I'm really excited to tell you about all of the things coming up in March. So, here we go...
Lots of fun at the Pancake Lunch on February 7th. Of course it was also Super bowl Sunday - check out the big yellow goal post
For your child to participate we need a photo release form on file for the current program year (2015-2016). If your child was in the pageant we already have this. If not, please be prepared to sign one before filming.
Please spend a bit of time before filming talking about the Easter story and think about some answers. Once the camera goes on sometimes it’s a little scary and we get nervous. If your child has already thought about what to say, the process will be a little smoother.
We are so lucky to have such wonderful volunteers on our Christian Ed. team. They really are superheros! Unfortunately though, our team of leaders is getting stretched pretty thin and we need some help.
Here are the three areas we need help:
1. Sunday School Team Members - commit to giving us 4 - 8 Sundays between September and June 2016-2017. Never back-to-back. No planning or prep. needed. Just show up before 9:45am, take a genuine interest in our kids- I promise you will fall in love with them - and I'll help you with the rest! Volunteer with a partner or spouse and it'll be double the fun! We need extra help in all of our rooms from nursery all the way up to grade 6.
2. Christian Education Team Members - commit 1 evening each month or bi-monthly to attend our CE meetings. I promise they're not that scary. Help brainstorm ideas, give your input on policy changes and curriculum evaluation.
3.Special Events - commit to helping with 2 or 3 Family Night events per year. We need musicians, craft leaders, and game leaders. Dates available: March 20, April 24, October 30, November 27.
This week in Sunday school we ventured back in time to the Old Testament. But what IS the Old Testament about exactly?
Check out our Lenten video series: My Journey Through Lent. Each Sunday we'll post a new video that outlines another aspect of Holy Week. This week hear about what happened after dinner - when Jesus goes to pray. Watch them all on the: St. Andrew's KW YouTube Channel
I'm so impressed with how many of our kids bring their Bibles to church each Sunday. Keep it up! Parents, at home encourage your kids to reread the text, highlight things they like and write questions in the margins.
Sundays and Fun Days
Sunday, March 6th - The Parable of the Prodigal Son. We'll play games and preschoolers will work on a group craft to show the congregation.
Sunday, March 13th - It's Communion Sunday! Make sure to come a bit early this morning so we can start right at 10am. This morning we'll hear about the time Mary anointed Jesus with fancy perfume. Downstairs we'll play a game of smell-o-vision and upstairs we'll make a sweet smelling craft to bring home.
Sunday, March 20th - It's time for our annual Palm Party! Games, crafts, and celebrations all morning long. Then at 10:45am we'll enter the sanctuary waving our palm branches and shouting "Hosanna! Hosanna!" Parents bring your cameras! In the afternoon, make sure to come back for Family Night from 4:30pm - 7:00pm.
Monday March 21st - Thursday, March 23rd - Holy Week Services at 7PM. There won't be any formal child care or programming, but please come out during the week! This is a casual environment, and a great opportunity to introduce kids to sitting through an entire "adult" service. I'd be happy to help you with different tips, and tricks to help your child attend, and fully experience these worship services.
Friday, March 24th - Good Friday Service at 11AM. This is a more formal environment and it's always a very moving musical experience for those in attendance. Many children attend with their families and have no trouble sitting through until the end. Worship bags will be available for those who need them.
Sunday, March 27th - Hallelujah, Christ is Risen! It's Easter Sunday, bring on the craziness.
Come to church early for our Sunrise Service with the youth at 8:00am then stay for breakfast in the Elizabeth room. For Sunday school we'll have games, crafts, videos, and stories to celebrate the risen savior. Plus! Everyone who attends Sunday school this morning will go home with a special Easter bag and goodies. Remember: Friends are always welcome! I'm so excited, I can't wait!
On a Personal Note...
Please note that I will be away from the office Thursday, March 31st through Tuesday April 12th (including Sunday, April 3rd). Mike and I are super excited - we bought a home in New Dundee and we will be taking this time to unpack, clean, paint and organize. Please bear with me through the month of April as my hours will be quite sporadic - but I will be at church each Sunday following April 3rd. Thank you so much to everyone who has already congratulated us, snooped out our new home, or offered to help us move. Your support and encouragement is so appreciated!
If you are ever at the Emporium in New Dundee come by and say hi! We're the white and green house on the corner... you can't miss it!
