WEPC Children's Ministry

November 2009 E-Newsletter

2009-10-30T15:18:00.002-04:00

A brief word…

Ephesians 6:13-18
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

I know I can’t complain too much about body aches because I’m barely in my thirties, but when I stand around for too long my back hurts. Apparently my posture is not the best. So… as I look forward to many holiday parties in the coming months, I dread the prospect of all the standing. (Although the plethora of sweet treats and tasty beverages help to calm my apprehension.)

But when I read Ephesians – I am comforted to see Paul’s image of standing. Because when it comes to the daily grind – the temptations that surround me, the failed goals, the unmet expectations, the disappointment in relationships, the suffocation of my own sin – it’s all I can do to simply stand. I dare not try to run toward God. I can’t even begin to walk toward Him. I can simply, and totally, stand upright. And if it wasn’t for the work of the Holy Spirit, I would be a crumpled pile of flesh and clothes on the floor.

So friends, parents, volunteers, brothers and sisters – let’s strive to do one thing – to STAND IN THE SHOES OF THE GOSPEL (6:15). When arrows are flung at you – realize that you stand upon the promise of God. When you are tempted to despair – don’t be overcome by unrealistic expectations, but despair in your sin and trust in the God that bought you those wonderful shoes of the Gospel.

Safety Highlight
WEPC considers it a high priority to keep our children safe and secure. That is part of our calling as shepherds. Therefore, each newsletter will highlight one of the many ways parents, teachers, pastors and children work together to create a safe environment. To view the entire Children’s Ministry child safety policy statement from the website, please click here and follow the links. If you ever have any questions about the safety procedures that are used in the WEPC Children’s Ministry, please contact Joe Brown.

Fire Evacuation Guidelines:
To provide guidelines for a safe and rapid evacuation of the sanctuary, classrooms, and nurseries in the event of an emergency, the diaconate as prepared and revised an evacuation procedure. If you have any questions about this procedure, please contact Joe Brown or Chris Perry.

I. Initial Phase
A. Alarm is to be activated if not already active.
B. Primary and secondary exit pathways, posted in each room, are to be followed.
C. Church staff members and officers are to encourage parents to exit through the front exits and meet their children at the assigned holding area (see below).
D. Persons with disabilities are to exit through the front exit walkways and will receive assistance from church officers.
E. Pastor will instruct individuals in sanctuary on what to do.

II. Evacuation
A. Deacons of the month – The primary responsibility of the DOMs is to provide direction and keep people moving toward the exits.
B. Other deacons and elders – are to report to the nurseries and assist with child transport.
C. Nursery coordinator – is to provide direction to nursery workers and deacons/elders. Additionally, once satisfied with deacon/elder/nursery worker activity, the NC is to account for all children at the holding area (see below).
D. Nursery workers – are to begin transporting children outside, with at least one remaining to account for all children still inside.
E. Sunday school teachers – are to exit the building with their class.
F. Parents (in the sanctuary) - are to exit through the front doors and meet their children at the holding area (see below).

III. Resolution Phase
A. Once each room is empty, deacons are to shut, not lock the doors.
B. Deacons of the month should be last to leave the building.
C. Holding Area: All officers, parents, and children are to go to, and wait in the assigned holding area located in the far, rear corner of the parking area (nearest Nottingham Green Apartments). The nursery coordinator and teachers will match children against attendance lists. All are to remain until every child is accounted for.
D. Transfer of Custody: it is the responsibility of all childcare workers to ensure that all children leave the building safely. Children should NOT be given to parents prior to the safe accounting of all children in the holding area. Parents can assist in getting children to the holding area, but may not take their children until the Nursery Coordinator has released them from the holding area.

Helpful “Tidbits” for Gospel Advancement
Every newsletter will include a section on education for volunteers, parents or both. These short insights are meant to help volunteers/parents to know how to love children for the Lord and how to present the gospel clearly and creatively. If you have any questions about any of the shared information, please contact Joe Brown.

Characteristics of a First Grader**
Think in literal and concrete terms
Can follow specific instructions
Have difficulty sitting still for very long
Have a lot of energy
Like all kinds of games
Need to feel capable
Want to please teachers
Are talkative
Are developing hand-eye coordination
Think in terms of good and bad
Enjoy Bible stories
Understand God's love through personal experience
Beginning to read

First Graders “need to feel capable.” I can relate – I desire more than almost anything else the knowledge that I can produce results. That when I speak or act, things happen. Do you feel that way? Well… let’s produce what we should – repentance at our selfish desire to be capable. And let’s show our first graders that they are extremely capable – but God is the only One able to search the hearts of man – and the only One able to save.
** This is found from the Great Commission Publications newsletter, “Go Teach.” To subscribe to this helpful newsletter, please click here. GCP is the curriculum provider for our Children’s Sunday School classes.

November Announcements

Click here for classroom and age assignments for Sunday morning.

Click here for a list and brief description of most of the family events for the next school-year.
Information will be provided in the bulletin, e-newsletters and other ways for each specific event.

Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner:
On Sunday, November 8th at 6:00 p.m. come enjoy a fellowship as you are served by our Young Servants and others a delicious Thanksgiving meal: turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, stuffing and other seasonal favorites. The cost is $4/person but no more than $12 per family. Please RSVP to rsvp@wepc.org so we know how many to cook for. Please list the # of adults, # of kids 6-18, and the # of kids 5 and under. Feel free to invite friends and family. Also, please bring some food for the WEPC Food Pantry.

Interested in Spreading the Aroma of Christ to our littlest friends?
During the 10:30 service, we still have a few nurseries that are in need of individuals that can love God through loving children. This is a bi-weekly commitment that involves loving little children, praying for families, and making sure that the environment in the nursery room is one that spreads the aroma of Christ. If you want more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Jennifer Tomenendal at 527-0307 or Blair Brown at 543-8227.

Looking for a Fantastic Time on Wednesday nights?
See information below about Kids Club. We are still looking for a First Grade small group leader and also helpers for most ages. Please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 if you want to help.

Weekly Children’s Worship Food Offering:
The children of Children’s Worship (ages 4 – 2nd Grade) are encouraged to bring one food item per week for their offering. We have an “offering wagon” where the children bring their food for the church food pantry. Parents, please help them to remember to bring just one item a week. Examples of things they can bring: a can of tuna, soup, beans, or fruit, a box of macaroni and cheese, raisins, or cereal, a jar of peanut butter... Bringing an offering of food is a concrete and tangible way for your child to respond to what we are learning about showing love to our neighbors. Please make a note to yourself to make it a weekly habit. One small item per week can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Kids’ Club:
Every Wednesday during the school-year, WEPC will be presenting the gospel to our elementary-school children every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 25. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come this Wednesday. If your child is not yet in Kindergarten, please let the excitement build up in them over this year and refrain from bringing them until they are in Kindergarten. Because of the large number of kids, we will have to turn away any preschoolers. This year we will be learning about the Gospel in the book of Genesis and the patient love that God shows to His covenant family.

Flu Season is Here:
Click here for the church’s statement on the spread of influenza.
While we should not live in fear, we should be prepared as best as possible. The flu is here and with it are some precautions. We can all help protect ourselves, our children and each other by washing our hands frequently, regularly using hand sanitizer, covering your mouth with your sleeve when coughing, and staying home when you are sick. For more information on what WEPC is doing to prevent the spread of contagious disease, please visit the children’s ministry page of the church website, or contact Joe Brown.

VBS CD available in early November!:
After many months of editing and delay, the CD of all the music from this past summer’s Vacation Bible School will be available in early November. If you filled out a form to receive a CD then you will be contacted when it is ready to be picked up. The CD costs $1.

CM Restructuring Team Update:
For a few months now, a team of parents, volunteers and members have been meeting to discuss and propose a change to the way we minister to children here at WEPC. We have discussed such issues as the way we love and care for new parents all the way to the hard years of the “tweeners” (i.e. 10-13 year olds). Please be in prayer for this team of nine individuals over the next two months as a plan comes together. More information will be forthcoming.

WEPC Community Preschool:

Enrollment Still Open:
We still have a few spots open in our 3 and 4 year-old classes. If you or someone you know would like to enroll, please do so as soon as possible. Contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741-6562 or casey@wepc.org. You can also visit the website.

Substitutes Needed:
If you are interested in being a substitute teacher for the preschool, please contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741-6562 or casey@wepc.org. Substitutes are paid $8/hour for their time serving at the preschool.

Scholarship Contributions:
If you would like to partner with preschool by contributing to our scholarship fund, you can pick up a brochure in the “Life At West End” display case in the gallery or visit the preschool page of the church website.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. During the week, please check out the church website (www.wepc.org) or the Children’s Ministry webpage (wepckids.blogspot.com) to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs
Please pray for the following needs for the Children’s Ministry of West End Presbyterian Church. If you would like to submit a prayer request, please click here, or reply to this email. Please note in your request if you would like it to remain confidential.
- Pray for healing and protection for the large number of children that have gotten the seasonal or swine flu.
- Pray for protection and faith in the number of pregnant women that have other children with H1N1.
- Pray for an increase in faith to supersede the fear that the H1N1 outbreak has caused. God is in control!

Praise for more babies!!!
Three more beautiful babies were born to WEPC families since the last newsletter. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

November Schedule

Sunday, November 1st
What: WEPC Comm. Preschool Board Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Sundays, November 1st, 15th, 22nd & 29th (No YST on Nov. 8th because of the Fellowship Dinner)
What: Young Servants’ Training
Where: Library
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (on the 29th, 5:30 – 6:30)
Contact: Joe Brown

Wednesday, November 4th, 11th, 18th (NO KC on Nov. 25th because of Thanksgiving)
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Room 25, 29, 31, 33, 34, 10 & 08
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, November 8th
What: Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner
Where: Fellowship Hall
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Liz Grissom

October 2009 E-Newsletter

2009-10-08T15:10:00.002-04:00

A brief word…

Psalm 102:24-28
24 "Do not take me away, O my God, in the midst of my days; your years go on through all generations.
25 In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
26 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded.
27 But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
28 The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you."

Is change good?

In the midst of a changing world, my source of comfort is the fact that God does not change. You see, I change a lot. I change my routines. I change my habits. But even more than that, I change my mind. I waver – I’m wishy-washy. I have been (rightly) accused of going with the tides. (I generally don’t like fair-weather fans. But even more than that, I don’t like rooting for terrible teams!)

We’re in the middle of a lot of change at our house. Our first child has gone off to Kindergarten! And, in a major way, Blair and I have ceased being the number one influence on our child. This seems corny, but this has created a significant change in our routines, our emphases, and our attitudes. We get up earlier and we have to worry about “school nights” and we have homework and…

…meanwhile, we have other children. And Anna Roe has witnessed this change with much trepidation. As life changed at the Brown home, Anna Roe realized that the only way to get attention was to disobey and negatively react to every little thing. “Change,” for Anna Roe, was her enemy. “Change,” for Joe, was the enemy as well.

But, truthfully, CHANGE IS OUR FRIEND! The Changeless One, our Creator and Savior, is working to restore and renew His people. Believer, you are being changed! God uses things like Kindergarten, sibling rivalry, job-loss, death, marriage troubles to change His people into the children of God He desires us to be. That doesn’t make those things easier, but it does give me comfort to know that in the midst of a changing world, My God remains the same.

Safety Highlight
WEPC considers it a high priority to keep our children safe and secure. That is part of our calling as shepherds. Therefore, each newsletter will highlight one of the many ways parents, teachers, pastors and children work together to create a safe environment. To view the entire Children’s Ministry child safety policy statement from the website, please click here and follow the links. If you ever have any questions about the safety procedures that are used in the WEPC Children’s Ministry, please contact Joe Brown.

CM Discipline Procedures:
To help our children feel safe and secure, the following discipline procedures will be followed in all CM classes in the following order.
1. Redirect or give verbal warning.
2. Time out away from the group with volunteer assigned to sit with the child until suitable time has elapsed. This will either be within the classroom, or within eyesight of another volunteer within the classroom.
3. If the child is uncontrollable, then parent(s) will be asked to remove the child from class that day. For recurring problems, the volunteer will contact the parent to work out a solution. Requiring the parent to attend with the child next week is recommended.
4. In extreme cases, the CMD has the authority to prohibit the child from the further participation.

• Physical punishment is never allowed, even when approved by parent(s).

Helpful “Tidbits” for Gospel Advancement
Every newsletter will include a section on education for volunteers, parents or both. These short insights are meant to help volunteers/parents to know how to love children for the Lord and how to present the gospel clearly and creatively. If you have any questions about any of the shared information, please contact Joe Brown.

Interesting Quote:
I came across this quote the other day and thought it interesting enough to share. Madeleine L’Engle, author of Wrinkle in Time and others, said, “Jesus was not a theologian. He was God who told stories.” Two things to note: (1) Jesus was not “a” God – He was/is “the” One and Only God. And (2) Jesus taught through parables and stories so as to bring the knowledge of the Kingdom of God to the people of the day. As ambassadors of Christ to children, we need to similarly speak to our children in stories – sharing the truth of the Gospel in ways that reach their hearts. So… this week, the next time you try to teach a child, use a story and see what happens.

* Madeleine L’Engle is a wonderful Christian artist. I admit that she said many things that were a little “off” and should be read with much discernment… but still worth the read.

October Announcements

HELP NEEDED with Kids Club:
See information below about Kids Club. We have many children and very few workers as of now. If you would like to spend Wednesday evenings with a small group of elementary-school children, then please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562. Commitment is flexible, but you need to be willing to share the Gospel of God with children and an hour of your week.

Click here for classroom and age assignments for Sunday morning.

Click here for a list and brief description of most of the family events for the next school-year.
Information will be provided in the bulletin, e-newsletters and other ways for each specific event.

Interested in Spreading the Aroma of Christ to our littlest friends?
During the 10:30 service, we still have a few nurseries that are in need of individuals that can love God through loving children. This is a bi-weekly commitment that involves loving little children, praying for families, and making sure that the environment in the nursery room is one that spreads the aroma of Christ. If you want more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Jennifer Tomenendal at 527-0307 (rusjenandall@yahoo.com) or Blair Brown at 543-8227 (blairmb@gmail.com).

Kids’ Club has begun:
Every Wednesday during the school-year, WEPC will be presenting the gospel to our elementary-school children every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 25. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come this Wednesday. If your child is not yet in Kindergarten, please let the excitement build up in them over this year and refrain from bringing them until they are in Kindergarten. Because of the large number of kids, we will have to turn away any preschoolers.

Flu Season is Here:
While we should not live in fear, we should be prepared as best as possible. The flu is here and with it are some precautions. We can all help protect ourselves, our children and each other by washing our hands frequently, regularly using hand sanitizer, covering your mouth with your sleeve when coughing, and staying home when you are sick. For more information on what WEPC is doing to prevent the spread of contagious disease, please visit the children’s ministry page of the church website, or contact Joe Brown.

Ministry Supply Needs:
Please donate any extra egg cartons, paper towel rolls and baby food jars with lids to the church. Planned crafts and projects for children’s ministry need a lot of these items.

November 8th Fellowship Luncheon:
Directly after the 2nd worship service on November 8th, the church will celebrate with a fellowship luncheon. As part of our time together, some children will be serving in unique ways. More information will be coming.

Goodbye Goldfish, Hello Pretzels:
With a rising number of children with diary allergies, we believe it is a great way to love our children by providing a consistent snack that most children can eat. Starting September 13th, all nurseries and children’s Sunday school classes that provide a snack will only provide pretzels and water. Click here for an ingredients list that is found on the website and on the doors of the classrooms. If you have any questions, please contact one of the ministry leaders.

Music from VBS will be available soon:
I apologize for the delay. I have been informed by our volunteer producer that the CD should be completed by the end of October. If you filled out a form to receive a CD of the music that was sung at VBS, then please be patient. You will be contacted when it is ready to be picked up. The CD costs $1.

CM Restructuring Team Update:
For a few months now, a team of parents, volunteers and members have been meeting to discuss and propose a change to the way we minister to children here at WEPC. We have discussed such issues as the way we love and care for new parents all the way to the hard years of the “tweeners” (i.e. 10-13 year olds). Please be in prayer for this team of nine individuals over the next two months as a plan comes together. More information will be forthcoming.

WEPC Community Preschool:

School Has Begun:
It’s exciting to see so many new families coming into the church and to know their children will learn about God this year.

Prayer Requests:
● Wisdom, grace, patience and love for the preschool staff as they interact with the children and their families
● Soft hearts, obedience, peace and cheerful attitudes for the children

Enrollment Still Open:
We still have a few spots open in our 3 and 4 year-old classes. If you or someone you know would like to enroll, please do so as soon as possible. Contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741-6562 or casey@wepc.org. You can also visit the website
.
Scholarship Contributions:
If you would like to partner with preschool by contributing to our scholarship fund, you can pick up a brochure in the “Life At West End” display case in the gallery or visit the preschool page of the church website.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. During the week, please check out the church website (www.wepc.org) or the Children’s Ministry webpage (wepckids.blogspot.com) to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs:

- Pray for a child that is “acting up” a lot at school and at home. This is new behavior for him and the parents need wisdom to know why and how to help the child. Pray for God’s intervention in the child’s heart.

- Pray for the “young servants” that have been meeting on Sunday afternoons (3rd – 5th Graders) to learn how to be a Christian servant. Pray that God would use these outwardly means to make great inward, spiritual growth.

Praise for another baby!!!

Another beautiful baby was born to a WEPC family since the last newsletter. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the baby and family. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

October Schedule

Sundays, October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
What: Young Servants’ Training
Where: Library
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Jill Wiebe-King

Wednesday, October 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
What: Kids’ Club Begins!!
Where: Room 25, 29, 31, 33, 34, 10 & 08
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, November 1st
What: WEPC Community Preschool Board Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Contact: Heather Jarvis & Casey Zollinhofer

September 2009 E-Newsletter

2009-09-02T13:14:00.004-04:00

A brief word…

Deuteronomy 30:4
Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the LORD your God will gather you and bring you back.

“Forgiveness” is a big deal. When you have two preschool children that are constantly at each other’s throats, a parent must not only deal with the individual sin, but the relationship that has been hurt. I can’t tell you how many times our house is filled with screams and yells that are followed by, “he hit me!” or “she keeps looking at me!” I confess that my patience is thin in those instances and I usually fail in my job at correcting and teaching my child how to seek forgiveness. But one thing I am certain about: my job as a parent is to deal with the heart of my child… not just her behavior. In other words, as Dr. Tripp described it, parents are spiritual heart-surgeons.

I read an article this week that disturbed me. In it, the author argued that Christians are to offer forgiveness to all, but this forgiveness is conditional. And if the offender doesn’t repent, then we should not actually forgive him. I have many issues with this argument, but the most fundamental problem with this is that it places the Christian in the role of God. “I will forgive you, but I will judge whether your repentance is adequate. If not, then you are not forgiven.”

