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A Snow Day Thought!
Hunkered inside for yet another snow day? Looking for a project that will engage your children and the whole family?
Read on...
What a wonderful thing it is to give a gift that keeps on giving! Each year in our church school we help to raise money for Heifer International, an organization which combats poverty by giving animals to people around the world. These animals help provide families with food, clothes, and extra income and in turn, families pass on the gift of the animal's offspring to others.
Our children will discuss this ministry with their faith leaders. This model of teaching through action and reflection is one Jesus used with his disciples. He and his disciples would engage people in ministry throughout the day and then pull back and reflect upon what happened and what it meant. They also joined together in prayer - asking for the fulfillment of God's goodness for creation.
We hold a book sale each year to support the Heifer Project. We invite you to bring books in good condition (no text books please) to Fellowship Hall and leave them opposite the coat rack on Feb 16, 23, March 2 and 9. On March 9, all are invited to the Book Fair following service! All left-over books will be donated to the Guilford Library or to literacy programs in New Haven.
Thank you for considering what books you might donate for this worthy cause. I invite you to discuss this with your children and your whole family too. Perhaps children can choose some books they are ready to gift for the benefit of another child's enjoyment. (a great snowy day activity)
And like Jesus and all disciples, please join me in prayer - asking for the fulfillment of God's goodness for all people and for all of God's creation.
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 Event "for the birds"  February 23, 11:30 Action, color, drama, song - You can create all this at your own backyard bird feeder. Join Us in Griswold Hall ! Feeding birds is a great way to brighten a dreary winter day. All ages welcome on Feb 23 at 11:30 am in Griswold Hall where we will together create hanging pine cone 'bird feeders.' Bring some large-sized pine cones if you got them. Otherwise, Chris will have all the supplies. This activity can open up a whole new world of excitement right outside your window and you can help feed the birds from the warmth of your home. Questions? See Chris Solimene |
"Sex and Faith" Talk for Parents 
Join Kate Ott, author of "Sex + Faith: Talking with Your Child from Birth to Adolescence" after the late service for an adult forum presentation on March 9 in the Chapel.
Talking about sex with kids can be scary or awkward! Kate helps parents incorporate their faith values with sexuality information so they can answer questions, discuss sexuality at each stage of childhood, and show support of sexual and gender differences.
During the forum, Kate will address how faith relates to sexuality as well as practical tips for addressing key issues from preschoolers to teenagers (such as use of technology, forming romantic relationships, privacy, and positive body image). Parents or those who work with children will be sure to find this forum a practical and valuable resource.
Childcare will be provided during the presentation.
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Confirmation
Confirmands and Mentors
First and Second Year Confirmands
Confirmation Year 1:March 24, 7:00 - 9:00 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:March 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. |
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Safe Church for All Adult Volunteers
Save the Date - March 30, 2014
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.
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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 16 Mixed Ages
Feb 23 Teach Prayer 1
All-Church Event
March 2 Teach Prayer 2
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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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