Foundations in Christian Formation
with LeeAnne Steenhoek
March is Volunteer Appreciation Month. Take a few minutes to thank our teachers, assistants and Office volunteers for all their hard work either in person or in a note. Baskets to collect your thoughtful notes will be at the Welcome Center and Christian Formation Table.
Heifer Project is a longstanding tradition here at First Church. Our Sunday school children are learning about how they can make a difference for children internationally.
Students have selected piggy bank collection cans based on the animal they wish to save towards during Lent. Students are encouraged to earn money by doing chores or invite friends and family to contribute to ending world hunger. Cans will be collected Palm Sunday.
Heifer’s Mission Statement: To work with communities to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Heifer does this by providing appropriate livestock, training and related services to communities of small-scale farmers worldwide.
Please support this mission by encouraging your child to participate in this longstanding First Church tradition. Members of the congregation are encouraged to make donations to our Sunday School Heifer mission by labeling donations. We will count and share our donations on Palm Sunday.
Preschool, K, 1 & 2 are learning about Mary and Martha, Parable of the mustard seed, Parable of the Sower, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the Upper Room.
Grades 3/4 & 5/6 are learning about Jesus in the Temple, Jesus washing the Disciples’ feet and breaking bread with Disciples.
Lenten Activity Packets for Sunday School Children
In March, Lenten Activity Packets have been mailed to all of the young children in the Sunday School. The packets include a Lenten Bible Story and activity pages. Also included are links to the reading of the Bible Story by Stacey P and to a singalong with Steve B.
The Christian Formation Board hopes that this special mailing will support families’ efforts at home to help their children understand the Seasons of the church and that God loves all of our church family, especially the children.
As with adult church members, it has been difficult for children to join us at church at times. This mailing also sends the message that Sunday School is open and looking forward to seeing all of our children again on Sunday mornings.
We hope that all families will encourage their children to open the packet they receive, learn about Lent and have some fun with the activities. They might even like to share these activities with a friend or family member.
Make a Difference (MAD) News -MAD continues learning about tornado relief efforts and raising awareness and money for this need. They will be making cookies as a fundraiser on Palm Sunday. They will be sending out care packages to our college students the last week of April.
Parents of College Students: Please send in your child’s name and address by APRIL 18th for the Finals Week care packages to LeeAnne at [email protected].
Confirmation Dates: March 27, 11:30am: Mentor’s Lunch & Resurrection Gardens Assembly. Pick-up at 3:00pm
Resurrection Garden Centerpiece Prepared by our Confirmands as a gift to our First Church family, resurrection gardens offer us a new way to honor our time of waiting during Lent and feel and grow our hope. As our gardens blossom, we prepare our hearts for Easter. Each garden includes a “tomb”, a stone, 3 crosses, various bulbs, and a petite palm tree. Roll away the stone from the tomb on Easter Sunday to see a light to illuminate the empty tomb and celebrate Easter. He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! We are Easter People!
Quantities are limited to 16 total, so place your order today! Please contact Sue at [email protected]. to reserve your garden.
These are for you if you are living alone or as a couple. For nursing home common areas. For families. Please receive these as our gift to you. If you wish to make a donation, we will gladly accept one.
Senior High Youth Group- NEW!!! High School Youth Group is starting on March 20 from 11:30AM – 1PM in the dining room. Calling all high school students in grades 9-12!!! Are you looking for a safe and welcoming community within First Church to spend some time bonding with friends and having fun? A place where you can feel free to share both your triumphs and concerns? Well, the new senior high youth group is YOUR group! Holly C and Shana D are leading this group. We will meet every 2 weeks after the 10AM Worship. .We would love to see you at the first meeting! We will be playing cornhole, eating pizza, getting to know each other, and deciding on a name for the group.
Scholarships: The 2022 First Church Scholarship application is available for any First Church Seniors who will be graduating in June and plan to continue their education beyond high school. The 2022 First Church Continuing Education Grant application is available to any member of the church pursuing further training or education. Please contact [email protected] with any questions, or to request an application. Scholarship Applications are due no later than April 15, of each year. Late scholarship applications will not be accepted. First Church Scholarships are awarded on Children’s Day.
Save the Date! Vacation Bible School is coming July 18-22! A highpoint in our summer for children and adults from 9:30-12:00. All children age 3-11 are invited to attend. Many adults and teens are needed in order to make this program a success. If you would like to be involved please reach out to LeeAnne Steenhoek in the Pat Harris Christian Formation office. You could volunteer for an hour, a day or all week. It’s a great way to share Christian Fellowship and meet other families at First Church. Expect high energy, songs, learning and love to flow through our hearts. Sign ups begin in April. Our workers enjoy time as much as our children. Joy! Joy! Joy!