Children's Ministries Update

pics from our 6th grade Choir trip to Cumberland Island.

Hello families!

(Youth and Children's families are receiving this email as we need everyone to join in for the next few celebrations. Sign Ups are below)

I read this recently in an email that I get and thought it was perfect:

"Advent is a season of wonder. We wait in darkness for the light to be kindled and grow and spread, for the long-expected child to be born, for our hope to be renewed. This year I need it more than ever.

Jesus is coming, is with us now, and will be with us again. We can’t screw that up, no matter what."

So this Advent as we prepare out homes and our hearts for the season, let's lean into wonder - it can heal our weariness. Lean into seeing the world through a child's eyes/heart - it can take away our hopelessness. Lean into The Way of Love - it can build bridges where we think it impossible.

We have lots of wonderful opportunities to gather in God's name and share the most magnificent story of all. Check your calendar and sign up to help make these wonderful times happen.

On Dec. 3rd, join us in Ellis Hall for Advent Adventure and Wreath Making. All ages are invited to make symbols of The Songs of Christmas. We will have crafts to remind us of Angels We Have Heard on High, For Unto Us a Child is Born from Handel's Messiah, We Three Kinds of Orient Are, In the Bleak Midwinter, and Go Tell it on the Mountain. Then you can go over to the other side of the room and make an Advent Wreath with kits for $30 to use at home. Get your house ready with symbols of the real reason for the season! I could use an adult or youth at each craft table, so sign up below.

On Dec. 6th, we will celebrate the life of St. Nicholas with magical story-telling, ringing bells and singing Christmas Carols with our Children's Choirs in between two dinner seatings with festive food and music. Sign up now and bring a friend to this special night - it is the best way to kick off the season. We need a few adults and youth to help our team at the dinner and during the celebration. Sign up by tomorrow to get a count for the dinner.

St. Nicholas Dinner Sign Up

Advent and St. Nicholas Helpers

Children's Church Helpers

Peace,

Kathy

Thanksgivings

Thanks to Steve Davis, Beth Frilingos, and Joshua Smith for leading Children's Church while I was on Cumberland.

Thanks so much to Sarah and Bill Sullivan and family for stepping in to lead the Blessing Bag giveaway last Tuesday night when I couldn't attend. And thanks to all the volunteers that helped with filling the bags during our formation time.

Thanks to Todd Fuller for stepping in to help with Children's Church last Sunday.

Thanks to Brooke Gifford and Toni Halkos for helping with our Children's Service to make things run smoothly. Also a big thanks to all the regular folks that make the service happen for partnering with our kids and teaching them what they do.

Little Saints playing and Kindergarten/1st grade making stars after hearing about Gabriel saying to Mary "Do not be afraid"

We wrote prayers of thanksgiving in Children's Church like our Praying in Color example

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!

This Sunday, December 1, 2023

Nursery : 8:30-12:30

1st fl. of the Pritchett Center

Children's Church: 8:45 gathering time, 9:00 service

2nd floor Pritchett Center

Steve Davis and Beth Frilingos and Joshua Smith all graciously subbing in

Children's Formation: 10:20-11:05

Come over to Ellis Hall for Advent Adventure

Children's Church

Helpers Needed

Need some folks for Nov. 19th to cover Children's Church as I will be with Ms. Kimmell on Cumberland Island 6th grade trip.

Please check your calendars and sign up to help.

Please check your calendar and sign up Here

Formation and Choir Registration 2023-2024

Coming Up - Save the Date

November DATES

CC=Children's Church

CF=Children's Formation

Dec. 3 CC - we come to you at the Peace.

CF -will not meet. come to Ellis Hall for Advent Adventure and Wreathmaking.

Dec. 6 St. Nicholas Celebration (6:05) and Dinner (2 seatings, 5:00, 6:45)

Dec. 10 CC - Second Sunday : we come to you after communion.

Dec. 17 No CC Christmas Pageant at 9:00 service in church. Come grab a costume from 2nd fl Pritchett center between 8 and 8:45 and sit with your parents until your character is called up. 5th and 4th graders will have parts and will help lead the younger kids up front.

CF - no classes today. Come celebrate our Pageant actors with a Cookie Rection. We also will be thanking Marie Louise and Job Muhumuza for their many years of working in the nursery.

Dec. 20 Outdoor Caroling. Meet at the church at 4:45 to sing at 5:00. More info to come.