Pastor Al Paulauski, From Your Pal Pastor Al, Fair Haven Assembly of God Church

Pastor Al Paulauski

From Your Pal February 2007

Finding "Teachable Moments"

     Teenage years - season for survival or age of opportunity? That's basically what it comes down to, isn't it? The reason I ask that question is for two reasons. First, because that's the basis for the new "parents of teenagers" Sunday school class that just started. Second, because it's a huge question that every parent of a teenager must answer.
     My hope is that you see it as an age of opportunity. A chance to really help prepare your teenage son or daughter for that not too far off future, in which they will be entering the adult world. If that's your goal it's going to require you to connect with your kids like never before so that you can teach them what they need to succeed. You are going to need to be able to identify the "teachable moments" in every day life and run with it.
     "Teachable moments," you never know when you might encounter them, but when you do you'll be wise to make the most of them. What are "teachable moments?" They are situations that come out of nowhere and present you with an opportunity to impart to your teenager a valuable "nugget" of spiritual wisdom.
     The key to finding "teachable moments" is again being connected with your teenagers. For example - a mother and daughter are in the kitchen making dinner. They're carrying on about the events of the day and engaging in some small talk. Then, from seemingly out of nowhere, the daughter asks her mother a question along the lines of, "Did you and grandma used to cook together like we are now?" Here's a "teachable moment!"
     Mom now has a golden opportunity to share a piece of her history with her daughter. She can tell her daughter how much fun she had growing up in a Christian home…or share with her how lonely she was living in a house where her parents barely spoke to each other…or how she dreamed of a day when she would be able to have a daughter to share moments like this with. Get the idea?
     And, Dad - "teachable moments" aren't just for ladies. Father/son and Dad/daughter moments can be just as teachable.
     Do "teachable moments" come easier for some than others? Absolutely! As I have been reading this book for my class, it has got me looking more intentionally for these "teachable moments." But I firmly believe that one of the most effective ways for parents to communicate their love, acceptance and connection with their teenager is by taking advantage of these opportunities the way that Jesus did. After all, when it came to utilizing the "teachable moment," there was none better than Jesus. Just check out any of His parables and you'll see!

February Highlights

1. Grocery store gift cards. Gift cards for Kroger & Farmer Jack will again be available for purchase on Sunday, February 4th 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 spending to us. Last year you helped us raise more than $1000 for missions. Come by the table and see us for details.

2. Ministry project. On Saturday, February 3rd we will be participating in our next ministry project. We will be going to the "Gleaners Food Bank." We will donate three hours of our time to sorting food donated by large corporations to, in turn, be distributed to various food pantries in the metro area. We will leave the church @ 8:30 am sharp and return around 1:30 p. m. Please make sure to bring a few dollars for lunch. If interested see Pastor Al. There are only twelve spots available.

3. Main Event. On Sunday February 4th we will be putting on our main event for the month. It will be our annual "Super Bowl" party. The doors will open at 5 p. m. and will cost $5 per student which includes food, drinks, door prizes and more. There will also be all kinds of games, basketball, etc. for students to participate in during the game as well. For those interested there will also be a John Madden football video game tournament. This will begin at 3 p. m. Please see Pastor Al for more details.

4. "Parents of Teenagers" Sunday school class. Even though we started our Sunday school class two weeks ago all parents are still welcome to attend. Classes are held every Sunday @ 9 am except the last Sunday of the month. If you're interested in learning more about the class or possibly joining, please see Pastor Al for more details.