My three and five year-olds are commanded to seek repentance. But is it adequate? Absolutely not. I can tell that when my child says quietly and between tears, “I’m sorry, please forgive me,” his heart is still hurt and angry and he doesn’t actually want to be forgiven. But aren’t we the same way? When I realize my sin, I do attempt to repent and to seek forgiveness. But it is saturated with false pride and self-righteous excuses. “I did sin… but if I had gotten enough sleep then I wouldn’t have acted that way… or if they hadn’t been so rude…”

Our repentance may be flawed… but God forgives His people – absolutely and totally.

Parents and teachers, your children will sin – and it is your job to point them to the path of repentance. But more importantly, it is your job to point them to the Only One that can absolutely and totally forgive.

Safety Highlight
WEPC considers it a high priority to keep our children safe and secure. That is part of our calling as shepherds. Therefore, each newsletter will highlight one of the many ways parents, teachers, pastors and children work together to create a safe environment. To view the entire Children’s Ministry child safety policy statement from the website, please click here and follow the links. If you ever have any questions about the safety procedures that are used in the WEPC Children’s Ministry, please contact Joe Brown.

Goodbye Goldfish, Hello Pretzels:
With a rising number of children with diary allergies, we believe it is a great way to love our children by providing a consistent snack that most children can eat. Starting September 13th, all nurseries and children’s Sunday school classes that provide a snack will only provide pretzels and water. An ingredients list is found on the website and on the doors of the classrooms. If you have any questions, please visit the website or contact one of the ministry leaders.

Helpful “Tidbits” for Gospel Advancement

Every newsletter will include a section on education for volunteers, parents or both. These short insights are meant to help volunteers/parents to know how to love children for the Lord and how to present the gospel clearly and creatively. If you have any questions about any of the shared information, please contact Joe Brown.

Characteristics of a three-year-old**
Cannot think abstractly
Need simple and concrete examples
Like to be helpful
Watch and imitate adults
Can have sensible conversations
Can sit a little longer
Have limited coloring/gluing skills
Follow simple directions
Have a 1,500-word vocabulary
Know some Bible words
Play WITH others

The three-year-old in your life has a slowly-growing circle of influence. Friends are becoming part of his life. In the Sunday School room, while he still plays by himself, he is beginning to see the joys of playing with others. But alas, where there are relationships there is sin. Use this as a perfect opportunity to bring in the Gospel. Let us never show our children their sin without also showing them the Savior.

** This is found from the Great Commission Publications newsletter, “Go Teach.” To subscribe to this helpful newsletter, please click here. GCP is the curriculum provider for our Children’s Sunday School classes.

September Announcements

CM “Move-Up Sunday” is September 13th:
This is a big day for our children and families. All Sunday School classes will “graduate” into their new classes and even the Nurseries will be led by new Room Leaders. Please take some extra time that morning to find your new class and meet your new teachers. Click here for classroom and age assignments that begin on September 13th. This will also be the first day of our new year of Children’s Worship.

29 Volunteer Positions for Children’s Ministry needed for the Fall. Please see below.

Nursery Room Leaders Needed (10:30 service only):
This is a bi-weekly commitment from September 13th to June 6th that involves loving little children, praying for families, and making sure that the environment in the nursery room is one that spreads the aroma of Christ. Interested? Please mark your tear-off or contact Jennifer Tomenendal at 527-0307 (rusjenandall@yahoo.com) or Blair Brown at 543-8227 (blairmb@gmail.com). We are looking for about 6 individuals.

Sunday School Teachers Needed (9:00 service only):
This is a bi-weekly commitment from September 13th to June 6th that involves co-teaching classes and/or helping the teachers in the classrooms. We need about 5 teachers & 8 helpers from 2 years old to 5th Grade. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Sarah Doerfler at 364-9228 (sarah@blueinthestream.com). Here are the main needs:
Younger Two’s: 1 teacher, 2 helpers
Older Two’s: 1 teacher, 2 helpers
Younger Three’s: 1 teacher, 1 helper
Kindergarten: 1 helper
2nd Grade: 1 teacher, 1 helper
3rd Grade: 1 teacher

Kids’ Club Leaders Needed (Wednesday Evenings):
This is a weekly commitment from October 7th to April 28th (with various holidays off). This ministry strives to present the gospel to our elementary-school children (Kindergarten through 5th Grade) every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. through games, crafts, songs and small groups. We need about 10 individuals as small group leaders, small group helpers, game coordinator, and music coordinator. Please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 if you want to help.

Children & Family Events for 2009-2010
For those planners out there, click here for a list and brief description of most of the family events for the next school-year. Information will be provided in the bulletin, e-newsletters and other venues for each specific event.

Nursery Leadership Changes
Nikki Deal, who has faithfully volunteered as the Nursery Director, is transitioning out of that position, but will continue to serve as a Nursery Coordinator. For the past two years Nikki has faithfully slaved over a computer to try to keep the nurseries staffed with members every Sunday. This is a thankless job because if everything is working then she doesn’t hear anything. But when something goes wrong, she gets an earful (or a clogged inbox). So please, when you see Nikki next, give her a hug and thank you. Filling her shoes, Jennifer Tomenendal will be the Nursery Director and Blair Brown will be the Nursery Scheduler.

NEW – Adult Teaching Fellowships:
Something new is happening this Fall on Sunday mornings! If you are interested in growing in your walk with Christ and connecting with others in the church in a medium-sized group setting, come check out a Teaching Fellowship…a place to learn and a place to connect. Check out the bulletin and the website for more info. If you are a parent, please consider attending a Teaching Fellowship while your child is in Sunday School, to help you better train and disciple your children in the Gospel. If you are a teacher, what a better way to be strengthened in your off-weeks then to grow in community and in the Gospel.

Goodbye Goldfish, Hello Pretzels:
With a rising number of children with diary allergies, we believe it is a great way to love our children by providing a consistent snack that most children can eat. Starting September 13th, all nurseries and children’s Sunday school classes that provide a snack will only provide pretzels and water. Click here for an ingredients list that is found on the website and on the doors of the classrooms. If you have any questions, please contact one of the ministry leaders.

Children’s Worship Parent Orientation:
If you have a child in Children’s Worship, or soon will, we invite you to join Joe Brown for a Children’s Worship Orientation on September 13th during Children’s Worship. This one-week event is designed to convey to parents what the children will be doing in Children’s Worship, and how we can work together to achieve the goal of training worshippers. Our own “WEPC Worshipping Family Booklet” will be handed out at the Orientation that is designed to assist parents in their work. You will miss the sermon on this Sunday, so please either attend the 9:00 service or catch the sermon on the website (www.wepc.org).

Young Servant’s Training:

Beginning September 27th and continuing to December 13th, all 3rd, 4th & 5th Graders are invited to a twelve-week course to learn and practice how to be a servant-leader. We will meet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Room 10 on the Ground Floor. Our time will conclude with a spring quarter project. For more information, please contact Joe Brown.

Kids’ Club will return October 7th:
During the school year, WEPC presents the gospel to our elementary-school children every Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games as we learn about the kingdom of God advancing. Kids’ Club will return October 7th for another fun-filled year! We will be walking through the book of Genesis and learning how God is long-suffering and patient as He redeems His people and guides us.

CM Restructuring Team Update:
For a few months now, a team of parents, volunteers and members have been meeting to discuss and propose a change to the way we minister to children here at WEPC. We have discussed such issues as the way we love and care for new parents all the way to the hard years of the “tweeners” (i.e. 10-13 year olds). Please be in prayer for this team of nine individuals over the next two months as a plan comes together. More information will be forthcoming.

Music from VBS will soon be available:
Sorry for the delay. If you filled out a form to receive a CD of the music that was sung at VBS, then please be patient. It will be available soon and you will be contacted when it is ready to be picked up. The CD costs $1.

WEPC Community Preschool:

2009-2010 School Year - Class Info Update
2 Year Old Class – Meeting Wednesday
3 Year Old Classes – Meeting Wednesday/Friday
4 Year Old Class – Meeting Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Enrollment is Open:
WEPC Community Preschool is expanding for this coming school year. Enrollment is currently open for two, three and four year olds. If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like to learn more about us, please contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741-6562.

Scholarship Contributions:
Thank you! We extend a big thank you to all who has contributed to the WEPC Community Preschool Scholarship Fund. Our total from gifts is $1940 so far! This will be such a blessing to our preschool families. If you would like to partner with preschool by contributing to our scholarship fund, you can pick up a brochure in the “Life At West End” display case in the gallery or visit the preschool page of the church website.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. During the week, please check out the church website (www.wepc.org) or the Children’s Ministry webpage (wepckids.blogspot.com) to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs

- Pray for the start of a new school-year. It is during this time of change that many children and families are more open to the Gospel. Pray for conversions in our church and community.

- Pray for a family that is struggling with serious financial strain because of lack of employment. Pray that the parents do not sink into despair, but will be lifted up the Spirit. And pray that this can provide opportunities for God to transform and renew this family.

Praise for more babies!!!

Two more beautiful babies were born to WEPC families since the last newsletter. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

September Schedule

Thursday, September 3rd
What: Children’s Worship Training
Where: Fellowship Hall
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Jill Wiebe-King

Wednesday, September 9th
What: Sunday School Teacher/Helper Training
Where: Fellowship Hall
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Sarah Doerfler, Suzanna Phillips, Colleen Jacoby & Chris McMahon

Thursday, September 10th
What: WEPC Community Preschool Parents’ Night
Where: TBD
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Contact: Casey Zollinhofer

Sunday, September 13th
What: Move Up Sunday!
Where: All over!
Time: 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Who: All Sunday School children will graduate to the next grade level.

Sunday, September 13th
What: Children’s Worship Begins
Where: Fellowship Hall & Room 10
Time: During the sermon of the 2nd Service
Contact: Jill Wiebe-King

Sunday, September 13th
What: Children’s Worship Parent Orientation
Where: Conference Room
Time: During the sermon of the 2nd Service
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, September 27th
What: Young Servants’ Training Begins
Where: Room 10
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Wednesday, September 30th
What: Kids’ Club Leaders’ Meeting
Where: Room 25
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

August 2009 E-Newsletter

2009-07-24T13:18:00.003-04:00

A brief word…

Psalm 34:15,17
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry… When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

My children are loud. Our next-door neighbor (a very friendly, wonderful single woman) often comments about how she feels sorry for Blair because she can hear our children crying or screaming from inside her car… while it is running… and while our children are inside. That’s right: thick exterior walls to a home and the purr of an internal combustible engine cannot drown out the screams and cries of my children. Suffice it to say, when my children cry, we hear them.

God tells us that when His children cry, He hears them. Wherever you are right now – you have a Heavenly Father that is waiting for your cries to Him. Are you worried about your finances? Then cry to Him in your fear. Are you concerned over your child’s behavior? Then cry to Him in your desperation. Are you angry about the latest trial in your life? Then cry to Him in your anger.

Psalm 34:15 & 17 is at the same time (1) an exhortation to cry to Him and (2) an assurance of God’s active presence. We need to be reminded to cry out to the One that listens. Just because God is in control doesn’t mean we can neglect our duty to cry out to Him – in fact, it underscores how important it is to cry out to the One that “can do something about it!” And similarly, remember that God’s ear is inclined to you. He is listening… and He is ready to deliver you.

How great it is that we serve the One and Only – the God that not only hears His children, but is ready and willing to deliver them. As an earthly father, I am ready to listen (usually) but sometimes I can’t do anything about it. Jesus, on the other hand, is actively working and pursuing and redeeming.

Christian, cry out to your Father. He is listening.

Safety Highlight
WEPC considers it a high priority to keep our children safe and secure. That is part of our calling as shepherds. Therefore, each newsletter will highlight one of the many ways parents, teachers, pastors and children work together to create a safe environment. To view the entire Children’s Ministry child safety policy statement from the website, please click here and follow the links. If you ever have any questions about the safety procedures that are used in the WEPC Children’s Ministry, please contact Joe Brown.

Diapers & Bathroom Policy
Whenever a child takes part in an event or program here at West End Presbyterian Church within the Children’s Ministry there are strict rules on the use of bathrooms and the changing of diapers. When a child is five-years-old and younger, they will be diapered or assisted in the bathroom by a female adult only (no men). {But men are highly encouraged to change their own children’s diapers!} Once the child turns six-years-old, he/she will be escorted to the bathroom by an adult of the same sex. If possible, the volunteer should attempt to bring at least two children.

Next time… “Allergen Avoidance”

Helpful “Tidbits” for Gospel Advancement
Every newsletter will include a section on education for volunteers, parents or both. These short insights are meant to help volunteers/parents to know how to love children for the Lord and how to present the gospel clearly and creatively. If you have any questions about any of the shared information, please contact Joe Brown.

Characteristics of a two-year-old**
· Cannot think abstractly
· Need simple and concrete samples
· Often feel small and vulnerable
· Have a fear of separation from parents
· Are curious about everything
· Are physically active
· Have limited motor skills
· Are developing large motor skills
· Have a 200-word vocabulary
· Understand more words than they can use
· Play NEAR others
I think the second-to-last characteristic is interesting. Two-year-olds can understand more words than they actually use. Just because the two-year-old in your class or in your home isn’t saying much, it doesn’t mean she doesn’t know what is being said. So today, remind the two-year-old in your life that “Jesus is always with you” or that “God made you.” She is hearing more than you know.
** This is found from the Great Commission Publications newsletter, “Go Teach.” To subscribe to this helpful newsletter, please click here. GCP is the curriculum provider for our Children’s Sunday School classes.

August Announcements

VBS 2009:

Eureka! Mountain Top
An Upward Bound thanks to all who prayed, provided Trail Treats refreshments, and/or completed the climb as Upward Bound staff. Thanks to such a great group effort, Upward Bound had a fantastic climb with over 140 different Backpackers participating! An extra thanks to Rebecca Allan, our volunteer VBS 2009 Director, who has been planning and thinking and praying for VBS since last year! If you enjoyed VBS and you get a chance, please drop a note to Rebecca telling her how God used VBS to advance His kingdom!

Pictures available from VBS:
If you would like a website link of hundreds of photos from this year’s Vacation Bible School, then please contact Joe Brown at joe@wepc.org or 741-6562.

Music from VBS will soon be available:
If you filled out a form to receive a CD of the music that was sung at VBS, then please be patient. It will be available soon and you will be contacted when it is ready to be picked up. The CD costs $1.

106 Volunteer Positions for Children’s Ministry needed for the Fall. Please see below.

Nursery Room Leaders Needed (both services):
This is a bi-weekly commitment from September 13th to June 6th that involves loving little children, praying for families, and making sure that the environment in the nursery room is one that spreads the aroma of Christ. Interested? Please mark your tear-off or contact Jennifer Tomenendal at 527-0307 (rusjenandall@yahoo.com) or Blair Brown at 543-8227 (blairmb@gmail.com). We are looking for about 16 individuals.

Children’s Worship Leaders Needed (10:30 service only):
This is a twice-monthly commitment from September 13th to June 6th. These leaders are responsible to co-lead the second half of the Children’s Worship, rotating with the other teachers, teaching twice in one month. If you are interested, please write on your tear-off or contact Jill Wiebe-King at 288-6424 (jillwiebeking@verizon.net). We need about 10 more individuals to join the team.

Sunday School Teachers Needed (9:00 service only):
This is a bi-weekly commitment from September 13th to June 6th that involves co-teaching classes and/or helping the teachers in the classrooms. We need about 20 teachers & 44 helpers from 2 years old to 5th Grade. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Sarah Doerfler at 364-9228 (sarah@blueinthestream.com).

Kids’ Club Leaders Needed (Wednesday Evenings):
This is a weekly commitment from October 7th to April 28th (with various holidays off). This ministry strives to present the gospel to our elementary-school children (Kindergarten through 5th Grade) every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. through games, crafts, songs and small groups. We need about 15 individuals as small group leaders, small group helpers, craft coordinator, game coordinator, and music coordinator. Please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 (joe@wepc.org) if you want to help.

CM Photographer (once a month):
This is a monthly commitment from September 13th to June 6th. If you have the gift of photography and can commit to taking pictures, printing them and posting them on a monthly basis, please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 (joe@wepc.org).

CM “Move-Up Sunday” is September 13th:
This is a big day for our children and families. All Sunday School classes will “graduate” into their new classes and even the Nurseries will be led by new Room Leaders. Please take some extra time that morning to find your new class and meet your new teachers. This will also be the first day of our new year of Children’s Worship.

Nursery “Feast N Freshen’ Up”:
Come and be where the action is! Attend our second “Feast N Freshen Up” on Sunday, August 30th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the WEPC Nurseries. Meet us in the Infant through 3 year old rooms as we wash, sort and inspect the toys, declutter the rooms, and generally ‘freshen up’ the area! Food will be provided. Wear old clothes to help us make the rooms safer and cleaner for our little ones. For more information, please contact Jennifer Tomenendal at 527-0307 or Blair Brown at 543-8227

Allergy Update?
If your child has an allergy, please make sure that his teachers are aware. This information should be on the sign-in sheet of all Sunday School, Nursery and Children’s Worship classes.

Children’s Worship Parent Orientation:
If you have a child in Children’s Worship, or soon will, we invite you to join Joe Brown for a Children’s Worship Orientation on September 13th during Children’s Worship. This one-week event is designed to convey to parents what the children will be doing in Children’s Worship, and how we can work together to achieve the goal of training worshippers. Our own “WEPC Worshipping Family Booklet” will be handed out at the Orientation that is designed to assist parents in their work. You will miss the sermon on this Sunday, so please either attend the 9:00 service or catch the sermon on the website (www.wepc.org).

Kids’ Club will return October 7th:
During the school year, WEPC presents the gospel to our elementary-school children every Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games as we learn about the kingdom of God advancing. Kids’ Club will return October 7th for another fun-filled year! We will be walking through the book of Genesis and learning how God is long-suffering and patient as He redeems His people and guides us.

CM Restructuring Team Update:
For a few months now, a team of parents, volunteers and members have been meeting to discuss and propose a change to the way we minister to children here at WEPC. We have discussed such issues as the way we love and care for new parents all the way to the hard years of the “tweeners” (i.e. 10-13 year olds). Please be in prayer for this team of nine individuals over the next two months as a plan comes together. More information will be forthcoming.

WEPC Community Preschool:

Preschool Job Openings for 2009-2010 School Year
2 Year Old Assistant Teacher
3 Year Old Teacher
4 Year Old Teacher
For more information please contact Casey Zollinhofer at casey@wepc.org or 741-6562 ext. 12. You can also read more about these positions on the preschool page of the church website (wepc.org/preschool).

2009-2010 School Year - Class Info Update
2 Year Old Class – Meeting Wednesday
3 Year Old Classes – Meeting Wednesday/Friday
4 Year Old Class – Meeting Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Enrollment is Open:
The Staff and Preschool Board are excited to announce that WEPC Community Preschool will be expanding for next school year. Enrollment is currently open for two, three and four year olds. If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like to learn more about us, please contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741-6562 or casey@wepc.org.

