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Transformers
If you're like me, transformers conjure images of Lego-like toys - robot creatures turning into cars. I hadn't really connected the word with people involved in church - until reading up on our latest rotation - Easter People. We use the butterfly as a symbol for Jesus' death and resurrection. The butterfly begins life as a tiny egg. The egg hatches into a caterpillar. The caterpillar eats and eats and eats until the time is ready. Then it spins a cocoon and marvelous things happen to its body. It changes into a completely different creature. What was slow and well, let's just say it- a somewhat homely creature becomes a graceful butterfly able to fly with on the winds. We transform too!
Our lives are often filled with obstacles, painful experiences and we get bogged down - heavy with disappointment and grief. When rooted in a commitment to being in relationship with God, we are changed. We become transformed and have new life, just as Jesus did. But it need not end there. When answering the call of 'what does God call us to do," we become 'transformers' - changing other lives as we hold, heal, clothe and love our neighbors. Our children begin a new rotation this week. The Easter story has the reality of pain and suffering, but its end is the flying butterfly. New life is a certainty. With and through God, Easter people are transformers! Peace and Blessings, 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:April 28, 7:00 - 8:15 pm in the Chapel Please be sure to hand in the remaining of your three worship reports and arrange for a time with your Mentor to visit another faith community (and complete your worksheet). Confirmation Year 2:Looking forward to our trip to St. John the Divine, NYC on April 25-26. Watch for more details.
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Palm Sunday Brunch 
All-Church Activity, April 13 Following the 10 am service, all are invited to Fellowship Hall for a Palm Sunday Brunch, hosted by the Board of Christian Education. Quiche, fresh fruit, bagels, coffee and juice will be provided. Then, try your hand at crafting your palms into a keepsake cross and plant some seeds in flower-pots you can take with you. This is a season of promise. Join your church family for fellowship and to plant your own seeds of hope!
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Easter Day 
Egg Hunt
Join us on the side lawn for an Easter Egg Hunt between the two Easter services. There will be two areas set up - one for the littlest among us and one for those who prefer a bit more of a challenge! We will plan on meeting on the lawn about 10:15 to begin shortly thereafter. Questions? See Chris
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"Sex and Faith" 
Kate Ott, a church member, educator, parent and and one of our grade 7/8 faith leaders offers, "Sex + Faith: Talking with Your Child from Birth to Adolescence"
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.
Kate addresses 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.
If you would like to check this book out of our lending library or buy a copy for yourself, please see Kate or Chris.
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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
March 30 Easter People Wk 1
Safe Church Training
April 1 CE Board Meets
April 6 PF Visits
Church School
April 13 Palm Sunday
Mixed ages
Brunch and Planting
April 20 Easter
Egg Hunt
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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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