Celebrating Our Men and Fathers

Men play critical roles as fathers and mentors in the growth of children and in the growth of community.  Engaged men and dads help children to be secure, and confident in their surroundings, develop good social connections, and play an important role in the development of the social and emotional wellbeing and in the academic achievement of young people. The sharing of wisdom through stories and action has a lifelong impact on the lives of young people. Acts of courage, service and compassion have a multiplier effect and help to grow a sense of purpose, resilience and kindness in young people. Communities grow strongest where men, women and children bring their respective strengths to encourage and support each other through the tough times, celebrate the good and have fun together.

This Sunday we have an opportunity to be grateful for the role that dads and men have played and continue to play in our lives.  As a community, we are thankful for the important role that men play within our community as fathers, coaches, teachers, mentors and leaders. We give thanks to God for the many men who make our families and communities rich places to grow.  We are reminded that God invites us all to be in a nurturing relationship with Him as a loving, gracious and ever-present father.