May 2, 2014

Relishing Sacred Moments!

Walking a labyrinth with an intention in hand and the reminder that our lives are prayers in motion.

Silence in the darkened evening Gothic Cathedral, broken by a single bell resonating throughout the massive space (two football fields in length).

Writing prayers in a tray of sand - shaking the tray and sending them to God.

Sharing poetry, with glimpses of a soul's very essence caught here and there.

Experiencing Midnight Eucharist - breaking bread and sharing fellowship with neighbors we know not.

Solitary meditation -scattered throughout the Cathedral with a candle - creating a sea of God's light shimmering within.

Eleven confirmands and five adults shared in the experience of Night Watch this past weekend. An overnight experience at the magnificent St. John the Divine NYC, this program brings together youth from all over the region to share in something special - something sacred.

My guess is the others who attended like me, are finding their thoughts wandering back to special moments on that evening. Perhaps it was the poetry sharing or labyrinth walk -

maybe it was the organ recital or sending up prayers in sand - perhaps the midnight worship service or meditation with candles? There were so many special moments to recall from the program and I must tell you, I couldn't be more proud of our confirmands for engaging so fully in all there was to experience.

May we all find ways to relish those sacred moments, finding God's extraordinary in the ordinary!

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

_____________________________________________

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

Confirmation
Confirmands and Mentors

First and Second Year Confirmands

Confirmation Year 1:
May 19, 7:00 - 8:15 pm in Griswold Hall
Please be sure to hand in the remaining of your three worship reports and any other worksheets that are due.

Confirmation Year 2:
May 5, 7:00 - 8:15 pm in Griswold Hall

Mentors are not required to attend, but are always welcome.

Questions? Contact Chris at chris@firstchurchguilford.org

Fourth Annual CTUCC Youth Revival

Saturday, May 17 at 4:00 PM

Dixwell Avenue UCC   217 Dixwell Ave. New Haven, CT 06511

Vitality

WHAT IS A REVIVAL? This is a dynamic, spirit-filled worship hosted by one of our African American congregations in the CT Conference.

WHO IS INVITED? All youth in grades 5 and up and their pastors, parents or adult leaders. Bring a few your whole group; fill up your car and meet us in New Haven.

WHO IS PREACHING?  Rev. Da Vita "Day" McCallister, Associate Conference Minister for Youth and Young Adults will preach. We will also have testimony from several youth from around the state.

WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC?  There will be lots of upbeat music provided by Bishop John Selders and the Revival Praise Band.

WHAT IS SCRM? SCRM stands for Sacred Conversations on Race Ministry. The Revival is a SCRM event because it is intentionally multi-cultural and multi-racial. We will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of our Korean Partnership.

DO I HAVE TO REGISTER? This event is free, however we request that you let us know how many are coming. (Name, church, estimated number)

WILL THERE BE AN OFFERING?  Yes, we will take a collection to support Dixwell Summer Stream, one of the outreach ministries of our host church.

WHAT ABOUT FELLOWSHIP? Of course, there will be time to hang out afterwards! You'll see friends from Silver Lake and Giv2. There will be refreshments as well as displays about some of the great programs in our CT Conference.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED? We are having a "Revival Rehearsal" for all who like to sing, dance, or do artwork. Gather at Faith Congregational Church in Hartford from 2 to 4 on Saturday, May 3.

OTHER QUESTIONS? Contact Debby Kirk at debbyk@ctucc.org

or call her at 860-377-2675    Join us on May 17 and Renew your strength!

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

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

Confirmation

Youth Revival

Daily Devotional

CALENDAR

May 4 Easter People

Week 3

Faith Leader Breakfast

May 5 Confirmation 2

May 6 CE Board Meeting

May 11 Children's Day Preparations

May 18 Children's Day Preparations

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.

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

Get a Daily Dose
still speaking comma

Start your day off right. Sign up to receive the Stillspeaking Daily Devotional, delivered each morning to your e-mail inbox. Click on this link to get started.

Link to Daily Devotional

Christopher Solimene
First Congregational Church of Guilford, CT
First Church Home Page