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.
Preschool, K, 1 & 2: Our youngest students in Preschool, K, 1 & 2 learn about Jesus calling the disciples, the Sermon on the Mount and Lent.
Grades 3/4 & 5/6: Older students in grades 3 & 4, 5 & 6 learn about being a disciple, honoring parents and those we love, not hurting others and the importance of Truth.
Lenten Activity Packets for Sunday School Children
In March, Lenten Activity Packets are being 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 Plummer and to a singalong with Steve Blunt.
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 – Students continue to study, rally and respond to help victims of the tornadoes in December of 2021. Our focus is to learn about this specific disaster and tragedy, what victims need and want and how to help.
Look for MAD posters with images of the tornado damage placed around the church to build sensitivity and awareness. Share your time, talents and treasure for those in need. We appreciate the gifts given for this special offering in our Magical, Missional Ministry Bowl, crafted by Steve Buck. Look for MAD teachers and students near the welcome center or leave your checks in the collection plates. Make checks payable to First Church, with MAD Tornados in the memo line. May they receive our tornado of love, light and healing.
Confirmation Dates:
Ash Wednesday is March 2 @ 7:30PM Confirmands and Mentors attend worship.
March 6, 11:30am-1:00pm: Fireside Room
March 11, 8:00pm-9:30pm: Temple Beth Abraham – Confirmands & Mentors attend
March 13, 11:30am-1:00pm: Fireside Room
March 27, 11:30am: Mentor’s Lunch & Resurrection Gardens Assembly.
Pick-up at 3:00pm
Religion and Spirituality Family Forum with Mark Baddeley and LeeAnne Steenhoek is Thursday March 10th at 7PM via Zoom. Learn how religion and spirituality help us heal and be whole. Please join us live or request a link for the recording. Make time for these important insights.
Pretzel Sunday, March 13th: Emily and Mike Adasczik will be
teaching the Sunday school about the trinity and prayer
with this beloved First Church Tradition.
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-Frye 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!