Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,
Advent is drawing near, and I'm eager to once again celebrate and honor this sacred season with all of you. We will be exploring the holy mysteries embedded in our everyday lives as we look at the story of Christ's birth in the coming weeks. My prayer is that we would be present enough (and sometimes still enough) to notice the way God has woven the presence of the divine into each moment of our day. All the lights, greens, and ribbons are some of the ways we call forth the wonder and beauty of this story we revisit each year. I look forward to decorating our church for Christmas this Sunday and hope you and your families can join us for this fun and special tradition!
Parents' Night Out
Parents, mark your calendars for Parents' Night Out on Friday, December 1st, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.! Pastor Mary and I are planning a night of fun for all kids so that parents can have an evening to themselves. We will provide programming, food, and fun for kids so that you can have a few hours to use as you wish (dinner out? a nap? a movie? Christmas shopping?). Kids can come for the full time or any fraction of it. Click here to RSVP so we can plan for food and care accordingly.
Kids and Youth | Carol Service
We are so excited for our kids and youth to help lead us in worship at our annual Candlelight Carol Service on December 10th! Our preschoolers (our oldest nursery kids) will be participating in the nativity, and I will email those parents about that separately. Our kids above nursery age will be singing two songs at this special program as well as participating in our nativity. Our youth will be participating in candle lighting, singing, and the nativity as well. Our kids and youth will be singing a fun version of "Joy to the World" (lyrics here). Our kids will also join with the choir to sing the classic "Go Tell It On the Mountain" (lyrics here). Please share those with your child/youth so they can begin to practice at home in addition to our regular practice on Sundays during our time with the kids. Could you please respond here and let us know if your child/youth is able to attend and participate that evening?
Please mark your calendars for the dates:
December 9 — Carol Service Rehearsal for kids from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
December 10 — Carol Service (kids should arrive at 5:30 PM)
SUNDAY
KIDS
Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 10:20 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore the story of Jospeh and his brothers. Don't forget to grab a take-home sheet with some simple ways to explore the story at home.
Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or sit with Pastor Mary and me in the front pews. This week the kids will get to explore the meaning of Advent and make something special to help them anticipate the birth of Christ at home!
Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:
What is the season of Advent?
What are some symbols and colors of Advent?
Why do we light candles during Advent and Christmas?
YOUTH
This week our youth will join in the hanging of the greens! It's an annual tradition of intergenerational fun, and we are excited to help transform the sanctuary and lobby as we begin the Advent season. Lunch will be provided for all.
Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families!
With deep affection for you,
Pastor Lindsay