Page 6 - 2018 Annual Report

FAMILY MINISTRYWe know that faith is passed on through the family so we want to walk alongside families and parents on that journey. In 2017 we realigned the Children and Youth areas of ministry into a Family Ministry structure. This allowed us, in 2018 to collaborate on a deeper level across Parent, Youth and Children’s Ministry, addressing families as a whole. In addition to our customary Faith Formation Opportunities (such as Sunday School, Confrmation, UMYF, Wednesday Night Small Groups, Summer Camps, Serving Opportunities) we introduced a Parenting Series on Mental Health. This series brought in local experts to help parents navigate the world of social media and technology, anxiety and pressures on their children as well as depression, substance misuse and self-harm. In addition, we ofered a movie series withfellowship and facilitated conversation opportunities for Youth and their parents. We are also taking an intentional focus to support new families. And one of the most fulflling gatherings of the past year was honoring and rejoicing with our graduates. They all demonstrated exactly why our future is bright!The Family Ministry structure is a wonderful approach to ministry that gathers up all age levels—children, youth and adults—in a holistic and comprehensive way of discipleship. It will help us live into our baptismal covenant with God and one another by helping us to live more fully into life-giving relationships and service. This approach ofers practical support and will strengthen our existing ministry and discipleship. God has and continues to do some amazing work to bring people and opportunities together in a way that is benefting our church and community. We are already witnessing some fruits from this ministry design as it strengthens our call “to make disciples of Jesus Christ who grow in faith and love through worship, fellowship, service and witness to one another and the world.” We are excited for the opportunity that God has for us in the future and we look forward to a renewed energy in our ministries with family, children and youth as we “share the heart of Christ from the heart of Cary.”LEARN MORE AND GET CONNECTED WITH FAMILY MINISTRY. Contact Stacy Harrell, Director of Family Ministry: sharrell@frstcary.com. 6 Annual Report 2017