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 - Mid-Day Worship
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. 
 

WHAT IS EPIPHANY?

An epiphany is an appearance or showing.  The wise men were the first visitors fromthe outside world to be shown the baby Jesus.  The church season of Epiphany begins 12 days after Christmas on January 6. 

  

God Protects Us

The Bible tells us that  after the Wise Men visited the baby Jesus, there was great trouble in the land.  King Herod wanted to get rid of all the baby boys because he had heard a new king had been born. He was afraid that he would no longer be king when the baby king grew up.  Joseph  and Mary were very afraid for their baby boy.  But God had a plan to keep them safe.    Joseph trusted that God would take care of them.  God told Joseph to take Mary and the baby  and travel to the country of Egypt and to stay there until it was safe to go back home.  The little family made the trip to Egypt and found safety there.  God took care of them.  Joseph, Mary and Jesus felt God’s love around them, like a nice warm blanket surrounding them.  We can feel that feeling, too, if we believe that God loves and protects us.  We can trust God to be there for us when we’re feeling alone or afraid.  God wraps his love around us and spreads his warmth and comfort to us.  In the new year ahead, let’s remember to tell others about how God’s love and comfort is available to anyone who asks for God’s help.

Family Work Camp— Families of all ages are invited to be a part of the  Family Work Camp experience the week after Easter.  We will be working on projects at Camp Lael, where Choir Camp takes place during the summer.  A variety of projects and activities will give each member of the family meaningful work to do.  Cost will be $250 per family, which includes meals and lodging for the five days.  This is a joint project between  Missions Ministry and Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministries. For more information, call the Children’s Ministry office at 248.646.6407 ext. 3124.

Our church’s Preschool and Enrichment Program
is taking registrations for next September.  We have a wonderful program for 3 year olds (Tues-Thursday mornings), 4 year olds (M-W-F) and 5 year olds (M-F afternoons).  It provides a great first school experience in a Christian setting.  If you know of parents who are looking for preschools for their little ones, please tell them about our program.  There will be an Open House on Thursday, January 10 starting at 9 am which is an opportunity for parents and children to stop by and meet teachers and see the school rooms.  Or call the Preschool at 248.646.4889 to talk to Paula Darany (Preschool 3s and 4s) or Julie Busch (Enrichment - young 5s program).

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. 

KIDS NIGHT OUT FOR 1ST-5TH GRADERS

On Friday, January 18 from 7:30-9 pm children and parents are invited to a pool party at Lahser High School.  Sign up by January 13 in the Children’s Ministry office or call 248.646.6407 ext. 3124.

TEDDY BEAR TEA - Sunday, January 20 from 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Everyone loves teddy bears!  The Teddy Bear Tea is a fun time for all ages, with refreshments, social time, and a special program.  It is a time to dress in a special outfit and practice your party manners.  Invite a special guest to come with you -- and don’t forget your teddy bear!  The cost is $2.00 per person and you may pay at the door.  Call Children’s Ministry at ext. 3124 to sign up.

BABYSITTING CLINIC FOR 4TH-8TH GRADERS

Want to learn everything you need to know to be a great babysitter?  Mary Feldmaier, our Nursery Coordinator, will be teaching a three-week class which will cover all kinds of information for people who take care of little people.  Dates for the classes are January 28, February 5, and February 12 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Those who attend all three sessions will earn a Certificate of Completion. Call extension 3124 to sign up.

CARING CHRISTIAN KIDS

Infants, toddlers, and children of all ages are invited to join Caring Christian Kids at Alterra Wynwood Residence in Troy as they share crafts, greeting cards and smiles with the senior residents.  This is a great way for children to reach out to older friends in our community.  For more information call Mary Feldmaier at 248 646 6407 ext. 3134 or Ann Tenniswood at 248 816 3191. 

            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