Scholarship Contributions:
Thank you! We extend a big thank you to all who has contributed to the WEPC Community Preschool Scholarship Fund. Our total from gifts is $1940 so far! This will be such a blessing to our preschool families. If you would like to partner with preschool by contributing to our scholarship fund, you can pick up a brochure in the “Life At West End” display case in the gallery or visit the preschool page of the church website (wepc.org/preschool).

GoodSports Soccer Camp:
Because of another year of unprecedented attendance, registration has been closed. For boys and girls ages 4 to 11 will be help July 27th – 30th (M – Th) from 5 to 7:30pm. This camp teaches basic soccer skills in a fun, positive environment while using the basic tenants of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, Dedication and Perseverance to share the Gospel. For more information or to volunteer contact Carl Miller at cakbmiller@verizon.net.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. During the week, please check out the church website (www.wepc.org) or the Children’s Ministry webpage (wepckids.blogspot.com) to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs
Please pray for the following needs for the Children’s Ministry of West End Presbyterian Church. If you would like to submit a prayer request, please click here, or reply to this email. Please note in your request if you would like it to remain confidential.

- Pray for boldness to declare the gospel and the truth of God’s word to the children of our church and community. I know this seems too obvious and vague, but we need the Holy Spirit to move mightily in the lives of our children. Let’s pray together as the body of Christ that the gospel will be advanced to the next generation.

- Pray for a family that is struggling through the separation of parents and probable divorce. Pray that the children would be protected from the lies of the devil (i.e. “no one loves me”, or “it is my fault”). Pray that God would (1) redeem this marriage and (2) that the testimony of this tragedy can produce fruit of repentance and faith in many lives.

Praise for more babies!!!
Nine more beautiful babies were born to WEPC families since the last newsletter. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

August Schedule

Sunday, August 2nd
What: WEPC Community Preschool Board Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Contact: Heather Jarvis

Sunday, August 30th
What: Nursery “Feast N Freshen’ Up”
Where: Nurseries
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Contact: Jennifer Tomenendal & Blair Brown

June & July 2009 E-Newsletter

2009-06-04T11:48:00.002-04:00

Luke 15:8-10
“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

A few weeks ago we lost “duckie.”

My three-year-old daughter, Anna Roe, has two duck blankets that are identical. She carries them around everywhere and they are affectionately called “duckies.” After one afternoon of play around the house and at the store, she ended up with only one ducky. Anna Roe’s two parents tore the house apart! I was in the backyard at 10 p.m. with a flashlight looking under the shed (I found many things, but none were ducky). Sitting down on the couch, Blair and I were devastated. Only one ducky.

What was fascinating was that Anna Roe was not fazed. She didn’t cry or get upset in any way. From that moment on, she no longer talked about “duckies” – only “ducky.” Did she pass through all those pop-psychology phases of denial and anger? Has she jumped all the way to “acceptance”?

BUT THEN, during spring summer cleaning JEB FOUND DUCKY! I understood what the woman in Jesus’ parable felt – real “joy.” “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost (ducky)!” Jeb was proud, Anna Roe’s parents were joyful, and Anna Roe was comforted.

That’s when I realized, in a small way, how cheap “acceptance” of loss is. That word sounds so positive – yet it is deceptive. We are told to accept the devastating affects of sin. When we deal with loss, psychology can only take us to throwing up our hands and saying, “only one ducky.” Jesus declares that the Father “sweeps the house” – throws pillows, chairs and couches aside looking for His people and redeeming His world. He doesn’t accept loss – He fixes it. As believers, we can’t fix loss – and we do need to “accept” that sin is devastating (far more devastating than the loss of a child’s plaything).

But the comfort of finding something loved that is lost pales in comparison to the comfort of being someone lost that is found.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in June & July

VBS 2009:
This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from Sunday, June 21st to Friday, June 26th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The purpose for VBS is to present the gospel clearly and creatively, so that our children and the children of the community can be brought to faith and repentance. VBS is open to all children between the ages of 4-years-old (by the end of June) to Fourth Grade (completed). VBS is free of charge, and a t-shirt is $10.

VBS Volunteers Needed:
We are most in need of Teachers for PreK and Kindergarten, help with Decorations and with Nursery. If you can help in these areas, please contact Rebecca Allan at 673-1965 or at vbs@wepc.org. But we need help in many other areas as well, so please write on your tear-off or contact Rebecca Allan if you are willing to help out.

Pre-Registration Deadline Approaches:
If you know that your child will participate in this year’s VBS, please pre-register at the VBS table in the gallery. Pre-registration will close on Sunday, June 14th.

Donations Needed:
If you have any equipment and supplies that go with a “camping/mountain hiking theme” please donate them. If you want the item back, please make sure your name is clearly written on it! Bring it to the VBS table in the gallery. Contact Rebecca Allan at vbs@wepc.org with any questions. Specific Items Requested:
Tents
Flashlights
Sleeping bags
Camping stoves (no fuel)
paper towel rolls
toilet paper rolls
cardboard egg cartons (not styrofoam)
brown paper grocery bags
newspaper (black and white pages only… no glossy ads, coupons)
thin, kindling-like sticks (roughly 12 in. in length)
leaves (intact, no tears or breaks – any color or type)
lots of roll paper: brown, green, blue
scrap wood: 2 x 4s, plywood
lots of brown paper grocery sacks
chicken wire
wide clear tape
fishing line
buckets
sand
whole logs / stumps
campfire rocks
sturdy twigs
rope and twine
blue plastic tablecloths
deciduous artificial trees
bushes
branches and leaves
a canoe
fishing poles
life jackets
fishing basket
fishing vest
hat with lures
waders
artificial Christmas trees
camouflage netting
camp chairs
frame backpacks
rappelling rope
hiking boots
flannel shirts
wool socks
woodland creatures (plush and taxidermic)
Also, snacks will be provided, but it would be extremely helpful if you can donate any of the following items to supplement:
Water
Popcorn
Pretzels
apple sauce
animal crackers
trail mix
fruit cups

Decoration Work Day:
On Sunday, June 14th after the 2nd Service and on Saturday, June 20th, we will be having two Work Days for the decorations of VBS. If you are able to tie some string, paint, draw, or climb a ladder, then please come and help transform the building into a “backpacker’s dream.” Please contact Jen Wickham with any questions at jenwickham@msn.com or 515-9545.

Wanna Volunteer in the Nursery this Summer?
For only seven alternating weeks from June 7th to September 6th we are still looking for more Nursery Room Leaders. These individuals do NOT prepare a lesson beforehand, but serve as the point-person for a specific classroom for parents, children and member workers. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at joe@wepc.org or 741-6562.

WEPC Community Preschool:

Preschool Yard/Bake sale:

Saturday June 6th, 7am-Noon. 9507 Ridgefield Road. Come join us at the Browns' home. All proceeds go to the WEPC Community Preschool Scholarship Fund. For more information about the sale contact Jennifer Farkas at jenniferfarkas@yahoo.com.

Preschool Chick-Fil-A Night:

Please come out to the Chick-Fil-A at Short Pump Crossing on Wed. June 17th to help raise money for the WEPC Preschool Scholarship Fund! From 4-10pm, a portion of sales proceeds will go towards the Preschool. Bring the designated flier for dine-in or drive-thru to indicate you are with our group. Fliers are available in the gallery and the church office. For more information, please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 or joe@wepc.org.

Preschool Job Openings for 2009-2010 School Year

2 Year Old Teacher

2 Year Old Assistant Teacher

3 Year Old Teacher

3 Year Old Assistant Teacher

For more information please contact Casey Zollinhofer at casey@wepc.org or 741-6562 ext. 12. You can also read more about these positions on the preschool page of the church website (wepc.org/preschool).

2009-2010 School Year - Class Info Update

2 Year Old Class – Meeting Wednesday

3 Year Old Classes – Meeting Wednesday/Friday

4 Year Old Class – Meeting Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Enrollment is Open:

The Staff and Preschool Board are excited to announce that WEPC Community Preschool will be expanding for next school year. Enrollment is currently open for two, three and four year olds. If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like to learn more about us, please contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741-6562 or casey@wepc.org.

Scholarship Contributions:

We desire to serve the families, neighbors and the surrounding community of our church. One tangible way we have been able to serve and love families is through our scholarship fund. While we strive to keep our tuition rates low, affording preschool is still a struggle for many families. Almost 1/4 of our current families would not be able to attend preschool without our scholarship fund. We would love to continue helping our current families next year and offer scholarships to new students. We would especially love to have more families from the community join our preschool. In order to do so, we need to raise money for our scholarship fund. We currently have $725 of our $5,000 goal. Please consider partnering with the preschool by contributing to our scholarship fund. You can pick up a brochure in the “Life At West End” display case in the gallery or visit the preschool page of the church website (wepc.org/preschool).

General Children's Ministry Announcements:

Kindergarten & First Grade Sunday School still needs a Helper!

From June 7th to September 6th, we are still looking for two more individuals to come and help share the love of Christ with our children: one for Kindergarten and another for First Grade. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Jill Sorg at jill.sorg@capitalone.com or 515-8111 or Sarah Doerfler at sarah@blueinthestream.com or 364-9228.

Sunday School “Graduation” for Upper Elementary children:
For most of the children in Sunday School, they will remain in their current classroom through the summer. Everyone will “graduate” to the next grade or age group on September 13th. The only two exceptions are the Upper Elementary children: Fifth Graders will move up to “Youth Sunday School” which meets in Room 110 next Sunday, June 7th; Fourth Graders will remain in their classroom through the summer; and Third Graders will move up to join the Fourth Graders on June 7th.

Kids’ Club will return October 7th:
During the school year, WEPC presents the gospel to our elementary-school children every Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games as we learn about the kingdom of God advancing. Kids’ Club will return October 7th for another fun-filled year! We will be walking through the book of Genesis and learning how God is long-suffering and patient as He redeems His people and guides us.

Children’s Worship will return on September 13th:
Last Sunday, Lilli Benko, Jill Wiebe-King and their teams of Children’s Worship Shepherds finished their year of service to our children. During the summer, all four year-olds are invited to stay in the 10:30 worship service for the duration. We will still have the occasional Children’s Sermons with the children going back to sit with their parents afterward. Please pray for the parents of these children during the summer as they parent while in the service. This is not an easy task, but WEPC believes it is integral to the proper growth of children to see their parents worshipping the Lord. Worship is a joyful experience, and if children only see the inside of a classroom while at church, they will miss out on the joy of the worship of the Lord.

End-of-School-Year Ice Cream Party & Movie Night:
WEPC Young Families…It’s another Movie Night! Let’s celebrate the end of school, the start of summer, hot weather and staying up late! Join us Friday, June 12th at 6:30 pm for Ice Cream Sundaes in the Fellowship Hall, followed by a BIG SCREEN viewing of “Hotel for Dogs”. Don’t forget your blankets, pillows and bean bags to lay on! We will also need help with the sundaes and toppings. Contact Darlene Blaum at darlene_blaum@comcast.net.
Last Name A – L : Please bring a gallon of your favorite ice cream to share
Last Name K – Z: Please bring your favorite ice cream topping to share

Rescheduled Family Picnic at Deep Run Park:
The date has been rescheduled to Wednesday, July 1 at 5:30 pm. Save the date…more details to come! Just watch the bulletin for announcements.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

Thank you to 2008-2009 Sunday School Teachers and Helpers
Thank you so much to all of our Sunday School teachers and helpers for the 2008-2009 school year. Our children have been blessed by your service and your love!
Younger 2’s: Heather & Steve Glissman, Jen Anonick, Greg & Susan Childress, Amy Gill, Carla Becker
Older 2’s: Darlene Blaum, Joyce & John Minor, Kim D’Errico, LisaPage Carter, Paige Schumacher
Younger 3’s: Jim Davis, Rick & Wendy Feldman, Sharon Berube, Rebecca Allan
Older 3’s: Laura Deljiorno, Chris & Rebecca Perry, Anna Weichel, Scott & Red Sayles
Pre-K: Heather & Jon Jarvis, Amy Caroline Wilks, Susan Hajek, Byron Sorg, Brice Bowman, Colleen Jacoby, Denise Spoenlein, Karen Miller
Kindergarten: Heather & Jamie Williford, Allie Weippert, Dana Hennesey, Tracy VanDePutte, Donna Essex, Lisa Cox
1st Grade: Jim Hale, Leslie & Dan Baker, Carolyn Bales, Allison Hearn, Cathy Zahalka
2nd Grade: Ron & Lisa Ramus, Kim & Roger Johnson
3rd Grade: Georgia Price, Rick McMahon, Ron Essex, Katie Fisher
4/5th Grade: Joe Brown, Chris Blaum, Becky Baldwin

Welcome 2009 Summer Sunday School and teachers/helpers
Summer Sunday School is here! If you are a parent, please take note of your child’s new teacher and welcome them over the next few weeks.
Two Year-Olds: Jennifer Moore, Andy & Carla Becker, Darin Smith, Kristen Purdy, Brice Bowman, Jen & Matt Warren
Three Year-Olds: Lilli Benko, Elizabeth & Brian Minor, Glen Smith, Jen Tomenendal, Donald Smith, Anne & Jason Pruden
Pre-K: Amy & Randy Foy, Georgia Price, Kristin & Jim Tetterton, Chris & Tracy Scoggins, Jen Wickham,
Kindergarten: Erin Bacon, Karen Sweeney, Joy & Tim Andrews, Michelle Konson, Jill & Matt Campbell, STILL NEED ONE MORE HELPER
1st Grade: Heather Oberle, Kate Matta, Alyssa & Mark Leimberger, STILL NEED ONE MORE HELPER
2nd Grade: Angela Lessor, Anne & John McGurn, Pam Hepner, Sonya Smith
3rd/4th Grade: Diane Strait, Jeff & Robinnette Wrobel, Richard Grinnan
* The 5th Graders will join with the Youth Sunday School during the summer to help in their transition.
* Parents: All other classes will NOT move up into their new class until the Fall (September 13th).

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. During the week, please check out the church website (www.wepc.org) or the Children’s Ministry webpage (wepckids.blogspot.com) to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs

Please pray for the following needs for the Children’s Ministry of West End Presbyterian Church. If you would like to submit a prayer request, please click here, or reply to this email. Please note in your request if you would like it to remain confidential.
- Pray for a few families that are sincerely struggling over schooling decisions (public vs. private vs. homeschooling). Pray for wisdom in weighing all of the factors involved, and for peace in their decision.
- Pray for Vacation Bible School on June 21st through 26th. Pray that this concentrated time of hearing the Gospel explained and applied can produce great fruit of faith and repentance. And pray that this will open the doors for many children and families to be softened toward God and His church.

Praise for more babies!!!

Five more beautiful babies were born to WEPC families since the last newsletter. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in June & July

Thursday, June 4th
What: VBS Teacher’s Meeting
Where: Room 21
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Rebecca Allan

Saturday, June 6th
What: WEPC Community Preschool Yard & Bake Sale Fundraiser
Where: Joe & Blair Brown’s home (9507 Ridgefield Road)
Time: 7:00 a.m.
Contact: Jennifer Farkas

Sunday, June 7th
What: Beginning of Summer Quarter of Nursery & Sunday School

Friday, June 12th
What: End-of-School-Year Ice Cream Party & Movie Night
Where: Fellowship Hall
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Who: All young families of WEPC and their friends
Contact: Darlene Blaum

Sunday, June 14th
What: VBS Pre-Registration Deadline
Contact: Rebecca Allan

Sunday, June 14th
What: VBS Decoration Work Day
Where: Fellowship Hall
Time: After 2nd Service
Contact: Jen Wickham

Wednesday, June 17th
What: WEPC Community Preschool Chick-Fil-A Night
Where: Chick-Fil-A at Short Pump Crossing (on Pump between Broad & Three Chopt)
Time: 4pm – 10pm (need flier from Gallery!)
Contact: Joe Brown

Saturday, June 20th
What: VBS Decoration Work Day
Where: Fellowship Hall
Time: TBD (most of the day!)
Contact: Jen Wickham

Saturday, June 20th
What: VBS Run-Through
Where: Fellowship Hall
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Who: VBS Large Group volunteers
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, June 21st
What: VBS Volunteer Commissioning
Where: Sanctuary
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Who: All VBS volunteers will be commissioned during the 10:30 service
Contact: Rebecca Allan

Sunday – Friday, June 21st – 26th
What: VBS – “Upward Bound”
Where: All over the building!
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (registration begins at 5:15 p.m.)
Contact: Rebecca Allan

Friday, June 26th
What: VBS Summit Celebration with Spaghetti Dinner following - $$
Where: Fellowship Hall
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. (dinner begins at 6:15 p.m.)
Contact: Rebecca Allan

Wednesday, July 1st
What: Family Picnic & Games at Deep Run Park
Where: Deep Run Park
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Darlene Blaum

May 2009 E-Newsletter

2009-05-08T14:49:00.002-04:00

Psalm 48:14
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.

“How is God forever and ever?”

This is the essential question that four children asked me in four separate instances in the past couple weeks. Each of these children were confused over the eternity of God – and rightly so! How can He be outside of time and have no beginning and no end? Not as an answer per se, but to increase their awe, I reminded them that one aspect of God’s nature that we share is that we don’t have an end either. We have a beginning – we are created after all – but we will live forever either in the presence of God or in His absence. God is eternal; we are everlasting. How amazing! How shocking!

But what struck me most about these four children asking me this question is that it seemed to be a diversion. Don’t get me wrong – I loved speaking to them about the eternity of God and discussing the nature of God and ourselves. I could talk for hours! But, if I may be blunt, I don’t think they really care about that. They knew that I’m a “religious professional” and here was a topic that they had some slight interest that I would care about as well. I think they were trying to keep me pacified while at the same time, keeping me from asking the important questions. Important questions such as, “What do you do with your sin?” or “How does Jesus’ death show God’s love for you?”

Bringing the gospel to bear in the lives of children involves heart surgery. Not the physical kind, of course. But we are called to get into the heart – the motivations of the child. The eternity of God is an important topic, but if it doesn’t drive us into repentance or faith, then we are just blowing smoke. Parents, teachers, grandparents, fellow Christians: when a child asks you about the eternity of God or the description of heaven, please answer them! But don’t let them get away with this intentionally impersonal philosophical inquiry. Do some heart surgery: ask them how it makes them feel that an Eternal God stepped into Time and took on flesh so that He could rescue His people. Ask them how big God must be to know all the answers. Ask them how small we must be to still have so many questions. Ask them to believe – to trust – to repent.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in May

Family Picnic & Games Event next Sunday, May 17th:
Spend the afternoon fellowshipping with friends and playing and laughing with your children! On Sunday, May 17th WEPC families will meet at Deep Run Park, immediately following the second service, for a pot luck lunch followed by some games that require no athletic skill but will guarantee laughter and fun! Based on your last name, please bring the below dish to share:
A-M Main Dish
N-S Side Dish
T-Z Dessert
All families should also bring a blanket or chairs to sit on, and drinks for your own family. There may be a surprise visit from the ice cream truck, so you may want to have some cash on hand. Please wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes since the games will be for the adults as well as the children. In case of rain, check the church’s website by Saturday. If you have any questions, please contact Darlene Blaum at darlene_blaum@comcast.net.

