This year has been an exciting one for Family Life as we have continued to focus on discipling the next generation. Our Family Life team has met regularly to support one another and ensure that children, youth, young adults, and families are being cared for and intentionally encouraged to grow in their relationship with Jesus. One way we have strengthened this ministry is through Family Nights, gathering parents while providing programs for children and youth. These evenings have allowed us to invest not only in young people, but also in parents as they navigate the joys and challenges of raising children in today’s world. We are incredibly grateful for Pastor Cindy Newbury, Director Doriane Ndombasi, Director Aurelie Kpakpo, and Director Anastasia Anokye, along with the many leaders and volunteers who faithfully invest in the next generation.

Our Children’s Ministry at Davenport continues to thrive because of faithful leaders who are deeply invested in the spiritual growth of our children. In Kids Church, we focused on the life of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit, exploring Jesus’ miracles and teachings and learning how the Holy Spirit empowered the early church and continues to guide believers today. Bible literacy has also been an important focus. Children regularly use physical Bibles, learning to find books, chapters, and verses while developing the habit of reading God’s Word for themselves. Scripture memorization continues, and it has been encouraging to see more children bringing their own Bibles to church. Through our weekly Mission Moment, children also learn about and pray for unreached people groups around the world. Their enthusiasm for prayer has been especially encouraging.In Preschool and Nursery, we continue introducing our youngest children to foundational truths about God’s love through Bible stories, songs, object lessons, and prayer. A new nursery circle time has also created an intentional opportunity to begin nurturing faith from the earliest ages.

Friday nights continue to provide a strong community where students can grow closer to Jesus and make a personal decision to follow Him. We have been encouraged to see students inviting friends and family members and witnessing the impact that can come through a simple invitation. A major focus this year has been helping students understand why Jesus’ way is better and why He is worth following. Through our Good Life series, students explored the life Christ offers compared with the different versions of the “good life” presented by the world. Our desire is for students to know why they believe what they believe and eventually graduate from youth with a deep and lasting faith in Christ. We are already seeing students take greater ownership of their relationship with Jesus.

Our Jr. High students continue to develop their understanding of Scripture, learning how to navigate and study the Bible for themselves. This year, they worked through several New Testament letters, exploring what was written and how God’s Word speaks into their lives today. We are incredibly grateful for our Youth and Jr. High leaders, whose time, prayer, care, and commitment are helping the next generation know and follow Jesus. 

CCU continues to be a community where young adults build relationships, grow in biblical understanding, worship together, and support one another through life. This year, we developed a dedicated CCU Worship Team, providing opportunities for young adults to develop their gifts and lead their peers in worship. CCU also participated in Outpour, the Centre Island Retreat, and Young Adults Camp at Lakeshore Pentecostal Camp, creating opportunities to deepen relationships and intentionally spend time with God. Throughout the year, CCU explored spiritual gifts, Outrageous Love, Transforming Power by Terry Wardle, and the Doing Life Together relationship series. CCU members have also begun teaching, giving young adults opportunities to develop their ability to communicate God’s Word and share their faith. As Anastasia concludes her time as CCU Director and transitions into leadership at Way Church Toronto, we are grateful for her investment in our young adults and pray God’s blessing over this next season.

Across every area of Family Life, our desire remains the same: to help the next generation know Jesus, grow in His Word, experience His presence, and become lifelong disciples who help others follow Him. We are deeply grateful for every pastor, director, leader, parent, and volunteer who has invested in our children, youth, and young adults this year. Thank you for helping us build a church where the next generation is not simply attending, but growing, serving, leading, and becoming more like Jesus.