daddy4ms

Today, Hesston MB is hosting a single parent's day out. This gives single parents an opportunity to go Christmas shopping, enjoy some time alone reading a book or sipping coffee, or get some projects done at home. I have some great workers who volunteer their time in service for this event. Thank you to Jennifer, Joanna, Travis, Jared, Sara, Mike, Nancy, Isaac & Morgan! It is a great way to serve your community and be a blessing to single parents during the Christmas season. The picture below is the schedule that I have put together that seems to work well. How will you seek to minister to single parents this Christmas season?

On Day 3 (Thursday), the final day of AMFM , I was again able to attend 3 workshops. They were: Engaging the Church in Caring for Divorcees & Single Parent Families, Desire in Marriage, and Creating Events that Matter for Married Couples. Engaging the Church in Caring For Divorcees & Single Parent Families -The first workshop was very thought provoking regarding the church's view of divorced people. The presenter was Wes Butler. He started by sharing from several Scriptures: Genesis 16:13, John 4:29-30, Matthew 19:8, Psalm 68:5, James 1:27. He posed the question: Are single parents present-day widows & orphans? How should the church engage? He shared several thoughts. First, we must allow the broken & hurting in. See Proverbs 14:4. We must also be willing to get our hands and feet dirty. He stresses this is not just programs, but walking with people through difficult processes. We need to be incarnational -how can we help with finances, meals, other needs?H...

I am a blessed guy! I have a relationship with Christ, wonderful wife, great kids, and love serving in the church. When I made the move to Hesston a year ago, I did not know what to expect. This was new territory for me and for the church. There are not a lot churches with family pastors and those that do have very different responsibilities. So, when I shared my job description with trusted friends and colleagues, they were impressed with the focus of this ministry position. Family Pastor was not just a title for doing another ministry (i.e. children's pastor, youth pastor, discipleship pastor, etc.) It truly was to focus on strengthening families (couples without kids, single parents, parents with kids). Within the last 24 hours, I have had the privilege to be a part of two very different activities that have been a blessing. Last night, I organized a Family Night (the second this year) at church. The purpose of the evening was to provide a meal as well as fun, learning...