VBS 2009:
This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from Sunday, June 21st to Friday, June 26th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The purpose for VBS is to present the gospel clearly and creatively, so that our children and the children of the community can be brought to faith and repentance.

VBS Volunteers Needed:
We are most in need of Teachers and a Nursery Coordinator. If you can help in these areas, please contact Rebecca Allan at 673-1965 or at vbs@wepc.org. But we need help in many other areas as well, so please write on your tear-off or contact Rebecca Allan if you are willing to help out.

Registration is Open:
If you know that your child will participate in this year’s VBS, please pre-register at the VBS table in the gallery.

Donations Needed:
If you have any equipment and supplies that go with a “camping/mountain hiking theme” please donate them. If you want the item back, please make sure your name is clearly written on it! Bring it to the VBS table in the gallery. Contact Rebecca Allan at vbs@wepc.org with any questions. Specific Items Requested:
Tents
Flashlights
Sleeping bags
Camping stoves (no fuel)
Rope
Backpacks
Paper Towel Rolls
Toilet Paper Rolls
Cardboard Egg Cartons (not Styrofoam)
Snacks will be provided, but it would be extremely helpful if you can donate any of the following items to supplement:
Water, popcorn, pretzels, apple sauce, animal crackers, trail mix, fruit cups, freeze pops

Nursery Room Leaders Needed for 7 weeks in the Summer (6/7 – 9/6):

We are looking for dedicated believers who can serve as Room Leaders in each of the Nursery rooms to help provide consistency for our littlest friends, to bring peace of mind to parents, and to help bring leadership to the various member Nursery workers. Beginning Sunday, June 7th and running until September 6th, we will be looking for godly leaders to fill these positions. Many positions are open and are usually run on a bi-weekly basis (for a total of about 7 weeks). For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at joe@wepc.org or 741-6562.

Positions Needed:

Waddler Nursery (12-18mos): Need 1 leader for the 9:00 service and 2 leaders for the 10:30 service

Scooter Nursery (18-24mos): Need 2 leaders for the 9:00 service and 2 leaders for the 10:30 service

Scooter Nursery (24+mos – this is a “summer only” nursery room): Need 2 leaders for the 9:00 service and 2 leaders for the 10:30 service

Toddler 2 & 3 Nursery (2 & 3 years old are combining for the summer): Need 2 leaders for the 10:30 service

Sunday School Teachers and Helpers Needed for 7 weeks in the Summer (6/7 – 9/6):

The summer of 2009 is fast approaching and WEPC's Sunday School is getting ready. Starting Sunday, June 7th and running until September 6th, will be the summer quarter of our Children's Sunday School. We are looking for godly teachers to help bring the Gospel to our younger friends. Many positions are open and are usually run on a bi-weekly basis (for a total of about 7 weeks). For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Jill Sorg at jill.sorg@capitalone.com or 515-8111 or Sarah Doerfler at sarah@blueinthestream.com or 364-9228.
Positions Needed:

Two-Year Old’s (combining Younger 2’s and Older 2’s for the summer): Need 1 helper

Three-Year Old’s (combining Younger 3’s and Older 3’s for the summer): Need 5 helpers

Kindergarten: Need 3 helpers

First Grade: Need 2 teachers, 4 helpers

** Fifth Grade moves up to join the Youth Sunday School classes at the beginning of the summer (June 6th) to help with their transition.

Kids’ Club will return next Fall:
During the school year, WEPC presents the gospel to our elementary-school children every Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games as we learn about the kingdom of God advancing. Kids’ Club will return October 7th for another fun-filled year! We will be walking through the book of Genesis and learning how God is long-suffering and patient as He redeems His people and guides us.

2nd Grade Children’s Worship Lab:
We are currently offering a program called, “Worship Lab” to all 2nd Graders. They will receive teaching from various worship leaders and witness Jesus working in the different elements of our service. The purpose of this time is to give the children helpful tools to use as their hearts mature toward worship! This opportunity is open to all second-grade age children and especially to those who do not regularly come to Children’s Worship or have never been before. If your child has never been to Children’s Worship before, please accompany him/her back to the Chapel. Please pick up all 2nd Graders in the Sanctuary at the right side of the stage.

WEPC Community Preschool:

Enrollment is Open:
The Staff and Preschool Board are excited to announce that WEPC Community Preschool will be expanding for next school year. Enrollment is currently open for two, three and four year olds. If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like to learn more about us, please visit the Preschool Table in the Gallery on March 1st and 8th, or contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741-6562 or casey@wepc.org.

Scholarship Contributions:
We desire to serve the families, neighbors and the surrounding community of our church. One tangible way we have been able to serve and love families is through our scholarship fund. While we strive to keep our tuition rates low, affording preschool is still a struggle for many families. Almost 1/4 of our current families would not be able to attend preschool without our scholarship fund. We would love to continue helping our current families next year and offer scholarships to new students. If you would like to sponsor a child, or contribute to the scholarship fund, please contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741-6562 or casey@wepc.org, or visit the Preschool Table in the Gallery on March 1st and 8th.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. During the week, please check out the church website (www.wepc.org) or the Children’s Ministry webpage (wepckids.blogspot.com) to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs:

- Pray for a couple of children that are having serious struggles with friends/classmates at school. Pray for the children to learn how to love the unlovable, as well as how to trust in Jesus’ protection. Also pray for the parents to know how to love their child – not to smother or to abandon.

- Pray for a child that has upcoming surgery. Pray for safety, healing, and spiritual awakening!

Praise for more babies!!!

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in May

Sunday, May 10th
What: Mother’s Day – tell the mother in your life that you love her.

Friday, May 17th
What: Family Picnic & Games Event
Where: Deep Run Park
Time: Directly after the 2nd service
Contact: Darlene Blaum

Wednesday, May 20th
What: Congregational Dinner
Where: Fellowship Hall
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Liz Barron

Wednesday, May 20th
What: Sunday School Teacher Training
Where: Library
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Jill Sorg and Sarah Doerfler

Sunday, May 31st
What: Summer CM Volunteer Commissioning
Where: Sanctuary
Time: During 2nd Service
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, May 31st
What: Final Children’s Worship until the Fall
Where: Room 08 & Chapel
Time: During the 10:30 service, from the beginning of the sermon to the end of the service.
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, May 31st
What: CM Planning Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 10 minutes after 2nd Service
Contact: Joe Brown

April 2009 E-Newsletter

2009-04-03T15:10:00.002-04:00

1 Timothy 5:5
The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.

How do we teach the children of WEPC to pray?
How do you teach your own child to pray?
My oldest child has memorized the Lord’s Prayer – something that I am very proud of. I’ll ask him to pray it whenever we can because I love hearing him say it. (And how do you decide whether to learn “trespasses” or “debts”? We chose “debts” because it’s shorter.) While I am proud that he has memorized it, I do have a sense of frustration that he has very little idea what he is praying. It flies out of mouth as fast as he can get it out. And it is done with a sense of pride (both his and mine) and not in humility and dependence.

I think the widow described in 1 Timothy 5:5 is a wonderful picture of what I desire in my children and all our children at WEPC. This woman is a godly woman that has no child or grandchild to take care of her. Therefore, it is the church’s duty to take care of her (James 1:27). But this woman does not sit around in sorrow, nor is she reckless in her lifestyle. She “puts all her hope in God.” She prays her prayers as an outpouring of her heart. I can imagine that this widow (and any and every widow) has restless nights, anxiety, and fears – compounded by the fact that she is alone. But she isn’t alone! She has placed her hope in God – the redeemer of her soul, the friend to the friendless, and the protector of the widows.

I want our children to learn that prayer is the outpouring of a heart that is secure in the hand of God. We pray – not as those without hope – but as ones that know that our God is listening.

As Jesus taught us to pray: “Our Father” is listening.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in April

Easter Egg Stuffing Party, Friday April 3rd, 6:30 pm (note time change):
We need to stuff over 500 eggs for our 1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt! Sound like a lot of work? Not when pizza, friends, relay games, and contests are involved! This event is geared more towards elementary school aged children & their parents, but all ages are welcome. Bring $$ to share in the cost of the pizza.

Easter Egg Hunt & Potluck Lunch this Sunday, April 5th:
Directly after the 2nd worship service this Sunday, there will be a Potluck Lunch and Easter Egg Hunt on the Ground Floor that is open to all children and their families from birth to 5th Grade. We will gather for a potluck lunch, hear a brief message on Easter, and enjoy a fun time gathering hidden eggs. We will start in the Fellowship Hall for lunch. Please bring a dish based on the following:
Last Name A-F: Dessert
Last Name G-N: Side dish/bread/fruit
Last Name M-Z: Main Dish

Nursery Room Leaders Needed for 7 weeks in the Summer (6/7 – 9/6):
We are looking for dedicated believers who can serve as Room Leaders in each of the Nursery rooms to help provide consistency for our littlest friends, to bring peace of mind to parents, and to help bring leadership to the various member Nursery workers. Beginning Sunday, June 7th and running until September 6th, we will be looking for godly leaders to fill these positions. Many positions are open and are usually run on a bi-weekly basis (for a total of about 7 weeks). For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at joe@wepc.org or 741-6562.
Positions Needed:
Waddler Nursery (12-18mos): Need 3 leaders
Scooter Nursery (18-24mos): Need 4 leaders
Scooter Nursery (24+mos – this is a “summer only” nursery room): Need 4 leaders
Toddler 2 & 3 Nursery (2 & 3 years old are combining for the summer): Need 2 leaders

Family Fun Squad:
To continue having monthly activities (Movie Nights, Father/Daughter Dance, Easter Egg Hunt, etc), we need some help. If you have ideas for a monthly activity, or want to be on the Family Fun Committee, please contact Darlene Blaum at darlene_blaum@comcast.net.

2nd Grade Children’s Worship LAB:
From April 19th to May 31st we will be having a six-week program called, “Worship Lab”. It will start the Sunday after Easter and continue through the end of May (excepting Communion Sundays). Second-graders will receive teaching from various worship leaders and witness Jesus working in the different elements of our service. The purpose of this time is to give the children helpful tools to use as their hearts mature toward worship! This opportunity is open to all second-grade age children and especially to those who do not regularly come to Children’s Worship or have never been before. Please write on your tear-off or e-mail Lilli Benko at lilli.benko@gmail.com if you know your child will come for part or all of the program, or to answer any questions.

Sunday School Teachers and Helpers Needed for 7 weeks in the Summer (6/7 – 9/6):
The summer of 2009 is fast approaching and WEPC's Sunday School is getting ready. Starting Sunday, June 7th and running until September 6th, will be the summer quarter of our Children's Sunday School. We are looking for godly teachers to help bring the Gospel to our younger friends. Many positions are open and are usually run on a bi-weekly basis (for a total of about 7 weeks). For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Jill Sorg at jill.sorg@capitalone.com or 515-8111 or Sarah Doerfler at sarah@blueinthestream.com or 364-9228.
Positions Needed:
Two-Year Old’s (combining Younger 2’s and Older 2’s for the summer): Need 1 teacher, 6 helpers
Three-Year Old’s (combining Younger 3’s and Older 3’s for the summer): Need 1 teacher, 6 helpers
Kindergarten: Need 3 helpers
First Grade: Need 2 teachers, 2 helpers
Third & Fourth Grade: Need 1 teacher, 2 helpers
** Fifth Grade moves up to join the Youth Sunday School classes at the beginning of the summer (June 6th) to help with their transition.

VBS 2009:
This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from Sunday, June 21st to Friday, June 26th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The purpose for VBS is to present the gospel clearly and creatively, so that our children, and the children of the community, can be brought to faith and repentance.

VBS Volunteers Needed:
We are most in need of Nursery Coordinator for VBS, for various classroom teachers and for help with recreation, snack, craft, and skit. If you can help in these areas, please contact Rebecca Allan at 673-1965 or at vbs@wepc.org. But we need help in many other areas as well, so please write on your tear-off or contact Rebecca Allan if you are willing to help out.

VBS Preregistration:
Pre-registration will begin on Sunday, April 19th. Starting that Sunday, there will be a table in the gallery with information and registration sheets to get your child in on the ground floor. Please stop by on Spril 19th.

WEPC Comm. Preschool Enrollment is Open:
The Staff and Preschool Board are excited to announce that WEPC Community Preschool will be expanding for next school year. Enrollment is currently open for two, three and four year olds. If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like to learn more about us, please visit the Preschool Table in the Gallery on March 1st and 8th, or contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741-6562 or casey@wepc.org.

WEPC Comm. Preschool Scholarship Contributions:
We desire to serve the families, neighbors and the surrounding community of our church. One tangible way we have been able to serve and love families is through our scholarship fund. While we strive to keep our tuition rates low, affording preschool is still a struggle for many families. Almost 1/4 of our current families would not be able to attend preschool without our scholarship fund. We would love to continue helping our current families next year and offer scholarships to new students. If you would like to sponsor a child, or contribute to the scholarship fund, please contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741-6562 or casey@wepc.org, or visit the Preschool Table in the Gallery on March 1st and 8th.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs:
Please pray for the following needs for the Children’s Ministry of West End Presbyterian Church. If you would like to submit a prayer request, please click here, or reply to this email. Please note in your request if you would like it to remain confidential.

- Continue to pray for mercy of God on the many families that are struggling through loss of jobs, downgrade of pay, loss of bonuses, and slowdown in businesses. The stress of this time can lead many to despair. Pray that there would be a breakthrough of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these families, and that they would turn to Jesus as He is offered in the gospel, and not to the many false idols that we like to erect.

- Pray for a child that is struggling with relationships at school (friends back-biting, gossip, etc). Pray that this child (and all of our children) can receive the hope of the Gospel, and can see that God can redeem anything – even broken friendships.

Praise for another baby!!!
Another beautiful baby was born to a WEPC family since the last newsletter. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the baby and family. If you want more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in April

Wednesday, April 1st, 15th, 22nd and 29th (No Kids Club on April 8th because of Spring Break)
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Room 25, 29, 33, 34, 10 & 08
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Friday, April 3rd
What: Egg Stuffing Egg-stravaganza!
Where: Fellowship Hall
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Darlene Blaum

Sunday, April 5th
What: 1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Fellowship Hall and beyond
Time: After 2nd Service
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, April 19th
What: VBS Registration is Open!
Where: Table in Gallery
Contact: Rebecca Allan

Sunday, April 19th
What: CM Planning Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 10 minutes after 2nd Service
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, April 26th
What: Children Servant-Leadership Meeting
Where: Room 121
Time: 10 minutes after 2nd Service
Contact: Joe Brown

March 2009 E-Newsletter

2009-03-04T11:31:00.004-05:00

Romans 8:35
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

The list in Romans 8:35 (above) is not extensive enough for me. Who shall separate me from the love of Christ? Shall my responsibilities or my reputation or my recreations or my pets or my house or my yard or my kids or my church or my larger family? All of these things are either active or (usually) passive ingredients that attempt to rob me of my confidence of God’s love. This happens through my failure in these areas. While I would never want to admit this, the 3/5 of my back yard that still is covered in leaves is a tether to my soul (and the half empty lawn bag in the middle of this leaf field with the rake leaning on it doesn’t help any). As I gaze in my backyard, I am reminded of my failure as a yardman. And besides… what do the neighbors think?

Do you gaze on anything in your life that tempts you to think of yourself as a failure? Do you look at your child’s sin as a personal attack on you? Are you ever tempted to think that Jesus frowns on more than sin, but your whole being?

Paul reminds the Romans, and he reminds us, that not only does nothing separate us from the love of God, but that all of these things (persecution, danger, failure) serve as the doorway to victory (Romans 5:3ff).

When your child is sinning (maybe even reveling in it), rebuke them and then entrust them. Because when it comes to these hard moments in life, there is one thing the Christian can count on: Suffering will never destroy the Christian. We are more than conquerors.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in March

Children’s Ministry Family Events:
We have had a great response to some recently held family events – January’s Family Movie Night and February’s Father/Daughter Dance. As a result, we are going to try to continue holding a family activity once a month that encourages fellowship, community, and opportunities to invite those in the community to hear and see the gospel lived out. Here are some upcoming dates/activities to put on your calendars:

Wednesday, March 18th: Church-wide Fellowship Dinner
Let’s send encouragement to our Missionaries! We will have a table set up during the dinner, where your child can make a card for one of our Church Family’s Missionaries.
Friday, April 3rd: Easter Egg Stuffing (7 pm)
This event is geared for Elementary age and up, but all families are welcome. We will have some contests and fun as we stuff 500 eggs to be used at our first Annual Easter Egg Hunt.
Sunday, April 5th: Easter Egg Hunt & Potluck Lunch
On Palm Sunday, directly after the 2nd worship service there will be a Potluck Lunch and Easter Egg Hunt on the Ground Floor that is open to all children and their families from two-years-old to 5th Grade. We will gather for lunch, hear a brief message on Easter, and enjoy a fun time gathering hidden eggs. More details to come in the coming weeks.
Sunday, May 17th (tentative): Family Picnic & Games
Let’s enjoy the Spring weather together and come together for some old fashion relay games and outdoor fun. More details to come.

To continue these monthly activities, we need some volunteers. If you have ideas for a monthly activity, or want to be on the Family Fun Committee, please contact Darlene Blaum, or Joe Brown at the church office.

WEPC Comm. Preschool Enrollment is Open:
The Staff and Preschool Board are excited to announce that WEPC Community Preschool will be expanding for next school year. Enrollment is currently open for two, three and four year olds. If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like to learn more about us, please visit the Preschool Table in the Gallery on March 1st and 8th, or contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741-6562 or casey@wepc.org.

WEPC Comm. Preschool Scholarship Contributions:
We desire to serve the families, neighbors and the surrounding community of our church. One tangible way we have been able to serve and love families is through our scholarship fund. While we strive to keep our tuition rates low, affording preschool is still a struggle for many families. Almost 1/4 of our current families would not be able to attend preschool without our scholarship fund. We would love to continue helping our current families next year and offer scholarships to new students. If you would like to sponsor a child, or contribute to the scholarship fund, please contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741-6562 or casey@wepc.org, or visit the Preschool Table in the Gallery on March 1st and 8th.

1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Potluck Lunch:
On Palm Sunday, April 5th, directly after the 2nd worship service there will be an Easter Egg Hunt on the Ground Floor that is open to all children and their families from two-years-old to 5th Grade. We will gather for lunch, hear a brief message on Easter, and enjoy a fun time gathering hidden eggs. More details to come in the coming weeks.

