthday celebrations - they also believe the dead sleep in their grave until their bodies are resurrected
what’s appealing
Potential Churches to visit
what’s not appealing
___________________________
description what’s appealing
Potential Churches to visit
what’s not appealing
____________________________
description what’s appealing
Potential Churches to visit
what’s not appealing
i believe
God will make a way ~ lauryn hill
04
Liturgical Calendar
what is a liturgical calendar -
it’s a christian calendar!
aka ecclesiastical calendar, based on the lunisolar cycle to indicate days and seasons for fasts and festivals
what is a liturgical calendar -
it’s a christian calendar!
there are some variations among denominations i.e. December 24 is part of Advent for Catholic while other mark sunset on that day as the beginning of Christmastide
when does it start -
4th Sunday before Christmas
if you’ve ever owned an advent calendar, you probably love chocolate but you also believe the liturgical calendar begins on December 1 but it actually begins the 4th Sunday before Christmas
seasons of the liturgical calendar
advent
start of the liturgical year
christmas
birth of jesus christ
ordinary time time after epiphany
lent
reflection + preparation
easter
jesus christ’s crucifixion, resurrection + ascension
ordinary time time after pentecost
important holy days to mark down Advent
Christmas
Lent
Palm Sunday
important holy days to mark down Maundy Thursday Good Friday
Easter
Pentecost
other holy days to note Holy Cross Day All Saints’ Day Christ The King Sunday Epiphany of the Lord
other holy days to note Baptism of the Lord Presentation of the Lord
Holy Saturday
Trinity Sunday
other holy days to note Transfiguration Sunday Ash Wednesday Ascension of the Lord Visition of Mary to Elizabeth
other holy days to note _________
_________
_________
_________
the quest for God
is the quest for true happiness
05
Advent Calendar
what is an advent calendar -
it’s a countdown to Christ’s birth
it is a season of hopeful anticipation fun fact: The German printer Gerhard Lang was the first to design cardboard Advent calendars with little doors to hide something for each day
what is christmastide -
the 12 days of christmas
December 25 - January 5 Epiphany on January 6 marks the end, aka Three Kings’ Day when the magi visited May, Joseph + their child
how to prepare for advent -
journaling questions & activities
here are some questions to help you prepare for advent
list yo
ay
ur fav
ea d ch
ite r o
otionals to rea v e d d
sus’s birth
w h en c a n
f Je
yo u
to read th es to o ry
m
me i t e ak
yo ur
aka
C
s ist’ tre family e
w h en c a n
sse Tree -
hr
e
vis
e Je h t it
on e as
take time o ff o f
joy the Ch rist ma sS
wo
en o t rk
t for each
of t he ays
open
ew
sen e r p
d 12
on en
so n
decorate
sea the
yo ur
eb r
ate
m ho
d office to c n a el e
r you in
b
ee
orn b n
into you,
you r li
+ fe rw you ork
how has C hri st
life
ponde rw he
Go d
yo e r
e evidence o e s u f
arty
invite frien
sp
ds a
ma
and host a C y l i hri am f st nd
fresco of Jacob’s Ladder Jesse Trees are used to tell the story of
the Bible from creation to the Christmas story
how to create a Jesse Tree
use symbols as ornaments
Isaiah 11:1 refers to Jesus as a shoot coming up from the stump of Jesse, the father of David when will you put together your Jesse Tree? where will you find ornaments? when will you review the stories - set up a schedule?
adam and eve -genesis 3:6-7
apple
summarize the story below + its meaning
noah’s ark - genesis 6:11-14
ark or rainbow
summarize the story below + its meaning
abraham - genesis 22:9-12
knife
summarize the story below + its meaning
isaac - genesis 22:13-14
ram
summarize the story below + its meaning
jacob’s ladder - genesis 28: 12-14
ladder
summarize the story below + its meaning
joseph - genesis 37:3-4
colorful coat
summarize the story below + its meaning
moses - exodus 31:18
tablet of the law
summarize the story below + its meaning
david - samuel 16:17-19
harp
summarize the story below + its meaning
isaiah - isaiah 10:10-11
lion and a lamb
summarize the story below + its meaning
mary - luke 1:26-28
lily
summarize the story below + its meaning
elizabeth - luke 1:39-45
small house
summarize the story below + its meaning
joseph - matthew 1:18-21
hammer
summarize the story below + its meaning
look deep into nature
and then you will understand everything better ~ albert einstein
06
Lent Calendar
what is lent -
Easter preparation
it is the 40-day period between Ash Wendesdy and Easter to focus on self-examination and self-denial i.e. fasting just as important as advent
when does it begin -
Ash Wednesday
exactly 46 days before Easter Sunday to allow for 40 fasting days and 6 Sundays during Lent
what is Shrove Tuesday -
last Tuesday before Lent begins day to reflect on your sins, repent and make plans to change your life for spritual growth during Lent
opportunity to use up any items you will forgo for Lent, which morphed into Mardi Gras as Fat Tuesday
G
pe l os (Mark 1:15)
Ash Wedne sd ay
the
rgo (luxury) d uri ng
t
r fasting plan u o s fo y e r r a
nt Le
wh a
t
wh at
& believe in
n Le
wi
u fo o ll y
: re
t p en
om m
o
your time e t a du on rin d u g
where c
pla
n
eighbor ow n fell
what are your
so sea
yo ur
fo s n
msgiving to hel l a r p
s thi
an
y
what
Lent for
pra ye
can you c
o it t
ch s r
le e du
n Ho hrist on E
ast
er
ay nd
how
rC o n ho u o
Su
wi ll y
ly Sunday
will you p how rac ti c
e, stillness and d u lit sile so
eo nc
e
rvice
can you
y se ida
ma k
Fr
e
o attend a Go t s n od pla
worry ends when
faith in God begins
07
Ordinary Time Calendar
what is ordinary time
there are 2 seasons of ordinary time 1 | the season after Epiphany which is a feast day associated with the visiting of the magi and their gifts to the Christ child and turning wine into water 2 | the season after Pentecost (celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus’s disciples after his Ascension - 7th day after Easter) is longest and last season in the liturgical calendar
when does it begin -
