As I write this e-news, I’m excited! Even in light of the recent weather – although I really dig the colder temps, and we definitely needed some rain – there’s a lot to be excited about. I’m really excited because we’re talking about parenting during our weekend worship experiences. As a father of four, one of my favorite things is simply being a dad. It’s also one of the more challenging things in my life. It’s really strange how such small (in some cases) humans can provide such a large amount of stress. That’s why I am glad that we are focusing on parenting. You and I – we all need help.
That said, a 30-minute message on Sunday – while super important – is probably not enough. We do need the scriptural foundation and tangible handholds that the weekend messages provide, but we also need tools to go into our parenting toolbox. Sometimes our toolbox feels way too empty; or it’s plenty full, but just not with the correct tools for the situation we are currently facing. At Ginghamsburg, we take very seriously our commitment to come alongside parents as they point their kids to Jesus. So, in addition to the weekly messages and the material that kids and students get in their regular programs, what else do we offer?
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Parent Emails: Parents of students receive an email weekly, and parents of kids receive one monthly. In that email is not only information about our weekly opportunities, but also news on upcoming special events as well as parenting helps. If you are not currently receiving this email and would like to, visit ginghamsburg.org/newsletters to get started.
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Parent Cue: Every time we begin a new series in our Kids and Student Ministry groups and classes, we offer what is called the Parent Cue. It’s a simple card that gives summaries of what it being taught during the series, along with some conversation prompts to help your child or teen internalize the lesson. Ever have a hard time initiating a significant conversation with your kid? This will help. Those come digitally via the regular emails, and physical copies are given to kids when they leave class on Sunday morning.
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Parenting Page: Did you know that there is a section of our website dedicated to parenting? There is! And there is information on all sorts of other ways that we try to come alongside you in your parenting journey, from Mom2Mom to a foster parent support group, to counseling and classes. Check it out here!
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Classes: We offer special classes from time to time that focus on parenting in general or on some specific focus. We are in the middle of Parenting Through the Phases on Wednesday evenings. Click here to learn more and here to register. And coming up later this fall, we will be helping kids learn about money and a godly and smart way to handle it when we offer Financial Peace for Kids.
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Family Ministry Pinterest Page: We are always on the lookout for resources that will help us or you point kids to Jesus. And when we find something useful, we post it on our Pinterest page. Listen, Ginghamsburg doesn’t have the corner on the market for good parenting wisdom, so if we come across other sources, we are all about sharing. Take a look!
Like I said, there’s a lot to be excited about if you are a parent. And we are excited to be walking alongside you on your parenting journey.
See you – and a friend – this weekend!