March Food Drive:
The food pantry committee is sponsoring a food drive during the month of March. We would like to encourage children to participate by bringing in food items. It is our prayer that participation will increase not only the church’s ability to serve those in need, but increase our children’s eyes and heart to the love of Christ for His creation. There will be bags in the hallway between Sunday School classrooms for your convenience. If you would like more information, please contact Raymond and Brenda Smith at 276-3087 or rmithjr1529@comcast.net.

VBS Volunteer Meeting on Sunday, March 8th:
On Sunday, March 8th, directly after the 2nd Service there will be a VBS Volunteer Meeting in the Conference Room. If you have already volunteered to help, or if you are hearing about it now for the first time, please come to this meeting and learn more about how you can join in. This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from Sunday, June 21st to Friday, June 26th and will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs

- Continue to pray for mercy of God on the many families that are struggling through loss of jobs, downgrade of pay, loss of bonuses, and slowdown in businesses. The stress of this time can lead many to despair. Pray that there would be a breakthrough of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these families, and that they would turn to Jesus as He is offered in the gospel, and not to the many false idols that we like to erect.

- Pray for the few families that are struggling with aging parents. Caring for the one’s parents as they become less and less independent is a huge strain on one’s time, finances and emotions. Pray that these adult children would trust God and would be able to lift their parent(s) before the throne of mercy.

Praise for more Babies!!!
Six more beautiful babies were born (or adopted) to WEPC families since the last newsletter. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in March

Sunday, March 1st
What: Preschool Enrollment Opens!
Where: Table in Gallery
Time: Before & After the Worship Services
Contact: Casey Zollinhofer

Sunday, March 1st
What: Preschool Board Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: After 2nd Service
Contact: Heather Jarvis

Wednesday, March 4th, 11th and 25th
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Room 25, 29, 33, 34, 10 & 08
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, March 8th
What: VBS Volunteer Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: After 2nd Service
Contact: Rebecca Allan

Wednesday, March 18th
What: Congregational Dinner (NO KIDS’ CLUB THIS NIGHT)
Where: Fellowship Hall
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Ann Long

February 2009 E-Newsletter

2009-02-06T14:57:00.003-05:00

2 Corinthians 7:9-10
9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

A few nights ago, my wife caught our boy in a lie. He had taken a piece of candy that he shouldn’t have, placed it in his pocket and then stood there. He became visibly sullen and downcast. When Blair asked him if he took a piece of candy he said, “no” quietly. During the next few minutes (maybe even seconds), Jeb became increasingly somber, as if waves of guilt were washing over him. He then turned to his mom and said, “Mommy, I forgot. I really did take a piece of candy…”

We took issue with Jeb later about the fact that he didn’t “forget” – he actually lied. But not before we praised God for the godly sorrow in Jeb’s heart. And we praised Jeb for coming back to his mom and righting the wrong. The words were immature, and still sin-laced, but the beginnings of repentance were there – turning from his sin, and coming back to his parent.

As we deal with the children in our covenant community, we are tasked to train them in the gospel. One aspect of that is repentance. And as we are aware, most lessons are “caught, not taught.” In other words, we as adults in this covenant community need to practice repentance. We need to see our sin, turn from it and run to God. Martin Luther said the whole life of believers should be repentance. We need to look to the perfect law of God, see our sinfulness, and be led to the forgiveness and love of Christ.

I pray that for all of us, when we sin, that godly sorrow will overwhelm our souls until it leads us to repentance. Because it is only in the merciful arms of our Heavenly Father that we can find absolute forgiveness.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in February

Father / Daughter Dance on Saturday, February 7th:
A very special evening to remember for all daughters and their Dads! WEPC will be hosting a Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday night, February 7th at 6:30 pm. Every little girl dreams of getting dressed up to go out on a date with her Dad! The evening will include a formal sit down dinner, dancing (for those Dads with dusty dance shoes - no worries - we will have a professional dancer on hand to give us ballroom and swing dance lessons), a keepsake photograph, and sweet memories. The cost is only $10 per father/daughter couple. Registration is closed. If you have any questions, please contact Darlene Blaum at darlene_blaum@comcast.net.

Kids’ Club:
Every Wednesday evening, WEPC presents the gospel to our elementary-school children from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 25. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come this Wednesday. If your child is not yet in Kindergarten, please let the excitement build up in them over this year and refrain from bringing them until they are in Kindergarten. Because of the large number of kids, we will have to turn away any preschoolers.

Sick Child or Worker Policy:
Remember that the absence of a sick child or worker from WEPC is a sign of God’s grace in the lives of the other children. In light of the current (and looming) cold and flu season, please remember that we ask no child or worker come into a Nursery or Sunday School room if they meet one of the following conditions: (1) Fever greater than 100.4°F within the past 48 hours, (2) ongoing diarrhea, or (3) new or unidentified rash. And as always, children are welcome to sit with their parents during the service.

1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt:
On Palm Sunday, April 5th, directly after the 2nd worship service there will be an Easter Egg Hunt on the Ground Floor that is open to all children and their families from two-years-old to 5th Grade. More details to come in the coming weeks.

Allergy Updates?
If your child has an allergy, please make sure that his ministry leaders are aware. This information should be on the sign-in sheet of all Sunday School, Nursery and Children’s Worship classes.

Food Pantry:
If your child would like to bring food to WEPC’s Food Pantry, then please have your child drop off any donation to the shelving outside of the Food Pantry on the Ground Floor.

VBS 2009:
This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from Sunday, June 21st to Friday, June 26th. Again it will be an evening VBS from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The purpose for VBS is to present the gospel clearly and creatively, so that our children, and the children of the community, can be brought to faith and repentance. More information to come.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs
Please pray for the following needs for the Children’s Ministry of West End Presbyterian Church. If you would like to submit a prayer request, please click here, or reply to this email. Please note in your request if you would like it to remain confidential.

- Pray for mercy of God on the many families that are struggling through loss of jobs, downgrade of pay, loss of bonuses, and slowdown in businesses. The stress of this time can lead many to despair. Pray that there would be a breakthrough of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these families, and that they would turn to Jesus as He is offered in the gospel, and not to the many false idols that we like to erect.

- Pray for one family that is struggling with a new severe food allergy. Pray that Jesus would heal this child, and that the parents would see the love of God in the midst of this – that they would turn in faith to Jesus as their one and only hope.

Praise for more Babies!!!
Five more beautiful babies were born to WEPC families since the last newsletter. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in February

Wednesday, January 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Room 25, 29, 33, 34, 10 & 08
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Saturday, January 7th
What: Father / Daughter Dance
Where: Fellowship Hall
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Darlene Blaum

Wednesday, January 18th
What: Kids’ Club Leader’s Meeting
Where: Room 25
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

January 2009 E-Newsletter

2009-01-02T10:13:00.002-05:00

John 6:35
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

One of the universal truths of the modern world is that children should hold an adult’s hand when they cross the street. This truth is ingrained in the minds of our children from a young age – arguably the first lesson of driver’s education. A few days ago, my older two children sat and listened to their grandfather read them a story about a grape and a raisin. One of the lessons was that a grape (a child) should hold the hand of the raisin (the grandfather) when he crosses the street. The ironic part of this was that my children had been drinking grape juice all day – a fact that we laughed long over (“I guess this grape didn’t hold his raisin’s hand!”).

But I don’t know about you, but I have a difficult time getting my kids to hold my hands in a parking lot or as we cross streets. They sense a loss of independence when they hold my hand – or a loss of their control. They believe they know what is best for themselves, and when they hold my hand they are resigning to dependence upon me.

Notice that in John 6:35 there is a direct relation between coming to Jesus and believing in Jesus. We can’t simply say that we believe in Jesus and yet remain distant. My kids can’t say they trust me and yet run from my hand in a parking lot. We can’t declare our faith in Jesus and yet have little to nothing to do with Him – that is incompatible.

Only a few verses later Jesus states that the will of the Father is “that I (Jesus) should lose nothing of all that He has given me.” Although we make it a habit to run from God’s hand, Jesus declares that He will never lose His people.

So, let’s regularly come to Jesus – and always look around for His pursuit of us.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in January

Family Movie Night on Friday, January 9th:
On Friday night, January 9th at 6:30 p.m. there will be a Family Movie Night – all are welcome. Children of all ages are invited to gather in the new Fellowship Hall with other families for some popcorn and a viewing of a blockbuster film (“Wall-E”) on the “big” screen. Pajamas are welcome. We will provide the popcorn, but you are asked to bring some sort of refreshment. The movie will begin promptly at 7pm. For more information please contact Darlene Blaum at darlene_blaum@comcast.net.

Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, February 7th:
A very special evening to remember for all daughters and their Dads! WEPC will be hosting a Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday night, February 7th at 6:30 pm. Every little girl dreams of getting dressed up to go out on a date with her Dad! The evening will include a formal sit down dinner, dancing (for those Dads with dusty dance shoes - no worries - we will have a professional dancer on hand to give us ballroom and swing dance lessons), a keepsake photograph, and sweet memories. The cost is only $10 per father/daughter(s) couple. Please RSVP to Darlene Blaum at darlene_blaum@comcast.net by Jan 25th.
Moms, we will need some help preparing dinner/desserts and with decorations for this evening. If you are available to assist in any of these ways, please email Darlene Blaum.

Kids’ Club:
Every Wednesday evening, WEPC presents the gospel to our elementary-school children from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 25. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come this Wednesday. If your child is not yet in Kindergarten, please let the excitement build up in them over this year and refrain from bringing them until they are in Kindergarten. Because of the large number of kids, we will have to turn away any preschoolers.

Sick Child or Worker Policy:
Remember that the absence of a sick child or worker from WEPC is a sign of God’s grace in the lives of the other children. In light of the current (and looming) cold and flu season, please remember that we ask no child or worker come into a Nursery or Sunday School room if they meet one of the following conditions: (1) Fever greater than 100.4°F within the past 48 hours, (2) ongoing diarrhea, or (3) new or unidentified rash. And as always, children are welcome to sit with their parents during the service.

Changing Table & Et Cetera Needed for Nursery:
With the “ground floor shuffle” we are in need of a changing table, along with some toys for one of the two-year-old nurseries. If you have any trucks, balls, kitchen sets and/or equipment, and anything else that a two-year-old would want to play with, please contact Joe Brown at the church office.

Food Pantry Donations Still Desired:
During the Family Christmas Eve Service the children were given an opportunity to bring an item to donate to our church’s food pantry. If you were not able to attend, or if your child would like to respond to God in this way, please bring any donations for the Food Pantry to the shelves outside of the Food Pantry on the Ground Floor.

Possible Lenten Children’s Choir:
As the Advent Children’s Choir has concluded its work, we are testing the waters for interest in a Lenten Children’s Choir. If you would like information about a possible Lenten Children’s Choir, please contact Kathleen Richine at 365-8415 or krichine@hotmail.com, or Tammy Ingram at 503-1185 or ingramfam5@hotmail.com.

Mark your Calendars: Dates for VBS 2009 are Set:
This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from Sunday, June 21st to Friday, June 26th. Again it will be an evening VBS from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The purpose for VBS is to present the gospel clearly and creatively, so that our children, and the children of the community, can be brought to faith and repentance. More information to come.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs:

- Pray for a couple families that the father has been laid off. These families are deciding whether they need to relocate, take lesser jobs with lesser pay, or to switch occupations. Suffice it to say, we have many families in a state of flux right now. Please pray for their provision, for their marriages, for their children.

Praise for another Baby!!!
One more beautiful baby was born to a WEPC family. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the baby and family. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in January

Wednesday, January 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Room 25, 29, 33, 34, 10 & 08
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Friday, January 9th
What: Family Movie Night
Where: Fellowship Hall
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Darlene Blaum

December 2008 E-Newsletter

2008-12-04T12:56:00.002-05:00

Colossians 1:15
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

I like to tell stories of my children. They are not only cute, but for me they are windows into humanity and into the function of the Kingdom of God. And did I mention that they are cute, too. It is no wonder that I like to tell stories of my children, instead of about me. But I also acknowledge that sinfully I like to hide behind my children. That comes out in various ways, but one common occurrence is at parties or gatherings. Instead of trying to speak to people or engage in conversations, I can “be busy” with the taking care of my children and isolate myself. I serve as my children’s custodian instead of as their father. In this way, and in many others, I hide behind my children.

In contrast, God doesn’t hide behind His Child but is in fact revealed through His Son, Jesus. We know the Father more because of Jesus. God becomes flesh and blood – He is born of the Virgin Mary and shows the world the extent of His love for His people. We know the invisible God because the image has come.

As we approach Advent, we celebrate the revelation of that image. We look forward to the Immanuel invading our world, our lives and our hearts.

For those of us who hide, let’s peek from around our children to see the Great Revealer, Jesus, pointing back to His Father.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in December

Food Pantry Donations at Christmas Eve Service:
During the Family Christmas Eve Service (4:00 p.m. on December 24th), all children will be given the opportunity to bring an item to donate to our church’s food pantry. Please shepherd your child to give to those in need as a way to present the gospel of the Coming King.

Older 3’s Sunday School Teacher Still Needed:
We are still in need of a co-teacher for the Older Three’s Sunday School Class. This position is for an “every other week” commitment. Please contact Jill Sorg at 515-8111 (jill.sorg@capitalone.com) or Sarah Doerfler at 364-9228 (sjdoerfler@comcast.net) for more information.

Kids’ Club:
Every Wednesday evening, WEPC presents the gospel to our elementary-school children from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 25. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come this Wednesday. If your child is not yet in Kindergarten, please let the excitement build up in them over this year and refrain from bringing them until they are in Kindergarten. Because of the large number of kids, we will have to turn away any preschoolers.

Kids’ Club is now on the Ground Floor!:
Beginning this Wednesday, December 10th, Kids’ Club will meet in the new Ground Floor. Please enter through the new side entrance and come to Room 25 for further information.

Advent Children’s Choir:
As a part of the Advent season, Kids’ Choir will be singing during both worship services on Sunday, December 21st to help lead us in worship. Choir rehearsal is on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 7:30 and is concurrent with Kids’ Club. In addition, we will have a special rehearsal on Saturday, December 20th in the morning. More details to follow. If you have any questions, please contact Kathleen Richine at 365-8415 or krichine@hotmail.com, or Tammy Ingram at 503-1185 or ingramfam5@hotmail.com.

Mark your Calendars: Dates for VBS 2009 are Set:
This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from Sunday, June 21st to Friday, June 26th. Again it will be an evening VBS from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The purpose for VBS is to present the gospel clearly and creatively, so that our children, and the children of the community, can be brought to faith and repentance. More information to come.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs:

- Pray for the physical health of the families in our community that are suffering with colds, the flu or worse. ‘Tis the season…

- Pray for a number of children that are thinking through membership in the church. Pray that they would see the gospel and hear the call of God in their lives. Pray that God would bring them to a place of clarity, faith, repentance and submission to Him.

Praise for November & early December Babies!!!
Three beautiful babies were born to WEPC families since the last newsletter. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in December

Sunday, December 7th & 14th
What: Child Servant Leadership Training
Where: Room 121
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Wednesday, December 10th & 17th (NO KIDS’ CLUB ON DEC. 24th or 31st)
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Room 25, 29, 33, 34, 10 & 08
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Saturday, December 20th
What: Advent Children’s Choir Special Rehearsal
Where: Chapel
Time: TBD
Contact: Tammy Ingram and Kathleen Richine

Wednesday, December 24th
What: Family Christmas Eve Service
Where: Sanctuary
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

November 2008 E-Newsletter

2008-10-31T14:32:00.004-04:00

Ecclesiastes 12:14

For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

“Fairness” is becoming the new gospel in our home.

It seems that in my home, no situation is right unless it is fair. No person can be happy and whole, unless everyone is being fair.

Our older two children can be each others’ best friend… and worst enemy. On a good day, they play together for hours on end in peace. But there are other days where it seems that everything becomes a fight – who had this toy first, who started what, who wanted to watch what, etc. In other words, “He/she’s not being fair!” is the refrain of our home.

While I can easily dismiss this behavior as childish, I must admit two things: (1) my children are right in their frustration and (2) I am just like them.

First of all, I must remember that there is a place for fairness. After all, fairness is simply another way of describing justice. If I dismiss their frustration over life being fair, then I am dismissing the notion of God as sovereign King and Judge. God weighs the scales of life and He dispenses justice, lovingly and perfectly. Maybe I am simply too comfortable with a life of disappointment and sin that I don’t realize how much I need the redemption of creation.

Our children want justice – and so should we. King Jesus, Come.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in November

With a basement, comes stairs:
Hopefully On November 9th, the basement will be opening and we will be able to be tour the space. Obviously, this will change the way we use the building, and the way we “see” the building. For example, with the addition of two stairwells around the perimeter of the Sanctuary, some parents will need to change the way they allow their children to run the hallways. Parents may be very aware of new staircases, but children may not notice if they are running around a corner that was “hallway” only a few weeks ago. Please educate your children of the new staircases and do not allow your child to run down the hallways. The two new staircases are pictured below.

Stairs in the back hall – on the Northeast corner, across from the bathrooms:

Stairs in the front gallery – on the Southwest corner, across from the coffee area (aka “café”):

Classroom Changes with the Basement Opening:
Once the basement opens for ministry use (tentatively scheduled for November 16th), most of the Sunday School and Children’s Worship classes (as well as all the ages above) will move into new classrooms, whether above or below. Once the basement is open, the following classes will be in the assigned rooms:
Top Floor:
Nurseries (newborn up to two-year-olds): current rooms – they are not changing
Younger 2’s S.S. (9am): Room 119
Older 2’s S.S. (9am): Room 121
Two-Year-Old Nursery (10:30): Room 121
Younger 3’s S.S. (9am): Room 123
Older 3’s S.S. (10:30): Room 124
Three-Year-Old Nursery (10:30): Room 123
PreK S.S.: Room 125
Basement Level:
Young Worshipper’s C.W. (4s-K) (10:30): Room 08
Kindergarten S.S.: Room 34
First Grade S.S.: Room 33
Second Grade S.S.: Room 31
Adv. In Worship C.W. (1st-2nd) (10:30): Room 10
Third Grade S.S.: Room 29
4th/5th Grade S.S.: Room 10
In the near future, maps, more detailed information, and tours will be made available for all those interested.

Kids’ Club:
Every Wednesday evening, WEPC presents the gospel to our elementary-school children from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come this Wednesday. If your child is not yet in Kindergarten, please let the excitement build up in them over this year and refrain from bringing them until they are in Kindergarten. Because of the large number of kids, we will have to turn away any preschoolers.
Volunteers Needed:
We have all of our small group leaders, but we still need HELPERS for almost all age groups. Please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 (joe@wepc.org) if you want to help. Venue Change with Basement Opening:
Hopefully on November 19th, Kids’ Club will move downstairs! More information will be made available before the change.

Mark your Calendars: Dates for VBS 2009 are Set:
This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from Sunday, June 21st to Friday, June 26th. Again it will be an evening VBS from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The purpose for VBS is to present the gospel clearly and creatively, so that our children, and the children of the community, can be brought to faith and repentance. More information to come.

