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. 
 

A Hope that lasts

 When Jesus’ friends and followers heard that he was no longer dead but alive, they knew at last that their friend and teacher was also the Son of God.  Jesus had shown that even death could not  defeat him.  Jesus was alive and still with them.  There are many stories of how Jesus appeared to different groups in the days after Easter.  His friends were happy and were comforted by Jesus’ presence.  Jesus gave them hope that one day they also would be with God in heaven.  Jesus promised that if people kept him in their hearts and held tight to their belief in him, they would always have hope for the future, even if times were hard and life was rough.  Hope in Jesus’ promises help people get through  difficult situations.  Believing that Jesus is alive in the world is something we can be sure of.  He is always there to listen and to comfort us. Even if the people around us don’t believe in Jesus and make fun of Christians, Jesus still is with us, giving us hope.  Sometimes we say things like “I hope I get the presents I want for my birthday” or “I hope I make the soccer team.”  The hope Jesus brings lasts longer than a birthday celebration or a soccer season. Jesus promises always to be with us and offers us a life with him in heaven after we die.  Now that’s a hope that lasts!

 FAMILY WORK CAMP

Families of all ages took part in the Family Work Camp experience the week after Easter.  The Ralstons, Stones, Nelsons, Hamels, Uleps, Gerwolls,  Jan Mistele, and Susan Ives spent the week at Camp Lael, where Choir Camp takes place during the summer.  A variety of projects and activities will kept everyone busy. 

DO YOU HAVE YOUR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BANK?

“House banks” are available in the Children’s Ministry Office as a way for children to be connected to and to raise money for the Habitat for Humanity fundraising effort.  This year’s Habitat home will be the 10th house our church has helped to build.  Bring the money you collect to church on Sunday, April 20!

PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
On Sunday, April 13 from 11 am to 1 pm the Preschool and Enrichment Programs of the church will have an OPEN HOUSE.  Classrooms are located at the east side of the church building in the hallway leading to the Children’s Center. This is a great time to introduce friends and neighbors, both members and non-members,  to our church’s preschool program.  Directors, teachers and parents will be on hand  to talk about the program and to answer questions.  Our church’s preschool was founded in 1959 and is a great first school experience for young children.  There are separate programs for 3 year olds, 4 year olds, and 5 year olds.  Registration deadline for the 2008-2009 school year is Friday, April 18.  Hope to see you there!

GOD’S KIDS LOCK-IN Friday-Saturday, April 11-12

All fourth and fifth graders are invited to an overnight Lock-In at church. You will enjoy snacks, games, and tons of fun! The event begins at 8:00 pm in the Children’s Center and lasts until 7:30 am Saturday morning. Cost is $15, which includes a t-shirt.  Bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and a peanut-free snack to share.  Friends are invited, too!  Register in the Children’s Ministry office by April 7.  Call Jan Mistele at ext.3131 if you have questions

JUBILEE PROJECT WORK CAMP FOR Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Graders

Want to do something really special this summer?  Sign up for the Kids’ Mission trip to Sneedville, Tennessee, July 16-19.  You will travel by bus to the mountains of Appalachia where you will work together on projects to help the people there.  It is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn what it is like to work in the mission field--and to swim in an old-fashioned swimming hole!  This will be our fourth trip to Sneedville.  Pick up a registration brochure outside the Children’s Ministry Office.  For information contact Jan Mistele at 248 646 6407 ext. 3131.

BISHOP’S SEAT COVER PROJECT

Bishop Keaton of the Detroit Annual Conference is asking for donations of “seat covers” (underwear) for children and youth.  We are collecting NEW underwear which will be taken to the Detroit Annual Conference meeting in May.  They will be distributed to various locations throughout Michigan.  Bring your donations to church and let’s see how many seats we can cover!

 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL registrations are being accepted for this year’s“Power Lab---Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power” VBS.  Dates for the half-day program are June 23-27, 9 am to noon.  Children age 3 (as of Dec. 1, 2007) through fifth graders are invited to participate.  We also need older youth and adults to be crew leaders and to fill other volunteer positions.  Forms are available outside the CYF office, or contact the Children’s Ministry office at 248 646 6407 ext. 3124. Click here for a registration form

              First United Methodist Church
 PRESCHOOL AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
 A great place to learn!
Our church’s Preschool and Enrichment Program is taking registrations for next September.   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.