By Donna Lewis
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 19, 2018) -- On Feb. 10 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Fountain City United Methodist Church will host the annual Father/ Daughter Valentine's Dance.
Why do we do this? It is sweet and special. They are so cute. It will be awesome fun!
When programming the precious time we have in ministry, maximizing opportunities and applying intentional goals becomes the foundation. Never program just to have an event on the calendar. An event intentionally celebrating fathers and daughters quickly answers the why.
It is just plain important! It is a realization that not every girl has an active and present father in her life. However, the importance of a positive male role model is not diminished with absence. Front and center in the lives of our children are divorce, blended families, single-parent homes, grandparents raising grandchildren, teenage pregnancies, bullying, drug experimentation and addiction. Mom, dad, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, church small group leaders, and the church family have the opportunity to seek out and place good, solid Christian male role models in the lives and paths of our girls. It’s just plain important.
With approximately 936 weeks from the birth of a child until a child graduates high school, each and every week becomes a strong thread in the fabric of a child’s life. During those first few long days and nights, parents or guardians feel like they will never see daylight again.
Blink! It’s preschool. Letters, numbers and socialization. Blink! It’s kindergarten and elementary. Sports, dance, homework, and competition. Blink! Middle school. Who is this child and did I really give them all this technology? Blink! High school. First loves, breakups, choices, decisions, consequences, and, oh yes, college visits. High school graduation: What? How? When?
Making moments count each day and creating special moments for our children and families is what we are about at Fountain City United Methodist Church as we lean into parents as a resource. Let’s partner together.
Why do we do this? To provide an opportunity for a special evening and celebrate the gift of a father, or positive male role model, in the life of a girl who will grow up all too soon -- a precious milestone that can have a lasting effect.
Here is the registration link for the Father/ Daughter Valentine's Day Dance on Feb. 10. Tickets are $15 per couple, $5 for each additional child.
Donna Lewis is director of children's ministry at Fountain City United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tenn.