Christian Family Living Center

High Tidings

Farewell

Old Friend

To Everything There Is A Season
A Time For Every Purpose Under The Sun

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

From the chair of the board of directors:

Dear CFL Families, Friends and Supporters,

It is with deep sadness that we announce that due to financial realities, MFM, Inc. will be selling the building and property of the Christian Family Living (CFL) Center on North Topsail Island . Despite this decision about the facility, we are excited about continuing the retreat ministry in a new way, sharing the Marianist charism through spirituality, hospitality and community.

The Christian Family Living Retreat Center in North Topsail Beach, North Carolina has been blessed with ministering to families, in the Marianist tradition, since 1978. The Marianist Province supported the location and creation of this ministry, patterned after the Marianist Cape May Retreat House. Thousands of people have been blessed by the numerous volunteers who served then, and continue to serve now, and believe family is a sacred entity to be nurtured and grown. Over the past five years, an unfortunate trend has emerged including a decline of family attendance and involvement in the CFL program. In 2008, revenues from the CFL programs and rental programs have declined. The volunteer base has also eroded. That, combined with aging buildings, long-term structural damage due to the environment, and an ambitious reconstruction and expansion after a major fire, has placed a financial drain on the Marianist Family Ministry’s (MFM, Inc.) ability to remain self-sufficient. We ran a determined capital campaign in 2007-08 which reached less than half its goal. We looked at all of the issues and felt it was time to re-structure as any responsible ministry would do. It was felt to be a just and morally responsible decision to all stakeholders involved.

On June 7, 2008, the MFM, Inc. Board of Directors prayed, discerned and agreed that the data provided by the financial committee and supported by the external accountant, was clear, albeit heartbreaking. MFM, Inc. would benefit by selling the CFL facility. We, as a Board of Directors, came to consensus and decided to close the CFL Retreat Center as of September 15, 2008. We are developing transition plans to do that and to keep the Marianist Family Ministry alive. It is our intention that this lay Marianist Ministry will continue in a new location and / or manner. Based on what we have learned from 30 years of ministering to families, a business plan and a ministry plan will be developed to outline the “new beginnings” of the MFM, Inc. journey. We ask your prayers, support and input in this process.

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your continued support of time, talent and treasure. The ministry is not a location or a building, but a viable ministry to families who cherish an opportunity to re-connect through prayer and play. It is within the family fold that religious vocations are nurtured and society as a whole is made stronger. We are energized by the thoughts of what the future may hold. We are lay Marianists fashioned by the Marianist charism to “do whatever He tells you,” as Mary did. We are blessed by the guidance and direction the Holy Spirit has provided as we continue the journey.

Appreciatively,

Tina Bauman

Chair, Board of Directors, MFM, Inc.

3336 Texas Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21234

Ooooh…Ahhhh…Excellent!

Come to CFL: One More Time

Jun 29 - Jul 4 Families of Hispanic heritage

Jul 6 - 11 CFL Classic: open to all families

Jul 13 - 18 Single Parent Families

Jul 20 - 25 CFL Classic: open to all families

Jul 27 - Aug 1 CFL Classic: open to all families

Aug 10 - 15 CFL Classic: open to all families

Aug 17 - 22 Families with young children

Aug 24 - 29 Families that home school

Rates - still a great value:

Ages 2-7: $100; Ages 8 and older: $240; Under age 2: Free. Family Maximum: $1,050 **

** The Family Maximum rate applies to immediate family members only including enrolled college students.

Grandparents, extended family members and working adult children pay the full rate.

Retreat for Active Duty Military Families:

July 11-13, 2008

Special rate of $85 for ages 8-adult; $50 for ages 2-7 and under age 2 are free.

Special 2 night/3 day retreat with adult presentations and group discussions, led by active and retired military couples, include practical tips for adults to manage day to day life as well as preparing ahead for deployment and compassionate future re-entry into family life. Teen activities and special socials planned and younger children benefit from creative age-appropriate peer group activities and discussions This includes private family bedroom with private bath, all meals, program materials. This retreat is open to all enlisted and officers of any branch of the military. All faiths welcome. Please call 910-328-1584.

Caring for the Family Caregiver

August 29-September 1: Labor Day Weekend Retreat

Caregivers provide long hours of care, sometimes for many years, and the stress of balancing work, family, and care giving often leads to the feeling of isolation. This retreat is to give caregivers an enjoyable break and the time to renew their spirit to continue caring for their special needs loved one. Caregivers will have a chance to share their story, challenges and the blessings of their journey as they cope with the isolation, depression and anxiety that is so common among caregivers.

There will be free to enjoy the beach, spiritual direction, Healing Touch, guided imagery. A special rate of $50 per person for the entire weekend is made possible by a grant from the Diocese of Raleigh.

Hold the DateS!

September 5-7, 2008: Meet the Marianist Family Ministry, Inc. Board of Directors and Annual Member Appreciation Weekend.

· The board meeting will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2008.

· This will be the final meeting at CFL. Call today to reserve a room for your family.

· No fee for MFM members but donations are appreciated.

Look for information about 2009 MFM Board meeting dates and MFM Member meeting dates and locations.

The Christian Family Living Center

2006 Wicker Street

North Topsail Beach, NC 28460

910-328-1584