Family Ministries

What is a family?

Families in the Episcopal Church come in all shapes, sizes and configurations; married, divorced, partnered, remarried, single parents, kids, step parents, no kids, grown kids. A family is truly what you say it is. Diana Garland writes in her book Family Ministry: Defining Perspective, that “family is the set of relationships that endures over a lifetime despite life’s separations.” A family like this, no matter how it looks, is truly a gift from God.

What are family ministries at Christ Church?

Is it our joy and responsibility at Christ Church to support all of these families as they live and grow in their knowledge and love of each other and of God. In order to do that, we offer opportunities for families to learn, serve, pray, and worship together in the larger family of our congregation. We hope that you will join us in these ministries – from Sunday school to the Christian Family Movement to family faith formation offerings. We hope that the gifts of this parish will support and sustain your family even as the gifts of your family enhance the gifts of this parish, and we give thanks for the blessing of God Almighty who loves us all, even as God’s own children.

For more information about family ministry at Christ Church, please contact the Rev. Erika Takacs, Associate Rector for Faith Formation and Evangelism. Click here to send Erika an email.

Family Ministry Opportunities

One Sock On – Christ Church’s “New Parents” Group

Are you a new parent or a parent-to-be? Would you like to meet other parents of young children? Then come to the monthly gatherings of our new parents group, One Sock On. Moms and Dads with children three years old and under as well as parents-to-be are welcome to join us in the Infant Caring Room at 10:15 on the second Sunday of each month. This will be a supportive, loving, and welcoming group for all families with young children. There is nothing to bake and nothing to study; just bring yourself and your kids (or drop them off in the nursery if you need a break) and enjoy the fellowship. Contact Beth Kelhoffer if you have any questions. Click here to send Beth an email.

New Baby Ministry

Do you love babies? If so, the New Baby Ministry is for you! We are seeking volunteers to bring the gift of radical hospitality into the homes of Christ Church’s newborn babies. By simply coming by for a visit, dropping off a dinner, or giving parents a call, we can help families with new babies stay and feel connected to our Christ Church community. If you’re interested in serving this very important role, please give your name, phone number, and email address to Jilinda Crowley. Click here to send Jilinda an email.

Faith Formation for Parents

Forums with Dr. Lynn Turner

Emotions and How They Affect Family Relationships

February 28 and March 7 at 10:15 AM in the Fowler House

Part I will discuss our three brains - only one of which is logical - and how our two emotional brains can run away with us.

Part II will discuss family relationships when emotions run high or low, using the three-brain context.

Couple Communication

April 18 at 10:15 AM in the Fowler House

This forum will combine lecture and experiential exercises to give couples tools to help understand each other. Based on the PAIRS skill-building model.

Lynn Turner is a family therapist in Old Town and has been a member of Christ Church since 1981. She sang in the 9:00 AM choir for more than 20 years, has helped with SOD and is a lay minister for the Christian Family Movement. Lynn specializes in teaching relationship skills to couples and families as well as sessions with individuals. She has a particular interest in brain research as related to our emotions and in the enneagram temperament styles.