DEACONS' CORNER

 

I have always embraced the fact that I am a girl dad...and granddad, and brother, and uncle! I will frequently joke that I am “awash in a sea of estrogen”, but the truth is I relish the responsibility of raising Christian women and teaching them how to navigate safely and successfully in a world skewed disproportionately towards males and rife with misogyny, sexism and violence towards women and girls. If you search the Bible for verses addressing fathers and daughters, you will find that they are slim or none. Any verse dealing with parenting either refers to “children” as a group or “sons” specifically. If you have a teaching bible the commentary will inform you that, although the verse specifies sons, daughters are “implied” to be included.

World renowned mystery author Agatha Christie, whose books have sold more than two billion copies, is considered the best-selling novelist of all time. From my perspective, her take on paternal love for daughters (or granddaughters et al) is spot on: “A father's love for his daughter is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.” I always thought the good Lord had a great sense of humor putting so many women in my life but the course of that life has made me aware that He did so because He knew he had equipped me with the skills and temperament to prepare them for a Christian life in a challenging world.

APC's commitment to our children, male AND female, grade schoolers to teens, college students and members of the military, is a testament to our goal of “Making disciples who make a difference.” Your faithful participation in the various programs and fund raisers throughout the year is a major factor in our achieving that goal! As Christian parents we are tasked with teaching a measured blend of faith and belief in Jesus Christ with common sense navigation skills for the secular and ever denigrating world our children have to navigate. Our summer activities play a huge role in that process.

Thanks to the tireless and creative efforts of multiple volunteers, the entire building was transformed into a tropical rain forest and our grade schoolers spent the week of July 20th experiencing this year's Vacation Bible School activities. Your participation in our Hawaiian Shirt event in June provided funds to transport our Young Life teens to and from camp in Lake Placid.

We have older teens actively participating in the operation of our sound and video booth for live streams and projections. Others have stepped up and are playing musical instruments in the praise band.

In September we'll be looking for updated and current contact information for your college students and those serving in the military so we can send out our “Care Packages” to our young adults in the beginning of October. We'll also be sending out cards to our Friends At Home. Be sure to notify us with contact information if you have or know of an elderly member who lives alone or is residing in a senior residence.

And finally, my monthly reminder the FEED the JAR! Save your spare change to drop into the “Coins for Care” 5-gallon water jug in the lobby. The accumulated coins are available as a temporary, short-term emergency assistance fund for members.

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.” – Titus 2:7-8

Tom Genovese, for the Deacons

 

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