October 31, 2013

Children For Children!

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to save and improve children's lives by fighting for the survival and development of the world's most vulnerable children and protecting their basic human rights. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF spends 90.4 cents of every dollar received on programs that help children.

Every day, 18,000 children under the age of 5 die from preventable causes-and they don't have to. They die of things most people in the U.S. rarely worry about. Malnutrition. Unsafe drinking water. The lack of an affordable vaccine.

The children of the Church School Program were all given Unicef Boxes last week to take home and fill. It was suggested that they peek under the cushions of the sofa, consider donating a bit of their allowance and bring their boxes with them while trick or treating on Halloween.

Please have your children bring in these boxes THIS Sunday, November 3 for the 10 am worship service. The children will have the opportunity to be involved in the collection of these boxes and participate in hearing the dedication of these offerings.

This is a great opportunity for you to speak with your child(ren) about the special ways they can and do make a difference to others in the world who need them!

As Christians, we're asked to love God by loving God's people. This life-giving message can be experienced this week with our children's participation in actively collecting funds that will benefit other children.

This week is also week 3 for - DIG INTO THE BIBLE. It is our hope that we can not only impart to our young people how to navigate the Bible in terms of knowing how testaments, chapters and verses are found, but also share how inspirational and life-giving the stories and messages can be for us each and every day.

Peace and Blessings,

Chris

If you haven't already submitted a new registration form for each child, please download the form below and bring it this Sunday.
Registration Form 2013-2014

_____________________________________________

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

Confirmation Year 1:
Confirmands and Mentors Meet November 4, 7 - 8:15 pm
Please be sure to meet with your Mentors and work on the Images of God worksheet.

Confirmation Year 2:
Confirmands Meet November 18, 7 - 8:15 pm
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.

Questions? Contact Chris at chris@firstchurchguilford.org

Kids Living Faith

Church School Registration Forms

Registration Form

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

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

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

First Church Guilford

In This Issue

Confirmation

Registration Forms

Daily Devotional

CALENDAR

Nov 2 Harvest Fair

Nov 3 Rotation Week 3

Nov 5 CE Board

Nov 7 Conf 1 to Columbus House

Nov 10 Rotation Week 4

Nov 17 Mural Sunday
Games and Potluck

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

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Christopher Solimene
First Congregational Church of Guilford, CT
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