Welcome to the Family!

WELCOME to First Church!  We hope that you will want to be a part of all that we have planned for kids and families and that you will invite your friends to come with you.  We are excited about our schedule of activities and events, from Sunday School and weekday programs to special events throughout the year. A great bunch of volunteers have signed on to make things fun for all. 

CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM
 

8:15 AM
  Nursery care for Infants through 4 year olds in Room 155

9:30 AM
Nursery care and Sunday School for children through 5th grade

11:00 AM
Nursery care for babies, toddlers, and 2 year olds in Room 155. Children 3 years old (as of Dec. 1, 2007)  through 3rd grade begin in worship, then go to classes following the children's moment.  3s, 4s, and Kindergartners are grouped together and 1st-3rd graders are grouped together.  4th and 5th graders meet in the Children's Center for God's Kids Youth Group

12:30 PM - begins September 23
Nursery care and children through Kindergarten are in Room 155.  Older children worship with parents.

5:00 PM
Nursery for Infants through Two year olds in Room 155
3 and 4 year olds (by Dec. 1, 2006) through 3rd graders begin in worship, then go to classes following the children's moment. 
 

BIG CHAPEL REPORT

Our second Big Chapel on November 11 featured the Fifth Grade class’s “Are you Smarter than a Sunday School 5th Grader.”  They showed us that 5th graders knew a lot about the prophet Elijah!  Also the 4th graders helped us to learn our Bible verse of the day which was Psalm 100:  Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Plus we got to meet Pastor Lynn, who told us about some of the things ministers do at the church.  Thanks to everyone who helped!  And a big thank you to all of the kids who listened so nicely during Chapel time!

Prophets show us the way
 FaithWeavers Lesson for November 18

Elijah was a powerful teacher who was one of Israel’s greatest prophets.  He stood up to kings and armies  in God’s name.  Nothing  stopped him from following all of God’s commands and telling people God’s words.  Whatever Elijah did, he did for God.  But his time was coming to an end and it was time for him to pass his work on to someone else.  Elisha was a student and follower of Elijah and he was the one who would be God’s next prophet to Israel.  Elijah knew that God was going to take him up into heaven.  He told Elijah to come with him to the Jordan River.  Elijah asked Elisha, “Before I leave, what can I do for you?”  Elisha asked to have some of Elijah’s spirit so he could carry on his work.  Suddenly a blazing chariot of fire came down from heaven.  It took Elijah up and disappeared into the sky.  Elisha was sad that his teacher was gone, but he found Elijah’s robe left behind.  He picked up the robe and knew that Elijah’s spirit was with him.  God was with him and always would be.  Elisha went on to be a great prophet of God.  He lived his life for God.  Elijah and Elisha are examples for us to follow.  We can follow in their footsteps by following God’s rules and living our lives for God.

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Watch for notices about upcoming activities.  The Sunday newsletter, KidLink, appears on the church website as well.  Steeple Notes and flyers are other ways to find out what’s going on. For the very latest information about church activities, check the Interactive Church Calendar on the church’s website at www.fumcbirmingham.org.  Remember, It’s never too late to get involved. New people are welcomed at any time! 

 ANGEL TREE sign up will be Sunday, November 18 between worship services.  Sign up to provide and/or deliver Christmas gifts for children in our area whose parents are in prison.  Choose from  350 “angels”  on the Angel Trees in Fellowship Hall.

BETHLEHEM MARKETPLACE

Friday, November 30, 2007
6-8 pm

What was it like the night Jesus was born?  Join us as we experience the sights and sounds of Bethlehem long ago.  Have dinner at the Inn.  Explore the Marketplace.  Meet shepherds and wise men and visit with the animals in a very special stable. Sign up in the Children’s Ministry office or
call 248 646 6407 ext.3124 by November 25.  

Marketplace and Dinner (Fried chicken)
Adults:$9  Children 3-12 yrs: $5.50
Children 2 and under:  Free. 
Marketplace only:  $3.00 per child

Don’t forget to check the CLC schedule for classes!  There are activities for all ages, from yoga to basketball! Call extension 3155 for information.

 Choirs for all ages are organized by the Music Department.  Call extension 3125 for information.

            SAFETY FIRST...

The Sneed Children’s Park provides many hours of fun for our children.  We would ask that all users of the playground follow basic safety guidelines when playing on the equipment. 

1) Parents or care-givers should supervise children at all times from inside the fenced area.

2) No pets should be brought within the fenced area.

3) The equipment is specifically designed for children 5-11.  Younger children should be closely monitored and children over the age of 11 should not be on it at all.

4) No climbing UP the slide -- use the stairs.

5) No climbing ,sitting, or standing on top of the curly slide structure or the tube.

6) The Preschool and Enrichment programs have exclusive use of the playground Monday through Friday at specific times.  For the safety of all of our children, please do not visit the playground when the preschool and enrichment classes are playing on the playground.

NO NUTS and NO ANIMALS, PLEASE!!!

Please be aware that First Church has been declared a nut-free environment.  No nuts of any kind should be brought to the church.  A number of people in our congregation have life-threatening allergies to peanuts and other kinds of nuts. Please check the ingredients of any food product you bring into the church. Also there are people who are highly allergic to animals, so please leave your pets at home.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

THERE'S ALWAYS A PLACE FOR VOLUNTEERS
IN CHILDREN'S MINISTRY!

Volunteers must complete a Volunteer application and submit to a Michigan State Police Criminal Record Search.

IN CASE YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE IN CHILDREN’S MINISTRY…
During the week you can usually find a staff person in church:
Monday—9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday—9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday—9 a.m. to 4p.m.
Thursday—9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fridays are days off — Please try to contact us about Sundays before Friday morning