Fall is a time of new beginnings for many of us in St. Louis: return from summer vacations, a new school year, and a new start to the programming at The Church of St. Michael & St. George - complete with kickoffs of our various programs. Parent Ministry is no exception and traditionally we invite parents and interested adults to hear an inspirational speaker. This year we are thrilled that Dr. Tim Jordan, a local expert on raising teenagers, will present 5 Keys to Raising Kids in Uncertain Times as the Parent Ministry Kickoff on Wednesday, September 30.

In his book published in 2005, Keeping Your Family Grounded: When You’re Flying by the Seat of Your Pants, Dr. Tim Jordan quotes Mother Theresa of Calcutta, “Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater developments and greater riches and so on; so that children have very little time with their parents, and parents have very little time for each other, and so in the home begins the disruption of the peace of the world.”

Further into the introduction of this book, Dr. Jordan explains that he wants to encourage parents to think about what is really important and focus on what it takes to raise kids who are happy and emotionally healthy. He states: “… I want to keep families grounded…emotionally and spiritually. I want kids to have a more balanced life, they need time to reflect, soul search, question and daydream…they must feel more connected at home. They have to have more time playing with their parents…kids need to know their parents are available to listen, validate their feelings and to support them.”

Fast forward to the year 2020…

The year of the COVID pandemic …unprecedented social unrest highlighted by racial tension…all against the backdrop of extreme polarization setting the stage for a contentious election. A trifecta of desperation.

What is a parent to do?

Join us for 5 Keys to Raising Kids in Uncertain Times, our 2020 Parent Ministry Kickoff, Wednesday, September 30, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Like so many other events this summer and fall, it will look much different than past kickoffs, with Dr. Jordan speaking to us on Zoom. Thanks to this technology, Dr. Jordan will share his wisdom and vision for how we, as parents and adults who care about this next generation, can best support our anxious children and teenagers as they navigate this uncertain time.

Register online by Tuesday, September 29, at noon to receive a Zoom link to the event. Please contact me at marty@csmsg.org with questions. I look forward to seeing you next week!

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

Hebrews 10:23

Marty