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Even You and Me!
Happy New Year to you All!! We gear up the new year with a wonderful lesson for all ages. Jesus proclaimed through his words and actions that children are valued by God. Children therefore have important roles to play in the community of faith. Our new rotation entitled, "Jesus and the Children" expands upon Mark 10:14 which says, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." Jesus' words could be taken here to mean we must all be like children - open, honest and excited to experience new adventures. One only has to see the bright eyes of a child taking in a new adventure with wonderment and joy to know how Jesus wants us to see God's creation (and each other). The Message Translation of Mark 10:14 gives Jesus these contemporary words to his disciples about the children they were holding back, "Don't ever get in between them and me!" While this passage has much to teach adults about how we are to include children and all those who some cultures and societies may be deem as weak and insignificant, it also gives charge to the youngest among us to be a vital part of our faith community including worship and all that our faith community experiences. Jesus welcomes and blesses the children in this story as an example for all of us to reach out, bless, and value young and old as God's own unique and special beloved - and that includes you and me! Peace, 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
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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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All Church Movie Night, Jan 12
Young and old alike will delight in this soaring adventure about a young girl, who overcomes great sadness with a new goal set before her - to adopt an orphaned flock of geese and teach them to fly! "Fly Away Home" shares what family (those we are born into and those we create) is all about!
Movie to be held in the Chapel, 5:00 - 6:30 pm.
Popcorn will be provided!
Questions? See Chris
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Confirmation
Confirmands and Mentors
First and Second Year Confirmands
Confirmation Year 1:January 27, 7:00 - 8:15 pm in Griswold Hall Please be sure to meet with your Mentors and work on the 'Images of God' worksheet. Confirmation Year 2:
January 13, 7:00 - 8:15 pm in Griswold Hall
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.
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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
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
Jan 5 Jesus & Children Week 1
Jan 12 Jesus & Children
Week 2
All Church Movie Event
Jan 13 Confirmation Yr 2
Jan 15 CE Board Meeting
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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 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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