|
|
Peace 'round the World! 
"This year, 2013, the International Day of Peace is on a Saturday, September 21st, and special activities and celebrations will take place all across the world over the 2013 Peace Day Weekend, including festivals, concerts, a global Peace Wave with moments of silence at noon in every time zone, and much more."
Now in our second week of the PEACEMAKERS rotation, the timing couldn't be better. Having children make connections from what they hear in church on Sunday with doing something during the rest of the week is great way to reinforce a faith filled life. Here's where you come in... First Church's, "Peace, Affirmation & Justice Committee" along with our confirmands will be meeting THIS Saturday (Sept 21) on the Southwest corner of the Guilford Green at 11:45 am. Please consider joining us with your children. Quotes of peace will be shared, posters made for the occasion will be raised and hearts will join for a moment of silence at noon. Many of you may already be around for the Guilford Parade which will have been completed by then. "Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and people. Anyone, anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, sitting in silent meditation, or doing a good deed for someone you do not know. Or it can involve getting your co-workers, organization, community or government engaged in a large event. The impact if millions of people in all parts of the world, coming together for one day of peace, is immense, and does make a difference." I hope to see you there. On Sunday, please be sure that parents/guardians with children 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. 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
_______________________________________________
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
|
|
Confirmation
Confirmands and Mentors
First and Second Year Confirmands
I hope to see you at the Peace Day Event at 11:45 THIS Saturday, Sept 21. We will meet on the southwest corner of the Guilford Green. Confirmation Year 1:
Please email me with the name and contact email for your mentor. Also, if you haven't already done so, please send in your signed registration form for confirmation. Confirmation Year 2:
If you haven't already, please 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.
|
|
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
|
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.
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
CALENDAR
Sept 21 Global Peace Day
Sept 22 Rotation Week 2
Safe Church Training
Sept 29 Rotation Week 3
Bible Sunday
Family Event
|
|
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.
|
 |
|
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 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
|
Get a Daily Dose
Start your day off right. Sign up to receive the Stillspeaking Daily Devotional, delivered each morning to your e-mail inbox. Click on this link to get started.
Link to Daily Devotional
|
|
