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Both Luke and Mark touch on the ascension of Jesus. It's a time noted by the church when Jesus ends his physical ministry on the earth after resurrection and is recognized as being brought up with God.
This Sunday will be a time for many churches to celebrate Ascension Sunday. It is also a Sunday to celebrate mothers and the characteristics of motherhood. I believe God calls all of us to look inward at our own mother-like qualities. Am I compassionate while staying true to what is just and good? Do I lead by example - sometimes quietly without needing to clang a gong to make a point? Do I possess the qualities that can bear forth new life, nourish a growing spirituality and let go with the grace of a mother?
My good and faithful friend Dale shared the wonderful picture above. Dale gave me a gift this Ascension Sunday - one that reminds me of my earthly responsibility to be the hands and feet of Christ. What a beautiful thing it is to see God's qualities in mothers and in the very best of our mothering love to each other.
In case the graphic is difficult to read above, here are the words of Teresa of Avila:
Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world;
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good;
Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet.
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
See you on Sunday. Our children will continue their Children's Day and Blanket Sunday preparation for May 19. I hope you plan to be a part of this celebratory worship experience!
Rising up with you in joy!
Chris
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If you have an idea to share, a project that was especially meaningful to you from your Sunday Church School days or would like to lend your own unique creative talents to our children's programs, please do not hesitate to contact me at chris@firstchurchguilford.org or at the CE Office: 203-453-3324.Your feedback and concerns about our programs are very important and I would be more than happy to meet with you.
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Confirmation Sojourners and Mentors
 Confirmands and Mentors should be deciding on a date in April to visit another faith community's service and complete the report about that experience. Confirmands should also be sure to attend at least three worship services at our own church and fill out the worship report and fill out the report worksheet for helping with church school or ushering. If you haven't already ushered, helped with church school or gone to Columbus House, please contact or see Chris to arrange an activity of service before we meet again.
Look for details about our upcoming potluck in June!
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A Summer Offering for Children
First Church Guilford offers a special week for Children!!
Everywhere Fun Fair VBS 2013 takes children to a global celebration with the look and feel of a world's fair. Children will make friends with neighbors around the world and discover that God's love can be found everywhere, including their own neighborhoods. Children will be introduced to special places from all over the world and discover that we are all neighbors and all children of God.
Everywhere Fun Fair VBS is easy to lead with exciting attractions such as interactive Bible storytelling, outdoor global games, fun music, super science, cool crafts, cooking & snacks and more!
Date: July 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12
Place: First Church Guilford
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Ages: Children Entering Grades 1 - 5
Want more information?
See Chris Solimene or email Chris at chris@firstchurchguilford.org
Click here for PDF of form: VBS Registration Form 2013
This offering for your children is a great way to kick-start your summer and it's free!
Please see Chris, call him at 203-324-3324 or email Chris@firstchurchguilford.org |
Lending Library 
Books that deal with children's issues, families and faith issues for kids are available to be borrowed by anyone. The books are on the shelves in Room 9 (next to Griswold Hall) and there is a simple 'lending procedure' card that gives directions on how to borrow a book. Many thanks to Marjorie Colton for working with me to offer these books to families from our Minear Library. Any questions? Ask Chris.
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Silver Lake Registration Open 
Registration is now open for Silver Lake Summer Outdoor Ministries Programs. These fun UCC week-long Christian camps are offered to youth aged 8-18 years. They'll swim, sing, conquer the high and low ropes courses, play basketball and other games, eat s'mores around a campfire, get creative in ceramics and much more! Make new friends, develop sustainable connections with nature and each other in sustainable and spiritual ways! Register and get more info about open house and more at www.silverlakect.org Need-based limited scholarships available by speaking with Chris, email him at chris@firstchurchguilford.org or call the CE office at 203-453-3324.
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Kids Living Faith Registration Forms
It is invaluable to have current contact information. We are able to keep you informed, let leaders get to know your child and be sure to have any important details such as allergies and medical conditions. New 2012-2013 Registration Forms are now available below: Registration Form - Nursery & 3's and Under Registration Form - PK through Grade 8 Please fill out a from for each child in your family and return them to the Adult Leaders or directly to Chris Solimene. |
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Looking for a fun way to give back?
Looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity? We would love to add more rotational leaders for the 2013-2014 year. Volunteer commitments can range from doing a 4-5 week rotation or volunteering as a helper. The times can often be varied around specific commitments. Please let us know if you have more questions or might be interested by emailing me at chris@firstchurchguilford.org |
Safe Church for All Adult Volunteers
All teachers, volunteers, and youth workers are required to fill out Safe Church Forms and attend Safe Church Training. If you need a copy of our Safe Church Policy or have and Application to hand in, please see Chris Solimene. Safe Church classes are offered in the fall and spring. |
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CALENDAR
May 12 Prepare for Children's Day
May 19 Children's Day
Ice-Cream Social
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Receiving this Email for the First Time?
We are so glad to have you join us! We send out weekly emails to families, church members and friends about what we are experiencing in our Kids Living Faith and upcoming events for children and youth. If you have any questions, feel free to let us know! If at any point in time you would prefer to stop receiving these emails, an "unsubscribe" button is available. If you'd like to join our list, click the button below.
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Our Sponsored Children
Our children's ministry has accepted the sacred responsibility of sponsoring two students in South India. Schooling in India is not free as it is in our United States. In partnership with First Church's Board of Community and World Concerns, we will pay for one girl and one boy to attend the King's Matriculation School on the campus of Family Village Farm.
In addition to paying for their schooling fees, which include tuition and a daily lunch, we are encouraged to send letters, cards, care packages and of course, our prayers!
Please read their stories, which are posted on the wall just outside the entrance to the Church School from the Sanctuary. You will also see our letters to the children there.
See Chris Solimene if you would like to know other ways you can assist young Gowthami and Raghul. Our combined efforts allow them to receive life-changing hope, trust and optimism through our gifts and prayers...
'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
Said Jesus,
Matthew 25:40
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Link to Daily Devotional
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