Tot Time Newsletter

From Mary Feldmaier, Nursery Program Coordinator
Infant through Kindergarten

Here at FUMC we are responding to the words of our Lord Jesus to “Let the little children come to Me.” We are committed to partnering with parents in nurturing their child’s faith in God. We are helping build a bridge that will enable them to reach God’s destiny for their lives.

We are happy to care for and teach God’s word to your children. We strive to provide a loving, safe, clean environment for the little ones. We want to minister to each baby, toddler, and preschooler in our church with the same love and concern Jesus has for us.

Because this church is blessed to have so many young families among our membership, it is the responsibility of our congregation to love, care for, and nurture your children. For the fall of 2004, it will take over 160 volunteers per month to staff the crib through kindergarten rooms for Sunday morning and evening services. That is mind boggling to me!

Many people—mostly parents—have “signed up” for one or two times per month. Some volunteered to co-lead a class, other have volunteered to be helpers. We always need more volunteers. If you have not yet called to say “Yes, I can help,” why not do it today! I’m thanking you in advance for opening your arms to welcome and nurture the infants and young children of First Church.

I hope that you will call to let me know any special happenings in your family or others and also any concerns you might have. I am here as an Early Childhood and Parenting resource person and am happy to share my library and give you assistance in whatever way I am able.

I encourage you to participate in any or all of the activities noted below. The list is filled with activities for infants and children through kindergarten.

In Christ,

Mary Feldmaier, Nursery Program Coordinator
mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org or 249-646-6407, ext. 3134

Parent College

Mom's Night Out

CLC Walking with Tots

Delivery and Pickup of Your Little Ones

Caring Christian Kids

Family Events

Throughout the year the Children’s, Youth and Family Ministry plans a number of activities that involve the whole family. We hope that you will plan to attend and fellowship with other young families in some of the following activities. Mark your calendar now for these family events.

Delivery and Pick-up of Your Little Ones

We hope that your babies and children will feel the love and care that our volunteers share with them. We realize that there will be times they will be shy about entering their room. Please know that the best thing for the child and the volunteers is that a smile, a word of comfort and introduction followed by a quick exit usually works best. Most children do not cry for long periods of time-and we will come to get you out of the service if your child does not comfort quickly.

ON ANOTHER NOTE…

Much as we love your dear little ones, please pick up your child from the nursery or classroom immediately after the worship service or your class. The teachers who have graciously volunteered their time may wish to attend the next worship service. When you meet your children in a timely fashion, it allows others to worship and study also. The children are most welcome in Fellowship Hall during the coffee hour. Thanks for your promptness.

To alleviate confusion in the nursery, Please remember to send one adult only to pick up your child.

Paging

Please feel free to leave your cell phone or pager phone #’s when you sign your child into their classroom. BE SURE THEY ARE ON SILENT RING OR PAGE. We do have a couple of pagers in the crib and nursery for your use during the services if you would like.

For Your Information

Please observe registration deadlines for our children and Family Ministry programs. If you have registered for an activity or function and find that you will be unable to attend, please notify our office to cancel. We try hard to staff programs with volunteers and staff according to the expected number of children signed up. Your consideration to this is very much appreciated.
Reminder that no peanut, peanut butter, peanut oil products are to be served in the building. Several children of our congregation have severe peanut allergies. Children who are allergic to peanuts and peanut products may not eat or touch the peanut substance without a reaction. We ask your cooperation and understanding.
Breastfeeding moms: You may be interested to know that there is a quiet, private area in the Crib Nursery room-Room 151 available for your use.
Did you know that you have many resources available to you as parents of First Church? The Media Center on the second floor of the church has books, videos, and much, much more. Our media specialists, Sally McRitchie and Christi MacMillan, will be glad to assist you. Call them at 248-646-6407, ext. 3132. I also have many books and videos in my office. I will be glad to help find information on a particular topic and loan them to you.
Parent’s Day Out registration for Winter 2005 will be Sunday, December 5th. Watch for details in Steeple Notes.

Where do you find information about what’s happening in Children’s Ministry? Watch the weekly Sunday Explorer, Sunday flyers, monthly calendar and Steeple Notes for all the details. Also call with any concerns, questions, suggestions, and to make reservations for an event. Our telephone # is 248-646-6407 ext 3124. Our e-mail is children@fumcbirmingham.org