Vol. 1, No. 2
May 1998

Quotes

"Interpersonal relationships within the congregation is the soil where we nurture families," says Shelby Andress of Search Institute, Minneapolis, Minn. Speaking to the Family Forum attended by members of the LCMS Mission and Ministry Council, she said churches need to learn interactive teaching with families, consider changing our language and move from head to heart to action.

Precious and honored—We teach children many things—how to listen and follow directions, how to cut and glue, how to take turns. But what do we teach them about who and whose they are? Let’s teach our children that they are precious and honored—a wonder and wonderfully cared for by God the Father who created them. Let us tell each child every day that God has a special plan for him or her—one that includes salvation through the life, death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. Judy Christian, LCMS director of child ministry.

Perspectives

Family is top value worldwide, according to 1997 Roper Reports Study. Via inter-views in 35 countries, Roper found "protecting the family as a top value" in 22 countries, including the U.S. Great Britain had the highest percentage (66%) with family as top value. U.S. was 54%. Global total: 45%. After family, U.S. values were honesty (45%), stable personal relation-ships (40%), self esteem (39%) and (tied for fifth) freedom, friendship and respect for ancestors (36%). Associated Press.

U.S. households providing unpaid care to adults over age 50 went from 7 million in 1987 to 22.4 million in 1996, Average caregiver, then and now, is a married middle-class woman in her 40s with a high school education. Person likely receiving care is her mother or mother-in-law. But she spends less time providing care than a decade earlier, is less likely to live with mom and more likely to use paid service. National Alliance for Caregiving (301) 718-8444.

Ministry

Churches are deemed to be good at teaching Biblical perspectives on family, offering counseling, encouraging people to have a biblical family, and praying for families and children, according to researcher George Barna. Churches are deemed to be lacking at facilitating relationships among parents and families, regularly checking up on families, and providing resources and role models. He cites findings in "Inward, Outward and Upward: Ministry that Changes Lives" seminars around the U.S. In the future, he says, family—not church—will be the core unit of spiritual dimension. Barna Research Group, Ventura, Calif.

Seven findings came from regional forums conducted by the Church of God national office from November 1996 to March 1997. The purpose was to identify family issues and how the church could be a resource. Findings: 1.) Need for a ministry paradigm that is more than program. 2.) Frustrations were time, staffing and defining purpose. 3.) Conviction the Bible has something to say about family, but uncertainty about specific statement. 4.) Appreciation for great variety in family, but lack of models to minister to the variety. 5.) De-sire for intergenerational activities. 6.) Need to define family in congregational and inclusive terms rather than biological. 7.) Fewer differences between congregations by size than by urban and non-urban settings. Journal of Family Ministry, spring 1998.

Connections

Let the little children come . . . Intergenerational cell groups keep families together for mid-week fellowship at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Honolulu, Hawaii. Kids join parents in worship and prayer, yet have their own Bible time mirroring the adult theme. Midweek cells explore how to apply the Word from Sunday. This leads to families reaching out to their friends and associates who don’t yet know Jesus. Information: Scott Euken, (808) 523-2927, fax: (808) 536-1923.

Parents wanted advice when their fifth and sixth graders were asking to sit with friends at Zion, Belleville, Ill. Family ministry director Jill Hasstedt encouraged families to sit together and gave practical tips in the church newsletter. Contact Jill Hasstedt at (618) 233-2299.

Sources

"The Power of We" is a new video-based course for pre-marriage counseling and marriage enrichment, authored by Dr. David Ludwig, pastor, family counselor and professor. Course offers couples a scriptural understanding of "we" ("the two will become one flesh") along with practical day-to-day wisdom to protect the marriage relationship and keep it strong and growing. Course comes in a kit with video, leaders guide and 14 participant books. Contact Concordia Publishing House (800) 325-3040).

Home is first place to talk about faith. "Total Family Sunday School" is being tested in 200 congregations by Faith Inkubators Projects. Premise is to empower parents as the primary faith teachers. Rich Melheim, director, says Sunday school is the only regular faith dialog many children and youth get with an adult—and 45 minutes are not enough. http://www.faithink.com

Intergenerational ministry—Dr. James V. Gambone gathered 20 people from diverse cultures and ages to consider how faith is passed from generation to generation. The Intergenerational Ministry Project, under auspices of Lutheran Brotherhood, came up with six core principles and considered how five generations can act upon them together. Video and resources are available. See http://www.intgenmin.com or call (800) 688-6067.

A judge looks at domestic violence—In a video study, Judge James E. Sheridan advocates for pre-marriage counseling. He emphasizes that God created male and female to complement each other— different but equal. He sees domestic violence and abuse as an affront to God and a violation of His intent for marriage. Three-part study was written by Rev. Ronald Brusius. LCMS Board for Human Care Ministries (800) 248-1930, Ext. 1382.

Events

Smart Marriages, Happy Families is sponsored by Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education, July 8-12 in Washington, D.C. Emphasis is preventive education based on successful marriages. http://www.smartmarriages.com or (202) 362-3332.

Family Funfest ’98 has Richard Bimler, Ingrid Trobish, Christian music by "River," workshops and family activities. Location is Glacier National Park from July 31 to Aug. 2, sponsored by Trinity, Kalispell, MT Information: (406) 257-5683

Abundant Life is a week (June 22-28) for single parents and their children at Arcadia Family Retreat Center in Arcadia, Mich. It includes Bible study, worship, family devotions—plus activities for adults and children. Yes, family activities are scheduled as well. Information: (616) 889-4361.

Comforting Little Hearts is a new children’s book series from Concordia Publishing House. The series was developed to help parents discuss important issues with their children from a Christ-centered perspective. Topics include chronic illness, divorce, blended families and death. Series is written by Robin Prince Monroe and illustrated by Trudy Calvert. Individual book price is $6.99. Contact Concordia Publishing House, (800) 325-3040.

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