NEWSLETTER – June 2011
Let the little children come to me…for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.- Matthew 19:14
Children are not the future of the church. They are the church today. – My friend Ellen
On June 12th we celebrate Children’s Sunday, a time to honor the gift of being a child. I hope you can be there to encourage our children and remember your own childhood. Jesus tells us that our faith can be compared to childlike trust. Out of deference to what has become one of the rainiest seasons on record, the children will be presenting a dramatic version of Noah and the Ark. Animals, faith lifting songs, a flying dove and even a few jokes will be included. You won’t want to miss it.
How do children learn about the Christian faith? Or more specifically, what can they learn about the Christian faith? Last fall, Christian Ministry Magazine included an article on how children grow spiritually in the various growing seasons.
Babies and Toddlers
“The stage of infancy may seem simplistic to adults; however, it’s a vital first step in spiritual growth.”
Joyce Meyers points out that infants bond with the caregivers who look after their physical and emotional needs. Consequently, children learn trust from those closest to them. Trust is a foundational concept for any kind of growth to take place. When the church properly provides a safe and caring environment, infants are allowed to experience the first step of having a faith of their own. Also, caregivers can start using the language of faith – songs, prayers, visuals. What can we do?
- Read and talk to little ones about God and Jesus
- Tell children that Jesus loves them
- Imitate religious behavior
- Pray with them
Preschoolers
“Unlike their younger counterparts, preschool children are able to understand something exists, even if they can’t see it”.
Gigi Schweikert tells about the day she was teaching preschoolers that Jesus lives in your heart. One student asked, “How does he fit in there?” Preschoolers are literal thinkers. At this stage, they can pick up knowledge in unexpected places and times. “Preschoolers learn on the go.” At any moment, they can take in an observation. They need to see Christians who value and respect them.
Elementary-Age Kids
“This life stage is one of the most fertile times for planting seeds of faith that can be nurtured to bear fruit through an entire lifetime.”
If you have early memories of church, they most probably go back to this stage of childhood. At this age, there are lots of questions. Elementary children are fleshing out the details of their faith. Julia Roat-Abla notes that it is important “to let them become familiar with the language and symbols of our faith; it’s as equally important to define those things, use language all kids can understand, and answer their questions without impatience.” The greatest needs at this stage include:
- Reality and Answers to Real Questions
- Understanding Christian Language and Symbols
- Developing Morality and Empathy
Preteens
“Preteen development can be summed up in one word: change.”
Patrick Snow writes: “They change physically, emotionally, socially, and …intellectually.” They no longer accept something because someone says it. They like to do life their own way. They want to experience, test, and interact with faith on their own. They want to grapple with the deeper questions. It is at this stage that they start to own their own faith.
On Sunday, June 12th , join us for worship as we continue to teach our children well!
(For the complete article: http://www.childrensministry.com/articles/growing-season)
10:30AM WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS FOR JUNEJune 5 LIVES OF THE DISICIPLES: Whatever Happened to Peter?
June 12 CHILDREN’S DAY
June 19 FATHER’S DAY
June 26 “How Could God Rest on a Day Like This?
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SPECIAL MUSIC – Chung Hee Lee, our choir director, is looking for person/persons for the summer to be willing to participate (on Sundays) in the special Music segment for the worship service. Please call Chung Hee Lee or church office + there is a sign up sheet in the choir room, if you can participate. Thank You! Special Music will be performed during the summer months.
COMMISSION ON EDUCATION –
- Children’s Sunday is June 12th. Please bring your children at 9 am on the 12th so they can practice for the play.
- Graduate recognition is June 19th. Please come and celebrate with our graduates and please let the office know about your graduates.
- Children’s Ministry ends June 26th. Nursery care will be provided during the summer (5 and under). Volunteers needed!
CHURCH PICNIC – Sunday June 12th will be the Eastwood Baptist Church Picnic immediately following church services here at the church. Chicken, Hot Dogs, buns and Fruit salad will be supplied. Those who can, please bring a dish to pass. Games will be organized for kids and you are invited to bring lawn games, outdoor chairs and plenty of sunshine that only you can bring and share. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other better.
CAMPER SCHOLARSHIPS – Anyone interested in attending Camp Pathfinder or Camp Vick can apply for scholarships by contacting Brenda Mertz or Carolyn Walczyk or the Church Office.
GRADUATES –
Shelby Cadiz – Graduating from James Dewitt High School where she was on the Deans List all semesters and a member of the National Honor Society. She is planning to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC where she will study Interior Design.
Alyssa Crowell – Graduating in August LeMoyne College – Physician Assistant Program
Tanner DeWolf – Graduated from Morrisville College with a Degree in Renewable Technology.
Chaz Foland –Graduated from SU-BA Degree in Finance from Whitman School of Business and a BS Degree in Economics from the School of Arts & Science. Chaz has accepted a job with JP Morgan Chase as an analyst in NYC.
Casie Kimbrell –Graduated from Clarkson with a Masters in Business.
Jessie Kimbrell – Graduated from SUNY Canton in Business. Will be attending SUNY Brockport Nursing Program in the Fall
Rob Lemos – Graduated from MIT/Sloan – Administration: Entrepreneurship Management and Innovation with a Masters in Business
Peter Neeves – Graduated from University of Buffalo, Master Degree in Education
Kelley Pendergast – Graduated from St. Joseph University, Philadelphia, PA with a BS Degree in Business
Andrea Sargent – Graduated from LeMoyne College with MA in Accounting – CPA Program
Emily Stoddard – Graduating from Fayetteville-Manlius High School. Enrolled at The School of Art and Design in the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.
Alison Wood – Graduated from University of Buffalo – Bachelor in Arts/Sociology
July 3rd Combined Worship Service at 11:00am at James Street Methodist
On the July 4th weekend, Eastwood Baptist and James Street Methodist will be sharing worship together for that one Sunday. (James Street Methodist will come here September 4th.)
YES – There will be no service at Eastwood Baptist because we will all be at James Street.
YES – Both Pastor Bailey and Pastor Baum will share the service and sermon and communion.
YES – The time is 11am (Pastor Baum has to conduct worship in Minoa before coming to Eastwood.)
YES – If you would be willing to sing in a combined spontaneous choir, come at 10:30am.
New Hymnbook Dedications Almost Complete!
We have 150 hymnal gifts so far towards our goal of 180. If you still want to make a gift, use the form below and send it in this month. We will place the order in July for a September 25th dedication in worship on Homecoming Weekend.
Worship & Rejoice is Hope Publishing’s most up-to-date hymnal available. This extensive collection of 749 titles contains all the essential traditional hymns, plus over 100 of the top contemporary worship songs. With the diverse needs of today’s church in mind, the editors have included the best new hymns from today’s hymn writers, multicultural and global songs, spirituals, ecumenical songs and Taize titles. The broad scope of Worship & Rejoice makes it the richest resource available for blending different styles of music together in one service. www.worshipandrejoice.com
