Foundations in Christian Formation
with LeeAnne Steenhoek
The Nursery opens for our youngest members (infants through age 2) at 9:45 AM during the 10:00 AM worship service. Nursery coordinators are on hand to greet parents and explain the procedure for checking in and picking up your child. The Nursery will be open on Easter Sunday, April 17th for both the 9AM & 11AM services.
In the Sunday School this month:
Pre K-Grade 2 Children ages 3, 4, and K and Grades 1 & 2 learn about Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem, The Empty Tomb and Jesus’ Garden Appearance.
Grades 3-6 Grades 3 & 4 and 5 & 6 learn about Jesus Breaking Bread with Disciples and Resurrection, Paul’s Nephew Stands Up
Heifer International – Students 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 on 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. We will count and share our donations on Palm Sunday.
Easter Activity Packets for Sunday School Children
Easter Activity Packets for the Sunday School Children will start to arrive in the children’s mailboxes in early April. Also provided is a link to a video of Stacey Plummer reading the Bible Story and to a singalong with Steve Blunt. The Christian Formation Board hopes that parents will encourage and support their children as they read the story and do the activities.
Make a Difference (MAD) News -Make a Difference Grades 7 & 8 culminate their Tornado Victim Mission today having raised over $1,000. Cookies with Compassion sales are today after the services.
Finals Week Care Packages for our college students – The M.A.D. team will assemble the packages on April 24. Candy donations are gratefully accepted. Donation buckets are at the Welcome Center and the courtyard entrance. Please leave donations by April 24. Let our young people know we care! Please be sure to Update your student’s college address with [email protected], by April 18. We are generating a new list of labels.
High School Youth Group met on Sunday, April 3rd in the dining room and unleashed their creativity as each made their own painting.
Check out their paintings on your way to the sanctuary!
Join the upcoming gatherings on May 15 & May 29th (Memorial Day Weekend) and June 12!
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!