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. 
 

A Sign of Belonging

The Bible doesn’t tell many stories about Jesus’ growing up years.  But it does tell what happened when Jesus was baptized.  One day Jesus went down to the Jordan River where John the Baptist was baptizing people.  Jesus walked right up to John and asked him to baptize him.  John lowered Jesus into the water.  When Jesus came out of the water, suddenly the heavens opened and a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”  God himself was telling people that Jesus was the son of God.  Being baptized is a sign of belonging.  If a person is a grown-up and is being baptized it means that the person has decided to dedicate his or her life to God and to follow Jesus in their lives.  When a baby is baptized it means that the parents have made the decision to bring up their child to love God and to teach him or her about Jesus.  It is a way of saying to the world that they belong to the family of God.  People can be baptized in different ways.  They can be dunked underwater in a pool or lake, water can be poured over their heads, or the minister can sprinkle a few drops on their foreheads.  However and whenever it is done, baptism is an important moment in the life of  a Christian. 

FAITH IN ACTION
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.

First Church's Preschool & Enrichment Program - A great place to learn!
Our church’s Preschool and Enrichment Program is taking registrations for next September.  We have wonderful programs for 3 year olds (Tues-Thursday mornings), 4 year olds (M-W-F) and 5 year olds (M-F afternoons).  Since 1959 our program has provided 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.  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 29, 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 are on the road again
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