winter
between Christmastide + Lent
summer
between Eastertide + Advent
u
encourag
em en
t to
an eeds help dn
pray for
o
know is strug u o y gli e n n g
so m e
urch r ch
set as i de
u can volunte o y er ha t t at e
u yo
ti m
write a s
end a f ri
pir it
a
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yo
a rel
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m
tionship with C h ris
a ake
s ay
an strength c u en yo
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list of diffe ren tw
discover ne ww
involved in y t e ou og t rc ys
munity com rch hu
a
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create a
nd
reg
ea
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ly worship ro k e e uti rw n
t
r sta o g
rting a b ible
st
y ud
nin i o
gro
up
c
cons ide rj
o list
u can honor o y Go ys a d w
life
make a
f
ur yo in
f
wit h
d family s an
make plan s to
oly Days
nd rie
te H a r b e l e
when the solution is simple
God is answering ~ albert einstein
08
Prayer Journal
Prayer request log Prayer
Date
For Whom
daily prayer guidance log Lord thank you for Lord teach me to Lord guide me to Lord forgive me for
Favorite Prayer Log Morning Prayer
Meal Time Prayer
Evening Prayer
Prayer of Faith
Prayer of Agreement
Favorite Prayer Log Prayer of Thansgiving
Prayer of Worship
Prayer of Consecration
Prayer of Intercession
Prayer of Inprecation
God can calm
the storms in your life
09
Bible Study Methods
Lord, teach me
what I cannot see ~job 34:32
there is no one right way
but here are some suggestions
studying the Bible should always be a no-stree, no-judgment activity that you enjoy , look forward to and strengthens your relationship with God - don’t let anyone tell you you’re doing it wrong. maybe you’ve simply discovered a new way to do it!
group study that you join or start one or with 1 accountaiblity partner
individual study by yourself on your own time on your own schedule
bible study supplies -
study aids for you
office supplies you might want to have on hand
colored pens
flashcards
pencils
weighted page holder
highlighters
paper clips
small post-its
book holder stand
bookmarks
book light
elastic bookmarks
notebook
reading guide strips
book darts
choosing a bible - 3 steps
there are many options it’s okay to own more than one! fun fact: the Bible is the #1 bestselling book of ALL TIME with over 5 billion sold it is NOT copyrighted - ANYONE can publish or use content from it It was recently discovered (March 2020) that the Dead Sea Scroll fragments at the Museum of the Bible are forgeries - the original Scrolls are owned by Israel
exception: King James version has an eternal crown copyright owned by the royal monarchy
step 1: what will it be used for study bible
large print bible
reference bible
outreach bible - ministry
devotional bible
collectors item
journaling bible
rare book
gift bible
foreign language
kids bible
latin bible
teen student bible
other
step 2: choose a translation version
try them all out first!
you want the one that’s most readable to you
christian standard bible - blends accuracy + readability english standard version - literal transation into modern day english original king james version - transation from 1611 new king james version - updated in 1982 for more modern grammar and vocabulary from its original 1611 version
new american standard bible - updated in 1995 for more modern grammar and voacabulary from its original 1881 version
new international version - meant for a wide range of english speaking groups
new living transation - attempts to convey the thoughts behind the text where it deems the literal translation is too difficult to comprehend
step 3: determine logistics + your budget
what’s important
decide what important factors you’d like to have in your bible + how much you’d like to spend
paperback
typeface
soft binding
b&w vs color
hardbound
gold foiling
gilded page edges
leather | calfskin
paper weight
spiral
margin size
old vs new testament
cover texture
complete vs parts
study method #1: sword
3 question method for bible study simple observation method for studying any passage or verse
what does this passage teach me about god, jesus or the holy spirit
what do I learn about mankind’s and my own actions, thoughts and feelings
what does god want me to do according to this passage
study method #2: person study individuals from the bible choose a person from the bible NOTE: there are multiple people with the same name
find all the passages where they are mentioned
create a timeline of their life
list out their character traits you admire and dislike
what lessons can you learn from their life
study method #3: synthetic
read the bible several times you can read by book, story, verse
1st reading what is the central theme or emphasis of this book, verse or passage
2nd reading how is the theme emphasized and developed + how you can apply it to your life
3rd reading what can I discern about the author + his circumstances when this was written
4th reading what can I learn about the people for whom this book was written. their circumstances, needs or problems
5th reading give a title to each paragraph what words stand out
study method #4: by chapter
each chapter starts a new subject
give each chapter a title that summarizes its main message
create an outline of the chapter
use a concordance to find other mentions of the word or verse + study them together
it’s not about the church meeting your needs
it’s about joining the mission of God to meet the world’s needs
10
Church Log
church friend log New Friends I Met At Church
Contact Info
Notes
church tithing log Church Tithes & Offerings
Date & Amount
Check / Cash/ CC / PayPal
church volunteer log Volunteer Activity
Date
Total Time
Location
church donation log Church Donations
Item Donated
Date Donated
Item Value $
church attendance log Date + Time I attended church
Sermon Message
Notes
church social log Church social events I attended
Date & Time
What did I contribute
my church info Church Name | Address | Contact Info (Phone & Social Media)
Pastor
Service Dates + Times