time keeps on slipping...

Time seems to be an extremely precious commodity these days.  If your family is anything like mine, you probably don't have enough of it. Between sports practices, school events, social activities and church events your calendar is probably pretty full.  Author and speaker Brené Brown says, "Exhaustion has become the new status symbol."  So what can you do to help combat this?  First of all, pause and take a deep breath.  Know that things will get better and we're here to help. 
 
Our ultimate goal is to partner with you to help your child undertake the mission "To know Christ, and to make Christ known".  As we communicate various youth events throughout the year, the last thing we want is to add stress by overloading an already busy calendar.  We design our events to nurture students Spiritually, Intellectually, Emotionally and even Socially.  Please know that you have our permission opt out of any of these events. Studies show that the greatest impact of Student Ministries is made through consistent attendance over a period of time, however, they also show that the greatest influence on a child's life, positive or negative, is made at home.

Here are some things you can begin doing right away:

• Pray.  Pray for wisdom and guidance as you undergo this difficult, exhausting, sometimes frustrating but extremely rewarding job called "Parenting".  Also, pray for the leaders that are here to walk beside you and your child.  Know that we are praying for you as well.
• Read the newsletter to familiarize yourself with our current curriculum and upcoming activities.  This will better prepare you for Faith Talks with your student and keep youth events from sneaking up on you.
• Follow up with your student.  After Sunday classes, engage your student about "The Story".  If you're not sure what to ask, Discussion Starters are included in each week's bulletin.
• Maintain a Master Calendar.  Have one calendar in the house that tracks all of the school, youth, family and social events.  When scheduling conflicts arise, help your student decide which events they'll do.  It's OK and often healthy to say, "No" to things.
  
  and finally...
   
• Ask for help.  We know it's impossible to be in two places at once.  If you find that the only reason you're saying, "No" to a youth event is transportation issues, call or email (preferably sooner than later) and we will try to help coordinate a ride from a leader or another parent.  (They were headed here anyway).  Remember, we're here to help. After all, it does take a village.