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| Greetings!
These precious gifts (children) are thoroughly enjoying all the Advent events we have going on! They are a pleasure to lead and offer some intriguing answers to questions that arise during our time together.
This past Sunday, the children were each given a "Dime a Day for Advent" sheet. The purpose of this project is to generate funds for the Mission and Service Fund of our church. Though it is not mandatory, we encourage the children to do their part in helping our church help the world. Please return these sheets when they are completed by dropping them into the offering plate or bringing them to Sunday School's offering. If your child/children love to colour, we would love to see what they create! If you have any questions, please ask anyone on the Christian Education team. To learn more about the Mission & Service program, please visit
This past Sunday in church, tiny white stockings were handed out with the bulletins. This is another mission project within our church to help financially support "The Door" and other community programs. Please return these white stockings this coming Sunday (December 7th). As just one team out of many within our church, we thank you for your support in these important initiatives. We encourage you to talk to your child/children about these projects.
A reminder of our highly anticipated "Breakfast with Santa" this Saturday morning! The children were given a green ticket on Sunday. Bring this ticket with you and your child will get a free breakfast! Volunteers may still be needed... so if you can help out, please contact the church office (519-941-0381).
Check out our updated website! www.westminsterorangeville.ca. More information is being added weekly and you'll love what the "Children" and "Youth" pages will contain!
Winter is upon us and one thing children look forward to is playing in the snow! If you are a Facebook user, please join our "Westminster United Church" group and keep posted on any upcoming events. There are a few families who are hoping to get together for a toboganning gathering and will send out an event notice through the group.
Wishing you a warm, safe and fun-filled Christmas!
Your Christian Education team. |
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| Upcoming Events: |
| Friday, December 5th
Orangeville Optimist Club kicks off the holidays at Kay Cee Gardens with a Christmas lights display and holiday cheer starting at 7:30 p.m. Visit the park until Jan. 2 for an evening of Christmas spirit and hot chocolate.
Saturday, December 6th from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast with Santa
Sunday, December 7th at 10:30 a.m.
White Gift Craft Party
Tuesday, December 9th at 7:00 p.m.
Orangeville Public Library hosts a holiday cookie exchange at the Mill St. branch starting at 7 p.m. Bring a batch of cookies and take home as many as you give away. Contact Shauna Thomas at 519-940-0412 ext. 5000.
Sunday, December 14th at 10:30 a.m.
regular Sunday School classes
Wednesday, December 17th
Carolling at Headwaters Hospital. All welcome to meet in the main lobby
at the hospital for 7:00p.m.
Sunday, December 21st at 10:30 a.m.
Music with Marnie
Sunday, December 28th at 10:30 a.m.
No Sunday School (intergenerational worship) with potluck
Wednesday, December 31st
First Night begins at 6:30 p.m. downtown! | |
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PARENT'S PORCH
FIRM AND FAIR
Little Isabel crawled toward the outlet, looking over her shoulder at her caregiver. Isabel knew the answer would be "no." She still crawled, and tentatively lifted her hand, looking over her shoulder again.
Isabel wanted to know if the rule applied every time, or what would happen if she broke it. Kids of all ages need boundaries and structure. Love may be number one on the list of things kids need from their parents, but structure is probably number two.
Some parents hesitate to set limits. The parents themselves don't like to be told what to do, so they assume kids feel the same way. So why overdo it? Why not give kids free-range as much as possible?
Kids are not little adults. Structure and boundaries tell kids that parents care. They provide patterns that help kids learn how to manage their own behaviour and keep themselves safe. If parents don't provide the structure externally, kids have far more trouble developing the internal structure they need in their adult lives.
Realize that your child is changing and developing, growing from one stage to the next. Change the rules appropriately along the way. Gradually give more freedom to make choices-and accept the consequences. Be intentional about this process along the way, and the day will come when your child will set healthy boundaries on his/her own.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8)
Copyright 2007 by Susan Martins Miller |
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Need a Minute?
