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Why hello there, reader!

Thanks for opening up this week's News & Notes email. With the start of school this week, it only makes sense that our Jesus-Centered Parenting series tackles the topic of empowering responsibility. So read on!
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Empowering Responsibility

We are in a series about Jesus-Centered Parenting. Before I jump into this week's topic, I want to invite you to send me ideas of what you’d like to hear/read next here in the News & Notes and blog.

Empowering Your Child

This week, I want to empower you to empower your child through responsibility. I think we can agree: our world needs adults who will carry their weight at work and in society. While I believe some of this preparation can be learned through school, the best place to learn responsibility is in the home.

And my encouragement to you is to begin this preparation as soon as you can.

Now, obviously, you can't give your kid responsibilities on day one. But you can…

  • ...have them help you pick up their toys when they are 6 months old
  • ...let them "help" wash dishes in the sink when they are a year old
  • ...put their clothes in their drawer with you when they are 18 months old
  • ...or help you "wash" the car when they are two
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Most little ones really enjoy "helping." So do what you can to include them as early as possible. And as they get older, begin to assign them jobs to do as part of the family. (If you do create a "chore" chart, be sure to include yourself, so they can see how much you contribute into the functioning of the household.) These “jobs” will prepare them to become great employees (and employers!), appreciated spouses, and valued community members.

Jesus-Centered Empowerment


All of the above is well and good, but if you notice, it's just helpful advice. Where does the Jesus-centered motivation come in?

I believe the reason you should aim to empower your child to bear responsibility is because that is exactly what Jesus has done with us.

Think about it… When Jesus gathered his followers on a hill as he prepared to ascend to heaven after his resurrection, he commanded them to "Go, and make disciples." In other words, He gave them the responsibility to continue the mission He had begun. And he empowered them through His presence, which was found through the Holy Spirit.

This means that if God the Son, who could have done everything Himself perfectly, chose to empower His followers to continue His mission, you can do likewise and empower your child(ren) to take on responsibility. As your kids learn the value of work, they will be building character, learning life does not revolve around them, and discovering a part of their purpose in life is to serve others.

Keep in mind: God does not micromanage you. If you follow Jesus, He has given you His Spirit, but He has not taken over your actions like computer programming might control a robot. So as you give your kids jobs to do, obviously teach them, but don't micromanage them. You are trying to increase their sense of responsibility, not just simply getting them to accomplish a task.

So give your kids appropriate responsibilities, empowering them to thrive and become the people God plans for them to be. You'll be a happy parent, and the world (as well as your kids) will thank you one day.
In this with you,
Erin_sig
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Friendship Family

Wartburg College is still looking for Friendship Families who can bless new international students with a shared meal, a place to go during the holidays, or simply a movie night with the family once in a while. A Friendship Family does not house students or give financial assistance. Click here for more info.
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Volunteer Roundup

Whether you volunteer at Riverwood or have been thinking of getting involved by serving, plan to stay after the Worship Gathering on Sunday, Sept 11 for a quick "vision casting" and brief introduction of all areas needing volunteers. Afterward, everyone is welcome to stay for a hot dog lunch as a "thank you" for serving.

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New Sermon Series

Join us Sundays, Sept 11-Oct 9, as we consider how the Imago Dei (Latin for "Image of God") informs us on some of the hot-button issues of our day such as abortion, race, and sexuality. Grab an invite card on Sunday to pass out to a friend, co-worker, classmate, neighbor, or that person you keep running into.
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Just For Fun

Thanks to everyone who showed up at our Riverwood Hangout on Sunday. We had a blast playing ALL the games and roasting s'mores over the fire pit. Be sure to check out pics of the epic 9-square game!
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