A couple of weeks back tragedy struck the campus of Virginia Tech University. At 7:15 a.m., a heavily armed gunman entered the East Ambler Johnston dormitory and opened fire. Approximately two hours later, another attack was reported at Norris Hall where classes were already in session. At the end of the morning, more than 30 people were dead - including the gunman - and several others were injured.
     I don't know anyone who wasn't moved by the things that took place that day. Many of us are struck with grief that so many lives were cut short in this senseless act of violence. My heart goes out to the victims and families that will be forever changed by this event.
     In this information age - and with all of the media coverage, it's likely that only the youngest of children are sheltered from seeing or hearing information following tragic events like Columbine, Paducah, and now this one. Parents can play a vital role in helping their kids cope with overwhelming tragedy associated with crises like this. To help your kids, Dr. Jim Burns has put together some ideas that you might find helpful.

1. Be willing to discuss events of violence with your kids. Helping your kids cope with violence on campus starts with being willing to talk about the tragedy with them. Children (even teenagers) can be scared by these tragedies, wondering if something similar could happen to them. Ask them whether or not they have been thinking about the tragedy. Talk with them about what has happened and help answer their questions and calm their fears.
2. Tell them the truth. Honesty is the best policy - now as always. Still, honesty doesn't mean that you need to share every gruesome detail of the event with your kids. Young children can be frightened by such cold, hard facts, so be sure to be age-appropriate when talking to your kids about this tragedy.
3. Reassure your kids - as best you can. Since we don't have control over senseless acts such as school shootings, as parents, we shouldn't promise our kids that we will protect them from any harm that such an event may bring. Our job here is to reassure them as best we can. If kids are worried that a shooting at their school might occur, we can tell them how unlikely it is to happen.
4. Don't ignore the spiritual issues. If you've ever wondered about what your kids think about God or faith in Christ, you'll probably find out in the wake of a tragedy. Be prepared for questions about God and life that you may never have heard from your child before. And, if you don't have all of the answers, that's okay. Work to help your kids search for the answers.
5. Look for signs of "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" in your kids. It's not uncommon for kids to suffer in varying degrees from PTSD after a school shooting that receives broad national media coverage like the "Virginia Tech" shooting. Changes in your child's behavior (acting out, withdrawal, nightmares, etc.) may all be signs that your child is suffering from PTSD. If these symptoms don't resolve themselves, seeking the help of a professional Christian counselor would be a good next step.
6. Pray for those whose lives have been impacted by the tragedy. If your family doesn't have a regular family prayer time, I would encourage you to start one. Focus on praying for all those whose lives have been impacted by the tragedy. Praying as a family for these people also reinforces with your kids your own belief in God's love and his power to care and heal those who have been hurt.

May Highlights

1. Grocery store gift cards. Gift cards for Kroger & Farmer Jack will again be available for purchase on Sunday, May 6th 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: Jr. High Night - Friday May 11th from 7-10 pm. It will consist of games, hanging out, basketball, pizza and much more. Cost is $5 per student and includes food and door prizes. See Pastor Al for more details
3. National Fine Arts Festival: For all parents of students who have qualified for Nationals here is some important information.
* Human Video Practices: May 6th & 20th (12-3 pm) & June 3rd from 1-4 pm.
* Cost: $125 (half the cost of the trip) is to be raised/turned in by Sunday, May 27th so that we can book hotels for the trip.
* Fundraising opportunities: We now have available to all students attending Nationals three different individual fundraising opportunities. All individual fundraising will be taking place during the month of May ONLY! For more information see Pastor Al.
Graduation Service Coming on June 10
If you are graduating this year from High School, College or Trade School, please let us know. We will have forms to complete in the bulletin during May. Please complete one, attach your graduation picture and turn it in to Pastor Al or the church office. We want to celebrate your accomplishment with you!
Thank you.