In our culture today, when it comes to parenting, the role that fathers play is often minimized. Typically, moms are more connected and involved in the parenting process. But, this doesn't mean that dads aren't important (they are!) or that they shouldn't give their best efforts to becoming the kind of father that God desires them to become.
     I know that this month we will celebrate Fathers Day, and with that in mind I want to wish all dads a Happy Fathers Day. Thanks for all that you do. However, if you are a dad, you know that being a dad is a difficult job. You may even feel inadequate sometimes. I know the feeling and so do many dads in our world. Just recently I read an article called, Tips for Becoming a Better Dad, and I was challenged by it. If you don't know where to begin to start down that road to becoming the dad God desires us all to be, let me give you some practical tips that I received.
1. Love and respect your wife: If you are looking for a way to strengthen your family, start by focusing on your wife. A quality marriage is perhaps the best possible factor for raising secure children. It has often been said that the best thing you can do for your children is to love your spouse. Sometimes that means putting your wife's needs before your children's. If you are a single dad, for your kid's sake, it is still necessary to show respect and support for their mother.
2. Communicate pursuing spiritual growth: One of the most important steps to becoming a better father is your commitment to growing in a relationship with God. As you grow in faith and become more like Christ, you will become more of the father that God desires you to be. And, if you want your kids to have vital spiritual lives, then they need to see an authentic faith lived out in your own life.
3. Communicate with your kids: Talk to your kids everyday. More importantly, listen to them! Listening is the language of love! Being a good listener takes some work. But is well worth the effort because listening will keep you more closely in tune with what is going on in your kid's lives.
4. Let affection be the rule, not the exception: Dads, if it is your desire to build a stronger relationship with your kids, affection is a must. Not the affectionate type? Learn to be affectionate. It is that important. Be sure to offer your kids genuine affection through loving words, affirmation, encouragement, small gifts and appropriate touch.
5. Be intentional about role modeling: Your home is your child's primary source of learning about life. That means they are paying close attention to things like, how your relax, how you have fun, what language you use, how you treat your wife and on and on. They watch you to learn how life is lived on a daily basis.
6. "Be there" for your kids: Fathers, one of the most valuable contributions you can make today to becoming a better father is to simply "be there", involved in their lives. Your presence is a powerful affirmation and sign of caring towards your kids. Your presence provides your kids with a greater sense of security than almost any other quality a father can offer. Sometimes, this means being willing to make some tough choices; like choosing your daughter's volleyball game instead of being at another business meeting. But, the value of being involved in your kid's lives is more valuable than a bigger paycheck.

June Highlights
Grocery store gift cards. Gift cards for Kroger & Farmer Jack will again be available for purchase on Sunday, June 3rd 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.

Ministry Project
Habitat for Humanity
Thursday June 21st
8:00 a.m.-4:00 pm.
This summer we will be taking a few students (ages 16 and up) to work for Habitat for Humanity. We will be spending an entire day working with other people from around the community to help build affordable housing for those who are in need. This trip is open to the first six students, 16-18 years old, that come and see Pastor Al.

Special Youth Services in June
Wednesday Night
June 13th @ 7 pm
Friend Night
It's a night that's solely focused on students inviting their friends, relatives, etc. who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. There will be games, giveaways, music and more. There will also be a message that is directed towards those with no relationship with Jesus Christ.

Wednesday Night
June 27th @ 7 pm
Outdoor Youth Service
With V.B.S. going on the week of June 25th we will once again be moving our youth service outside for a great time. We will haul our stuff outside, play a few games and just have a great evening.