First Church on the Green
February 20,  2014    
For The Birds! 
    

Who doesn't want a bit of action, color, drama and song added to life, right? How about a way you can create this in your very own backyard?

 

Join us THIS Sunday after services in Griswold Hall at 11:30 where you can make fantastic edible bird feeders. 

 

Feeding birds is a great way to brighten a dreary winter day. Bring some large-sized pine cones if you got them. No worries if you don't have pine cones as Chris will have all the supplies needed. 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. All ages welcome!

 

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 

_____________________________________________

 

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

  

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 

 

Heifer Book Fair, March 9Heifer
 

The Board of Christian Education holds 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 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.

 

"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.

 

Confirmation
Confirmands and Mentors


Confirmation Logo

 
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 Form

Nightwatch Permission Slip

 

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

 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.   

 

 

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
All Church Event
Sex and Faith Talk
Confirmation
Safe Church
Daily Devotional

CALENDAR


Feb 23 Teach Prayer 1
All-Church Event

March 2 Teach Prayer 2

March 4 CE Board Meets

March 9 Teach Prayer 3
Presentation by Kate Ott


 
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  Our Sponsored Children
family village farm

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

 

Christopher Solimene
First Congregational Church of Guilford, CT
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