CHRISTIAN EDUCATION / FAITH FORMATION
Our Christian Education programs invite people of all ages to participate in the ministries and missions of Christian faith. These programs include Sunday church school, learning center events, adult education opportunities, second hour activities (following Sunday worship), youth fellowship and service programs, and confirmation instruction for ninth graders.
This September we will be using a curriculum published by Illustrated Children’s Ministry and is titled—An Illustrated Invitation: Joining God at Work in the World. This 12-week curriculum is geared toward children from preschool to sixth grade where participants will engage with biblical stories in both the Hebrew scriptures and New Testament to explore ways we join God at work in the world.
The lessons are designed to be no-prep and easily adaptable to varying ages and class sizes. This is especially important during this time of transition when we will be seeking volunteers to assist with teaching.
CHURCH SCHOOL
Church School is offered Sunday mornings, from September through mid June, for children ages kindergarten through grade 8. Children generally begin their Sunday morning in Worship with their families, and leave for church school at a designated time. Child care is available for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in our Toddler Room.
First Church is hiring a Coordinator of Faith Formation and Congregational Care. This person will work as a partner to develop and implement programs with a focus on opportunities for members of all ages to experience the love of God, to grow in faith and to demonstrate faith in mission and service to others. The position requires experience working with youth, young adults and families in Faith Formation (Christian Education) or other related field; effective communication skills (verbal, written and through technology), the ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships with members and friends of the congregation and a BS Degree or equivalent. The job entails 12-15 hours per week, 3 Sundays per month (1st Sunday in worship; 2nd & 3rd Sunday with children). Schedule to be determined in collaboration with Minister. This is an hourly position
If you know of someone who would be interested, please contact Rev. Margret for more information or send information to fccjob830@gmail.com.
A thank you to the Christian Education “Team” and Missions and Congregational Life “Team”, for making Rally Day a fun and delicious day! It’s good to be back!
A thank you note was received from Anne Kulinski, from the Polish Legion of American Veterans, for our monetary donation and items collected by the congregation and Sunday School, for service men and women. They appreciate the time and effort the collection took and received thanks from those who were sent care packages.
SAVE YOUR COINS . . . FOR UNICEF!
First Church is committed to supporting UNICEF’s mission: providing nutrition, health, and education to children around the world. Take a collection box from the Narthex or off the Communion Table on October 21st, gather your coins and make a difference! We will receive this special collection on Sunday, November 4th.
Advent Workshop
Held the First Sunday in Advent, Sunday, December 2nd, from 4-6 pm, our Advent Workshop is a wonderful afternoon of Food, and Fun, and Fellowship! Plenty of seasonal crafts, wreath-making for adults, a Christmas sing-along, and often a visit from Santa himself!
Advent Program
This season of four weeks before Christmas is meant to be a time of waiting and preparing for the coming of Christ. Unfortunately, many of us spend this time preparing for the secular celebration of Christmas. Don’t get me wrong, I love parties and presents, decorating and gift wrapping just as much as the next guy! With that said, it is often in the midst of holiday chaos that I most long to be still and mindful of the season. Yes, as your pastor I need to remind myself to do this, too! Last year I offered members of the congregation an opportunity to gather and color some Advent focused posters. I haven’t discerned what this year’s Advent program will be, but there will be one! I hope to have a decision made by mid-October, in time for Advent which begins on Sunday, Dec. 2nd.
A SPECIAL GROUP OF LADIES
Wanted to extend a heartfelt thanks to our confirmands and their mentors for their participation in a very gratifying, informative, and for me emotional (in case you didn’t notice) Confirmation journey. It was truly delightful working with all of you:
Audrey Belliveau and Sarah Flythe,
Megan Perrotta and Carolyn McElravy,
Sarah Perrotta and Joyce Anderson,
and Jilly Sticca and Karen Canora
Thank you, Sharon