FAITH NEWS SERVICE – New book helps parents turn Communion into a natural, everyday rhythm of faith at home
Gilbert, AZ – April 6, 2026 — A growing number of Christian parents feel the weight of wanting to pass on a lasting faith—yet aren’t sure how to explain deeper spiritual truths in ways their children can understand. In her new book, “Communion Along the Way: A Playful Study of the Lord’s Supper” (Redemption Press, 2026), author and ministry leader Joy Wendling offers a thoughtful and practical path forward, helping families rediscover Communion not just as a church practice, but as a meaningful part of daily life.
Rather than presenting discipleship as something formal or complicated, Wendling meets parents in the reality of everyday rhythms. Many feel underprepared to answer spiritual questions or unsure how to make faith conversations feel natural at home. “Communion Along the Way” addresses that tension directly, guiding parents into a deeper understanding of the Lord’s Supper while equipping them to share it with their children through simple, relational moments. Through her Love, Teach, Play framework, Wendling shows how curiosity, connection, and conversation can become the foundation for faith that lasts beyond childhood.
Drawing from more than twenty years of experience in children and family ministry—as well as her own life as a mother of five—Wendling traces the story of bread and wine throughout Scripture, helping parents grow in confidence and clarity. The book emphasizes that discipleship doesn’t require perfect answers, but begins with a parent’s own relationship with God and naturally extends into the lives of their children.
Discipleship, Wendling explains, does not begin with having all the answers but with a genuine love for God and a willingness to invite children into that relationship along the way.
Rooted in Deuteronomy 6 and designed for real life, “Communion Along the Way” helps families move from pressure to peace—transforming car rides, mealtimes, and bedtime routines into meaningful spaces where faith is formed. With developmentally appropriate conversations, interactive activities, and Scripture-rich insight, the book invites both parents and children to experience Communion as part of God’s larger story of redemption, not just a moment observed in church.
Joy Wendling’s paperback will be available on April 7, 2026; with the e-book free to download on Amazon for 5 days through April 11, 2026. Early readers are already sharing how much the story has touched them—here’s what a couple of reviewers have said:
Nancy L
5 Stars Your kids will thank you!
This is a wonderful book! Interacting with our kids on spiritual matters; meeting them right where they are! Kids like to play… by the way, so do adults! So many hidden gems in here and great ideas and ways to share important biblical truths to young minds!
Aloysia Tennial
5 Stars Yes and Amen!
Communion Along the Way is a thoughtful and accessible resource for families who want to help their children understand the beauty and meaning of Communion. Joy does an excellent job connecting Scripture to everyday rhythms in a way that feels both practical and spiritually rich. What I appreciated most is how this book makes discipleship feel doable not overwhelming. The activities and conversations are developmentally appropriate and rooted in biblical truth, helping families move beyond tradition into meaningful understanding that will be passed down for generations! As someone who is leading the next generation I’m so thankful for this resource!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joy Wendling is a writer, a speaker, a podcaster, and the founder of Created to Play. She holds a master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing her PhD in educational studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where she serves as resource coordinator at the Center for Faith and Children. With over twenty years of experience in children, youth, and family ministry, Joy is passionate about helping parents disciple their children through meaningful connection and play. She lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and five daughters. Connect with Joy at CreatedtoPlay.com, on Substack @createdtoplay, and on her podcast, Playfully Faithful Parenting.
For interviews, review copies, or speaking inquiries, contact:
Email: joy@createdtoplay.com
Website: www.createdtoplay.com
