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