Only Two More Cribs Needed:
Three cribs have been graciously donated to the Infant Nursery already and we now only need two more cribs. If you have a crib that is no longer needed, please consider donating it to the church. Contact Joe Brown at the church office with details.

“Children & Worship: A Handbook for the Covenant Family” is available:
A West End Presbyterian Church publication, “Children & Worship: A Handbook for the Covenant Family” is available in the “Life at West End” information center in the gallery. It is designed to assist parents in their God-given task to raise up lifelong worshippers of Jesus in their children. It is filled with helpful hints in the worship service, a description of Children’s Worship, and some resources of songs and creeds that we sing often in our worship service. If you have a child in your home, please pick one up in the gallery. For more information, contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 (joe@wepc.org).

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. You can also find information on the Children’s Ministry Bulletin Board, opposite the Nursery Counter in the back hallway. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs

- Pray for the move to the basement in the month of November. To have more space for ministry use is an exciting thing for our congregation. But it also is a perfect opportunity for disappointment, tension and conflict. Please pray that God would be gracious to us in the details, and that we would be able to see and respond to His grace, especially as we interact with others.

- Pray for the three special task forces that are either beginning soon or in the middle of their work that pertain to children’s ministry. These teams are dealing with “Children Servant Leadership Training,” “Membership of our Covenant Children,” and “Children as Worship Leaders.” Please pray that we may see the fruit of the Holy Spirit from these teams, and that His Gospel will be advanced in this community and beyond.

Praise for October Babies!!!
Five beautiful babies were born to WEPC families in late September and October this year. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in November

Wednesday, November 5th, 12th, 19th (NO KIDS CLUB on Nov. 26th)
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Sanctuary, Rooms 119, 121, 160, 162
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, November 9th
What: Preschool Board Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Contact: Heather Jarvis

Saturday, November 15th
What: Basement Work Day
Where: All over
Time: TBD
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, November 16th, 23rd, 30th & Dec. 7th
What: Child Servant Leadership Training
Where: TBD

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, November 23rd
What: Children’s Worship (Younger) singing the Offertory in Late Service
Where: Sanctuary
Time: After sermon of the 10:30 service
Contact: Lilli Benko

October 2008 E-Newsletter

2008-10-06T13:49:00.003-04:00

Matthew 8:16-17
“When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
‘He took up our infirmities
And carried our diseases.’”

My daughter broke her tooth yesterday. She fell off her chair at breakfast and subsequently cut her tongue, bloodied her mouth, bruised her chin and chipped her tooth. A trip to the pediatric dentist is impending.

This is a normal event for a family, I know. And I know that this could have been far worse (this measures about a 0.1 on the “child-trauma richter scale”).
But it is always shocking to see your child in pain and not be able to remove that pain from her. It is always somewhat defeating to know that these things are outside of one’s control.

But when we are in the middle of pain and discomfort, this is the point that our bodies scream for the redemption offered to us in Jesus. When Jesus came ministering to the sick, to the blind and the lame, He offered us a glimpse into the promise we have of glorified bodies in heaven, where death shall be no more, and where pain will no longer be a part of life.

And Jesus’ ministry of healing was far more than a man curing people of their sickness. No! Jesus’ ministry of healing lasts into this day because of what the prophet of Isaiah said: Jesus took up our infirmities. Jesus Himself carried our diseases.

He didn’t just remove sin – He became sin. We must never forget that Jesus’ ministry of healing was very costly to him. On the cross, we see where our true cleansing was secured, and where the ultimate cost was paid.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in October

Kids’ Club:
Every Wednesday evening, WEPC presents the gospel to our elementary-school children from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come this Wednesday. If your child is not yet in Kindergarten, please let the excitement build up in them over this year and refrain from bringing them until they are in Kindergarten. Because of the large number of kids, we will have to turn away any preschoolers.
Volunteers Needed:
We still need a small group leader for 4th & 5th Grade Girls and for 2nd Grade. We also need a few helpers for 2nd through 5th Grade. Please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 (joe@wepc.org) if you want to help.

“Children & Worship: A Handbook for the Covenant Family” is now available:
A West End Presbyterian Church publication, “Children & Worship: A Handbook for the Covenant Family” is now available in the “Life at West End” information center in the gallery. It is designed to assist parents in their God-given task to raise up lifelong worshippers of Jesus in their children. It is filled with helpful hints in the worship service, a description of Children’s Worship, and some resources of songs and creeds that we sing often in our worship service. If you have a child in your home, please pick one up in the gallery. For more information, contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 (joe@wepc.org).

Only three more Sunday School helpers needed:
WEPC’s Sunday School program is still in need of three more helpers to assist every other week: two for the Younger Two’s class, two for the Older Two’s class and one for Kindergarten. If this is a place for you to “plug in” and work alongside others of WEP, please contact Jill Sorg at jill.sorg@capitalone.com or Sarah Doerfler at sarah@blueinthestream.com for more information.

Mark your Calendars: Dates for VBS 2009 are Set:
This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from Sunday, June 21st to Friday, June 26th. Again it will be an evening VBS from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The purpose for VBS is to present the gospel clearly and creatively, so that our children, and the children of the community, can be brought to faith and repentance. More information to come.

Cribs Needed:
With the opening of the new Infant Suite, it is clear that we need to have cribs for the infants instead of the plethora of pack-n-plays. If you have a crib that is no longer needed, please consider donating it to the church. Contact Joe Brown at the church office with details.

Advent Children’s Choir:
During late Fall (October 22nd up to Christmastime), all 2nd through 5th Grade students are invited to join an Advent Choir. Practices will be concurrent with Kids’ Club on Wednesday nights so your children could still participate in half of Kids’ Club, and then spend the other half in choir rehearsal. The choir will help lead the congregation in worship once during the advent season. If you are interested please mark your tear-off or contact Kathleen Richine at 365-8415 or krichine@hotmail.com, or Tammy Ingram at 503-1185 or ingramfam5@hotmail.com.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. You can also find information on the Children’s Ministry Bulletin Board, opposite the Nursery Counter in the back hallway. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs

- Pray for a mother in our church that is struggling with the fact that her husband does not believe. Pray that the mother will know how to love, care and submit to her husband, and in so doing, to point him to the life-changing love of Jesus. And pray for the children to see the transforming power of the gospel.

- Pray for the Children’s Ministry volunteers on Sunday morning to have the mind of Christ and to view “distractions” as God’s movement.

Praise for September Babies!!!
Three beautiful babies were born to WEPC families in September this year. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in October

Wednesday, October 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Sanctuary, Rooms 119, 121, 160, 162
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Friday, October 3rd
What: Nursery Volunteer Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Contact: Nikki Deal

September 2008 E-Newsletter

2008-09-04T16:31:00.005-04:00

Psalm 51:10

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

It is beyond my comprehension how only five minutes in our sandbox in the backyard can result in massive amounts of sand in someone’s underwear. Suffice it to say, my kids get dirty pretty quickly.

The prayer of psalm 51 is for God to renew us – to wipe away the dirt and make us clean again. Jack Miller wrote, “We all need a great big intervention of love from outside ourselves to sweeten and renew us.” Forgetting the truth and believing lies, I want to believe that I can make myself clean again. I want to believe that when faced with a monumental challenge (like loving my family or praying) that I can do it all alone.

But we need an intervention of love. Jesus has offered that intervention.

Although I think children are sweet, it is only by Him that we can be truly sweet.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in September

CM “Move-Up Sunday” is September 7th:
This is a big day for our children and families. All Sunday School classes will “graduate” into their new classes; this includes all the two-year-old children in the “Scooters PLUS” Nursery. Please take some extra time that morning to find your new class and meet your new teachers.

Three Sunday School classes are at risk of NOT operating after Sept. 7th:
Because of a severe lack of teachers & helpers in the Three-year-old, 2nd Grade and 3rd Grade classes, we will not be able to staff these three classes next Sunday, September 14th. For the three-year-old class we still need one teacher and four helpers. For the 2nd Grade & 3rd Grade classes we still need one teacher and one helper each. Please contact Jill Sorg, Sarah Doerfler or Joe Brown if this is an area in which God is calling you to serve.

About 44 Volunteer Positions for Children’s Ministry needed for the Fall. Please see the big posters in the back hallway, and the information below.

Nursery Room Leaders Needed (Both Services):
This is a bi-weekly commitment from September 7th to May 31st that involves loving little children, praying for families, and making sure that the environment in the nursery room is one that spreads the aroma of Christ. Interested? Please mark your tear-off or contact Nikki Deal at 756-0404 (hokiedeals@comcast.net) or Joe Brown at 741-6562 (joe@wepc.org). We are looking for 5 – 8 individuals.

Sunday School Teachers Needed (9:00 service only):
This is a bi-weekly commitment from September 7th to May 31st that involves co-teaching classes and/or helping the teachers in the classrooms. We need about 7 teachers & 19 helpers from 2 years old to 3rd Grade. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Jill Sorg at 515-8111 (jill.sorg@capitalone.com) or Sarah Doerfler at 364-9228 (sjdoerfler@comcast.net).

Kids’ Club Leaders Needed (Wednesday Evenings):
This is a weekly commitment from October 1st to April 29th (with various holidays off). This ministry strives to present the gospel to our elementary-school children (Kindergarten through 5th Grade) every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. through games, crafts, songs and small groups. We need about 10 individuals as small group leaders, small group helpers, craft coordinator, game coordinator, and music coordinator. Please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 (joe@wepc.org) if you want to help.

Children’s Worship (Sept. 14th) now welcomes 2nd Graders:
As we strive to teach our children to worship here at West End Presbyterian Church, we have increased the age limit of Children’s Worship to include 2nd Graders. Beginning September 14th, we ask that all four-year-olds through 2nd Grade students sit with their parents during the first half of the 10:30 service of worship and to come to the Children’s Worship rooms when dismissed.

Children’s Worship Parent Orientation is Sept. 14th:
If you have a child in Children’s Worship, or soon will, we invite you to join Joe, Lilli and her team for a Children’s Worship Parent Orientation on September 14th during Children’s Worship. This one-week event is designed to convey to parents what the children will be doing in Children’s Worship, and how we can work together to achieve the goal of training worshippers. A new “Children & Worship Handbook” will be handed out at the Orientation that is designed to assist parents in their work. You will miss the sermon on this Sunday, so please either attend the 9:00 service or catch the sermon on the website (http://www.wepc.org/).

Children’s Worship Registration is open:
If you would like your child to attend Children’s Worship in the fall, please fill out a Children’s Worship Registration Card found in the gallery. If you filled out a card in the past, then you do not need to fill out another. Children’s Worship begins September 14th, is during the sermon of the late service, and is open to all children from the age of 4 years old to 2nd Grade. You can drop off the registration form in the offering plate, or you can bring it to the church office.

Nursery Worker Schedule Revamping:
Beginning with the September 2008 Nursery Schedule, we will move to a new database regarding member scheduling of the nursery. This will result in the shuffling of some teams and may mean that between September and October, some members will be assigned to help in the nursery more often than once every eight weeks. But the revamping of the database will produce much less work on many volunteers’ parts, as well as make it much easier to add new teams – resulting in members working once every nine or ten weeks. Thanks for your grace during this time.

Advent Children’s Choir:
During late Fall (October 22nd up to Christmastime), all 2nd through 5th Grade students are invited to join an Advent Choir. Practices will be concurrent with Kids’ Club on Wednesday nights so your children could still participate in half of Kids’ Club, and then spend the other half in choir rehearsal. The choir will help lead the congregation in worship once during the advent season. If you are interested please mark your tear-off or contact Kathleen Richine at 365-8415 or krichine@hotmail.com, or Tammy Ingram at 503-1185 or ingramfam5@hotmail.com.

Cribs Needed:
With the opening of the new Infant Suite today, it is clear that we need to have cribs for the infants instead of the plethora of pack-n-plays. If you have a crib that is no longer needed, please consider donating it to the church. Contact Joe Brown at the church office with details.

Allergy Update?
If your child has an allergy, please make sure that his teachers are aware. This information should be on the sign-in sheet of all Sunday School, Nursery and Children’s Worship classes.

WEPC Community Preschool Update
Beginning of School: It’s that time of year again. Teachers begin August 29th and students begin September 8th. As the new school year approaches please pray with us:
♦ For the 32 children & families who will be part of our preschool this year.
♦ For the teachers as they prepare their classrooms, lessons and hearts for this ministry.
♦ That we as a staff would love these children well and that by our love the children and their families would see a glimpse of God and His love for them
Enrollment is currently only open for 3 year olds.
For more information please contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741- 6562 or visit the preschool page of the church website (www.wepc.org/preschool).

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available
WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. You can also find information on the Children’s Ministry Bulletin Board, opposite the Nursery Counter in the back hallway. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs:

- Pray for a family in our church that is at a point of crisis regarding a sick child and the parents’ struggle with the sickness. Please pray for God’s mercy and for the gospel of peace to transform and soften hearts.

- Pray for the beginning of school! Of course this is a stressful time for many families (especially the first-time kindergarteners!). But pray that as families in the community become more and more enmeshed in each others lives that there will be bold steps taken to proclaim the gospel and to see Jesus redeem sinners.

Praise for one more last-minute July baby!!!
Just after the last newsletter was sent out, one more beautiful baby was born to a WEPC family in July. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the following baby and family. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in August

Thursday, September 4th
What: WEPC Community Preschool Parents’ Night
Where: TBD
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Contact: Casey Zollinhofer

Sunday, September 7th
What: Move Up Sunday!
Where: All over!
Time: 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Who: All Sunday School children will graduate to the next grade level.

Sunday, September 14th
What: Children’s Worship begins again
Where: Chapel & Room 124
Time: During the sermon of the 2nd Service
Contact: Lilli Benko

Sunday, September 14th
What: Children’s Worship Parent Orientation
Where: TBD
Time: During the sermon of the 2nd Service
Contact: Joe Brown

Wednesday, September 17th
What: Kids’ Club Leaders’ Meeting
Where: TBD
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

August 2008 E-Newsletter

2008-07-31T11:31:00.007-04:00

Genesis 12:2-3

2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

It’s amazing how quickly a new toy becomes forgotten. Blair bought our two oldest kids two “bop bags” – those inflatable punching bags that are heavy at the bottom so they just bounce back when hit. It was a huge hit in our house… for about an hour. When the kids received their gift, there was so much excitement in our house! They ran around, hitting, pouncing and bouncing. What a wonderful sight it was. But less than an hour later one of the bop bags was nothing but a pile of deflated plastic and the other was laying on its side among other sundries, forgotten. The kids had moved on.

God does not move on from us.

God has rescued us from our sin, lavished us with His grace, and promised us eternal life… but He does not leave it there. God personally “attaches” Himself to His people. In Genesis 12 God makes a covenant with Abraham that states His promise of permanent involvement. God was not only going to bless Abraham and his family – He was going to continually walk beside Abraham and be involved with the people that Abraham was involved with: “I will bless those who bless you…”

Being pursued by Jesus is more than salvation.
It is the promise of being united to Jesus.
It is the blessing of continual intercession on your behalf.
It is knowing that God has never moved on – He is moving with you.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in August

CM “Move-Up Sunday” is September 7th
This is a big day for our children and families. All Sunday School classes will “graduate” into their new classes; this includes all the two-year-old children in the "Scooters PLUS" Nursery. Please take some extra time that morning to find your new class and meet your new teachers.

Children’s Worship (Sept. 14th) now welcomes 2nd Graders:
As we strive to teach our children to worship here at West End Presbyterian Church, we have increased the age limit of Children’s Worship to include 2nd Graders. Beginning September 14th, we ask that all four-year-olds through 2nd Grade students sit with their parents during the first half of the 10:30 service of worship and to come to the Children’s Worship rooms when dismissed.

Children’s Worship Orientation is Sept. 14th:
If you have a child in Children’s Worship, or soon will, we invite you to join Joe, Lilli and her team for a Children’s Worship Orientation on September 14th during Children’s Worship. This one-week event is designed to convey to parents what the children will be doing in Children’s Worship, and how we can work together to achieve the goal of training worshippers. A new “Children & Worship Handbook” will be handed out at the Orientation that is designed to assist parents in their work. You will miss the sermon on this Sunday, so please either attend the 9:00 service or catch the sermon on the website (www.wepc.org).

Children’s Worship Registration is open
If you would like your child to attend Children’s Worship in the fall, please fill out a Children’s Worship Registration Card found in the gallery. If you filled out a card in the past, then you do not need to fill out another. Children’s Worship begins September 7th, is during the sermon of the late service, and is open to all children from the age of 4 years old to 2nd Grade. You can drop off the registration form in the offering plate, or you can bring it to the church office.

93 Volunteer Positions for Children’s Ministry needed for the Fall. Please see below.

Nursery Room Leaders Needed (Both Services)
This is a bi-weekly commitment from September 7th to May 31st that involves loving little children, praying for families, and making sure that the environment in the nursery room is one that spreads the aroma of Christ. Interested? Please mark your tear-off or contact Nikki Deal at 756-0404 or Joe Brown at 741-6562. We are looking for about 16 individuals.

Sunday School Teachers Needed (9:00 service only)
This is a bi-weekly commitment from September 7th to May 31st that involves co-teaching classes and/or helping the teachers in the classrooms. We need about 18 teachers & 38 helpers from 2 years old to 5th Grade. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Jill Sorg at 515-8111 or Sarah Doerfler at 364-9228.

Children’s Worship Leaders Needed (10:30 service only)
This is a twice-monthly commitment from September 7th through May 31st. These leaders are responsible to co-lead the second half of the Children’s Worship, rotating with the other teachers, teaching twice in one month. If you are interested, please write on your tear-off or contact Lilli Benko at 364-8423. We still need about 2-4 more individuals to join the team.

Kids’ Club Leaders Needed (Wednesday Evenings)
This is a weekly commitment from October 1st to April 29th (with various holidays off). This ministry strives to present the gospel to our elementary-school children (Kindergarten through 5th Grade) every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. through games, crafts, songs and small groups. We need about 17 individuals as small group leaders, small group helpers, craft coordinator, game coordinator, and music coordinator. Please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 if you want to help.

Nursery Coordinator Needed
We are looking for a new Nursery Coordinator to start this fall. A coordinator manages the nursery once every 8 weeks, contacts the workers, and is there for both services on Sunday morning. Please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 if you are interested.

Allergy Update?
If your child has an allergy, please make sure that his teachers are aware. This information should be on the sign-in sheet of all Sunday School, Nursery and Children’s Worship classes.

Nursery Worker Schedule Revamping
Beginning with the September 2008 Nursery Schedule, we will move to a new database regarding member scheduling of the nursery. This will result in the shuffling of some teams and may mean that between September and October, some members will be assigned to help in the nursery more often than once every eight weeks. But the revamping of the database will produce much less work on many volunteers’ parts, as well as make it much easier to add new teams – resulting in members working once every nine or ten weeks. Thanks for your grace during this time.

