As we move through this advent season towards Christmas, we may often find ourselves reflecting on God’s choice of Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Of course Mary’s role and status are rightly emphasised each year, but it is good to remind ourselves that Joseph, as well as Mary, was chosen by God; he was chosen to be Jesus’ earthly father. Surely God would not have made His decision for Mary to be the mother of Jesus without considering who the man in her life was and whether he was worthy to become the father of his Son? God knew that Joseph possessed the character and potential to make a good father, and trusted him with the most significant position of earthly fatherhood that there will ever be. God called Joseph to be a father.
It is easy to forget that the role of father is special and privileged. It is not incidental to the story of our and our children’s lives. We must work hard to avoid diminishing the importance of fatherhood and making fathers background figures in family life. Fatherhood (not just biological fatherhood but also being a father figure) is a calling, and our Who Let The Dads Out? groups recognise and celebrate this fact every single month.
Your December session is a good time to remember and celebrate the fact that all of the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, godfathers and father figures in your Who Let The Dads Out? group have been chosen by God to play a unique and special part in the lives of their children, just as Joseph was called by God to be a father to Jesus. If you can, look for opportunities to encourage your dads by letting them know how valuable they are.
Who Let The Dads Out? team
In this edition of Ramble, Mark Chester remembers his agonising childhood wait to open Christmas presents and recalls that his mother was not quite so patient!
We will continue to run these events for Who Let The Dads Out? group leaders and volunteers throughout the coming year. They are a chance to ask questions, share ideas, talk through issues or just listen in.
Each Zoom Café will be hosted by Mark Chester, Mike Wilkinson and Tony Sharp.
No pre-booking required – simply make yourself a drink and click on the Zoom link to join.
Early 2023 dates
Thursday 19 January
7.30pm–8.30pm
Theme: Cross-connections – in this café we’ll chat about the many and varied connections that groups are building across their communities to increase the impact and support that they can deliver.
Zoom details:
Link: https://careforthefamily.zoom.us/j/86064556796?pwd=b2RSdXBqNGVadlJOOEIvYTROOVpaQT09
Meeting ID: 860 6455 6796
Passcode: dadcafe3
Tuesday 7 March
7.30pm–8.30pm
Zoom details:
Link: https://careforthefamily.zoom.us/j/89932732254?pwd=a0RMK0xoMXlrdm9yNVgwVHQzVFVaUT09
Meeting ID: 899 3273 2254
Passcode: dadcafe4
Want to know more details or you have a topic you'd like us to explore? Email Tony Sharp.
Zoom Café details will also be listed on our Facebook page.
Our resident Dad Cave podcasters, Stephen Hayes and Mark Chester, have recorded three new episodes for you to watch or listen to. #dadstalktoo
New dad Tim explains how he developed postnatal depression as he shares his own mental health challenges following the difficult birth of his daughter, Hannah.
Father of two boys, Dave joins the team to chat about when and how to nurture our kids’ passions and interests.
Christian tells us about his childhood without his dad and his journey to forgive his father.
Are you considering starting a group or looking to consolidate an existing group? Nuts & Bolts is our free online bite-sized resource that will offer sound advice whether you are exploring Who Let The Dads Out? for the first time or seeking to further equip and encourage yourselves as an existing team.
|
|
|
