The longer I have my own children, and the more I work with students and parents, I am convinced of the fact that parenting is a real challenge. And the more that I raise my children, and the more I study God's word, I'm brought face to face with the reality that one of God's primary callings on my life (all parents) is godly parenting. This is an important and high calling. As parents we are called not only to nurture our children to become independent and functioning adults, but also to impart to them a spiritual legacy. One of my biggest fears as a youth pastor is that parents are not investing the time and energy it takes to leave a spiritual legacy for their children. For better or for worse - you and I, as parents, are our child's role model for faith! The average parent simply does not take a proactive role in building up the spiritual lives of their children. We spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours on important issues like vacations, business plans and home improvement; but when it comes to spiritual values, we too often allow circumstances and chance to affect how we manage our family life and especially that of our calling as parents.
     Psalm 127:1 says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain." This is one of the greatest pieces of advice from God's word. It is very clear in God's word (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) that the primary role of a parent is to train children who will not only be faithful in their relationships with God, but who will also develop their own vital vibrant faith. Children's and youth ministry programs are great - and I'm really glad that we have so many good ones. However, far too many parents expect the church to instill the spiritual values their children need in the 2-3 hours a week that they are at church. Most parents have a difficult time proactively helping their children grow spiritually because they themselves didn't have adequate role models growing up.
     The spirituality of our children is very dependent on the examples they see us setting at home. To fulfill our high calling as parents, we must set the pace! If we desire our children to have vibrant spiritual lives, then they need to see an authentic faith lived out in our lives. No one expects perfection, but a "do as I say, not as I do" attitude is not likely to produce a vital Christian lifestyle in our children's lives either. Children have a highly tuned "hypocrisy" detector - so it is much better to live out an authentic faith in front of our kids - and how we follow Christ despite our struggles and failures along the way - in order to display the example of Christianity lived out in the real world.
     Today, there is a fresh wind inspiring parents to take an active, intentional role in nurturing the faith of their children. We need to be a part of what God is doing in this area. We need to fulfill our calling. We can not afford to miss out on perhaps the greatest legacy we can pass on to our children: a life that demonstrates a passionate pursuit of God and love for Him. Be reminded, encouraged, and challenged: This process starts with you!

August Highlights

     Kroger gift cards. Gift cards for Kroger will again be available for purchase on Sunday, August 5th after service. Farmer Jack cards will no longer be available since they have gone out of business. You may want to now consider a Kroger card instead. By you participating in this program we can earn 5% of your purchases towards missions. Remember, it's free money. 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.

August "Main Event"
White Water Rafting Trip
      Just a reminder that the White Water Rafting Trip will be Monday-Wednesday, August 20th-22nd in Tennessee. Be at the church @ 4:30 am Monday morning. If you would like to still go on the trip we have four spots still available! The cost of the trip is $150 per student (includes rafting, two nights lodging, meals in Tennessee, and gas). See Pastor Al A.S.A.P. if you would still like to go.

     National Fine Arts Festival Tuesday-Friday, August 7th-10th Indianapolis
Just a reminder for all that are going, please be here Tuesday morning @ 9:30 a.m. having already eaten breakfast. Please turn in all appropriate forms as soon as possible.

Hang Night
Sunday August 12th
5-8 pm
     To be held at the Evan's home in Dearborn. There will be food, games and more. It's a chance for all students just to get together and have some fun. If you need a ride you can catch the church van that will be leaving at 4:45 pm. See Pastor Al for more details.

The X-Games Start
Wednesday night August 29th
     With school looming, the last Wednesday in August marks the beginning of our five week team competition. What's involved in the X-games? Competition, team work, games, drama, challenges and much more. What's the main purpose? To invite our friends who may not have a relationship with Jesus Christ so see what youth is all about. Some lucky team will again be winning a free trip when this is all over with. For more information please see Pastor Al