Sunday School, Youth & Nursery News
May 28, 2017
Hello parents & teachers!
This Sunday, the children will be continuing their Sunday School lessons with Jennifer and Acolyte and Helper, Joshua. This week's lesson is titled:
Jesus Ascends
The Ascension marks the conclusion of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances. It is the final elevation of his human nature to divine glory and the near presence of God. The Ascension is affirmed by the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds. The Ascension is celebrated on Ascension Day, the Thursday that is the fortieth day of the Easter season. It is a principal feast of the church year in the Episcopal Church.
Jesus appears to the disciples for the last time in the Gospel of Luke. This ascension story is also repeated at the beginning of Acts. Jesus eats fish in front of the disciples, showing he isn't a ghost or vision, but has a physical body. He leads disciples to the town of Bethany, outside Jerusalem, where he ascends to heaven. Jesus opens disciples' minds to understand that he has fulfilled the law, prophets, and psalms.
Luke 24:36-53 says:
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” 50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
In Sunday School this week, the children will learn that it's not the end when Jesus ascends. During this week's lesson, we will read this passage and discuss the story. We will watch a short video, where we will watch to see how the disciples act when they see Jesus, and talk about the video through interactive, thoughtful questions, such as: Why did the disciples hide from Jesus? When have you been very surprised to see someone - how did you react? I wonder if the disciples thought Jesus was there to stay? What do you think Jesus said to them when he was saying goodbye? When have you said goodbye to someone you wouldn't see for a long time - what did you talk about? What helps you remember them? And, I wonder what helped the disciples remember Jesus? Next, we will construct a craft where they can re-enact the wonderful event of The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven.
Current & Upcoming Events at St. Nick's:
Our SUMMER READ-A-THON PROGRAM is underway! The Read-a-Thon supports the ministry of The Friends of Darbonne, providing scholarship money for children attending the St. Esprit School in Darbonne, Haiti. Last Sunday during Sunday School, we handed out information packets, and held a brief program for the children. They learned what life is like for many children in Haiti, and how without scholarship funding, it is much, much more difficult to receive an education than what we are accustomed to with our public school system in the States. We were honored to host a few special guests: Maya Hennebery, from Zion Episcopal Church and her friend, Gisele, who currently lives in Manhattan but was born and raised in Haiti. Also visiting us was Marcy Wagman, from Zion Episcopal Church, and is the chairperson for the Friends of Darbonne. I'd also like to thank Joan Freeman, who organizes and puts a great deal of her time to this project for St. Nick's every year. Our Sunday School children were treated to an authentic Haitian song, sung so beautifully and movingly by Gisele. THANK YOU to our special guests and to our own Outreach Committee, who donated a variety of delicious Haitian-themed food to enjoy during coffee hour. For anyone who was not able to attend our kick-off, we have more information packets available to anyone who'd like to participate in our Read-a-Thon this Summer, that directly funds such an important and life-changing cause.
On June 1st, 2107... We welcome our new Rector, Rev. Leigh Ellen Hall!
LAST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL & TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY will be on Sunday, June 11th. Please join us for this fun celebration!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL is July 17 - 21, 2107
Mark your calendars and help us spread the word! With the arrival of our new Rector, this year's VBS is sure to be a great one! We can always use a few extra helping hands, so if you would like to volunteer any of your time at all to assist us this year, please contact Jennifer Klein at jklein71@optonline.net, or Dana in the office at stnicholasnewhamburg@gmail.com. We would love if you did, and welcome any ideas you may have, as well! (A planning meeting will take place in early June.)
PERSONAL CARE PANTRY needs help stocking their shelves for families in need. If we were to buy even ONE extra item during our own family's grocery shopping trips, and brought it to church the next Sunday, the difference we could make in so many local families' lives would be tremendous! The items currently most needed are: Paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, laundry detergent, hair conditioner and dish washing liquid. Non-perishable food items are always needed, too. Linens Ministry could use gently used blankets and new pillows. Furniture Ministry needs able bodied volunteers to help with pick-up and delivery. Please see Liz P. or Eileen D. for more info. Thanks!
Blessings,
St. Nick's
Sunday School is for kids ages 4-12 and takes place in the undercroft from 10-10:30. Teachers, the current teaching schedule can be found here. Please let Jennifer Klein know if you need to make any changes. Thanks for all you do!
