Parent News!

SOUPer Bowl Sunday

Sunday, February 2^nd is the SOUPer Bowl!  No, I didn’t mistype that!  On Super Bowl Sunday, youth and children’s groups at churches across the country are collecting $$ from worshippers as they leave church to benefit local soup kitchens and food pantries.  We will be collecting money for CAM: Crisis Assistance Ministries.  FISH kids will be collecting after the 8:45 and 11 am services in the Sanctuary, as well as the 9 am service in the Theater.  Bring your $$ to support this ministry!

If any FISH kids are willing to collect, grab your soup pot and contact Sarah, sarah@fumcgastonia.org letting her know which service you’ll collect for (you don’t have to attend that service).   Remember – bring a big soup pot so people can fill it up!!  When everyone has left church, please bring the money to Sarah’s Office for counting.  ALL money will go to CAM!

 

Parent Network

You are invited to gather with other parents on Saturday, February 8^th from 9 to 12 in the FLC for a time to learn and connect with other parents on various topics that are relevant and applicable.  Topics include “The Grieving Family”, “When Addiction comes to the Home”, “Raising Responsible Children”, “Communicating with your Tween/Teen”.  There will be activities for the children and youth as well!  Join us!   (We are working on a make-up date if the Farmer’s Almanac is true and we really do get 4-6 inches of snow on this date!)

 

Concessions

Children’s Council has been selling concessions at the FUMC games on Friday and Saturday nights in order to raise more funds to continue upgrading the children’s area. We need your help!   If you are willing to give of a Friday or Saturday night in February, please contact Caitlin Gault – cmgault91@gmail.com

 

Team Snacks

Are you needing to provide snacks for your child’s ball team?  Let us help!  For $1 per child, you will receive a semi-healthy snack and drink.  If your game is at FUMC we can deliver the day of or if your game is elsewhere we can make arrangements for early pick up.  Contact Caitlin Gault – cmgault91@gmail.com to place an order!

 

Shopping Bags

We all LOVE those reusable shopping bags!  Now you can show your FUMC love by purchasing bright red reusable shopping bags with the church logo!  ONLY $3 for 2 bags!   Church & Society have sponsored these bags as a way to promote our month-long food collection for CAM.  All proceeds will go to CAM.  Buy some today!  Fill them with CAM donations and return to the FLC during the month of February! 

 

Nursery News

From our Nursery Coordinator: Caitlin Gault – cmgault91@gmail.com

We are asking families to sign up for dates to volunteer in the nursery again through the remainder of the school year. We would like to have at least one family to volunteer each Sunday, so that we can have floaters to assist where needed within our three nurseries. We are asking each family to consider volunteering for 2 of the Sundays between now and June.

We’ve also implemented a new policy of asking parents/guardians to wait outside in the hallway when picking up.  This will help alleviate chaos and stress for the children. 
Did you know that we are now including a Bible story time during each nursery hour? We are looking to develop this during the next few months, adding a sensory learning element and continuing to connect children of all ages to Jesus. 

 

February FISH Meeting

On Sunday, February 9^th we’re going to have a field trip!  Please meet and pick up at Sam’s Club on Franklin Blvd.  We’ll meet just inside the entrance at 4 p.m. and we’ll pick up in the snack bar area at 6 p.m..  We’ll take the money we collect on SOUPer bowl Sunday and go shopping for CAM.  EXTRA PARENT SPONSORS ARE NEEDED as we will divide up into groups and shop.  Matt & Leigh Smith are our parent sponsors for dinner and we’ll be having hotdogs and drinks in the Sam’s snack bar.  Sam’s Club closes at 6 p.m. on Sunday’s so it’s important to be on time if not early!  This will be an awesome experience for the kids to see how far $$ goes and how sometimes eating healthy can be expensive.  The goal will be to see how much good stuff the group can buy with the $ they have!  Please contact Sarah at Sarah@fumcgastonia.org if you plan on attending. 

Sunday, January 19

Kindergarten: Let’s Find Out About Worship

I am your God and you are my child.  You belong to me and I belong to you. 

In the United Methodist Church, it is common for children to be baptized as infants.  If you were baptized as an infant, as a family, talk to you about the day you were baptized.  Not everyone is baptized as an infant. If you haven’t been baptized yet, talk with your family about what it means to be baptized.

