DECEMBER 2024

ADVENT

For kids (and sometimes adults) the church calendar can be confusing. Most kids are accustomed to New Year's Eve being the beginning of a new year. In the church year, however, Advent begins our new year, beginning with the fourth Sunday before Christmas and continuing through the day before Christmas. The Advent season is a time of preparation and expectation for the coming celebration of our Lord's nativity, and for the final coming of Christ. Click here to learn how Emmanuel will celebrate Advent.

EDITORIAL

Many of you have seen the comic book style handouts that we distribute to kids during our Sunday morning worship services. These handouts are a publication titled The Sunday Paper, and their most recent editorial seemed timely for many of our families who are in the midst of Christmas toy shopping. As a parent who was often lulled to the Target toy aisle when my kids were little, I understand the struggle between fulfilling our kids' wishes while trying not to go overboard. We love seeing our kids'/grandkids' faces light up when they unbox the newest Paw Patrol or Bluey toy. There is a strong case, however, that kids benefit from more open ended toys, and a smaller selection of toys. At Emmanuel, our faith formation programs encourage kids' imaginations, using a variety of materials and open ended conversations.

FAITH FORMATION

As a reminder, there are lots of ways Emmanuel kids can explore their faith. During the 9:30 service, young kids can attend Children's Chapel. An acolyte will lead kids out of the sanctuary after the opening collect, and kids will be escorted back to the sanctuary right around the exchange of the peace. After the 9:30 service, kids are invited to formation. The first and third Sundays of the month are divided by age. Middle and high school kids meet upstairs for Youth Group. Preschool and elementary kids meet in the Godly Play Room for FaithQuest. The second and fourth Sundays of the month, all kids and adults gather in the Parish Hall (aka dining room) for an intergenerational activity.

SUMMER CAMP

I realize the words "Summer Camp" don't exactly fit our train of thought right now. However! Registration for Camp Firebird (formerly Camp Phoenix) opens December 1. Camp will be located at Camp MoVal from July 27 through August 1 and accepts campers in 2nd - 12th grades. Mark your calendars and look for more details soon!