Report of the Pastor of Family Life

The Reverend April Hawkins

Children and Youth (Student Ministries)

In April 2022, Student Ministries (Nursery, Children, and Youth returned to campus on-site. In May 2022, Student Ministries returned to attending and serving in Generations Sundays to include the children and youth choir and dance ministry. In July of 2022, Student Ministries along with Congregational Care Ministry hosted a Basketball and Music Workshop with a Back-to-School Supply Drive the following Sunday. In May 2022, Student Ministries added 2 new volunteers and saw the transition of one staff member in July 2022. Student Ministries currently averages 25-35 children weekly with the highest Sunday attendance in 2022 at 58 students and the lowest attendance Sunday at 18 students. 9 children and youth were baptized in 2022.

Young Adults

In April 2022, 2 young adults were baptized. In May and June 2022, the Young Adults Ministry hosted a night of worship and a family game night. In December 2022, the Young Adults hosted a Vision Board Party. Average Attendance for the Young Adult Ministry events are between 8-10 people.

Library

In September 2022 the Library Ministry continued to host Kitabu virtually and added in-person Kitabu. In December 2022, the Library Ministry partnered with the Arizona Center for African American Children to host the Books-N-Barbers event at FIBC offering free books and free haircuts to community elementary age students.

Prayer

In May 2022, the Prayer Ministry returned to leading pre-worship congregational prayer time. In July 2022, the Prayer Ministry implemented 7 consecutive weekly prayer times followed by a monthly congregational prayer time.

Singles

In July of 2022 in collaboration with Student Ministries and Congregational Care Ministry, the Singles Ministry hosted a Scavenger Hunt at the Arrowhead Mall.

2023 Plans

2023 plans for Family Life include the following: implementations of digital discipleship in Student Ministries spaces continued opportunities for Family Life engagement, the School Adoption Initiative, specific fellowship and ministry opportunities for children, youth and young adults.

Respectfully submitted,

Pastor April Hawkins