Church School Chalkboard – November 2011

           As we wrap up the “Clean Water for All God’s Children” curriculum, we have truly enjoyed seeing the children gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the blessing of clean water that we so often take for granted in the United States.  We experienced a wonderful Water Walk October 16^th!  It was a beautiful morning and many Church School children and Adult Ed. participants shared and gained an appreciation for the burden that many people within third world countries endure in their need to acquire water for their daily lives.  Enthusiastically, adults and children together, walked across to two designated spots within FDR park where they selected ½ or 1 gallon containers of water to carry back to our church. Upon returning, we all joined in watering our gardens together.  We look forward to the final week of this curriculum when the children have the opportunity to reflect more on the Water Walk and complete the final rotation through our various, exciting learning centers! Thank you to our teachers, shepherds, and volunteers who have so creatively taught and explored the blessing of clean water with the children!

           As October draws to a close and we enter November, we will begin “The Covenant” curriculum with the story of Noah’s Ark followed by the Ten Commandments.  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.  

Our Children Respond to God’s Love

            The children of the Church School are also learning that returning a portion of what we have to God is our way of responding to God’ love.  Each time we give away some of what we have-our money, time, talents, and abilities- we are giving to God what we have received from God.  The children have received “Commitment Cards” and have the opportunity to pledge both financial and non-financial gifts to God. Those children who request them will receive their own box of envelopes for 2012.  Please review and discuss the Commitment Card with your child, and return it to the Church School on or before November 6th.  If you have not received a Commitment Card and would like one, please contact the Church office at 914-245-2186.  We are thankful for all of your generosity! As Thanksgiving approaches, mark your calendars for the November 27th Tree Decorating, a group activity during Church School hour in Fellowship Hall. 

Other Announcements:

• A friendly reminder to parents that we are asking for $5 per child which will be used to offset the cost of the snack. If you haven’t done so already, please hand in the money to your child’s shepherd.
• Please be sure to formally register your children.
• Thank you to Heidi Haring for coordinating the Water Walk for us!
• Thank you to Kathy Anderson for all of her graphic design of tag, signs, and our bulletin board to keep everyone safe and fully informed. 
• Thank you to Jose for filling all of our water bottles!
• Thank you to Matt Hager for helping us recycle all of our water bottles!
• Thank you to Peter Marsh and Mike Romano for distributing the water during the Walk!
• If any children have not received a water bottle and/or tag for their backpacks, and want one, please let Beth or Amy Coccodrilli know–we have plenty of extras!
• The kindergarten group that was scheduled to create Worship Bags (Oct. 30th–cancelled due to snow), will be rescheduled for a later date to be determined.