 

1st & 2nd Grades

January Scripture Verse:  Jesus matured in wisdom and years, and in favor with God and with people.  Luke 2:52
 

January 19, 2014

Bible Story:  Mark 1:4-11

Leap of Faith:  My faith in God grows as I grow.

Twenty years have passed since Jesus was a boy at the Temple.  The time has come for him to begin the job laid out for him by God.  The book of Mark begins with what he thought was the most important part of Jesus’ life—being baptized.  In today’s story, Jesus is ready to take on the job that God has planned for him.  He comes to the river Jordan where his cousin John is preaching and teaching.  What amazing thing happened after Jesus was baptized?  Talk with your family about your baptism and what has happened in your life since that day.  

 

Club3G: Third Grade Bible Club

Congratulations to Grant Styers for memorizing the Books of the Old Testament!!

Each link represents a book of the Bible!  I have a feeling these are going to be wrapping around the room soon!  (and check out that new paint job!)

The 12 Disciples

Who? What? Which? Where? Huh?

Who were the first two disciples?

Which one of the disciples denied knowing Jesus?

Which disciple was the only one there when Jesus was crucified?

Who replaced Judas after his deception?

Where in the bible can you find each of the 12 disciples mentioned?  (list the verses)

 

4th & 5th Grades

January 19, 2014

Bible Verse: Jesus asked them, “Why are your frightened?  Don’t you have faith yet?” Mark 4:40 (CEB)
 

The Gospels tells about: Miraculous Signs

Bible Story:   Mark 4:35-41

Faith Direction:  Jesus performed miracles so that we may have faith.

 

What do you think would have been the hardest part about being one of Jesus’ disciples? 

Do you think it was difficult for Jesus to have followers who sometimes did not understand his true identity?  What signs and wonders from God do you experience in your everyday life?  Prayer: God of miracles, thank you for sending us signs and wonders that reveal your love for us.  Help us be open to the many ways you are in relationship with us through Jesus.  Amen.

Website Challenge: Get permission to go online www.GrowPoclaimServe.com/onthego

January FISH

I'm proud of the bunch of staunch Panthers fans who gathered in the Canteen for FISH on Sunday afternoon.  We had a good time making Rainbow Loom bracelets and Prayer beads and hearing Merrily and Mrs. Revonda share about their life dealing with Cystic Fibrosis. 

Here are several links to videos we watched:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WuI72eMrIQI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FMAOEOmLoUE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zXiGkbZx_Yg

Here's another website you might enjoy visiting to help you learn more about Cystic Fibrosis.

http://www.happyheartfamilies.com/videas_teach_cf.html

If you would like to donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Honor of Merrily Tew you may do so at Revonda's fundraising page:  http://www.cff.org/LWC/dsp_donationPage.cfm?idEvent=23688&idUser=524385


We are selling Rainbow Loom Bracelets for $1 each to raise money to help put an end to childhood cancer!  The prayer beads we made will be available for Rev. Sarah and the other ministers to share with others.  The kids made some for themselves and then some for others.  Supplies for these two projects are always available if you would like to borrow them to make these at home. 

FISH: First In Serving Him is a group of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders with a heart for serving God by serving others.  We meet the second Sunday of each month. 

In February we'll have two activities:  Collecting $ after worship on SOUPer Bowl Sunday, February 2nd. All money goes to Crisis Assistance ministry.  But instead of just sending a check - We're going shopping!  On February 9th we'll meet from 4 to 6 p.m. at Sam's Club - yes, the Sam's Club, on Franklin Blvd. to shop for CAM.  MORE parents will be needed for this event!

Sunday January 12

While it wasn't a great Sunday for the Panthers - it was a great day in the basement!  Here's what was talked about....

Kindergarten: Let’s Find Out About Worship

Sing this song to the tune of “London Bridge Is Falling Down”
Jesus blessed and broke the bread,
Broke the bread, broke the bread;
Jesus blessed and broke the bread
After supper.

Jesus blessed and passed the cup,

Passed the cup, passed the cup;

Jesus blessed and passed the cup,
After supper.

