Hello parents & teachers!
Sunday school begins this week with teachers Jack, Adam and Jamie (helping).
I've changed our fall unit to an 8-week lesson on the creation story, with all sorts of things thrown in to make it more interesting and relevant, such as stories of men and women who have devoted themselves to environmental causes (i.e., Rachel Carson when we read about God creating birds and fish, John Muir when we talk about God making trees and plants). We will also, some of the weeks, look at other creation stories to understand better what OUR creation story says about our purpose and our relationship to God. I think they'll enjoy it, and my hope is that they'll get to know the Bible story really well beyond just a recitation of what God made on what day.
Finally, the kids will still be in one large group this year, but we'll have, some weeks, separate activities for the older and littler ones, as well as three teachers (instead of two) to help facilitate the different ages.
As always, if you have any ideas on how to improve our program, please let me know. This is very much a collaboration!
Lookign forward to a new year, and see you Sunday!
Astrid
HAITI READ-A-THON WRAP-UP AND CELEBRATION THIS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13 Please remember that we are celebrating the accomplishments of our 2015 Read-a-Thon readers after the 10 am service THIS SUNDAY. We will start gathering downstairs at 11:30. The ceremony and awarding of certificates will be at 11:45 am. Readers: please collect donations from your sponsors, provide them with receipt, and bring the donations to the celebration (or turn in ahead of time at the church).
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER SCHEDULE IS AVAILABLE Teachers, take a look at this schedule and let me (Astrid) know if you need any changes. Remember, too, all the teachers' email addresses are there, in case you ever need to find your own sub last minute (which you're welcome and encouraged to do!).
LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH ADVENT WREATH MAKING ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22 & 29 I know it seems far off ... but it won't! If anyone is willing to help out with making Advent wreaths, I'd love to devote two Sundays to this and maybe put together something nice. Ideas are all over the web, some good ones on Pinterest if you'd like to look around before deciding whether to commit. If you're interested, please let me (Astrid) know!
STILL LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO COORDINATE A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT In fact, "pageant" may be too grandiose. I'd love for the kids to possibly sing an old French Christmas carol called "The Friendly Beasts," and I'm thinking we could do something super simple, with 2-3 rehearsals during Sunday school slots in December. Please contact me if you might be interested and willing to help! Here's the song on video (there are lots of other examples on youtube).
FALL WELCOME BACK PICNIC AT THE FREEMANS SEPTEMBER 20 & POTLUCK SIGN-UP HERE This was a great event last year and so we're doing it again! The Freemans have a huge yard for the kids to play in, so plan to be there if you're free. Also, if you can sign up to bring something, click above or HERE and sign up online.
DIRECTORY PICTURES SEPTEMBER 20 AT THE PICNIC New since last fall's picnic? Then plan to have your directory picture taken! We want to get everyone in our new directory. Last year's pictures will be re-used, for those who already have a pic. If you want a new one OR have a new addition to your family, you're welcome to have your picture re-taken.
Sunday school begins this week with teachers Jack, Adam and Jamie (helping).
I've changed our fall unit to an 8-week lesson on the creation story, with all sorts of things thrown in to make it more interesting and relevant, such as stories of men and women who have devoted themselves to environmental causes (i.e., Rachel Carson when we read about God creating birds and fish, John Muir when we talk about God making trees and plants). We will also, some of the weeks, look at other creation stories to understand better what OUR creation story says about our purpose and our relationship to God. I think they'll enjoy it, and my hope is that they'll get to know the Bible story really well beyond just a recitation of what God made on what day.
Finally, the kids will still be in one large group this year, but we'll have, some weeks, separate activities for the older and littler ones, as well as three teachers (instead of two) to help facilitate the different ages.
As always, if you have any ideas on how to improve our program, please let me know. This is very much a collaboration!
Lookign forward to a new year, and see you Sunday!
Astrid
HAITI READ-A-THON WRAP-UP AND CELEBRATION THIS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13 Please remember that we are celebrating the accomplishments of our 2015 Read-a-Thon readers after the 10 am service THIS SUNDAY. We will start gathering downstairs at 11:30. The ceremony and awarding of certificates will be at 11:45 am. Readers: please collect donations from your sponsors, provide them with receipt, and bring the donations to the celebration (or turn in ahead of time at the church).
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER SCHEDULE IS AVAILABLE Teachers, take a look at this schedule and let me (Astrid) know if you need any changes. Remember, too, all the teachers' email addresses are there, in case you ever need to find your own sub last minute (which you're welcome and encouraged to do!).
LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH ADVENT WREATH MAKING ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22 & 29 I know it seems far off ... but it won't! If anyone is willing to help out with making Advent wreaths, I'd love to devote two Sundays to this and maybe put together something nice. Ideas are all over the web, some good ones on Pinterest if you'd like to look around before deciding whether to commit. If you're interested, please let me (Astrid) know!
STILL LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO COORDINATE A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT In fact, "pageant" may be too grandiose. I'd love for the kids to possibly sing an old French Christmas carol called "The Friendly Beasts," and I'm thinking we could do something super simple, with 2-3 rehearsals during Sunday school slots in December. Please contact me if you might be interested and willing to help! Here's the song on video (there are lots of other examples on youtube).
FALL WELCOME BACK PICNIC AT THE FREEMANS SEPTEMBER 20 & POTLUCK SIGN-UP HERE This was a great event last year and so we're doing it again! The Freemans have a huge yard for the kids to play in, so plan to be there if you're free. Also, if you can sign up to bring something, click above or HERE and sign up online.
DIRECTORY PICTURES SEPTEMBER 20 AT THE PICNIC New since last fall's picnic? Then plan to have your directory picture taken! We want to get everyone in our new directory. Last year's pictures will be re-used, for those who already have a pic. If you want a new one OR have a new addition to your family, you're welcome to have your picture re-taken.
