December 12, 2013

Time to Breathe...

We continue our season of expectant preparation. As adults we know the hectic nature of the season and the many feelings that accompany our Christmas preparations. I'm certain that our children observe and then model our behaviors.

Are we centered in the hope that Christ's light born into the darkened corners of our life brings? Are we modeling a realistic schedule that allows us space and air to breathe in all this holy season offers?

Grades 7 & 8 will share a special Advent gift-swap ($5 gift or less) this week while PK &K will continue with sharing the birth of Jesus is creative and stimulating ways for our 4 and 5 year old children.

Below is a list of the activities for our Advent Rotation. Please review these and please add Dec 21 (9:30 - 11 am) to your calendars as the one and only practice for our beloved Christmas Eve Worship Pageant led by our children at 5 pm on December 24.

Moravian Feast: Amanda Splendorio -Gds 3&4

Making the Creche Scene: Meghan Copeland - Gds 5&6

Games: Sarah Gerritz & Lindsey Updyke - Gds 1&2

If you were with us and made an Advent Wreath, I would love you to share a picture of your wreath in the setting in your home, or perhaps even a picture of you or your family experiencing a devotional and lighting the candles. Please email your pictures and as always, if you have any questions, concerns or inspirational ideas to share for our children's ministry, please call or email me.

And in between taking some time to breathe, please do live into this holy season at your church with the many opportunities including the Historic House Tour this Saturday and the Lessons and Carols Service at 5pm on Sunday.

The Hope for the Coming Light Continues,

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:
Please be sure to meet with your Mentors and work on the 'Images of God' worksheet.

Confirmation Year 2:
You should be working on the 'Non-Violence Works' worksheet. 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

House Tour

Lessons & Carols

Confirmation

Daily Devotional

CALENDAR

Dec 14 House Tour

Dec 15 Advent Rotation 3
Lessons & Carols

Dec 21 Pageant Rehearsal

Dec 22 Advent Rotation 4

Dec 24 Pageant Worship

Dec 29 No Church School

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
First Church Home Page