GoodSports Soccer Camp Returns!
Camp will be held Monday-Thursday, August 4th to 7th from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Byrd Middle School for boys and girls ages 5 to 10. The camp will provide basic soccer skills while using the principles of sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play to present the Gospel. The goal is for the campers to learn to play for God and not just to win. For more information contact Carl Miller. We are also looking for volunteer coaches and helpers.

WEPC Community Preschool Update
God has provided the Preschool with all the staff needs. If you would like more information regarding teachers, staff and the organization of the Preschool, please contact Casey Zollinhofer.
And while we have almost 30 children enrolled currently, there is still room for more enrollments in the 3 and 4 year olds. For more information please contact Casey Zollinhofer at 741- 6562 or visit the preschool page of the church website (www.wepc.org/preschool).

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are available

WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we provide two weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. You can also find information on the Children’s Ministry Bulletin Board, opposite the Nursery Counter in the back hallway. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about how God is advancing His Kingdom in the life of the children at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs

- Pray for a mother in our church that had been diagnosed with a form of localized cancer. She has received good news regarding its breadth and for that we praise God! Continue to pray for God’s healing hand, and for the Spirit’s work of consolation.

- Praise God for the good report of the Cherokee mission trip in which many children and parents from WEPC attended. The work of those that bring the good news to the world is difficult, yet the families were able to work together (adults and children together) to present the gospel in Cherokee, NC. Pray that Jesus would continue to open doors in Cherokee and for the year-round missionary, Tammy Jackson, with MTW in Cherokee.

Praise for June & July Babies!!!
Eight beautiful babies were born to WEPC families in May this year. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in August

Thursday, August 28th
What: Sunday School Volunteer Training
Where: TBD
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Jill Sorg & Sarah Doerfler

Sunday Mornings – August 2008

Children’s Sunday School
Where: Rooms along the back corridor
Time: 9:00 Service (9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.)
Who: Two Year Olds through Fifth Grade
Description: Grade levels and ages are marked on each door. Jill Sorg and Sarah Doerfler are leading this ministry.

Nursery
Where: Northwest corner of building
Time: Both Services: 9:00 & 10:30 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
Who: Newborn through Three Year Olds
Description: Please visit the Nursery Counter in the northwest corner of the building behind the Sanctuary for more information. There will be a coordinator there ready to answer your questions and to direct you to the correct rooms. Nikki Deal is leading this ministry. Please click here for the Nursery Schedule that is posted on the WEPC website.

Worship of the Family of God
Where: Sanctuary
Time: 9:00 service & 10:30 service
Who: All are welcome!
Description: Worship is what we are created for. This is an opportunity for all of God’s people to worship and enjoy Him. During the summer there will be no Children’s Worship, therefore all four year-olds and older are to remain in the Sanctuary for the duration of worship. There are Children’s Bulletins and crayons in the gallery to help you train your child to worship. Jesus welcomed the littlest children into His arms. And if they squirmed and yelled out, He still loved them. So if your little child squirms and yells out, as a congregation WEPC says, “Amen! God is working!”

June 2008 E-Newsletter

2008-06-02T10:08:00.003-04:00

Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

I don’t know many people who like training. Yes – there are the few that take pleasure in the “preparations” of a big event, but for the most part, we don’t like training. My two older children want to be able to do things right now, but they don’t enjoy the practice that is required in learning how to do these things (and neither do I!).

But as parents (and as fellow believers vowed to assist parents), we are called to train our children. We understand this implicitly when it comes to manners, social development, intellectual development, and motor-skill development, but many of us shy away from training our children in the gospel. But that is exactly what this proverb is speaking to – training of worldview, of the gospel. After all, the second clause, “he will not turn from it” implies a moral and ethical choice, not a physical skill or intellectual ability. So, we are to train our children in the gospel. What exactly does that look like?

Metaphorically, it is taking your child by the hand and talking to him as you both walk down the path of the gospel. Too many parents walk the path of the gospel and leave their children at the beginning, hoping and praying that they will soon start the journey. Other parents grab their children by the hand and drag them along the path, never discussing what is going on. And others just stay at the beginning of the path with their child waiting for the child to make the first move.

We need to proactively train our children in the gospel. We need to speak to them about the gospel truth. We need to answer their questions regarding love, marriage, death, sin, Judas Iscariot, etc. And when we don’t know the answer, we need to go to Scripture together, asking God to show us the way. We need to be able to ask for the forgiveness of our children when we have sinned against them. We need to be firm in our expectations of their behavior, always looking for inroads into the heart of the child. And in doing all of this, we are taking our child’s hand, and walking and talking.

Walking and talking – that’s training our children in the gospel.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in June

VBS Donations Desired:

If you have any of the following, please consider lending it out for this year’s VBS. Please write your name on the item and drop it in the large box next to the VBS table in the gallery by Sunday, June 15th. If you have an item that will not fit in the box, please call Jen Wickham at 986-6653 to arrange drop-off/pick-up. Thank you!
Trophies, award ribbons, multi-colored pennant flags, international flags, laurel wreaths and garland, bunting, and any Olympic sport equipment.
Tall, free-standing ladders, sand, tail-gating tents, scrap lumber, two high velocity fans, and choral risers. Tumbling mats, springboard, gymnastic equipment, horses on a stick and hobby horses, hay bales, riding helmets, a medical stretcher, a wading pool, bows and arrows, ping-pong tables, paddles and ping-pong balls, volleyballs, tennis rackets and balls, karate uniforms, goggles, swim caps, badminton birdies and rackets, and any type of bicycle or unicycle. Large roll paper: white, red, blue, green, yellow; poster paint; fishing line; plain Mylar balloons – various colors; helium tank; 2” masking tape; painters tape; streamers; dowel rods; and black permanent markers.

VBS 2008 Details, Prayer & Registration:

There is an information table set-up in the gallery that has flyers and registration forms. Please register your child today. In between services there will be a volunteer sitting at the table ready to answer any and all questions. This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from June 22nd to 27th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is open to all children between the ages of 4-years-old (by the end of June) to Fourth Grade (completed). VBS is free of charge, and a t-shirt is $10. If you would like more information, please visit the table in the gallery, mark your tear-off or contact Rebecca Allan at 673-1965 or vbs@wepc.org. There will also be an open prayer time for Vacation Bible School on Sunday, June 15th from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 129. Anyone is welcome as we lift up this valuable ministry before the Lord.

Older Elementary Boys Leader Needed for VBS:
We are still looking for a man to help lead the 3rd & 4th Grade Boys Group, along with a few other individuals who are creative, energetic and have the desire to help our children reach for gold at this year's VBS, the “Olympion!” In order for our kids to enjoy their Olympic experience, we still need volunteers for skits, crafts, decorations, skits, snacks and nursery. Please mark your tear-off or contact Rebecca Allan at 673-1965 or vbs@wepc.org.

Plenty of Nursery Room Leaders Still Needed for the Summer:
For only six alternating weeks from June 15th to August 31st we still need more Nursery Room Leaders. These individuals do NOT prepare a lesson beforehand, but serve as the point-person for a specific classroom for parents, children and member workers. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at joe@wepc.org or 741-6562.
Positions Needed:
Waddler Nursery (12-18mos): Need 2 leaders for 9am
Scooter Nursery (18-24mos): Need 2 leaders for 9am & 2 leaders for 10:30am
Scooter Nursery (24+mos – this is a “summer only” nursery room): Need 1 leader for 9am & 1 leader for 10:30am
Toddler 2 & 3 Nursery (2 & 3 years old are combining for the summer): Need 2 leaders for 10:30am

Summer Sunday School Training:

For all summer teachers and helpers in the Sunday School ministry, please plan to attend a brief training meeting this Thursday night, June 5th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the library. Nursery will be available for those that RSVP with number and ages of children to Joe Brown at joe@wepc.org or 741-6562.

Child Safety Training for CM Volunteers for the summer:
If you are volunteering with the Children’s Ministry in the Summer (Nursery, Sunday School, or VBS) and have not attended a Child Safety Meeting in the fall, then you are required to come to ONE of the meetings on Child Safety. This training is specifically designed by members of WEPC to serve our ministry-specific needs and to raise awareness about safety concerns. The meetings are in the conference room. The two open dates are Sunday, June 1st from 12:00 to 2:00 PM and Wednesday, June 11th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Note that regular member workers in the Nursery are NOT required to attend, but are free to do so. Please RSVP to Elizabeth Phillips at ejandsloanphillips@comcast.net.

Sunday School “Graduation” for Upper Elementary children:
For most of the children in Sunday School, they will remain in their current classroom through the summer. Everyone will “graduate” to the next grade or age group on September 7th. The only two exceptions are the Upper Elementary children: Fifth Graders will move up to “Youth Sunday School” which meets in Room 110 beginning June 15th; Fourth Graders will remain in their classroom through the summer; and Third Graders will move up to join the Fourth Graders on June 15th.

Significant Room Changes for the Summer (Nursery & Sunday School):
Because of the building construction, there is a growing need to be “creative” in our classrooms. Beginning June 15th and for the foreseeable future, the Nursery & Sunday School rooms will have different rooms. These room changes will remain in effect until September 7th. To view the new rooms, please click here or contact Joe Brown.

Children & Worship Plan:
Over the course of the past few months, a team of interested members of West End Presbyterian Church were tasked to review and compose a comprehensive plan on how to train our children to worship. WEPC strives to be a community that encourages and actively pursues the inclusion of children in worship. How that is done is driven by our understanding as a church of the nature of worship and our view of our covenant children. Please pray for wisdom for this team as a plan is finalized and implemented. More information will be coming soon.

Children’s Worship Dessert:
There will be a Children’s Worship dessert on Sunday, June 1st at 7:15 p.m. at the home of Meredith and John Arendale. It is open to anyone in the congregation who might have a heart for leading children in worship on Sundays next year. It’s going to be a fruitful time of debriefing of the past year and an idea-discussion for the expanded program starting in September 2008.

Thank you to 2007-2008 Sunday School Teachers and Helpers
Thank you so much to all of our Sunday School teachers and helpers for the 2007-2008 school year. Our children have been blessed by your service and your love!
Younger 2’s: Steve and Heather Glissman, Derrick & Aimee Mestler, Greg & Susan Childress and Kristie & Mark McAuliffe
Older 2’s: Lori Bowman, Melanie West, Chris Perry, Terri Zachry and Brian & Megan Cox
Younger 3’s: Jen Anonick, Erin Bacon, Darin & Jill Smith, Byron Sorg & Laura Deljiorno
Older 3’s: Amy Caroline Wilks, Leslie & Dan Baker, Sarah Doerfler, John & Joyce Minor and Amy & Randy Foy
Pre-K: Heather & Jon Jarvis, Jennifer Farkas, Jamie & Heather Williford, Susan Hajek, Denise & Jeff Spoenlein and Lisa Cox
Kindergarten: Allie & Jason Weippert, Ed Bowman, Rick & Chris McMahon, Cathy Zahalka and Kathi Campbell
1st Grade: Anne & John McGurn, Angela Lessor and Pam Hepner
2nd Grade: Ben Bacon, Jen Krstolic and Monica Davis
3rd Grade: Lisa & Ron Ramus and Georgia Scott
4/5th Grade: Doug and Karen Maxwell (Fall) and Jeff & Robinnette Wrobel (Spring)

Welcome 2008 Summer Sunday School and teachers/helpers
Summer Sunday School is here! If you are a parent, please take note of your child’s new teacher and welcome them over the next few weeks.
Two Year-Olds: Lori Bowman, Rebecca Perry, Christy Smith, Darlene Blaum, Kate Zachry, Kim D’Errico & Bryan and Nikki Deal
Three Year-Olds: Allison Hearn, Amy & Mike Gill, Jen Wickham, Darin Smith, Jim Hale and Jim & Kristin Tetterton
Pre-K: Sonya & Donald Smith, Heather Oberle, Jenn Warren, Steve & Jess Godfrey, Wendy Turner and Beth & Richard Grinnan
Kindergarten: Ann & Davison Long, Bradley & Rich Crawford, Cindy Schwarz, Tracy & Chris Scoggins and Donna Essex
1st Grade: Anne & John McGurn, Karen Sweeney and Jen Zeagler
2nd Grade: Monica Davis, Gary & Kitty Witthoefft and Georgia Price
3rd/4th Grade: Rob MacBride, Ruby Weibe, Chris Blaum and Jennifer Tomenendal
* The 5th Graders will join with the Youth Sunday School class in Room 110 during the summer to help in their transition.
* Parents: All other classes will NOT move up into their new class until the Fall.

WEPC Community Preschool Update:
Job Openings:
The Preschool Board is looking to hire three staff members for the 2008-2009 school year. The following positions are open:
Assistant Teacher - 2 year old class
Assistant Teacher – 4 year old class
Job descriptions and employment applications are available in the church office and on the preschool page of the church website. Please contact Casey Zollinhofer if you have any questions or would like more information.
Enrollment - **Our classes are quickly filling up! If you’re interested, please act soon!**
Enrollment is still open for 3 and 4 year olds. For more information please contact Casey Zollinhofer (casey@wepc.org or 741-6562) or visit the preschool page of the church website (wepc.org/preschool). Brochures, “Prospective Parent Information Packets” and applications are available in the church office, on the preschool page of the church website and on the preschool bulletin board (across from room 123).

NEW Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are now available:

WEPC strives to assist parents in the training of their children in worship. In so doing, we now provide TWO weekly Children’s Bulletins that are renewed every week and that generally align with the preached text. One of them is designed for our youngest regular worshipers (4 – 6 years old) and the other is designed for older children (7 – 12 years old). You will find these bulletins at the “Life at West End” Information Center in the gallery.
The purpose of this bulletin is to help gear the attention of the child to the sermon, in an age-appropriate way. One side is targeted to younger preschool-age children, while the other is for older children. Parents, please use this as a tool to help train your children in worship.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. You can also find information on the Children’s Ministry Bulletin Board, opposite the Nursery Counter in the back hallway. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about the many opportunities to become involved at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs:

- For a father in our congregation that is looking for a job. Please pray for him and his family that they will be able to see Jesus in this time; that God would open doors for him for employment; that they would be able to meet all bills; and for the parents and children to not grow bitter through this difficult time.

- For the beginning of summer! This can be an exciting time for our children, but it can also prove difficult for many parents as days are no longer scheduled (Isaac Watts said something about idle hands and the Enemy I think). Please pray for grace for parents; for safe enjoyment for our kids; and for God to be glorified this summer.

Praise for May Babies!!!
Four beautiful babies were born to WEPC families in May this year. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in June

Sunday, June 1st
What: Child Safety Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Contact: Elizabeth Phillips

Sunday, June 1st
What: Children’s Worship Informational Meeting
Where: John & Meredith Arendale’s home
Time: 7:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Contact: Lilli Benko

Thursday, June 5th
What: Sunday School Volunteer Meeting
Where: Library
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Jill Sorg

Sunday, June 8th
What: VBS Participant Deadline

Sunday, June 8th
What: Preschool Board Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Contact: Heather Jarvis

Wednesday, June 11th
What: Child Safety Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Elizabeth Phillips

Sunday, June 15th
What: Beginning of Summer Quarter of Sunday School
Where: (Please note the room changes here)

Sunday, June 15th
What: VBS Prayer Time
Where: Room 129
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Contact: Rebecca Allan and Joe Brown

Sunday, June 22nd
What: VBS Volunteer Commissioning
Where: Sanctuary
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Who: All VBS volunteers will be commissioned during the 10:30 service
Contact: Rebecca Allan

Sunday, June 22nd
What: VBS Decorating
Where: Sanctuary & all over
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Contact: Jen Wickham

Sunday, June 22nd
What: VBS Begins!!!
Where: All over! Meet in the gallery!
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Rebecca Allan

Sunday to Friday, July 15 to 20
What: VBS – Olympion
Where: All over! Meet in the gallery!
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Rebecca Allan

May 2008 E-Newsletter

2008-05-08T09:47:00.003-04:00

Revelation 21:1, 22, 27
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple… Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

The immediate presence of God is an amazing thing. God is so close to His creation that He is unavoidable (even when we try).

But we can see this in our ordinary life also. With children it is especially clear because they desire to be close to their parents. When a child is frightened, he runs to his mother. When a child is excited about something she has created, she runs to show her parents. The child senses that love and life is found in close proximity to his parents. This is more than a learned social or psychological behavior. This is part of God’s ordering of His creation: He draws His children near to Himself (and he illustrates that in families).

In the 21st chapter of Revelation, John shows us a picture of our future… and our present. Not only do we look forward to the day that Jesus walks and talks with us, but we even experience that (in a small sense) today. As you and I go through tough situations, we can trust that Jesus is Immanuel (God is with us). As you and I deal with the ramifications of our own sin, we can trust that Jesus has united us in His death and has removed the stain of sin and death from us.

As you and I walk through life – we can know that Jesus is walking with us.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in May

VBS 2008 is next month!

There is an information table set-up in the gallery that has flyers and registration forms. Please register your child today. In between services there will be a volunteer sitting at the table ready to answer any and all questions. This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from June 22nd to 27th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is open to all children between the ages of 4-years-old (by the end of June) to Fourth Grade (completed). VBS is free of charge, and a t-shirt is $10. If you would like more information, please visit the table in the gallery, mark your tear-off or contact Rebecca Allan at 673-1965 or vbs@wepc.org.

VBS Volunteer Meeting on Sunday, May 18th:
If you would like to volunteer for VBS this summer (or even if you have already communicated that you will be helping), then please come to a volunteer meeting on Sunday, May 18th directly after the late service in the library. Please come and join with others to learn about how we can preach the gospel through VBS. Pizza will be provided.

VBS Volunteers Needed:
We are looking for a few individuals who are creative, energetic and have the desire to help our children reach for gold at this year's VBS, the “Olympion!” In order for our kids to enjoy their Olympic experience, we still need teachers and helpers for almost all ages, as well as volunteers for skits, crafts, decorations, skits, snacks and nursery. Please mark your tear-off or contact Rebecca Allan at 673-1965 or vbs@wepc.org.

Kids’ Club will return next Fall:
During the school year, WEPC presents the gospel to our elementary-school children every Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games as we learn about the kingdom of God advancing. Kids’ Club will return October 1st for another fun-filled year!

Summer Nursery Room Leaders Needed:
This past school year saw the beginning of an exciting ministry here at West End Presbyterian Church. Dedicated believers served as Room Leaders in each of the Nursery rooms to help provide consistency for our littlest friends, to bring peace of mind to parents, and to help bring leadership to the various member Nursery workers. Beginning Sunday, June 15th and running until August 31st, we will be looking for godly leaders to fill these positions. All positions are open and are usually run on a bi-weekly basis. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at 741-6562. Over the summer, this normally requires only a six-week commitment.

