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A World of Gain!
"Our children are our future!"
How often we hear this as well as the reminder that kids may be the number one precious resource we need to protect for a truly sustainable world!
First Church Guilford has a mission to not only give children a strong sense of belonging to a loving community, but to engage them in ways to love God by loving others. One of the ministry resources I read this week gave some interesting takeaway notes about kids who are engaged in service to others. Here's what I read:
The benefits of service learning for kids and teenagers are well-documented. Consider these benefits for kids involved in service:
- Stronger problem-solving abilities and interest in academics
- Higher state test scores and higher grade-point averages
- Greater empathy and complex thinking skills
- Less likely to engage in risky behaviors
- More awareness of community needs, stronger belief they can make a difference, and a greater commitment to service now AND later in life
(Source: W.K Kellogg Foundation)
Children, youth and teens at First Church learn that loving their neighbor is not only a good thing to do, but to use a popular term of the hour, THE core curriculum. Whether it be apple baking for homebound residents, carols sung at a senior center, Crop Walk, Heifer Book Fair, Unicef collection, food collection for the food bank, cards to our friends in India or any of the other missions we'll continue to find opportunities for our youth to reach out and into God's world!
Blessing and Peace to you this week, 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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Confirmation
Confirmands and Mentors
First and Second Year Confirmands
Confirmation Year 1:February 23, 7:00 - 8:15 pm in Griswold Hall Please be sure to meet with your Mentors and work on the "Church as The Body of Chris" Worksheets and prepare for your "Ministry Mural" Presentations. Confirmation Year 2:February 10, 7:00 - 8:15 pm in Griswold Hall Please be sure to complete and hand in your NightWatch Registration for our trip to St. John the Divine, NYC on April 25-26. Need the forms? Click and print below: Medical FormNightwatch Permission Slip
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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
Feb 9 Prayer Sunday
Feb 10 Confirmation Yr 2
Feb 16 Mixed Ages
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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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