The Children’s worship service was a delightful experience for those of us who directed, taught and marveled at these talented human beings. Grace kids are an extraordinary bunch full of questions and inspiration. We hope to bring more worship experiences to you in the near future.

February bears the cold of winter as well as the far off song of spring. We can almost hear the daffodils bursting through the ground, and our gaze moves from the manger to the cross.

Easter season is upon us, and the children’s ministry is offering a Lenten chain challenge again this year. But this time we are soliciting the help of our young people. We want our youth and children to offer the challenges that will appear on our Lenten chains.

Please encourage your student to come up with a daily challenge that helps us think about our faith each day.  The challenge could be listening to a particular song that offers a powerful message, it could be a walk with a loved one or reading a scripture.  Be creative and send your challenges to jennifer@mygpc.org by Sunday, February 26.

By Jennifer Snook

And suddenly it was the New Year, and we were all organized and did not know what to do with all of our extra time. 

Ok, enough day dreaming.

The truth is, families are full of life and schedules and fun things all of the time. Taking deep breaths help, but the truth is we all are trying our best to balance life the best way we know how.

Jesus tells us in the gospel of Matthew that he will give us rest. We need only to come to him. We need not be put together, in fact, he specifically asks for those who are weary and heavy laden. Keep fighting the good fight, families. Read a Bible verse at a meal or talk about where you saw God at work in the world today. Love your lives and enjoy the gift of the present moment.

January, 29, 2017, is Children’s Worship Sunday.

We have some wonderful things planned, and we are practicing each Sunday morning at 10 am downstairs on the stage in Fellowship Hall. We are acting out a human video, and some of our tower kids are performing a skit.

Our Foundation Station class is writing down the many things they believe to be true about God and pastor Catherine will work those truths into our worship service.

This us a special Sunday, and we hope you will participate. For those who may not enjoy speaking parts or being on stage, we have a place for you, too. So, come to the Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings starting January 8, at 10 am.  We have a dress rehearsal and pizza party Sunday, January 22, from noon-1pm.

Dear Grace Families,

There are exciting things happening within our Children’s Ministry, and I hope you feel supported and encouraged as you raise your children and grandchildren in the way of the Lord here at Grace.

In September, we offered a Love and Logic workshop that generated a lot of interest around the topic of parenting and techniques for specific behaviors and scenarios.

The response from those unable to attend the Sunday Morning class was so strong that we are discussing how another class can be offered at a different time. Stay tuned for more information.

Two opportunities to Serve as a Family:

1. Numana Food Packaging Event:  You need to sign up for this event so that we know how many participants to plan for.This is a wonderful  way for the whole family to help “feed the children of Haiti!”  The cost is $1.80 per person (or whatever you would like to donate), and you will be given a hairnet and a pair of plastic gloves. We will fill food trays with nutritious food that will be vacuum sealed and shipped to Haiti.  This event is October 16, from 2-4pm at Grace.
   

2. Trunk or Treat Hits the Street:  Trunk or Treat is back, but it looks a little different this year.  Our Children’s ministry team has put some serious thought and heart into the events we offer. We want to glorify God and provide a way for our families to be involved in outreach as a family. This year we are taking Trunk or Treat on the road to the parking lot of ADAMS SCHOOL.  Please sign up to park/decorate your car on Sunday evening, October 30.  We will set-up at 4 pm and open our trunks from 5-7pm. Your kids can trunk or treat, bring friends or hand out fun treats, quotes, erasers, play-dough, stickers, or any creative thing you can dream up.  We need at least 15 cars to make this event possible. What a great opportunity to be the light in a neighborhood nearby.

~From Jennifer Snook, Director of Children’s Ministry

Surf’s up!

Vacation Bible School is happening as I write this newsletter, and we are having a great time together. On the first day of VBS, we had a young child who was unsure whether it was a good idea to stay or not. Our teenage volunteers stepped up for this child and used their gifts of encouragement and love to extend the grace of Jesus to that little lamb.  By the middle of the day the child was participating in group activities and making friends.

Vacation Bible School is a beautiful thing all the way around.  Stop by the bulletin board to see photos of the week.  We had a crafts station, games, music, snacks, story time and science.

There is no children’s Sunday School during the month of June, but starting in July we combine our children’s classes together and have a fun time learning more about how much Jesus loves us. If you would like to be involved in this amazing ministry please contact Jennifer at jennifer@mygpc.org.

by Jennifer Snook, Director of Children’s Ministry

Summer. I absolutely love summer. The heat, the smell of coconut, snow cones and longer days.  It also means more quality time for families. Here are some opportunities to enjoy  family time and grow in your faith at the same time.

Are you ready for Vacation Bible School?  Grab your flip flops and come join us at the Surf Shack June 20-24 from 9 am-noon. Discover God’s amazing love and make new friends in the process. The VBS team needs a lot of help!  If you are interested in being a crew leader or helper at VBS, please email jennifer@mygpc.org.  If you would like a smaller commitment, sign up to help decorate an area of the Great Room on Sunday, June 19, anytime between 10 am – 1 pm.  Tear down volunteers are needed on Friday, June 24 at 12:15 pm.

Meanwhile, let’s celebrate the beginning of another fun summer. Join me Sunday, June 5, at the Rockwell Library from 2:30-3:30 pm for a family kite flying hour of fun. I am bringing the lemonade; you and your family should bring your favorite kites. If the wind becomes an issue, we are playing capture the flag and freeze tag.