May 28, 2017
Hello parents & teachers!
This Sunday, the children will be continuing their Sunday School lessons with Jennifer and Acolyte and Helper, Joshua. This week's lesson is titled:
Jesus Ascends
The Ascension marks the conclusion of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances. It is the final elevation of his human nature to divine glory and the near presence of God. The Ascension is affirmed by the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds. The Ascension is celebrated on Ascension Day, the Thursday that is the fortieth day of the Easter season. It is a principal feast of the church year in the Episcopal Church.
Jesus appears to the disciples for the last time in the Gospel of Luke. This ascension story is also repeated at the beginning of Acts. Jesus eats fish in front of the disciples, showing he isn't a ghost or vision, but has a physical body. He leads disciples to the town of Bethany, outside Jerusalem, where he ascends to heaven. Jesus opens disciples' minds to understand that he has fulfilled the law, prophets, and psalms.
Luke 24:36-53 says:
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” 50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
In Sunday School this week, the children will learn that it's not the end when Jesus ascends. During this week's lesson, we will read this passage and discuss the story. We will watch a short video, where we will watch to see how the disciples act when they see Jesus, and talk about the video through interactive, thoughtful questions, such as: Why did the disciples hide from Jesus? When have you been very surprised to see someone - how did you react? I wonder if the disciples thought Jesus was there to stay? What do you think Jesus said to them when he was saying goodbye? When have you said goodbye to someone you wouldn't see for a long time - what did you talk about? What helps you remember them? And, I wonder what helped the disciples remember Jesus? Next, we will construct a craft where they can re-enact the wonderful event of The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven.
Current & Upcoming Events at St. Nick's:
Our SUMMER READ-A-THON PROGRAM is underway! The Read-a-Thon supports the ministry of The Friends of Darbonne, providing scholarship money for children attending the St. Esprit School in Darbonne, Haiti. Last Sunday during Sunday School, we handed out information packets, and held a brief program for the children. They learned what life is like for many children in Haiti, and how without scholarship funding, it is much, much more difficult to receive an education than what we are accustomed to with our public school system in the States. We were honored to host a few special guests: Maya Hennebery, from Zion Episcopal Church and her friend, Gisele, who currently lives in Manhattan but was born and raised in Haiti. Also visiting us was Marcy Wagman, from Zion Episcopal Church, and is the chairperson for the Friends of Darbonne. I'd also like to thank Joan Freeman, who organizes and puts a great deal of her time to this project for St. Nick's every year. Our Sunday School children were treated to an authentic Haitian song, sung so beautifully and movingly by Gisele. THANK YOU to our special guests and to our own Outreach Committee, who donated a variety of delicious Haitian-themed food to enjoy during coffee hour. For anyone who was not able to attend our kick-off, we have more information packets available to anyone who'd like to participate in our Read-a-Thon this Summer, that directly funds such an important and life-changing cause.
On June 1st, 2107... We welcome our new Rector, Rev. Leigh Ellen Hall!
LAST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL & TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY will be on Sunday, June 11th. Please join us for this fun celebration!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL is July 17 - 21, 2107
Mark your calendars and help us spread the word! With the arrival of our new Rector, this year's VBS is sure to be a great one! We can always use a few extra helping hands, so if you would like to volunteer any of your time at all to assist us this year, please contact Jennifer Klein at jklein71@optonline.net, or Dana in the office at stnicholasnewhamburg@gmail.com. We would love if you did, and welcome any ideas you may have, as well! (A planning meeting will take place in early June.)
PERSONAL CARE PANTRY needs help stocking their shelves for families in need. If we were to buy even ONE extra item during our own family's grocery shopping trips, and brought it to church the next Sunday, the difference we could make in so many local families' lives would be tremendous! The items currently most needed are: Paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, laundry detergent, hair conditioner and dish washing liquid. Non-perishable food items are always needed, too. Linens Ministry could use gently used blankets and new pillows. Furniture Ministry needs able bodied volunteers to help with pick-up and delivery. Please see Liz P. or Eileen D. for more info. Thanks!
Blessings,
St. Nick's
Sunday School is for kids ages 4-12 and takes place in the undercroft from 10-10:30. Teachers, the current teaching schedule can be found here. Please let Jennifer Klein know if you need to make any changes. Thanks for all you do!