Dinnertime sure has taken on a whole new look these days. Mom and Dad are working longer hours and therefore kids are making dinner for themselves. Teens have concerts, sports, music lessons, etc. that seem to always be taking place during that 5-6 p.m. hour of the day and therefore they are grabbing some food on the run or eating later at night. Or, if you're like my son Caleb (even though he doesn't get his way), maybe you like to take your dinner and sit in front of the television so you can watch your favorite show.
     Things sure have changed since I was a teenager. We ate every meal together around the dinner table whether we liked it or not. Maybe you can relate to that as well. While many things have changed since I was younger this one seems to be more and more prevalent in homes. I also believe it's a key reason why so many families are unconnected. Let me give you a few reasons why we should all be making an intentional effort to have regular, family-mealtimes.

1. Families who eat dinner together regularly are more likely to have stronger, happier family relationships. As families struggle to find amounts of quantity and quality time together, family dinner time provides the opportunity for both. When families hang out together and communicate, they grow strong and healthy.
2. Families who eat together regularly develop a stronger family identity. Eating together serves to build a family identity. Additionally, this family "routine" provides a sense of stability and security that provides kids with a positive environment where they can grow into healthy adults.
3. Families who eat dinner together regularly can keep in touch with each others' lives. Everyone - kids and parents alike - can keep up-to-date during your family dinnertime on what is going on with school, jobs, family life, and friends.
4. A regular family dinnertime provides natural opportunities for planning and problem solving. Scheduling family meeting times to discuss planning, needs, and problem solving can be difficult. A regular family mealtime can offer a natural solution to the challenge.
5. Eating dinner together regularly fosters learning. When families who eat dinner together engage in a variety of conversation topics, learning is encouraged. Kids who are exposed to regular family discussion times learn a broader vocabulary.
So what should you do with all this information? I am glad you asked. On Friday April 13th from 7-9:30 pm 876 Student Ministries is hosting a "Family Night Out" for all teenagers and their parents. It is a very laid back evening in which we will have dinner together (of course around the dinner table) and engage in some fun family style games that you and your teenager are sure to enjoy. And the cost to you will be minimal. Maybe this can be the first step for you and your family to start the process of a regular dinnertime around the table.

Highlights

1. Grocery store gift cards. Gift cards for Kroger & Farmer Jack will again be available for purchase on Sunday, April 1st after service. By you participating in a program like this we can earn 5% of your purchases towards missions. Remember, it's free money. Please make sure (if you have a Kroger card) that you are recharging your card before your purchase. Fair Haven is also now enrolled in "Meijer Community Rewards." If you will simply sign up with Meijer for a "rewards card" (it's not a credit card) through us, they will give a percentage of your monthly spendings to us. Last year you helped us raise more than $1000 for missions. Come by the table and see us for details.
2. Main Event:
Guys Night Out
Friday, April 27th @ 4 p.m.
The "Guys Night Out" will consist of first going to dinner and then taking in a baseball game (Tigers vs. Twins) at Comerica Park. The cost for this event is $10 plus money for dinner and is due on Wednesday, April 4th. There are a limited number of tickets available so sign up as soon as you can.
3. Ministry Project:
Friday, April 13th
11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
We will be going to the Ronald McDonald house in Detroit where we will be providing a meal to those who are staying there. We will be preparing the food, serving it, and taking some time to just connect with those who are there. It should be a great opportunity for us to "Love our neighbor as ourselves." Once again, this event is open to the first 10 students who sign up.
4. Family Night Out:
Friday April 13th
7:00-9:30 p.m. at the church.
     Instead of our usual "Parents Appreciation Dinner" we've done for teens and their parents the past two years, we are doing something a little bit different. We will have a nice laid back evening with dinner and a few activities for parents and students to be involved in. The cost will be very minimal. If you're interested please sign up or see Pastor Al or Sharon DeGrandchamp.