Docking the ARK group for the summer

We’re nearing the end of the pilot ARK group.

Everyone claims that they love the program and find value in the support and suggestions. No one can think of a more convenient time or format for the meetings. Free food and childcare after church are pretty good incentives.

But attendance has been unpredictable.

The most reliable participants have been those of us who live the closest and have the most regular schedules. Yes, those of us with two-parent families in which no one ever works on Sundays or has to worry about court-ordered child visits.

In truth, my family might have even missed a time or two if I wasn’t the coordinator. The boys had 2:00 soccer games the last two Sundays, which made our Sabbaths rather frenetic.

Today, families go nonstop. If weekends ever were sanctuaries, they are no longer. Sometimes we cut things out because we just need to find down time wherever we can.

The last thing I want is for ARK to be another stressor for families.

So, in the fall, I plan to offer the group during the Sunday school hour. The kids will be in Sunday school and, right now, several parents just wander around and munch donuts. We might as well be gathering and supporting one another.

Funny how scheduling seems to be one of the hardest parts of ministry. I know I’m guilty of putting church last on the list of priorities. Maybe it’s because you know they’ll probably forgive you, while the soccer moms might not.

Still, I have to think about what I’m showing my kids. I never expected that we’d spend so much time and energy on athletics. Church activities round our family out in important ways. They ground us in values too often missing on the soccer field.

So, I’m committed to ARK as a ministry to families in my community. I count my hours in ARK groups among the best time I’ve spent this year. I’m going to keep spreading the word.

Learn more about ARK at: www.thearkgroup.org.