CYM's monthly e-newsletter shares news and insights about Calvary's Children and Youth Ministries. It is one way that CYM hopes to build community within our parish family and to participate together in our children's spiritual formation.
Sunday School begins September 8
Sunday School Program (except on the last Sunday of the month):
9:30-9:45 a.m. Children's Chapel
9:45-10:30 a.m. Sunday School Classes
10:30 a.m. Children join their families for the service
Last Sunday of the Month:
There is no Children's Chapel or Sunday School on the last Sunday of the month. Instead, families are encouraged to participate in the 10 a.m. Children's Service. If they wish to do so, children and youth may sign up to be lectors, usher helpers, oblation bearers, or musicians. We hope that this experience deepens their sense of belonging to our church community and that it grows into a lifelong practice of faith and ministry.
Nursery Care (infant - 3 years of age) is available from 8:45-11:00 a.m. on every Sunday of the month.
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Backpack Blessing!
This Sunday, September 8
10 a.m. service
Remember to bring your backpack to church on Sunday for a blessing!
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Welcome Back Sunday
Join us for food, fellowship and fun in the courtyard after the 10 a.m. service on Sunday September 8th.
Fun Putt of Western New York will be setting up portable mini-golf holes in the Sunday School hallway. This event is for ALL parishioners to catch up with old friends and meet new ones! See you then!
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The Sunday School Team
- CYM Co-Chairs: Emily Sityar, Natalie Bottomley
- Sunday School Coordinator: Emily Sityar
- Nursery Coordinator (Infant - 3 years): Kelly Blackey
- Children's Chapel Music Leaders: Carol Mayo, Lora Bunting
- Beginner Class Teachers (PreK - Gr 1): Natalie Bottomley, Andria McCarthy
- Primary Class Teachers (Gr 1 - 3): Cinda Stone, Wes Stone, Jency John
- Intermediate Class Teachers (Gr 4 - 6): Patty Rooss, Kelly Mogavero
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REFLECTION
September 8th is Welcome Back Sunday. Calvary will be celebrating a new program year as Sunday School children, choir members, and other parishioners return from a summer of camping, travel, and relaxation, recharged for our work as a church.
The phrase "welcome back" conjures up both the novelty of a fresh start and the familiarity of a homecoming. There will be some changes at Sunday School: we return a little older, many of our kids are taller, we welcome new teachers and students in our classes, and we have new memories to share. Miss Kelly is even repainting the Nursery in bright new colors! But we have reached a measure of stability at the start of Fr. Robert's third year at Calvary. While we will continue to develop our programs with your feedback, you will find the same basic structure in place this year: Children's Chapel, Sunday School classes, Last Sunday of the Month Children's Service, and special holiday events.
I thank you for entrusting us with a part in your children's faith development. As we all know, attendance in churches and other religious organizations has declined significantly in recent decades. Individuals and families have so many commitments outside of church; others may have become alienated from organized religion. But there are times in all of our lives when we yearn for spirituality and guidance.
A Sunday School education plants seeds of faith, caring, inner strength, and a moral compass that we hope will bear fruit in the years to come. Above all, we hope that our children will always feel the security of God's love welcoming them back always.
Emily Sityar
CYM Co-Chair
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Prayer for the Care of Children
Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
-- from The Book of Common Prayer, p. 829
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Positions Open
Calvary is seeking to hire one or two Nursery Assistants to work from 8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sundays from September through June. At least one assistant should be over 18 years old. Nursery staff may also be asked to work at church events whenever childcare is provided. Help us provide a safe and caring environment for our youngest parishioners. Please contact Fr. Harvey to apply for the position or give suggestions for applicants.
The Sunday School is also looking for volunteers to serve as Children's Chapel leaders, substitute teachers, and Christmas Pageant Director. Please contact Emily Sityar or Natalie Bottomley to if you are interested in any of these positions. All Sunday School volunteers and staff need to undergo Safe Church training and have a background check done. Thank you!
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What is Children's Chapel?
Children's Chapel provides our children and youth with training in the basics of our liturgy so that they become comfortable participating in worship with the larger congregation. Parents and other adults are welcome to join us as we gather in communal worship, singing hymns, saying prayers, and listening to our rector and/or deacon preach a brief sermon. Children's Chapel begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 9:45 a.m. when Sunday School classes begin. Latecomers are always welcome!
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United Thank Offering
Sunday School students will receive a United Thank Offering (UTO) box when they come to Sunday School. When your child takes his/her box home, here's what to do:
- Notice the good things that happen each day.
- Give thanks to God for your blessings.
- Make an offering for each blessing.
- Bring the box back to Calvary the weekend of October 12-13. They will be blessed at an Ingathering during the 10 a.m. service on Sunday October 13.
Calvary will hand over the collection to the diocese at the Diocesan Convention. Every penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar offered in thanks through United Thank Offering is given to God's mission in the world. Every coin and bill transforms lives in the United States and around the world. Your blessings become blessings for others.
THE BLUE BOX PRAYER
Almighty God, I give you praise
for blessing me in many ways.
Create in me a grateful heart
and with this gift a blessing
start.
Amen.
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For Older Youths
Youths in grades 7 and up are encouraged to participate in the life of Calvary in various ways. They are welcome to join us at Children's Chapel and can assist in the Nursery, Sunday School, or any of our CYM Special Events, or serve as an acolyte. High School students needing community service hours can find plenty of opportunities within Calvary's various ministries and events. We know how busy you may be with school, sports, scouting, jobs, etc., but please remember that you are always welcome and needed here at Calvary.
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I will go to the altar of God
To the God of my joy and gladness.
Community Service
Acolytes actively assist the clergy in leading the worship of God. Acolytes often find their service is not only fun, but also spiritually fulfilling. They learn to serve with dignity, humility, and care, always with love of Christ. We welcome you to this ministry if you are in 4th grade or higher. We work with your schedule: it's not an "every Sunday" commitment, and you will get training and practice so that you will feel comfortable at the altar.
It's possible that being an acolyte could count for community service. If you and your parents would like to learn more, please contact Doug Sandburg II.
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Bottle & Can Drive
CYM is continuing the recycling drive for NY State redeemable bottles and cans. Funds raised will be donated to charities chosen by our Sunday School.
We collect only beverage containers that have the phrase "NY State 5ยข refund." Bottles/cans of iced tea, hard cider, kombucha, or Canadian bottles/cans are not eligible for a refund. Redeemable bottles and cans may be placed in the bins by Calvary's parking lot entrance or returned directly to either of our two redemption centers.
- The Integrity Bottle & Can Redemption Center at 2790 Sheridan Drive, or
- The Millersport Recycling Bottle & Can Redemption Center at 803 Millersport Highway.
Remember to tell them to credit your returns to "Calvary Episcopal Church." If you can, please sign up on the sheet posted on the Sunday School Bulletin Board to empty our bins and bring the bottles and cans to our redemption centers.
Many thanks for contributing to our drive!
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Upcoming Diocesan
Youth Leader& Family Events
SAFE CHURCH Sexual Abuse Prevention
courses are available in two formats, in live classes or online. Youth leader volunteers and employees need this training every three years. The last time the diocese will offer in-person training will be at the Diocesan Ministry Center on September 7. Registration and more information is here.
Online training is always an option. Contact Michael Brown for information about online training.
EPISCOPAL DAY AT FANTASY ISLAND
amusement and water park in Grand Island will be September 7. The cost is $25 per person, which includes a catered meal served from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Email Wendy Schumacher to reserve your tickets and make payment arrangements.
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They are like trees planted by streams of water,
bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither;
everything they do shall prosper.
[Psalm 1:3]
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