As Christmas draws near and the economy slows down, a mother talks to her daughter on the telephone. Mother says, "Dear, I know Christmas is getting harder for everyone. I have the perfect solution!" The daughter is amazed and wonders what her mother, who is oddly excitable, is thinking. Mother replies, "By golly, we're not doing a gift exchange at all! I mean, what I'm really looking for this year, is for the grandchildren to each make me a Christmas ornament. I would love their name on it somewhere. As you know, Grandpa and I are really into poodles. So, get the kids to consider that when they are creating." Once the telephone conversation ended, the daughter started thinking. This woman is a genius! Not only is she asking for a home-made gift, but one she only has to pull out once a year! No dusting. No cleaning. No worry about breaking. No offending someone if it's not out each time they're visiting.
Some ideas if you're in need of a minute or of a Christmas craft gift:
*A small book that perhaps includes a photo of the child and what the child has done this year
*A video - if you have a few children, create a 30 minute video clip which could include (but not limited to) a news broadcast, commercials, a play, a talk-show (or monologue)
*An ornament - wooden snowflakes offer a great centre for creating an image or pasting an image, or perhaps a ceramic animal shaped ornament that your children can paint
*Christmas placemats using clear mac tac and those extra bits and pieces of Christmas wrapping paper that just won't cover any present
*A nativity scene - use playdoh, melted wax crayons on cardboard, craft supplies (paper, glue, glitter, etc.)
*A star - a tinfoil star for a tree topper, does someone need a "Star of Wonder"?, a star made out of pipe cleaners, toilet paper rolls, etc.
*A picture of child and friend or family member in a homemade frame
*Have you been saving up those pictures your child has created and you don't know what to do with them? With extra care, they are perfect wrapping paper for homemade Christmas gifts.
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There are lots of helpful websites online to help you find the perfect idea!
Happy creating!
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A huge thank you to all who helped with the very wet but fun Santa Claus Parade float this year! |
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Advent/Christmas/Epiphany Graces and Prayers
Grace
During the season of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, sing or read a verse of a hymn of that season as your grace. Invite different members of the family to suggest a hymn they would like to use.
For example,
*During Advent you might sing or read a verse of "Hope Is a Star" (Voices United, #7).
*On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and during the season of Christmas use a verse of a beloved Christmas hymn, such as verse 3 of "Down to Earth, as a Dove" (VU 42) or a verse from "Joy to the World" (VU 59), "Away in a Manger" (VU 69), or "'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime" (VU 71).
*During the season after Epiphany (begins with Epiphany, January 6), use a verse from "A Light Is Gleaming" (VU 82), "I Am the Light of the World" (VU 87), or "The First Nowell" (VU 91). This is a great way to teach and enjoy the wonderful array of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany hymns.
Bedtime Prayer
As the day winds down, take some time to think about all the things you wish to say good night to, then create your own litany naming the things that are important to let go of before going to sleep. For example:
Good night (name of significant family/friends)
Good night (play/toys/favourite stuffed animal)
Good night moon
Good night stars
Good night God.
Thank you for today.
Amen.
Prayer
God of sunlight glistening on snow
God of melodies and favourite carols
God of friends and families reaching out through cards
God of sparkling trees and radiant homes
God of holy days, holidays, and all our days
We are thankful for the beauty of this season
God of trembling lips and saddened hearts
God of gently falling tears and heartfelt sobs
God of loved ones gone and memories cherished
God of forgotten dreams and broken relationships
God of holy days, holidays, and all our days
We remember all who grieve and are sad in this time of festivities.
God of holy days, holidays, and all our days
Surround us with your comforting and challenging presence.
Guide us in our daily living
That we may embrace the joys and the sorrows
Knowing that you are always with us.
We pray.
Amen.
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Volunteers are need on Christmas Eve! Sign-up sheet is in the youth room on the bulletin board. Adults are needed to coordinate children and costumes. If you have questions, please contact anyone from the Christian Education Team. |
Heather Craig-Peddie, Chris Dyer, Karen Farace, Janet Jones, Jackie Pritchard, Janice Renzoni, Tom Smith, Stephanie Sostar, Abby Tuck and Marnie Worry
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Westminster United Church
"Seeking and Sharing the Love of God"
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