Children's Ministries Update | December 23, 2023

pics from Marta Caroling and Hot Chocolate Bar feast!

Merry Almost Christmas!

In each heart lies a Bethlehem, an inn where we must ultimately answer whether there is room or not. Ann Weems

The season of Advent is full of joy, excitement, and busyness. AND sometimes, it is full of sadness, loneliness, and grief. It may be filled with endings and beginnings, sorrows and gifts, and doubts and hopes.

And in this emotional time, God is with us, holding and comforting us, dancing and playing with us, entering life with us in the form of a baby, who will experience all of our human emotions. Know that you are lovingly and graciously held in God's arms, always, exactly where you are.

Stillness, quiet time, reflection and prayer - even for a small amount of time - help us to center our thoughts on Jesus. It helps us to move away from the feelings of the moment, to clear our minds, to make room in our heart for Jesus. I wish for you to find that space this day as we prepare for the coming of Jesus.

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness,

send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”

—Henri J.M. Nouwen

Joy Will Come Listen to Good Shepherd Collective

Joy to the World Bebo Norman

For laughs and fun, What do Shepherds do while waiting in the fields?

"Carol of the Bells" Shepherds Boomwhacker Style

The Story of Christmas by our kids favorite, Saddleback Kids

Here is activiy for Sunday.

I Spy Nativity

Peace,

Kathy

PS - PARKING - Overflow parking is available at Bank of America. Please request validation tickets from an usher upon arrival or exit in the Narthex.

Thanksgivings

Thanks to all the folks who jumped in to help with crafts at the Pageant and Costumes.

Much gratitude especially to Elizabeth Halkos, George Shepherd, and George Ezelle for helping with costumes and Briley Brisendine and Brooke Gifford for helping with directing characters in the pageant.

I am thankful for our Formation teachers that share the stories of our faith with our children each Sunday with enthusiasm and joy and creativity.

K/1st grade - Sarah Bryant, Will Bryant, Anne Elzemeyer, Ali Stoner

2nd/3rd grade - Steve Davis, Elizabeth Halkos, Emily Pfeil, Daniel Fogel

Club 45 - Jack Norton, Tim Frilingos, Katie Paisley, Brooke Gifford, JD Gifford, George Shepherd

Thanks also to Karol Kimmell, Luke Nolfa, and Jenny McBride for your passion of sharing the love of Jesus with kids and youth. AND collaborating, dreaming, and just generally having fun planning and carrying out our events together. We are very lucky to get to do in our jobs what we are most passionate about in life.

And thanks to each of you for giving us the gift of your children and their voices in story and song to all of us.

Shoes for Threads

We will still collect gently used and new shoes for Threads through Jan. 7th. Find those after Christmas sales, clean out your closets of the "shoes they wore once", and ask neighbors and friends to donate. Threads can give away 50 shoes in a shopping day. Put them in the Shoe Box in Ellis Hall foyer.

Nursery Schedule for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve

Christmas Eve: only at 3:00, 5:00, and 7:00 services

Christmas Day: no nursery

New Year's Eve: no nursery

January 7: Nursery resumes regular schedule

This Sunday, December 24, 2023

Nursery : No Nursery for 9:00. See schedule above.

Children's Church: takes a break for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. We will return on January 7th. Need a parent to help. Sign up below.

Children's Formation: takes a break for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. We will return on January 7th.

Children's Church

Helpers Needed

Need some folks for Nov. 19th to cover Children's Church as I will be with Ms. Kimmell on Cumberland Island 6th grade trip.

Please check your calendars and sign up to help.

Please check your calendar and sign up Here

Formation and Choir Registration 2023-2024

Coming Up - Save the Date

December DATES

CC=Children's Church

CF=Children's Formation

Dec. 3 CC - we come to you at the Peace.

CF -will not meet. come to Ellis Hall for Advent Adventure and Wreathmaking.

Dec. 6 St. Nicholas Celebration (6:05) and Dinner (2 seatings, 5:00, 6:45)

Dec. 10 CC - Second Sunday : we come to you after communion.

Dec. 17 No CC Christmas Pageant at 9:00 service in church. Come grab a costume from 2nd fl Pritchett center between 8 and 8:45 and sit with your parents until your character is called up. 5th and 4th graders will have parts and will help lead the younger kids up front.

CF - no classes today. Come celebrate our Pageant actors with a Cookie Rection. We also will be thanking Marie Louise and Job Muhumuza for their 21 years of working in the nursery.

Dec. 20 Marta Caroling and Hot Chocolate Bar. Meet at the church courtyard at 4:45 to sing at 5:00. We will come back over to Ellis Hall for Hot Chocolate and cookies after singing.

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve services:

1:00 Lessons and Carols (No Nursery),

3:00 with Children readers/Children's Choirs and Bells - no Communion, 5:00 with Youth readers/Youth Choir and Bells with Communion,

7:00 Holy Eucharist with Adult choir/Alumni choir,

10:00 Holy Eucharist with Adult choir (No Nursery)

Dec. 25 Christmas Day service - 10:00 am (No Nursery)

Dec. 31 New Year's Eve Sunday service - 10:00 am (No Nursery)

Jan. 7. Resume Children's Church and Formation and Nursery