Faith Family,
I had a great discussion today with some of my teammates about the barriers parents face in being the spiritual leaders of their homes. Did you know that according to the Barna Group’s research, the number one factor present among young adults who maintained a passionate faith life and active church involvement as they crossed into adulthood was worship in the home? My takeway from that: if I want my own children to love Jesus 15-20 years down the line, the best thing I can do is model that for them and lead them in that part of their life not just at church, but right in my own home.
This illustrates a bigger truth, I think. When kids see passion – genuine, real, authentic, passion for Jesus Chirst – they are compelled by it. Is your passion for a relationship with Jesus real? How are you “shining your light” in your own home? What barriers are holding you back and how can you help limit or eliminate those barriers? If your kids are already out of the house, how can you partner with them in the raising of your grandchildren, or how can you partner with other young parents in the church still in the throes of child-rearing?
Now confession time: that is way easier to say than it is to know actually how to do it. This is one of the things our Children, Youth, and Family team is thinking and praying through – not just how to do it, but how to help you do it well, too. We’d love your prayers as we work on that effort.
Some food for thought for you today…I know I’m still chewing on it.
Here’s some stuff going on around here we thought you’d like to know about:
All Church Picnic
Summer in Minnesota = Church Picnic time! Plan to join us on Wednesday, August 21 from 6-8:30pm for dinner, fellowship, and baptisms at Antler's Park (Lake Marion) in Lakeville! We'll provide burgers and hot dogs - bring your own chair or blanket and a dish to share.
Confirmation Initial Information Meeting
An initial informational meeting will be held Sunday, August 25 at 10:30-11:00am in room 150 (youth center). At this gathering, we will briefly explain expectations and answer questions. All students considering taking confirmation and a parent should attend. This is most commonly 9th graders, but older students who did not take it are also welcome, and occasionally 8th graders choose to as well.
Faithful Purls
Calling anyone with skill or interest in knitting and visiting: Faith's knitting group plans to meet at JoJo's Rise and Wine on Wednesday August 14 from 6:30-8pm. Plan to join us to learn a new skill, work on a project, and enjoy some lively fellowship!
Small Group Leader Training
Calling all (potential) small group leaders! Are you feeling a nudge to help lead one of Faith's small groups? Is there a topic you are passionate about? We're looking for small group leaders of a wide variety to launch small groups of an equally wide variety this fall! Training is free and support is ongoing. Contact Jen at [email protected] to sign up! Training is offered as two options: #1- Saturday, August 24 from 9am - 3 pm; #2-Monday and Wednesday, August 26 & 28 6 - 8:30pm
Honduras Water Project
Get in the trenches! Agua Viva is planning a Honduras Water Project November 1-10. If you’re interested in traveling to Honduras and helping to build a water system, as well as sharing the hope that Jesus Christ the Living Water offers, contact Jay Substad @ 952-412-7682 or email [email protected]. The team will form soon, with training starting in September.
Children's Ministry Staffing Update
Vicki Newendorp will be joining our team as the Interim Children's Ministry Coordinator. Vicki will bring clarity, great communication skills, organization, warmth, and leadership in the midst of our transition in Children's Ministry. She will work between 10-15 hours per week, focusing on Sunday mornings and prep for the Fall ministry season. To be clear: this is a short-term position. The process to find our long-term position is underway.
I had a great discussion today with some of my teammates about the barriers parents face in being the spiritual leaders of their homes. Did you know that according to the Barna Group’s research, the number one factor present among young adults who maintained a passionate faith life and active church involvement as they crossed into adulthood was worship in the home? My takeway from that: if I want my own children to love Jesus 15-20 years down the line, the best thing I can do is model that for them and lead them in that part of their life not just at church, but right in my own home.
This illustrates a bigger truth, I think. When kids see passion – genuine, real, authentic, passion for Jesus Chirst – they are compelled by it. Is your passion for a relationship with Jesus real? How are you “shining your light” in your own home? What barriers are holding you back and how can you help limit or eliminate those barriers? If your kids are already out of the house, how can you partner with them in the raising of your grandchildren, or how can you partner with other young parents in the church still in the throes of child-rearing?
Now confession time: that is way easier to say than it is to know actually how to do it. This is one of the things our Children, Youth, and Family team is thinking and praying through – not just how to do it, but how to help you do it well, too. We’d love your prayers as we work on that effort.
Some food for thought for you today…I know I’m still chewing on it.
Here’s some stuff going on around here we thought you’d like to know about:
All Church Picnic
Summer in Minnesota = Church Picnic time! Plan to join us on Wednesday, August 21 from 6-8:30pm for dinner, fellowship, and baptisms at Antler's Park (Lake Marion) in Lakeville! We'll provide burgers and hot dogs - bring your own chair or blanket and a dish to share.
Confirmation Initial Information Meeting
An initial informational meeting will be held Sunday, August 25 at 10:30-11:00am in room 150 (youth center). At this gathering, we will briefly explain expectations and answer questions. All students considering taking confirmation and a parent should attend. This is most commonly 9th graders, but older students who did not take it are also welcome, and occasionally 8th graders choose to as well.
Faithful Purls
Calling anyone with skill or interest in knitting and visiting: Faith's knitting group plans to meet at JoJo's Rise and Wine on Wednesday August 14 from 6:30-8pm. Plan to join us to learn a new skill, work on a project, and enjoy some lively fellowship!
Small Group Leader Training
Calling all (potential) small group leaders! Are you feeling a nudge to help lead one of Faith's small groups? Is there a topic you are passionate about? We're looking for small group leaders of a wide variety to launch small groups of an equally wide variety this fall! Training is free and support is ongoing. Contact Jen at [email protected] to sign up! Training is offered as two options: #1- Saturday, August 24 from 9am - 3 pm; #2-Monday and Wednesday, August 26 & 28 6 - 8:30pm
Honduras Water Project
Get in the trenches! Agua Viva is planning a Honduras Water Project November 1-10. If you’re interested in traveling to Honduras and helping to build a water system, as well as sharing the hope that Jesus Christ the Living Water offers, contact Jay Substad @ 952-412-7682 or email [email protected]. The team will form soon, with training starting in September.
Children's Ministry Staffing Update
Vicki Newendorp will be joining our team as the Interim Children's Ministry Coordinator. Vicki will bring clarity, great communication skills, organization, warmth, and leadership in the midst of our transition in Children's Ministry. She will work between 10-15 hours per week, focusing on Sunday mornings and prep for the Fall ministry season. To be clear: this is a short-term position. The process to find our long-term position is underway.
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