When we take the bread and cup,
Bread and cup, bread and cup;
When we take the bread and cup,
We remember.
Words: Jim Ritchie, as found in Touch the Water, Taste the Bread Cokesbury

 

1st & 2nd Grades

January Scripture Verse

Jesus matured in wisdom and years, and in favor with God and with people.  Luke 2:52

Bible Story:  Luke 2:39-52

Leap of Faith:  My faith in God grows as I grow.
Some things about Jesus’ life as he grew up we know because of what life was like in Bible times.  Jesus grew up in Nazareth.  Jesus learned to be a carpenter from Joseph.  Beginning at age five he probably went to the synagogue school and studied the Scriptures with other boys of Nazareth.  IN today’s story, Jesus was old enough to attend the special worship activities at the Temple during Passover with the rest of the men. 
What questions do you think Jesus asked the teachers at the Temple?  For what questions would you want to know the answers?

Club3G

Did you know…

The longest verse in the bible is Esther 8:9.  How many words are in this verse?
The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35.  What does it say? 
The center of the Bible is Psalm 118:8.  What does it say?
The longest chapter of the bible is Psalm 119.  The shortest is Psalm 117.  Read them.
 

A Kid Friendly Ten Commandments

Put God First!

Worship God Only!

Use God’s name with respect.

Remember God’s Sabbath

Respect your parents.

Do not hurt other people.

Be faithful in relationships.

Do not steal.

Do not lie.

Do not want what others have.

4th & 5th Grades

Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid.  From now on, you will be fishing for people”  Luke 5:10b, c

The Gospels tells about: CALLING

Bible Story:  Luke 5:1-11, 27-32; 6:12-6

Faith Direction:  Jesus calls each of us into discipleship.

Paul the apostle writes a lot about discipleship in the letters he sent to churches and to people.  Look up the scriptures to see what Paul has to say.

1 Corinthians 1:9        

1 Corinthians 1:26-28

Ephesians 4:1-3          

1 Timothy 6:11-12

Website Challenge: Get permission to go online www.GrowPoclaimServe.com/onthego

Sunday, January 5

Did you miss Sunday school?  Did your kids make it home with the their connection card to add to the ring?  Here's what the kids learned in Sunday School yesterday!

In the Gathering we talked about the meaning behind the words in the seasonal song "The 12 Days of Christmas". 

The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith.

The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God.
The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person.
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Love
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels
5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch"
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Kindergarteners: Let’s Find Out About Worship  (Teachers: Rev. Sally & Kevin Queen)

"Do this in remembrance of me."  Luke 22:19

Each person in your family is encouraged to share something you remember about Jesus. Every time we celebrate Holy Communion we are supposed to remember how much Jesus loves us. 

First & Second Graders (Mrs. Goforth & Kirby Plemmons)

Jesus matured in wisdom and years and in favor with God and with people. Luke 2:52

Bible Story:  Matthew 2:1-12

Leap of Faith:  My faith in God grows as I grow.

For the next few weeks we will be hearing stories about Jesus life.  Today we began when he was just a toddler in Bethlehem.  We will follow him until he becomes an adult.  There are not many stories in the Bible that tell about Jesus’ childhood, but we can learn much about him from the stories we do have. Just as the wise men brought gifts to honor Jesus, we can honor Jesus this week.  What gifts can you share?

 

Club3G (Joe Yavelak)

January Memory Verse

But he answered, “It is written, ‘one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mount of God’.”  Matthew 4:4

The Kid Friendly 10 Commandments

1 - Put God First!

2 - Worship God Only.
3 - Use God’s name with respect.
4 - Remember God’s Sabbath
5 - Respect your parents.
6 - Do not hurt other people.
7 - Be faithful in relationships.
8 - Do not steal.
9- Do not lie.
10 - Do not want what others have.

Fourth & Fifth Graders (Mrs. Henderson and Dave Davis)

A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love; I find happiness in him.”  Matthew 3:17

Bible Story:  Matthew 3:1-17
Faith Direction:  Baptism is a sign of our membership in the church.

Now is a good time to look at your own baptism, whether it’s something you’ve received already or something you’ll be doing in the future.  If you don't know answers to the questions from today’s survey, ask your family, the pastor or Mrs. Henderson about baptism.

Prayer:  God of grace, thank you for sending Jesus to teach us how to live.  Help us remember the importance of baptism and all that it means.  May we always celebrate our baptism with joy.  Amen. 

 

The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so..."

The other symbols mean the following:

2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed
Read more at http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/music/12days.asp#gGTZ5SImVGsu6hbj.99