Written by: Matt Clark and Northland Student Ministries in Featured, Local Sites, Longwood, Ministries, Student Ministries, News and Inspiration, Stories on July 10, 2012

Ever wonder if your parenting skills match up? If you're doing the right thing? Or why your kids look at you strangely?

Too many parents wake up and realize they have economized on the very relationships they promised would be top priority. Relax ... we're all in the same boat and we can learn from each other's stories. It's about reframing your family to understand the phrase: "STORY over SNAPSHOT"—because God isn't holding up a perfect picture—He's writing a bigger story with your family! That's why we've been gathering to help Build Strong Families.

This summer, families have been meeting on Saturday nights at Longwood for food, games and discussion on important (and relevant!) topics. It's a great way to connect with other families while creating a shared family experience. While parents are processing the book, Parenting Beyond Your Capacity, by Reggie Joiner and Carey Nieuwhof, the students are correlating their conversations with topics like influence, distorted images and opportunities.

Each week, we have "table connection time"—families answer quirky questions while eating dinner together. Then, families experience a little zany fun with a family-friendly game. After that, the students (middle and high school) and children (age 3 - 5th grade) break out into age-appropriate groups while parents hear from a guest speaker communicating on a valuable topic. Finally, parents have active table discussions about the night's theme before they retrieve their students/children.

We encourage your family to join in on the fun and discussion on Saturday nights for Building Strong Families: Summer Nights! (DETAILS)

UPCOMING DATES:
July 14 - Fight For The Heart - Pastor Vernon and Connie Rainwater
July 21 - Imagine The End - Pastor Joel and Becky Hunter
July 28 - Make It Personal - Dr. Jim Coffield from RTS

REGISTRATION: Register your family for food and child care HERE.

QUESTIONS? Ask away on our NEW Facebook page!

We look forward to seeing your family!

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A glimpse of the Summer Nights fun: