Church School Chalkboard ~April

CHURCH SCHOOL CHALKBOARD ~ April 2013

April we will be focusing on learning about Pentecost. The story of Pentecost is the story of the birth of the church. It is celebrated 50 days after Easter and is a continuation of the Easter story. At the tomb and during the resurrection appearance, Jesus instructs his disciples to go out and share the Good News of God’s love for all people. Prior to Pentecost the disciples were a relatively small group. They were all people who had a personal relationship with Jesus. They had been involved with his ministry, shared the Last Supper with him, and witnessed the crucifixion and the resurrection.

On this fateful day, the disciples were gathered together in Jerusalem as Jesus had instructed them. They were waiting for something to happen, but they weren’t quite sure what that might be. All of a sudden the morning air changed in the room, there was a sound like a mighty wind and there were flames as of a fire on the heads of the disciples. They were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and world changed. The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples in a radical and exciting way. They left their fears behind and went boldly out into the world as the first true Christians. They began to speak in other languages as they shared Jesus’ story. The message of Pentecost is simple – hear the news of God, repent, and be baptized. The people of Jerusalem heard the message and many were baptized that day. The church had begun.

The story of God’s power and salvation is continually being translated into different languages. We continue to share the love of Christ in communities of faith around the world and across generations. God’s love for us continues to empower and inspire people of faith.

“Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave the ability.” (Acts 2: 3-4)

Upcoming Dates to Note:

• Sunday, May 12^th will be our Mother’s Day Group Event. A family activity will take place in the Fellowship Hall; all are welcome to attend with their children. There will be no church school; however, the 3^rd and 4^th grade Bible Skills class will still meet as scheduled in Room 16.

In closing, we are still actively seeking to fill positions for the 2013-2014 Church School Year. We hope that you’ll carefully consider sharing your faith and talents with our children by volunteering to serve on our staff!

 

Beth Coccodrilli and Jocelyn Fontana

Church School Co-Superintendents

Church School Chalkboard – November

CHURCH SCHOOL CHALKBOARD CONTINUED~ Nov. 2012

In November, the children will be studying the story of Daniel. This may be regarded as one of the most famous Old Testament stories. It is a story of great courage and strong faith. This study will explore the tests of faith that Daniel and his friends faced and how they overcame each one. As they met challenge, they prayed and called on God to be there with them. They pass their tests of faith and God certainly responded by protecting them every time. They teach us that faith isn’t always easy, but it is the first and last thing that we call on to get us through tough times.

“In the same way that he had always done, he knelt down in prayer three times a day giving thanks to god” (Daniel 5:10)

Our church school students showed a warm welcome to a visitor Sunday. Like Daniel, our new friend Lionel, nephew of a church member, took a risk and tried our church school for the first time. Our third and fourth grade class welcomed him with open arms. We would be so happy to see him again!

On Sunday, November 25, all Church School children will be involved in decorating the Christmas tree in the Fellowship Hall during the Church School hour. This is traditionally a favorite event as we celebrate the beginning of Advent together. All parents are welcome to join us!

 

Reminders:  1.) Have you handed in your Commitment Card?

2.) “Alternative Giving Fair” on the mornings of Sunday, November 11 and 18.

Volunteers are needed to work at the tables – contact Heidi Haring

3.) Attention: Annual Sunday Church Toy Collection for Bedford Prison — Collection to take place on December 2nd!  Start think now of what you can bring! Refer to  list in the Disciple Copy or posted on our Church School bulletin board at church!

 

Beth Coccodrilli and Jocelyn Fontana

Church School Co-Superintendents

Church School Chalkboard–September 2012

WELCOME BACK!

            It’s September and we are looking forward to another fantastic, enriching Church School year! We’re fortunate to have a wonderful staff of volunteers who will guide us along our 2012-2013 faith education journey.  If anyone is still interested in participating, new staff members are always welcome!!

Here are some details you might like to make a note of:

**Sunday, September  9^th: 

• The Church School Staff Orientation will take place at 9:30am, prior to the Church Picnic, in the Art Room. Then we can all enjoy refreshments together at the picnic!

**Sunday, September 16^th:

• Our Church School Kick-Off! The Church School hour will run from 9:30am to 10:30am each Sunday.  On this day, all children will gather in the church and then later participate in some “Kick-Off” activities in the Fellowship Hall.  We encourage all parents to stay and participate with their children! Please refer to the Church bulletin board down the hall from Fellowship Hall as well as the FPCY website to learn more about our curriculum and your child’s schedule.
• Blessing of the Backpacks! ATTENTION ALL CHILDREN!  BRING YOUR BACKPACKS AND PLAN TO STAY FOR THE 10:45am SERVICE! Pastor Chip and the Congregation want to start you off your new school year with a blessing and a gift to wish you well!
• The Commissioning of the Church School Staff will also take at the 10:45am service! All staff volunteers are encouraged to attend!

 

Registration Forms:

• You should have received Church School Registration forms in the mail and/or via email.  If you have not done so already, please complete and return yours as soon as possible to Kim in the Church Office or hand it to one of the Church School Superintendents, Beth Coccodrilli or Jocelyn Fontana.
• If your child is in Pre-K through 5^th grade, please remember to bring in your child’s $5.00 snack money contribution and deliver it to Beth Coccodrilli, Jocelyn Fontana, or your child’s shepherds during the Church School hour.

What the children are learning:

We are excited to again be using a new strand of the Cornerstones Curriculum, “Test of Faith…It Ain’t Easy but…,” which will help us discuss challenges we may face with regard to our faith.  Through stories of faith, we’ll learn how God’s grace is always extended to us as we try to deal with these challenges.   Our first story will be the “Garden of Eden.”  A great discussion starter for this unit might be, “Tell me about a time in your life when you were confronted with a difficult choice?” 

Beth Coccodrilli and Jocelyn Fontana, Church School Co-Superintendents

Church School Chalkboard — June 2012

CHURCH SCHOOL CHALKBOARD – June 2012

It is hard to believe, but in just a couple more weeks our Church School year will come to a close.  June 3^rd  will be our last Sunday for classroom activities and June 10^th will be our Children’s Sunday service at 9:30am.    

Many thanks to all of our Church school staff volunteers who have remained so dedicated in bringing the Word of God to our children.  The success of our faith program is a direct result of your efforts.  What a wonderful and gifted church community we have!

We are happy to announce that Jocelyn Fontana will be the new co-superintendent as Amy finishes her second year.  We are actively seeking volunteers for the upcoming Church School year.  Any new and returning participants are always welcome!  There are volunteer forms available on the church school bulletin board or you can call Beth at 914-528-0808!

We wish you all a wonderful and restful summer! See you next year!

Amy Coccodrilli and Beth Coccodrilli

Church School Superintendents

Church School Chalkboard May 2012

CHURCH SCHOOL CHALKBOARD –MAY 2012

In the month of May, the children will be completing their study of the” Resurrection.”  The week after Mother’s Day, they will begin their lessons about the “Early Church as the Body of Christ.” In their lessons they will be learning that around 50 AD the apostle, Paul, was the builder of the church because of his great faith, his ability to communicate, and his willingness to evangelize.  Paul developed the concept that the Church is the Body of Christ.  All parts of equal importance.  When one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers.  Paul called on the congregation to embrace the spiritual gifts of the individuals in that congregation, because they all come from the same Spirit.  As a church we are called both as the corporate church and as individual Christians to participate in the Kingdom of God as expressed here on earth.  We are called to be the Body of Christ, embracing all parts of the body and being the hands, eyes, ears, and feet of God’s presence.  This task can only be accomplished with the use of everyone’s spiritual gifts. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-31.

**This lesson comes at a very important time, as our Church School is preparing to fill positions for our 2012-13 classes. We hope that you will give your time and talents and volunteer to be part of our church school staff next year.  We will be in need of various skills particularly, anyone who is musically inclined in playing an instrument and/or singing! Our church school is in need of your support! We also want to extend a big “Thank You” to all of you who are participating now! No matter how you serve the church school, you are of equal importance to its success.

                **For those who are the mothers of our precious children, come join us in the Fellowship Hall during the Church School hour, on May 13^th, as the children will gather together to craft you something special to say thank you for all you do.  Happy Mother’s Day!

           **Finally, June 10^th is Children’s Sunday, which concludes church school for this year.

Beth Coccodrilli and Amy Coccodrilli

Church School Superintendents

Church School Chalkboard — April 2012

Church School Chalkboard–March 2012

Church School Chalkboard

 What we are learning…

During the month of March, the children will continue to study lessons provided by the Cornerstone curriculum.  Parables are stories which teach us about the great value of the Kingdom of God. They also teach us of the universal nature of the kingdom.  Under the heading of the Kingdom Parables, the kids will learn of the parable regarding the Great Feast told by Jesus.  This lesson is designed in order to reaffirm the relationship between the Kingdom of God on earth and in heaven.  The Kingdom of God is what we are striving to create here on earth as we live the life of a Christian, acting on the covenant that is written on our hearts.  The Kingdom is Jesus’ vision of how we are supposed to relate to each other and to God. 

Scripture:  Luke 14:17-24

A special note from the Superintendents:

 In addition to the lessons being taught, please be aware that we distributed our annual One Great Hour of Sharing fish collection banks this past Sunday, February 26th.  If your child chooses to contribute to this cause, we would like you to know that these containers will be collected in church school on the 4th Sunday of Lent, March 18th.

 Thank you for all of those who continue to share their time, talents and faith with the church school children!

 Amy Coccodrilli and Beth Coccodrilli, Church School Co-Superintendents 

 

 

 

Church School Chalkboard–February 2012

CHURCH SCHOOL CHALKBOARD

 What We’re Learning

                Throughout the month of February, the children will be learning the story of the Prodigal Son. The power of the Prodigal Son parable is the ability to identify with the characters: to know sibling rivalry, adolescent rebellion, repentance and the power of forgiveness.  To learn that the father is one who bestows grace is an image that helps draw us into relationship with God. 

                The times in our lives when we are in the pit, having exhausted all options, we often have abandoned God along the way.  But God has been watching and waiting for the moment of our return.  With God, there is no point of no return. There are no exemptions to God’s grace.  God accepts us as we are, knowing that when we accept God’s grace, we will be freed of the shackles of our sin and be able to journey through life in relationship with God.  Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

                The Covenant calls us into relationship with God.  We are expected to honor that relationship, both in the way that we honor the Lord and live among ourselves.  And what does the Lord require of you but love, kindness, justice, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).

 Announcements

            On February 21^st the 6^th, 7^th , and 8^th graders will join the Confirmands to host the Shrove Pancake Supper.  Big thanks to our hosts as well as Kathy Anderson and Heidi Haring. who will be overseeing and coordinating the supper.

Church School Chalkboard–January 2012

Happy New Year!

Celebrations:

                Thanks to everyone who assisted all the children in making our Christmas tree look beautiful with “water-themed” decorative crafts.  Throughout the year, we will consciously be reminding our children how important clean water is for all God’s children. Making water, snow, and icicles the theme of our tree seemed to be an ideal opportunity for this!   We want to acknowledge Heidi Haring in her coordination of the Alternative Giving Fair as well as the collection of gifts for the Bedford Prison.  We appreciate all of her time and effort in supporting our children locally and globally.  A special thank you to all those who volunteered to work at the fair tables over the last month; your time and support is invaluable to us.

We thank all of the church school students who participated in the Story of Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve.   It is always such a pleasure to see! Thank you to Lisa Eliasson and Katharine Frase for overseeing the rehearsals.  Also, thank you to all the mothers and fathers who helped to “shepherd” and facilitate during rehearsals and the performance.

What We’re Learning

In Church School, during the month of January, the children will be learning about the “Messengers of the New Covenant.”  The birth of Jesus Christ is the bridge between the Old and New Covenants.  The Holy Family encountered angels, shepherds, magi and prophets who all confirmed he birth of an incarnate god.  Jesus’ birth begins the New Covenant with humankind.

There were those who were present at the time of the birth that understood the significance of Jesus’ arrival in the world. We know they told others about their experience because it was passed on from person to person until it was finally written into the Gospels as we know them.  The covenant was established through Noah, Abraham and Moses and made new through the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  Scripture: Luke 2:10.

Reminder: 

Church School will resume again on Sunday, January 8^th, 2012!

Bible skills classes will be available for third graders; dates TBD. If you have a child who is older than third grade and never had the opportunity to participate in our Bible Skills rotation with Barbara Humphrey, your child is welcome to join. Contact either Amy Coccodrilli (302-6540) or Beth Coccodrilli (528-0808) to let them  know your child would like to participate when the dates are finalized.

Amy Coccodrilli and Beth Coccodrilli, Church School Co-Superintendents

               

 

 

Church School Chalkboard–December 2011

 CHURCH SCHOOL CHALKBOARD

What We Are Learning:

In December the children will be learning about the Ten Commandments. As the people of Israel cried out to God after 400 years of slavery, God chose to reveal himself as the God of salvation. In the process of liberating his chosen people, he took forty years to forge a new covenant with those who had known God for hundreds of years. At a time of isolation and wandering, God provided direction. Those directions were not a map of roads on how to get to the Promise Land; they were a map of behaviors on how to be right with God and be faithful within the covenant. The Ten Commandments define the community within the embrace of a faithful relationship in terms of behavior towards God and among ourselves. That community will then be used to do God’s work on earth. Micah 6:8 writes     “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love, kindness, and walk humbly with your God.”

What a wonderful time of year to remind ourselves to remain connected to God’s community and one another as it is so easy to get caught up in the fray of last-minute shopping and holiday preparations. We need to maintain perspective and continue to impress upon our children that the quantity of presents received should not be our focus; rather we should rejoice in the single, beautiful gift that we all receive in baby Jesus!

Announcements:  The children will have the opportunity to experience receiving this “gift” of Jesus, by re-enacting the story of Christmas in the Christmas pageant. If they are interested in participating, all children (pre-k through 5th grade) are welcome! Rehearsals begin on Dec. 3rd from 9am-11am in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. Rehearsals continue every Saturday until Christmas Eve, when it is performed at the children’s Christmas Eve 4:00pm service. Lisa Eliasson and Katharine Frase can be contacted with related questions.

 

 

Toy Collection for Bedford Prison—Dec 4:  We’re asking our Sunday School children to bring new toys or gifts for teenagers to the sanctuary. During their offering time, the children can bring their gifts to the communion table area. A basket in the Gathering Space will be available for Teens and others to place their gifts or they can give them to their classroom teachers (Grades 6-8).

There will be NO Church School on December 25th or January 1st. Church School will resume on January 8th.  Have a wonderful holiday and may the peace of Christ be with you all!

Amy Coccodrilli and Beth Coccodrilli, Church School Co-Superintendents

 

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