Family EmphasisThe scriptures encourage us to belong to congregations of believers that are extended spiritual family to one another. That means we have been called into relationship with one another. As spiritual family we refer to one another as brothers and sisters and are led by elders who serve as spiritual mentors to us. We are exhorted in scripture to develop close and meaningful relationships with each other where we bear with each other, forgive one another, encourage, teach and admonish one another (Colossians 3:12-17). We believe that when congregations become communities of people who know and love one another, who see each other as an extended spiritual family, the children especially benefit. For that reason we strive to create an atmosphere at Quaker that will nurture such relationship, especially between the children and the rest of the congregation. By the time our children graduate from high school we hope and expect they will include among their closest relationship, not only their peers, but many other spiritual aunts, uncles and grandparents as well.
Along with the importance of being a spiritual family, we also believe we should encourage our parents to take the lead in teaching their children. We believe no one is better equipped to teach a child than that child’s parents. Ultimately the critical truths of life are learned less in a classroom than in the everyday examples and mentoring parents provide. For that reason, in contrast to the traditional Sunday School used by most churches, we have opted to invest our time and resources into programs and materials that build confidence in parents to be teachers of their children and create in our congregation an intergenerational fellowship that nurtures the spiritual development of all.
Below is a list of some of the activities and programs we have developed at Quaker Avenue to encourage our parents and help us become a spiritual family of God.
Faith Development Course Families meet together with their children to discuss the issues surrounding the decision to become a disciple of Jesus and be baptized. The course begins with a dinner with parents testifying of their faith to their children. The following weekly studies give opportunity for both group and family discussion.
Patchwork Families An intergenerational small group experience designed to nurture children. Members of all ages create "patchwork families" and experience together activities that allow young and old to teach one another spiritual truths.
A-Z Scripture Memory Scriptures are designated for younger and older children to memorize. Talents are awarded with each learned scripture to be redeemed for prizes at the "store." Children recite scriptures each week at His Kids devo.
His Kids A devotional for younger children following the Sunday morning service. Devotionals are generally led by one of our fathers and focus on the great stories of the Bible.
Faith Chronicles A family Bible study curriculum that leads families through a systematic study of 48 essential stories of the scriptures which provides a spiritual foundation of faith development.
Marriage and Parenting Seminars Seminars and special workshop opportunities are provided as needed to provide support and continuing instruction for young couples, parents, parents of adolescents and blended families.
Family Musical Activities Family members of all ages are encouraged to participate in several musical experiences, including a Christmas musical and special worship programs throughout the year.
Service Projects Opportunities are provided for families to work together in a variety of ministries to the community including Carpenter's Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, the Interfaith Hospitality Network and the Ronald McDonald House.
Life Groups Many of our small groups which meet weekly strive to provide an environment which is inclusive of the children. Whether they participate in some or all of the study, the groups enable our children to develop relationships with other adults in the church. For older students (Jr. High and High School) we also have a group especially for them.
Dedication of Infants Each year in December we have a dedication service for all the babies born that year. After an appropriate message, parents are invited to bring the newborns to receive a blessing from the elders. Grandparents are also invited to participate. The parents and the congregation receive an exhortation from the elders reminding them of the serious responsibility of the entire church to be a faith community which nurtures the spiritual development of these little ones among us.
Dedication of Kindergartners The transition from home to school is a very serious time in the life of families. At Quaker we try to provide support for our parents at this time by marking this important passage with a special service. During this service we offer prayers of blessing and protection for these young students. Each child is also given a special Bible to recognize and reinforce the truth that the Word of God must be the foundation of all learning.
|
Email this page
print page
