This is what a magnet says stuck on my fridge.  It’s apropos that my Father-in-Law gave it to me.   I figure he knows this to be true and is trying to send us a message.  Luke and I are learning, through this  journey of parenting, that, even though it would be easiest to just wimp out on certain things – the hard things, the sticky things, the not fun things – it’s exactly those things that we have to work the hardest on nailing.

It’s at those times I’m so grateful I do not live on a deserted island and am also so grateful I’m not a spiritless being.  God has so amazingly placed me in a time and location where I have so many resources surrounding me to help me on this journey.  I am a firm believer we are not meant to parent small beings all alone and only through the grace of our merciful God do we ever get anything right. That’s why our Children’s Ministry Team is trying to give parents tools that may help you in your discipleship efforts.  One of the best tools is communication from you to us, letting us know how we can be less a place to send kids to being more a family of members each helping train up our kids in the Lord.  So, please, challenge us to help you.

Here’s a list of some helps offered for parents and kids.  Take advantage of them, please!

• Team:  Did you know we have more than 30  Children’s Ministry Team members?  We are here for families!
• Parent Meetings:  Watch for our parent meetings and come be informed and ask questions.
• Family Fellowship:  These are going to be fun!  Plan to join us in December in a time for the whole family!
• Web Site:  Click on our Grant Ave Kids page and read up on “who, where and when!”  Click on the blog for pictures, resources and more        information.  This is also a place you can  communicate with us!
• Sunday School Take Homes:  We’ve put a lot    of thought and prayer into what your kids are being taught and what we send home to you.  These papers are full of activity, scripture and chatting ideas for your family that will only enhance what the kids are learning at church.
• Bulletin and Newsletter:  Keep up to date  through these written communications and  find monthly articles to help with parenting.
• Prayer and the Word:  We spend a lot of time praying over you and your family.  We seek the Word for direction in our decision-making.  We know that with you tapping into these    resources, too, is the answer to unified ministry decisions, successful discipleship results         instead of “programs,” and love and patience among all of us working together.

What a privilege it is to serve you and your children!  Thank you for this important opportunity!

Michelle Fowler
Children’s Ministry Coordinator