What does Family Ministry mean?
Since we began programming for children in this congregation, we have called what we provided Religious Education, or RE, for short. Everyone had a good understanding of what RE meant. It was what the kids did on Sunday mornings and occasional special events. That included RE Classes, Social Action Projects, and hosting special occasions like Stone Soup Lunch and Easter Breakfast. Then we added more Youth Programming and OWL. We kept adding to the program to the point where we realized that RE didn’t encompass all that we did. We recognized that our focus had shifted to serving the entire family and providing programming that was for all ages, not just our children and youth. So last summer we made the transition to what we now call Family Ministry and Community. Jim and I worked together to redefine what we are now doing. That included a complete rework of the RE pages of our website (thank you Karen for all of your hard work and input!). It also involved educating our families and entire congregation about what they can now expect from our program. We are now almost a year into our new program format; we have added a few new offerings and look forward to adding more in the coming months. We are planning another Summer Picnic at Holly Spring Farm and another kick-off event at the Brewery. We’ll continue to provide opportunities for our families to help guide them along their own spiritual paths and to strengthen their connections to their family and this Fellowship.
Family Soul Matters Potluck & Conversation
Friday, May 5, 6pm, Fellowship Hall
What does it mean to be a community of embodiment? We will talk about what it means for us to embody or become our best selves. A Potluck Dinner, followed by conversation led by Jim. Childcare will be provided. Don’t forget to bring your own place setting. We hope to see you there!
Child Dedication
Sunday, May 7, 10:30am, Sanctuary
We will celebrate the children who have joined our community with our Child Dedication Ceremony. Please join us for this very special ritual where we welcome and pledge our support to these children and their families.
Mother’s Day Craft
Sunday May 14, 10:15am, Fellowship Hall
Our children and youth will create something meaningful for their mothers or female caregivers. We will be making gifts to honor the women in their lives. Join us!
No Youth Conversation with Jim this Month.
We are planning a Youth Group Wrap-up/Celebration on June 25. Details to come.
OWL Update
The Our Whole Lives Program (OWL) concludes this month. Our sincere gratitude goes out to our facilitators: Bill White, Daniel Benavides, Donna Gatnarek, Mary Highberger, Regina Hutchison, and Susan White! And also to our families for getting their youth to class, providing food, chaperoning the Retreats, and supporting us in presenting this program!
Vicki Benavides
Coordinator, Family Ministry and Community