Why Faith at Home?

Why Faith at Home may be a question of many throughout the parish. My answer is simple. Why not Faith at Home?

Within the next 5 weeks I will begin a new journey in my life as a father. As a father I am held responsible and accountable by scripture to raise my son in the things of God (Deuteronomy 6:4-6). The love I already have for my son, is a love that no man can take away from me. All i want to give to my children is the best, and I know that goes for all parents. We all want to see our children succeed in the things of this life. With the statistics that on average 75 - 90 percent of teenagers disconnect from the faith after gradating high school, and following that up with the statistic that the top two most influential people in the life of a child is mom and dad, we as a church have a lot to do. I feel that I do have a responsibility to provide a safe haven for our children and youth, a place where they can escape and be kids, but I feel that I have a greater responsibility to partner with parents to raise our children in faith through the avenue of the church. This greater responsibility is not something that only we here at Trinity are beginning to realize, but has become a focus in several of the parishes across our diocese, as well as being brought out of the diocesan house.

So, where do we go from here? A good bit of faith at home has been going on behind the scenes in preparation for fall, but most importantly to let the Holy Spirit work, while we pray and seek guidance in the days and weeks ahead. The first step will come September 12, kick-off Sunday. Here is where we will begin unpacking the thoughts, theology, and movement behind Faith at Home. On September 12 we will be joined by two families from our diocese who are not only walking the faith at home model with their children, but are essential leaders within the diocese and their parish.

The first family that will be joining us is Peter Rothermel and his family. Peter is the Diocesan Director for the Department of Christian Faith Formation. He and his family will be joining us as Peter has been the key leader for the diocese in bringing this movement to our diocese and has been a key resource for our staff and vestry here at Trinity. The second family will be the Mayer Family. The Mayer family worships at Saint Michaels Charleston and is part of a core of families that have grasped this faith at home movement and are currently holding family worship within their home during the week.

Kick-off Sunday will begin at 9:00 AM with a light breakfast and a time of sharing from the Mayer family. We will then follow up our time together in the parish hall with Eucharist at 10:00 AM, followed by an off-site parish picnic. We are still finalizing some of the details and will have more information to you as soon as we can, but please mark your calendars for this special day!

There is one last thing that I want to challenge you with. Especially those who have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc. Every Tuesday between now and September 12th I will be emailing out one absolute for you to pray over children that are involved in your life. These absolutes will begin allowing the Spirit to work in a specific way, as we specifically pinpoint our prayers.

Please know that I am praying for all of you and the journeys that we will all join in on over the next several months. You all hold a special place in my heart, and I am looking forward to continual partnership in the ministry and in the work to grow the kingdom of God. Remember that we are called to reach a "nation," a people group. For me, the first "nation" I need to reach and disciple is my household and I pray that through this movement and the weeks ahead we can all hold each other accountable as we reach our home for faith.

Grace and Peace to all of you from our Father above!