Stepping Up

Volume 3 Number 7

Welcome. Each month we feature practical information that you may use in your life and family. Please feel free to contact us with feedback, questions or comments via phone at: 1-888-5INSTEP (toll free) or email: info@instepministries.com.

About InStep Ministries
We are a 501c3 faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving singles, single-parents and stepfamilies and those who minister to them. Our passion is equipping people for life. Our vision is to see every single, single parent or stepfamily member connected to a faith community, where they can build authentic relationships, find healing and be equipped to serve. Our mission is to provide resources and services that are practical, Biblical, and affordable. To learn more about InStep, visit our website: www.instepministries.com.

Celebrate the Source of Freedom
On July 4, 1776, the United States declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. For 230 years, Independence Day has been an opportunity to celebrate our nation’s freedom and to remember those who have fought to protect it. Freedom…is the spirit of the United States of America, but have you ever thought about what the word “freedom” means and its source? A quick click on the Wikipedia encyclopedia reveals that freedom means the “state of being free”. As an adjective, it has the following definitions:

Free: 1) Not imprisoned or enslaved; 2) Obtainable without payment; 3) Unconstrained or given free rein; 4) Unobstructed, without blockages; 5) Without obligations; 6) To be released.

I don’t know about you, but when I read those six definitions, the first thing that comes to mind is a Person. The origination of true freedom came from God through His son, Jesus. He came to free us from the prison of our sin. His love and grace are obtainable without payment. He has given us an unconstrained, free will to do whatever we want. The choice to accept and believe in Him is a free choice. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are not blocked from having access (24/ 7/ 365) to our heavenly Father. His love and forgiveness are free, without obligations. Finally, because of His sacrifice on our behalf, we are released from our sin and will live with Him for eternity.

As you celebrate the 4th of July, remember to thank the One who made every freedom possible. Also, continue to pray for our nation and our troops!

Friendships on the Decline
A study in the June issue of the American Sociological Review reports that the average American has fewer friends than a decade ago. In fact, the number of people who say they have no one to talk to has doubled to nearly 25%. This translates into fewer people to turn to for help, fewer visitors for hospital patients and fewer participants in community or support groups. What are some reasons for the decline in friendships? The study reports that longer working hours, longer commutes as well as increased TV and computer usage monopolize our time. If there ever was a time to focus on authentic relationships, that time is now. Isolated people are at risk, which includes their health, marriages, families and most importantly, their spiritual walk. You and I cannot grow spiritually in isolation. God made us relational beings. Take your friendship pulse. Get connected.

AMFM West Coast Conference
Speaking of developing friendships, a great place to “get connected” is by attending the AMFM West Coast Conference. It’s not too late to sign up—and they still have a two-for-one special. Don’t miss this conference. Not only will you be ministered to and equipped, but you will make great friends who share your passion for ministering in the local church. July 25-28, we will be presenting and exhibiting at AMFM’s West Coast Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, held at the five–diamond Fairmont Princess Resort. The line-up of speakers and workshop leaders is amazing-- Norm Wright, John Trent, Ron Deal, Linda Ransom-Jacobs, Steve Tracy, Kirk Weaver and many others. The conference also features excellent workshops on stepfamilies and single parenting.

If you live near the west coast and you have a passion for marriage and family ministry, then this conference is for you. Come for the whole conference or just a day or two—you will be blessed. We have the AMFM promo video on our website to provide you or your pastor with more information about the conference or go to amfmonline.com to register. Please stop by the InStep Ministries exhibit booth and say hello!

InStep Welcomes a New Resource Partner
Greetings. My name is Debbie Harsh-Kightlinger and I’m a social worker currently assisting InStep Ministries with community resource development.
As we celebrate Independence Day many of us ponder the blessings of freedom that we enjoy as citizens of the United States. Our hearts cry out with thanksgiving to God that we are not the victims of tyranny or oppression.

Yet many women and children, and yes, even men, are caught in the midst of a battle that rages within the walls of their own homes. Our homes are supposed to be the safest places on earth. Certainly that's what God intended. But for countless victims of family violence home is a place that mirrors the devastation of terrorism and war. The dignity and innocence of child and adult victims are shattered by the angry hands, fists, feet and words of their perpetrators.

I would love to be able to say that family violence does not occur in Christian homes, but that would be far from the truth. In 2003, a handful of Tucson citizens concerned about family violence founded the organization, Domestic Violence Education: An Interfaith Project (DVEInterFaith). The mission of DVEInterFaith is to collaborate with local faith communities and domestic violence service providers to bring awareness, education and collaborative solutions to the epidemic of family violence. Our work is based on the belief that communities can experience radical transformation through a compassionate Christian response to this critical social issue. If you are interested in a training workshop for your Church or faith-based organization please contact Debbie Harsh-Kightlinger, MSW, at InStepMin@aol.com.

Upcoming Events

• Jeff will be continuing his series on Developing Healthy Relationships in Tucson and Phoenix. Call 520-721-0800 for details.
• July 25-28, 2006 Jeff and Judi will be presenting and exhibiting at the West Coast AMFM conference in Scottsdale, AZ.
• Jeff will be speaking to the singles at Eastside Assembly in Tucson on Saturday, September 16, 2006 at 7 PM. His topic: Healing Life’s Hidden Hurts.
• Coming this fall, a training course for pastors, Preparing Couples for Remarriage (Tucson, AZ). Call 520-721-0800 for more information.
  

Stepfamily Ministry Development
A key aspect of InStep’s mission is to support and equip local churches to more effectively minister to singles, single parents and stepfamilies. To that end, we have just completed our latest project, Thirsty People Sitting at Wells: Developing a Stepfamily Ministry in Your Local Church. This is a user-friendly, “how to” workbook, designed to take a ministry team step by step through the process of developing a local stepfamily ministry. We are available to coach you through this process by phone, email or in-person at your church. We will walk with you as you develop a ministry focus that fits the passion and mission of your church. The workbook price is $30. and shipping is included for a limited time. Order your copy by calling us toll free at 1-888-5INSTEP.

Get Involved!

• Do something in your local community to reflect the presence of Jesus.
• Join the Association of Marriage and Family Ministries (AMFM). Attend a 2006-07 conference. Website: www.amfmonline.com
• Tucson: Friday Night “Stepping Out” Singles: Pantano Christian Church-10355 E. 29th. Street. Dr. Parziale will resume his series on relationships beginning in September.
• Tucson: Stepcouple Life Group: New format—1st and 3rd Friday nights at Pantano Christian Church. Food and childcare available. Hosted by Ron and Jayne Lowery. For information call: 520-290-1094. This group is open to anyone, and this is the group Judi and I attend.
• Tucson: The new season of the Tucson Association of Evangelicals (TAE) kicks off on September 8th at Victory Assembly of God. Mark your calendar.
• Tucson: Single Parent Support Group at Casas Church; Tuesday nights at 7 PM. Call Evelyn Wright: 520-878-1101.
• Online: Now you can register at www.instepministries.com to participate in our new online forum! Topics include Stepfamilies, Single Adults, Single Parents, and more!
  
  

For details and updates on InStep activities,
call 520-721-0800 or email us: InStepmin@aol.com

To order InStep resources, call 1-888-5INSTEP

If you enjoy this newsletter, please tell a friend. If you would like to start a support group or stepfamily ministry in your area, please contact us-we can help.

InStep is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit ministry. Donations are tax-deductible and always welcome. Thank you for your support. Please keep us in your prayers.