Parent Link NEWSLETTER 4-19-18

APRIL 19, 2018

Parent Link: Empowering Parents to Build Christian Families

Information, updates and links to keep Parent Link subscribers and CSMSG parishioners current

on Parent Link events and resources(articles, book reviews, podcasts, websites, etc)

Visit Parent Link Website

In “ Happiness Is a Choice You Make,” John Leland, a reporter for The New York Times writes that the folks he interviewed said that they have “ given up distractions that make us do stupid things and instead focus on what’s important... To a person, they don’t worry about things that might happen. They worry when it happens, and even then they don’t worry. They just deal with it. At whatever age we are, we can choose to adapt to whatever happens. We have influence over whether we let things knock us out. ”

Parents need all the support the Church can give as they raise families in today’s world. Parent Link at CSMSG wants to partner with parents to empower and encourage them. If you would like the latest information from Parent Link, please register online on the Parent Link page.

Upcoming Events

BAGS: How Parents Can Help Their Kids Shed Emotional Baggage

The Parent Link invites all parents, grandparents, godparents and adults who love and nurture children to hear Chris Sasser, a Pastor of Family Ministries and our Parent Link consultant, share how we might help our children SHED the emotional baggage that may be weighing them down. This event will be held on Monday, April 30th from 6:30 - 8:30 pm in the Taylor Room. Childcare is available with advance reservation. RSVP to marty@csmsg.org. Light refreshments will be served.

Faithful Generations SS Class —Join a community of adults (parents, grandparents, others) discussing faith and how to support children and families in Christian life. Current topics include:PURPOSE and what defines purpose for ourselves and our children.This class meets in the Wydown Meeting Room from 10:30-11. All are welcome!

Parent Link Grandparent's Club Organizational Meeting : Friday, April 27 from 10:30 - 11:30 am in the Sverdrup Room. All interested persons are invited to attend!

Resources

NY TIMES: “ Finding Meaning and Happiness in Old Age ”by Jane Brody, NY Times, March 19, 2018.

VIDEO: “ Character Matters: Raising Kids with Values that Last ” – This talk given by Susan Alexander Yates on February 25, 2018, is now posted on the Parent Link Speakers webpage . Check out our Parent Link Resource page at HERE for book, blog, website, and podcast recommendations.

BOOK REVIEW: iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy–and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood–and What That Means for the Rest of Us by Jean M. Twenge,PhD. Check out Timothy Chapman's book review HERE.

Volunteer

PARENT LINK REPRESENTATIVE: If you would like to be a liaison for families with children in similar grades as yours, please contact Marty Chapman .

INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES AT CSMSG

Hunger Ministry Saturday Sandwich Making - 3rd Saturday of every month; Join volunteers of all ages to make sandwiches to donate to Gateway 180 Homeless Shelter. Contact Allison Wiedle to volunteer, or just show up!

Middle School Mission Week - June 4-8, 2018; Participation needed by adults in many areas to assist in this week of local service opportunities for rising 6-9 graders. Contact Timothy Chapman to volunteer.

High School Mission Trip - July 13 - 21, 2018; Erie, PA; Adult Chaperones are needed for this week of service sponsored by the Youth Ministry. Contact Timothy Chapman to apply.

Summer Trip to Nicaragua : July 21 - August 4, 2018 (Travelers can go for one or two weeks.) ; 19th annual mission trip to Nicaragua by World Service Mission Ministry. This is a wonderful trip to take as a family. The primary focus of our trip is working in a school in the rural outskirts of Managua. Some people will work on maintenance of the school and building projects, some will help in the classrooms, and others will go on home health visits or help out in the local health clinic. Nicaragua is a beautiful country so sightseeing and excursions are also included in the trip. We stay in a modest but safe and comfortable guesthouse. The trip is open to anyone of any age who is willing to work and is open to a new experience. Children under the age of 16 are welcome to go if accompanied by a parent. To sign up or for more information, please contact Jennifer McGrath or 412-334-6398 .