**This newsletter has been updated to include more information about Advent activities as well as a link to sign up as a Greeter or helper in the Nursery/Children's Chapel.
Note that the Acolyte Link and Service Link include upcoming dates for Connect to Church Sundays. You are encouraged to sign up ahead of time and mark your calendars. The links will be updated with more dates for the new year soon!**
Who We Are
Connect 56 is First Church's group for 5 th and 6 th graders. These middle school ages are a pivotal time for students as they transition from being children in the church to being full members of the church community. The goal of this group is to help students "connect" with each other and the Church during this transitional stage. I hope to provide support to your family to help you as you guide your child to connect with the First Church community.
Let's Connect!
What's Up with Connect 56?
We've had a wonderful group of students for Connect 56 each Sunday. Last month, we talked about how blessings multiply as we read about Jacob and his 12 sons. We also decorated stars for the holiday Star Tree, First Church's giving tree, in partnership with Y.O.U. Don't forget to pull a tag to give a gift to a child this Christmas! It's exciting to see our group continue to grow in number as well as in depth of conversation as we connect with one another! I hope to see everyone this month!
*Important Announcements*
Set up Realm!
Beginning this month, all weekly communications for Connect 56 will be sent through Realm. Please make sure your account is set up and that you are set to receive information from Connect 56. Contact Mary Taylor Johnson with any questions.
Sign-In/Sign Out Procedures
The Children's Ministry is reinforcing rules to keep our students safe. A parent MUST sign their child in and out. Students will not be allowed to join the group if a parent has not signed them in and will not be released until a parent has signed them out. Thank you for your cooperation.
December Schedule
Each Sunday of Advent leading up to Christmas, join us after worship in the Great Hall for special Advent Activities! ALL ages welcome!

December 1 – Connect to Community Meet in the lobby after "Time with Young Disciples" to help prepare Advent activities and create blankets for the shelter. Pick up your child from the Glenna Hall after church. Continue to help tie the fleece blankets in the Great Hall after worship every week of Advent!
 
December 8 – Connect to Scripture Connect 56 class in Glenna Hall. Meet after the "Time with Young Disciples"; look for me with the Connect 56 sign-in sheet. This month, we will talk about Joseph's coat and how having faith and hope doesn't mean that there will be no hardship and grief.

December 15 – Connect to Worship Stay with family for the Annual Christmas Pageant! There will be a special worship worksheet this week. Parents will receive an email with the document to print.

December 22 – Connect to Church Connect 56 students are invited to serve the church during worship. Please sign your child up ahead of time via the web links below and mark your calendars! Here are ways Connect 56 students can volunteer:
- Help as a greeter (Connect 56 students can introduce themselves at the Welcome Spot and ask how they can help! They can also help hand out bulletins at the doors to the sanctuary.)
- Help in Children's Chapel or the Nursery during worship (Head upstairs with the kids after the Time with Young Disciples. Parents: Sign your student in and out on the sheet that corresponds with the room they choose to help in. Students: Let one of the teachers or nursery staff know that you are from the Connect 56 class and would like to help! Ask them what you can do to assist.)
- Serve as an Acolyte Light the altar candles at the beginning of worship. (Must have attended acolyte training.)

December 29 – No Connect 56 events


Merry Christmas! See you in the New Year! -Lisa
 
Communications: If there is a better email (or an additional email) that I should use to contact you, please let me know. Also, let me know if you know of any 5 th or 6 th grade families who have not received information about Connect 56! Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] if you have any question about our program.