FAMILY WEEKEND

As an on-going emphasis to strengthen families, the youth ministry adopts a once-a-month Family Weekend. During this weekend, youths attend the main service with their parents.

On these weekends, there is no youth service and all cell group meetings that are held on Saturdays are cancelled. To set an example for their members, the cell group leaders will attend service with their own parents, so as to encourage their members to do likewise.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Family Weekend

1. Of the 3 main services, are the youths expected to attend any particular one?
The youths can attend any of the main service for that weekend, but quite naturally they should attend the service that their parents normally go to.

2. How about youths whose parents do not attend church?
For these youths, they will be encouraged to attend the 3.30pm service. On that note, on occasions when parents are unable to attend service on a Family Weekend, these youths can attend the 3.30pm service to be with their friends.

3. Will there be any ‘special program’ on these weekends?
No ‘special program’ will be arranged on these weekends. However, the first weekend of the month is when we celebrate the Holy Communion during the services. This is also when the Children Ministry do not have any programme, and the children attends the service with their parents. We believe it is very meaningful for families to partake the communion together.

In addition, we will encourage parents to use these Family Weekends as opportunities to strengthen family ties. With the family together attending the same church service, parents will be able to arrange family meals or other bonding activities.

4. What if a youth decides to accompany their friends during service instead of their parents? Are they allowed to do so?
People naturally take time to adjust to changes. We must recognize that as youths value their friendships very deeply, the preference to be in the company of friends may not change immediately. We encourage parents to be flexible and make adjustments according to the unique needs of each child. These parents may be encouraged to show love and understanding to the youths, such as inviting their child’s friend to join them for family meals should the friend’s parents not be in COOS.