Hi, Friends!
I missed you last week and am so glad to be healthy and back to work! Thank you for your generous support of our youth at the tamale fundraiser last Sunday. I saw photos of all the love and generosity, and our youth are so blessed to be in a supportive church family. A special thanks to Cynthia and the Earles for stepping up to help out in my absence. You are gems!
Check out the updates below. I'm off to get ready for our big Kid Party (aka Parents' Night Out). Pastor Mary and I can't wait to make all sorts of cool stuff, eat delicious food, and watch movies with the youngest members of our church family. Happy Friday!
Nursery - Elementary
This Sunday the kids will be finishing their study of the Lord's Prayer, focusing especially on the last lines. They will also get to enjoy the artwork we received from our refugee friends in Turkey! You may recall that in October the kids painted some beautiful pieces to send to children living in refugee camps in Turkey, and our mission partners Rich and Laura Freeman delivered them in November. We now have some art they sent back to us, and we can't wait to show the kids.
Family Discussion Starters:
What have you learned about prayer and talking to God?
What are some things you want to talk to God about today?
Whom do you want to pray for today?
What has God been saying or showing to you as you listen in prayer?
Prayer: Lord, thank you that we can talk to you all the time. Help us to be prayerful in all things.
Children's Choir
Children's Choir will continue their preparation to lead worship on Palm Sunday. You can help your child learn the songs by playing these videos at home or in the car: Rejoice the King is Coming and Cloaks and Branches. Ask them to show you the hand motions that match the lyrics!
Youth
This Sunday the youth will spend some time in gratitude as we reflect back on our winter retreat, tally our tamale sales, write some thank you notes, and celebrate birthdays in the group! Lunch, cake, and fun are free for all youth. See you Sunday!
For Good Measure
Parent Night Out and a Bonus Option for Parents!
It's not too late for your child/youth to join the fun! Tonight Pastor Mary and I are hosting an evening of fun for kids and youth, complete with dinner and activities. You can drop off and pick up your child anytime between 5:30-9:00 PM and then go do whatever you want. We hope you can take advantage of some time for you! You can register your kid(s) with this link.
If you are looking for something to do tonight, you can join Pastor John Jay and Corrie Alvaro as they begin a series of conversations about marriage and relationships for adults. At this first conversation they will talk about how (and why!) to make time for fun in your relationship despite demanding and competing schedules. Because it's also Parents’ Night Out, childcare is already taken care of, and you'll still have time to get out on the town after! All couples are welcome to join John Jay and Corrie for a conversation from 6:15 to 7:15 PM in the parlor. If you have kids, they can be dropped off as early as 5:30 PM and picked up as late as 9:00 PM. You can sign up using this link.
Have a blessed weekend, and I hope to see you Sunday morning!