Outreach
Misson Advance!
The goal of Mission Advance is to raise awareness of local and global missions and to mobilize the congregation to engage in missional activity. This includes becoming a community of believers that intentionally and sensitively welcomes people of various cultures and ethnicities into our church life.
The mission ministry started in late 2010 with a survey of the congregation to assess areas of interest and experience. A high level of interest focused on helping those who are unfortunate (top three “causes” were 1) Homelessness, 2) Foster children, and 3) youth gang violence). The first steps were then to contact those who expressed interest in missions to seek their involvement in moving ahead together. A group of 30 or so have shown general interest, with an inner group of 8-10 have shown a level of interest reflected in coming to meetings.
The next step has been to gather together a group with a three-fold purpose: Learn, Pray, and Plan. The group has been meeting since January 2011; we have focused on prayer for the church, for some global needs, and for CKBF members going on mission trips. In pursuit of the Learn goal, we have begun study of WHEN HELPING HURTS, which informs those who want to help with a framework for helping in ways that empower rather than extending powerlessness.
We desire to raise awareness within the congregation as to mission issues and opportunities. We have begun brainstorming on ways to do this. As our awareness grows and our sense of direction clarifies, we will plan further activities to mobilize the congregation in local and global mission.
Please join us at our core team meetings the first Sunday of each month from 4:00-5:30 pm at CKBF. Contact Bob Rasmussen for more information at .
Safe Families for Children
Safe Families for ChildrenTM (SFFC) is a national movement of compassion that gives hope to families in crisis. Safe, loving homes are provided where parents may voluntarily have their children cared for while parents seek to restore stability in their lives. CKBF is a partner church with SFFC.
Safe Families for Children provides a loving sanctuary where parents can safely and voluntarily place their children in times of need. Founded in 2002 by LYDIA Home Association, a Chicago based Christian social service agency, SFFC has partnered with the local church, including CKBF, to grow to a network of over 1000 volunteer families serving as many as 1000 children and families last year alone.
Successfully established in more than 13 states, Safe Families partners with host agencies, local churches, ministries, as well as community and government agencies to intervene in the lives of children and families that would otherwise be forgotten.
In addition to providing a safe alternative to the child welfare system, Safe Families also offers support services to parents, and in many cases Safe Families volunteers continue on as mentors even after the child is returned home. What’s more, by providing an overwhelmed and resource-limited parent with a safe, temporary place for his or her child without the threat of losing custody, the movement of compassion helps to reduce the potential for abuse and neglect.
Please contact Case Coach, Janet Turner, for more information at .
