Ron and I recently returned from a trip to Ohio. You may ask why we would choose the coldest week in 30 years to visit our families! In short, we were there to prepare a house we own to go on the market. And even though temps reached -10 degrees (that’s 10 degrees below 0), it was a time full of warmth and love being with our children and grandkids. The grandkids all took turns helping paint and clean the property. They earned a little extra money, it saved us many hours of labor, and we all had fun!
The pundits will tell you grandparents/trusted adults offer a shelter in the storm, especially for teens, who face new stresses as well as perspectives that may be different from those of their parents. It’s like having all the love but much less of the daily responsibility. And it’s unconditional love. It’s different from being a parent. We can be there for them in a different way.
My grandmother came to live with us when I was about 12 years old. She offered the loving support I needed to get me through the tough teen years. My parents were there, and I knew they cared, but they were focused on career and much younger siblings. Grandma gave me confidence; she believed in me even when I doubted myself. She was my sanctuary when things went wrong. I still look to her. What would Grandma have said I should do?
Fast forward to the present. The children and youth of our congregation are precious; I think we would all agree! Who are their trusted adults, their “grandparents”? Who is there to supplement their parents’ love and support? Most assuredly our incredible teachers are doing their part. Our most recent addition to the staff, Hannah McKinley, has stepped up to be with us until the end of the school year. And Sonya Jones, Family Ministry Coordinator, graciously agreed to continue until the end of February, working and planning with Hannah for the remainder of the year.
Many of us have gone through the ups and downs of raising children. We have experience and knowledge, mostly through trial and error! But, none-the-less, we have much to offer our children and youth. Why not consider sharing some of that vast experience? The Family Ministry Council, headed by Stephen Cefalu, would encourage you to take that next step and offer your services. They are doing a great job making sure we continue to offer a quality program until we hire a new Family Ministry Coordinator, which will probably be in July. Let Stephen know how you would like to assist with this awesome bunch of kids. And thank you to all who are helping to make the Family Ministry program a strong and vital one at UUFH!
In the spirit of Love,
Jan Partin
Board President