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In the Beginning...Peace! 
Our new rotation PEACEMAKERS starts this Sunday. In a world where our children have to contend with words like 'war' and 'bully,' it's a topic worth exploring, don't you agree? Throughout the Bible we read stories of people who tried to bring peace and justice to all of God's people. Their stories inspire us and help us learn how to be peacemakers today. Some of the objectives we want our children to take from this exploration of peace and peacemakers are:
- Even in Bible times, being a peacemaker often took courage and skill
- Peacemaking is based in fairness, justice, equality and love
- We all need to make a commitment to being peacemakers at home and at school
The PK/K children will start with a new curriculum too. "Grow, Proclaim, Serve" is a wonderful new series published by Cokesbury that will nourish and enrich the faith of children and help children share God's love.
Grades 7 & 8 are exploring the Bible this month by looking at a timeline and seeing where their favorite Bible stories are placed on the continuing journey of God's people engaging in relationship with God and with each other.
Please be sure that parents/guardians in grades 2 and under go to their children's room to pick them up. Older children should discuss a plan with parents/guardians about where they will meet in the church after class and services finish for the day.
If you haven't already submitted a new registration form for each child, please download the form below and bring it this Sunday.
Download Form Here
Peace and Blessings,
Chris
P.S. If you and your family would like to walk in the Guilford Parade and hand out flyers sharing info about the Crop Walk, please contact me. This will take place on Sept 21 at 9:15. What a great way to share a faith-filled deed with your children!
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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 call 203-453-3324.
Your feedback and concerns about our programs are very important and I would be more than happy to meet with you.
Christopher Solimene
Director of Children and Families Ministry
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Confirmation
Confirmands and Mentors
First and Second Year Confirmands
and Parents Luncheon
September 15
Parents/guardians of confirmation aged teens (grades 9 and up) are invited to attend a brief overview of confirmation and expectations for confirmands and families in Griswold Hall on September 15 at 11:30 am. Sandwiches, chips and drinks will be provided. It is our hope that you and your child will prayerfully consider this wonderful opportunity for reflection and experiencing our First Church community and what it means to live as a Christian in the 21st Century. Please RSVP Confirmation Year 2:
Please also hand in your 3 Worship Reports along with the Visiting another Faith Community Report and any other service to your church Report you may have.
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Family Event for Everyone!
Visit Bishop's Orchard and Bake Apple Crisps for Home bound Church Members, September 29th We are all the First Church Family! Come alone, with a friend or two or your whole family and enjoy a ride over to Bishop's Orchard for apple picking. Then we'll return to our church kitchen an d make apple crisps that can be delivered to home bound church members. Bring a few dollars for apples and/or a treat at the orchard for yourselves too! Meet in Fellowship Hall 1:00. We should finish up around 3:30. Please RSVP with Chris Solimene and/or get more info: chris@firstchurchguilford.org
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Kids Living Faith
Church School 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 2013-2014 Registration Forms are now available below: Registration Form Nursery - 3's Room Registration Form PK - Gd 8 Please fill out a from for each child in your family and return them to the Adult Leaders or directly to Chris Solimene. |
Safe Church for All Adult Volunteers
September 22, 11:30 am
Sharing information about how to keep our children safe is important to First Church. This hour long session is designed for those who would like to volunteer with our children and youth programs including: Church School, Pilgrim Fellowship, Junior and Cherub Choirs, Confirmation, and Vacation Bible School. All those who volunteer with our children are required to take Safe Church Training. We'll meet in Room 5 at 11:30 (the 2nd floor of the Christian Education Building) 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 training classes are offered in the fall and spring. |
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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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 |
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CALENDAR
Sept 15 Rotation Week 1
Confirmation Luncheon
Sept 21 Global Peace Day
Sept 22 Rotation Week 2
Safe Church Training
Sept 29 Rotation Week 3
Bible Sunday
Family Event
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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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