Parenting Outreach Ministry History

“POM”

During 2014, Pastor Barnes saw a need for the church to provide additional services that would give parents and grandparents support and skills for raising Godly children in an ever changing society. He shared his vision with the congregation and solicited support in organizing a parenting ministry.

 

Several Members of the congregation came together to discuss a parenting program that would focus on methods for addressing parenting needs of members and surrounding communities. Dr. Larry Freeman volunteered to write a parenting program with goals suitable to the church. It was called The Parenting Outreach Fellowship Program. The program guidelines; including purpose, goals and outcomes were presented by Dr. Freeman and approved for implementation by the church under the name of The Parenting Outreach Ministry (POM). Some of the original members were: Dr. Freeman, Deaconess Fannie M. Parker, Deaconess Shirley B. Taylor, Deacon John W. Taylor, Trustee Arlton Cooper, Trustee Patricia Cherry Wynn, Minister Ashley Small Bradley, Reverend Ernestine Yates, Brother Julias Harrell, Sisters Deborah Freeman, Barbara C. Ryan, Lori Askew, Emma (Peaches) Pugh, Marie Bond, Stacia Outlaw, April Swain, Aretha Yates, and Melissa Speller.

 

The first fellowship was on May 13, 2014. Each fellowship cycle is 12 weeks and meets Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 pm with an average of 10 to 15 parents in attendance. Transportation is provided by the Cedar Landing Van driven by our faithful member, Bro. Julias Harrell. Refreshments are served during the last 30 minutes of each meeting. At the completion of each cycle, parents receives certificates of completion.

 

The focus is on enhancing healthy parenting practices, behaviors and positive discipline techniques along with learning age appropriate child development needs.  Parents are provided the opportunity to be part of a self-help group that offers a sense of identity, cohesiveness and problem solving skills in an informative, healing, nonjudgmental and caring environment to strengthen their parent/child relationship.

 

The ultimate goal of the Parent Outreach Ministry (POM) is to provide a guide for parents that will help bring families closer to one another, closer to God and to build a stronger faith community.

 

“But from Everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and HIS righteous with their children’s children“

Psalm 103:17

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