Families have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents were challenged by becoming the major educators of their children, as many struggled with virtual instruction. Families have been displaced from their places of praise and worship. Grief over the loss of loved ones and fear over the potential of loss of many others haunts the waking hours. Central States Conference Family Ministries is responding to our families in this continuing-but-abating phase of the pandemic.
The team of Family Ministries area coordinators are— Great Lakes: Mitchell and Cheryl Davis; Great Plains: Kevin and Anita Patterson; Rocky Mountain: Howard and Symone Webley; Central: David and Demetria Bedeau and Eastern: Lee and Laketia Carrell, along with CSC Family Ministries directors: Marlon and Denise Johnson. Together we are developing plans to meet the needs of families in this stage of the pandemic. The first plan is to re-activate local church family life leaders by identifying interested members and providing monthly training.
The second initiative is to provide families of varying constellations with resources to enhance family worship. This is being initiated by “Family Week of Prayer” to be held on Feb. 6-11. Utilizing the Central States Conference YouTube channel, nightly ministry and demonstrations of family worship will be given.
Marriage has also been greatly attacked over the last three years. The stress of the pandemic—emotionally, financially, physically and socially—has made a negative impact on couples. The major initiative of the Family Ministries team for marriages is the Spring Get-away Marriage Retreat themed “Metamorphosis,” scheduled for April 28-30.
The retreat will be held in the lovely Lake of the Ozarks region at the Regalia Hotel and Conference Center. It will be a time of reconnection for couples. Enhanced by facilitators Derrick and Sonya McCollum, professional marriage counselors and hosts of the internet podcast, “Marriage Menders” is an extension of their marriage counseling practice in the Atlanta area. Their transparent and insightful approach to marriage will be a blessing to couples both young and more seasoned.
Registration is now open at the Central States Conference website (www.central-states.org) as well as by telephone to the conference office at 913.371.1071. Hotel reservations can be made at 573.723.3000. After the Midwest winter, you are going to enjoy this weekend of fellowship, marriage strengthening and fun! We will be looking for you!
