At Burke UMC, we stand behind our welcome statement that ALL are welcome to worship here and that includes your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, any and all children that are loved by you...   On Sunday mornings, we offer a variety of ways to involve children in worship and  Sunday School.  If you haven't noticed our Children's Worship Center just past the Sanctuary doors, I invite you to take a peek.  There are ten Activity Buckets on the shelves filled with ten items - four unique bookmarks, small notebook, crayons, coloring sheet, plastic weaving, wooden cross, and a small plush bear that are designed to engage and teach children as they participate in worship alongside adults.  We've carefully thought out instructions on how to utilize the Activity Bucket items throughout the service. Children ages 4 through 2nd grade have the opportunity to attend Children's Church each week during the  9:00AM service and at  10:30AM on Family Worship Sundays.  Children's Church time is spent hearing a Bible story (often the same lesson that Pastor Jason is preaching about!), playing a game, and completing a craft.  Children also have a chance to share their joys and concerns and connect with one another and their leader in a caring, loving, and faith-based environment.

 

Upper Elementary student and older are encouraged to pick up a "Buzz Words" card from the Children's Worship Center on Family Worship Sundays.  During the sermon, we challenge these students to write down 10 "buzz words" that they hear mentioned.  Everyone who plays gets a prize at the end of the worship service! "The Buzzer" will meet you in the Narthex with a prizes or treat!  There are also Sermon Notes for Kids that's a worksheet to fill in during the sermon.  Both of these resources help children pay attention and practive active listening skills.

 

Middle and high school students also have the opportunity to actively engage in the worship service. Index cards are available at the Children's Worship Center for older students to write a prayer request or jot down notes to share in  Sunday School the following week. You can also draw and image of something you heard during the sermon and turn in to a member of the Education Team.

 

For kids of any age who might have a little more trouble focusing their attention and sitting still for an hour-long service, we have a basket of 
"I Spy" bean bags that may be utilized during worship.  The bean bags are filled with dozens of small objects that need to be manipulated by the child in order to see them. They work well for children who need a diversion from other activities.

 

We want you and your children in worship each week and don't want you to worry about whether they're behaving appropriately or not.   Children of all ages are welcome in the Sanctuary and are encouraged to participate in age-appropriate ways.  Our goal is to give you the tools and the peace of mind that you're doing the right thing and that you're in the right place.  Hope to see you (and the little people you love)  on Sunday!

 

Kristin Kelso

Interim Children's Ministry Coordinator

For the past few years, BUMC has held a spring tea and fashion show, benefitting our ministries in Cambodia.  Last year over 90 women in the church took part, and it was a fun afternoon of fashion, silent auction, and fabulous food.  We could use a few people to help with the planning of the event - food, silent auction, publicity.

If you are interested in being part of this inspirational event, please contact Rev. Judy Fender Judy fender ( [email protected] ) or Ann Stingle ( [email protected] ).

Every year, BUMC participates in a nationwide event called Rebuilding Together Day.  All over the country, people donate their time and talent on the last Saturday in April to to repairs to homes of people either too old or too ill to maintain their homes themselves.  For the past several years, more than 30 members of the congregation have participated and have made a difference in the lives of a deserving homeowner.  

Interested in being involved?  Contact Mike Holmes ( [email protected] )

Barbara Nowak and Lynn Gramzow joined the Virginia Conference team visiting Cambodia in January.  They toured small churches, met with women's groups to discuss the Methodist religion and several parables, visited with missionary Clara Biswas in Phnom Penh, and toured the countryside seeing CHAD projects, floating villages and historical places commemorating both the good and the bad of Cambodia's history.  

See more about their trip on the television outside Fellowship Hall!

LUNCH N' LIFE
Are You 50 or Better?  Please join us for the next Lunch N' Life sponsored by the Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke on Thursday, March 16, 2017, (12:00-2:00 p.m.) at Jubilee Christian Center,4650 Shirley Gate Rd, Fairfax.  The guest speaker will be Mike McGrath, syndicated public radio gardening show, gardening editor, columnist and author.  For reservations, call Bea Stephenson at 703-273-5730 by March 10th.  The cost is $10.00; checks payable to SCFB.  If transportation is needed, call the SCFB office (703) 273-5730.  

(Girl Scout Sunday will be March 12!)