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

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. 
 

Salt and Light 

What does salt have to do with being a Christian? Salt is a seasoning, which helps food to  taste good.  Salt is a preservative which helps food to last longer. And a little bit of salt goes a long way. The Bible tells us that Jesus said we are supposed to be like salt. We are supposed to spread around all the good things about being a Christian. That means showing love and kindness to everyone we meet and sharing our money and time with people who need help. It means telling people that knowing Jesus gives us joy and hope for the future. It means telling others that they can know Jesus, too, and that no matter who they are or where they come from or whatever they’ve done, Jesus wants to be their friend.   Another image Jesus gave his followers is to be like a light shining for all the world to see.  That means standing up for ideas and things that are right and good. It means loving people who may not be very lovable. It means working to bring help to people who have problems.  It means telling people that knowing Jesus brightens their lives. Even the tiniest grain of salt or the smallest candle can make a difference.  Can you think of ways to be salt and light for Jesus

1st Week of Lent

Lent is a special time when Christians get ready to celebrate Easter.  Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts 40 days plus 6 Sundays.  It is a time to think about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection; a time to study Jesus’ teachings, and a time think of ways to be more like Jesus.  Each week we will tell you about some of the ways people use Lent to become closer to Jesus. 

Fasting

Fasting means giving up something you are used to eating or doing.  The idea behind fasting is that if we don’t do so much for ourselves we may have more money or time to give to others.  Lent is a good time to practice living more simply.  Some people eat less meat during Lent, or give up junk food.  Try turning off the TV and video games. Take shorter showers to save water.  Look for new ways to recycle.  Consider donating the money you save to a Hunger project and the time you save to a worthy cause.

THERE’S STILL ROOM FOR YOUR FAMILY AT THE FAMILY WORK CAMP

Families of all ages are invited to be a part of the  Family Work Camp experience the week after Easter.  Join the Ralstons, Stones, Nelsons, Hamels, Uleps, Beattys, Gerwolls, Wahls, Mary Feldmaier, Jan Mistele, and Susan Ives 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 is $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. Flyers are available outside the Children’s Ministry office For more information and to sign up, call 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. 

 LENTEN DINNER ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Everyone is invited to have dinner and enjoy a great storytelling experience!  Dinner will be served at 6:30 -- sign up with one of the hostesses.  The program will begin at 7:30 and will feature Ray Buckley, a nationally known Native American writer and master storyteller. 

              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