“Inside/Out: Reaching, Teaching, Mending, and Sending” is a simple, yet very complex way to view ministry. It makes sense. You start by looking within and growing outward through intentional activity, or better yet by habit, sharing yourself with others in ways that leads to their growth and development. This process does not happen accidentally. It is the result of dedicated effort from many. It takes a village!
Family and Leisure Ministries are one part of that “village.” Our scope is very large. We offer over 15 different ministry activities, over 100 activity sessions per week, and over 850 monthly participants. We understand that when Jesus Christ is our Lord, all aspects of our lives are touched. Through our ministry programs, we seek to create opportunities where Christian disciples may find fellowship and discover the joy of being in community. Our activities are selected to offer growth opportunities in all aspects of life-physical, mental, social, and spiritual, as well as opportunities for Christian service and discipleship. You do not have to be a member of FCUMC to participate in any of our activities. You may, however, be asked about your faith or ways we can be of support to you.
Although each of our ministry opportunities is important, our Parenting Partners Ministry may best exemplify the concept “Inside/Out: Reaching, Teaching, Mending, and Sending.” Parenting Partners is a proactive parenting approach based on the scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The most important mission we have as parents is to raise children “to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” The better understanding we have of our faith, the more effectively we can teach it to (or better yet demonstrate/model it for) our children. As our children learn and observe what we believe, and how it affects our lives, they will more likely grow and mature as Christian disciples who willingly share their faith and service with others. As I see it, this scripture embodies the current focus of inside/out: reaching, teaching, mending, and sending. It is an example of the Great Commission in its most basic sense!
- LeRoy Hatcher, Family & Leisure Ministries