Positions Needed:
Waddler Nursery (12-18mos): Need 2 leaders for 9am
Scooter Nursery (18-24mos): Need 2 leaders for 9am & 2 leaders for 10:30am
Scooter Nursery (24+mos – this is a “summer only” nursery room): Need 1 leader for 9am & 1 leader for 10:30am
Toddler 2 & 3 Nursery (2 & 3 years old are combining for the summer): Need 2 leaders for 10:30am

Summer Sunday School Teachers and Helpers Needed:
The summer of 2008 is fast approaching and WEPC's Sunday School is getting ready. Starting Sunday, June 15th and running until August 31st, will be the summer quarter of our Children's Sunday School. We are looking for godly teachers to help bring the Gospel to our younger friends. All positions are open and are usually run on a bi-weekly basis. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Dana Hennesey at 266-5202 or Jill Sorg at 515-8111. Over the summer, this normally requires only a six-week commitment.

Positions Needed:
Pre-K: Need 3 helpers
Kindergarten: Need 3 helpers
Third & Fourth Grade: Need 1 helper
** Fifth Grade moves up to join the Youth Sunday School classes at the beginning of the summer (June 15th) to help with their transition.
** The rest of the children will remain in their current grade, and will “graduate” to the next grade on September 7th

Children & Worship Plan:
Over the course of the past few months, a team of interested members of West End Presbyterian Church were tasked to review and compose a comprehensive plan on how to train our children to worship. WEPC strives to be a community that encourages and actively pursues the inclusion of children in worship. How that is done is driven by our understanding as a church of the nature of worship and our view of our covenant children. Please pray for wisdom for this team as a plan is finalized and implemented. More information will be coming soon.

Children’s Worship Dessert:
There will be a Children’s Worship dessert on Sunday, June 1st at 7:15 p.m. at the home of Meredith and John Arendale. It is open to anyone in the congregation who might have a heart for leading children in worship on Sundays next year. It’s going to be a fruitful time of debriefing of the past year and an idea-discussion for the expanded program starting in September 2008.

WEPC Community Preschool Update:
Job Openings:
The Preschool Board is looking to hire three staff members for the 2008-2009 school year. The following positions are open:
Assistant Teacher - 2 year old class
Assistant Teacher – 4 year old class
Job descriptions and employment applications are available in the church office and on the preschool page of the church website. Please contact Casey Zollinhofer if you have any questions or would like more information.

Enrollment:

**Our classes are quickly filling up! If you’re interested, please act soon!**
Enrollment is still open for 3 and 4 year olds. For more information please contact Casey Zollinhofer (casey@wepc.org or 741-6562) or visit the preschool page of the church website (wepc.org/preschool). Brochures, “Prospective Parent Information Packets” and applications are available in the church office, on the preschool page of the church website and on the preschool bulletin board (across from room 123).

NEW Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are now available:

- For a WEPC member that has been placed on pregnancy-induced bed-rest. She already has other young children, so it is naturally difficult for her to truly stay off of her feet. Pray for the health of the baby and for patience in the mother.

- For a WEPC family that is trying to love some friends that have experienced the death of the mother of the family. Some WEPC children are struggling to love their friend who has lost her mother. Please pray for the grieving of the family and for the gospel to break through. And pray that God would use the WEPC children as ministers to their friend.

Praise for early May Babies!!!
Three beautiful babies have been born so far to WEPC families in May. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in May

Sunday, May 11th
What: Mother’s Day

Sunday, May 18th
What: VBS Volunteer Meeting
Where: Room 162
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.Contact: Rebecca Allan

April 2008 E-Newsletter

2008-04-02T14:54:00.002-04:00

Luke 22:42
Jesus: “…yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Acts 21:14b
Paul: “The Lord’s will be done.”

What does it mean to pray, “The Lord’s will be done?” Clearly, we trust that God is completely sovereign… so His will WILL be done.
So why should we pray this statement? It seems unnecessary.

But you can see in this prayer something far deeper. There is a “breaking” in this prayer. It’s the breaking of our own will. When you get to the point in your life where you find yourself praying this prayer it is because you have exhausted your will – your own power has brought you to the end of your limit. You are essentially saying, “God, I can no longer trust my own will – so I will trust yours.”

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed this prayer. He understood that He was about to suffer and die.
As he was about to go down to Jerusalem, Paul prayer this prayer. He knew that he was to be bound, and possibly to die.

It is in the moments in our lives where we are to be broken that we need to rest in His arms. We may not like what is to come. We may despise the circumstances we find ourselves in. But we need to come to a place where we breathe out a sigh of resignation, and put our entire trust and faith in the Sovereign God of the Universe and pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

I pray that we can all pray this.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in April

VBS 2008 – less than three months away!
This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from June 22nd to 27th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is open to all children between the ages of 4-years-old (by the end of June) to Fourth Grade (completed). If you would like more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Rebecca Allan at 673-1965 or vbs@wepc.org. By April 13th, there will be an information table set-up in the gallery that will include flyers and registration forms. We are also looking for a few individuals who are creative, energetic and have the desire to help our children reach for gold at this year's VBS, the “Olympian!” In order for our kids to enjoy their Olympic experience, we need coordinators for SKITS, LEADERS for the classes, as well as volunteers to help with CRAFTS, DECORATIONS, SKITS, SNACKS and NURSERY. Please mark your tear-off or contact Rebecca Allan at 673-1965 or vbs@wepc.org.

Kids’ Club Update:
Kids’ Club concludes on April 30th!
WEPC presents the gospel weekly to our elementary-school children every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 128. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games. We will be learning about the movement of the Holy Spirit in the early church as recorded in the book of Acts, as well as how God is moving in our own lives. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come on Wednesday. You will need to register your child if you haven’t yet, and receive more information. If you would like more information about Kids’ Club, please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562.

Summer Nursery Room Leaders Needed:
This past school year saw the beginning of an exciting ministry here at West End Presbyterian Church. Dedicated believers served as Room Leaders in each of the Nursery rooms to help provide consistency for our littlest friends, to bring peace of mind to parents, and to help bring leadership to the various member Nursery workers. Beginning Sunday, June 15th and running until August 31st, we will be looking for godly leaders to fill these positions. All positions are open and are usually run on a bi-weekly basis. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at 741-6562. Over the summer, this normally requires only a six-week commitment.

Positions Needed:
Waddler Nursery (12-18mos): Need 2 leaders
Scooter Nursery (18-24mos): Need 3 leaders
Scooter Nursery (24+mos – this is a “summer only” nursery room): Need 4 leaders
Toddler 2 & 3 Nursery (2 & 3 years old are combining for the summer): Need 2 leaders

Summer Sunday School Teachers and Helpers Needed:
The summer of 2008 is fast approaching and WEPC's Sunday School is getting ready. Starting Sunday, June 15th and running until August 31st, will be the summer quarter of our Children's Sunday School. We are looking for godly teachers to help bring the Gospel to our younger friends. All positions are open and are usually run on a bi-weekly basis. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Dana Hennesey at 266-5202 or Jill Sorg at 515-8111. Over the summer, this normally requires only a six-week commitment.

Positions Needed:
Two-Year Old’s (combining Younger 2’s and Older 2’s for the summer): Need 4 helpers
Pre-K: Need 4 helpers
Kindergarten: Need 4 helpers
First Grade: Need 2 TEACHERS
Second Grade: Need 1 TEACHER, 1 helper
Third & Fourth Grade: Need 1 TEACHER, 2 helpers
** Fifth Grade moves up to join the Youth Sunday School classes at the beginning of the summer (June 15th) to help with their transition.

Children & Worship Plan:
Over the course of the past few months, a team of interested members of West End Presbyterian Church were tasked to review and compose a comprehensive plan on how to train our children to worship. WEPC strives to be a community that encourages and actively pursues the inclusion of children in worship. How that is done is driven by our understanding as a church of the nature of worship and our view of our covenant children. Please pray for wisdom for this team as a plan is finalized and implemented. More information will be coming soon.

WEPC Community Preschool Update:
The Staff and Preschool Board are excited to announce that WEPC Community Preschool will be expanding for next school year. Enrollment is open for two, three and four year olds. If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like to learn more about us, please visit the preschool webpage or email Casey Zollinhofer at casey@wepc.org. From the webpage you are able to download a Preschool brochure, a 2008 Prospective Family Packet, the 2008-2009 WEPC Community Preschool Handbook and a 2008 Application.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are Available:

In an effort to assist parents in the training of their children in worship, we are offering a standard Children’s Sermon Bulletin every week. You will find this bulletin (one 8½ x 11 sheet of paper, double-sided) at the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery.
The purpose of this bulletin is to help gear the attention of the child to the sermon, in an age-appropriate way. One side is targeted to younger preschool-age children, while the other is for older children. Parents, please use this as a tool to help train your children in worship.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the “Life at West End” Information Center, on the wall near the center doors in the gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. You can also find information on the Children’s Ministry Bulletin Board, opposite the Nursery Counter in the back hallway. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about the many opportunities to become involved at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs:

- For a child that has been diagnosed with a harsh allergy. Please pray for the parents to trust God and to have eyes of faith. Pray for the child to be healed and to be protected.

- For the numerous families that are moving soon or have moved recently. Pray that the parents would rest peacefully in Jesus’ arms during this potentially hectic time. And pray for the children that God shows mercy to them and that they can see how good God is in this time.

Praise for the March Babies!!!
Three beautiful babies were born to WEPC families in March. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in April

Wednesdays, April 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Room 128 & all over
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, April 6th
What: Children & Worship Team Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Wednesdays, April 30th
What: Kids’ Club End-of-the-Year Party!
Where: Room 128
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

March 2008 E-Newsletter

2008-03-12T14:38:00.003-04:00

Romans 12:12
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

I always thought I was a patient man. I always thought that I can bear up against affliction and stand my ground – that when pain entered the picture, I could “put on the full armor of God” so that I may stand strong and tall. I have recently learned that I’m not as strong as I thought I was. With my wife in the hospital on pregnancy-induced bed-rest for a few weeks, I realized how weak I am.

Now I do know that there are times that I can rejoice – resting on the hope of the resurrection and the promised Messiah of Jesus. It is in those times that I enter worship happily, ready to respond to God’s grace. It is in those times that I desire to be outside in a beautiful day, basking in the beauty of creation.

But when affliction comes, like a man walking against the wind, we stop talking. We stop rejoicing in hope for a minute in order to readjust our coats, to bear up against the pain, and wait. I believe that God understood that we enter these phases all the time – that is why He reiterates all over Scripture that we should wait. The affliction will pass. We just need to be patient. We may not stand tall and strong during this time, but we stand tall enough and strong enough because Jesus enables us to.

But we all know that sometimes the wind blows us down. Sometimes, we can’t be patient anymore. Sometimes we scream in pain and sorrow. It is in those moments that Paul tells us to be faithful in prayer. Our bones cry out, and we wallow in our pain.

But remember that in those weak moments we’re not standing anymore – but Jesus is! He understands our pain… and He defeated our pain.
Jesus picks us up when the wind knocks us down. He picks us up so that we can stand up against the wind again. And He picks us up so that we may be joyful in hope again.

Rejoice today that Jesus is faithful to pick you up when you are knocked down.
And rejoice today that Jesus loves you too much to just keep you standing – He enables you to rejoice!

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in March

VBS 2008:
We are looking for a few individuals who are creative, energetic and have the desire to help our children reach for gold at this year's VBS, the “Olympian!” In order for our kids to enjoy their Olympic experience, we need coordinators for SKITS and HAND CRAFTWORK. We also need a co-leader for MUSIC with Sonya Smith. Please contact Rebecca Allan at 673-1965 or vbs@wepc.org. This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from June 22nd to 27th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Kids’ Club Update:
Kids’ Club will not meet on Wednesday, March 26th because of Spring Break.
WEPC presents the gospel weekly to our elementary-school children every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 128. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games. We will be learning about the movement of the Holy Spirit in the early church as recorded in the book of Acts, as well as how God is moving in our own lives. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come on Wednesday. You will need to register your child if you haven’t yet, and receive more information. If you would like more information about Kids’ Club, please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562.

Summer Nursery Room Leaders Needed:
This past school year saw the beginning of an exciting ministry here at West End Presbyterian Church. Dedicated believers served as Room Leaders in each of the Nursery rooms to help provide consistency for our littlest friends, to bring peace of mind to parents, and to help bring leadership to the various member Nursery workers. Beginning Sunday, June 15th and running until August 31st, we will be looking for godly leaders to fill these positions. All positions are open and are usually run on a bi-weekly basis. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at 741-6562.
Positions Needed:
Infant Nursery (0-12mos): Need 4 leaders
Waddler Nursery (12-18mos): Need 4 leaders
Scooter Nursery (18-24mos): Need 4 leaders
Scooter Nursery (24+mos – this is a “summer only” nursery room): Need 4 leaders
Toddler 2 & 3 Nursery (2 & 3 years old are combining for the summer): Need 2 leaders

Summer Sunday School Teachers and Helpers Needed:
The summer of 2008 is fast approaching and WEPC's Sunday School is getting ready. Starting Sunday, June 15th and running until August 31st, will be the summer quarter of our Children's Sunday School. We are looking for godly teachers to help bring the Gospel to our younger friends. All positions are open and are usually run on a bi-weekly basis. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Dana Hennesey at 266-5202 or Jill Sorg at 515-8111.
Positions Needed:
Two-Year Old’s (combining Younger 2’s and Older 2’s for the summer): Need 2 teachers, 6 helpers
Three-Year Old’s (combining Younger 3’s and Older 3’s for the summer): Need 2 teachers, 6 helpers
Pre-K: Need 2 teachers, 6 helpers
Kindergarten: Need 2 teachers, 4 helpers
First Grade: Need 2 teachers, 2 helpers
Second Grade: Need 2 teachers, 2 helpers
Third & Fourth Grade: Need 2 teachers, 2 helpers
** Fifth Grade moves up to join the Youth Sunday School classes at the beginning of the summer (June 15th) to help with their transition.

WEPC Community Preschool Update:
The Staff and Preschool Board are excited to announce that WEPC Community Preschool will be expanding for next school year. Enrollment is open for two, three and four year olds. If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like to learn more about us, please visit the preschool webpage or email Casey Zollinhofer at casey@wepc.org. From the webpage you are able to download a Preschool brochure, a 2008 Prospective Family Packet, the 2008-2009 WEPC Community Preschool Handbook and a 2008 Application.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are Available:

- For Blair Brown who is on hospital bed-rest for the remainder of her pregnancy with twin girls. She was admitted at 31 weeks on March 1st and will remain there (hopefully) for another month.

- For the various special needs children in our congregation. It is becoming more of a persistent prayer request among parents. Please pray for wisdom on the part of the parents, school workers, counselors and church leaders to know how to care for these special-needs children. And pray for God to heal!

Praise for the February (& early March) Babies!!!
Four beautiful babies were born to WEPC families in February (and another one in early March). We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in March

Sunday, March 2nd
What: WEPC Community Preschool Board Meeting
Where: Room 163
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Contact: Anne McGurn

Wednesdays, March 5th, 12th, 19th
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Room 128 & all over
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown
(There will be no Kids’ Club on March 26th because of Spring Break)

Sunday, March 30th
What: Men’s Sunday School Class on “Fatherhood”
Where: Library
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

February 2008 E-Newsletter

2008-02-06T14:44:00.003-05:00

Acts 12:1-7 (NIV)
1 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.

A few nights ago, my boy hit his head really hard. After a long time of consolation, he kept on yelling, “It hurts! It hurts!” So, we encouraged him that Jesus would heal him, and then we prayed together. As soon as we said “Amen,” Jeb responded with, “But it still hurts!” Did our prayer go unanswered? The biblical answer is, “No. The prayer was answered. But sometimes we need to be patient to see how God does answer it.” But the problem is that when we are praying for a need or a hurt, we are praying for God to move in our time frame.

Usually when I pray for someone who is in a desperate situation (which happens quite a lot), I am not coming to Jesus faithfully. Instead of praying desperately, I pray despondently. I approach God from a place of hopelessness and despair (I unconsciously think: “Surely you won’t answer this prayer, God.” Or “I know you say you love this child, but I am nervous about the way this situation is going…”).

But in Acts 12, Peter was surely going to die the next day. As far as Peter was aware, this was his last night on earth. Yet, the Bible does not say that Peter stayed up all night wailing and screaming for God’s answer. It doesn’t say that Peter tore his clothes and wept before the Lord. In fact, the only action the Scripture says Peter did was: “Peter was sleeping.”

Peter may have prayed for hours. Peter may have wept before the Lord. Peter may have tore his clothes in despair. But… when he finished praying… he slept. Peter knew that God was in control. He knew that the Great Redeemer of mankind (and His own Redeemer) would answer his prayers.

So brothers and sisters, pray. Pray desperately and earnestly. But when you are done praying, rest. Rest in God’s mercy and grace. Rest in the assurance that anything laid before him will be answered. God is in control.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in February

Allergy Updates?
If your child has an allergy, please make sure that his ministry leaders are aware. This information should be on the sign-in sheet of all Sunday School, Nursery and Children’s Worship classes.

VBS 2008:
We are looking for a few individuals who are creative, energetic and have the desire to help our children reach for gold at this year's VBS, the “Olympian!” In order for our kids to enjoy their Olympic experience, we need coordinators for skits, decorations and snack. Please contact Rebecca Allan at 673-1965 or vbs@wepc.org. This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from June 22nd to 27th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Bible Storybook Recommendation:
If you are looking for a paraphrase Bible for your child (ages 4-8), then look no further. “The Jesus Storybook Bible” from Sally Lloyd-Jones is an excellent Bible that conveys the heart of the Gospel in an age-appropriate and enticing way. As the author states it, “The Jesus Storybook Bible tells the Story beneath all the stories of the Bible. It takes the whole Bible to tell the Story. And at the center of the Story, there is a baby, the Child upon whom everything would depend. From Noah to Moses to King David, every story whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle--the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together.” You can purchase it from CBD by clicking here.

Small Group Helpers Needed for Kids’ Club:
Kids’ Club is a mixture of large-group fun and small group interaction. God has already provided all the leaders, but we are still in need of a few more helpers in some of the classes. These helpers will provide assistance to the leaders and help guide the children during the small group time. We need helpers for First Grade, Second & Third Grade, Fourth & Fifth Grade Boys, and Fourth & Fifth Grade Girls. If you would like to join the team, then please contact Joe Brown at joe@wepc.org or 741-6562.
WEPC will be presenting the gospel to our elementary-school children every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 128. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games. We will be learning about the movement of the Holy Spirit in the early church as recorded in the book of Acts, as well as how God is moving in our own lives. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come on Wednesday. You will need to register your child if you haven’t yet, and receive more information. If you would like more information about Kids’ Club, please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562.

Summer Sunday School Teachers and Helpers Needed:
The summer of 2008 is fast approaching and WEPC's Sunday School is getting ready. Starting Sunday, June 17th and running until September 2nd, will be the summer quarter of our Children's Sunday School. We are looking for godly teachers to help bring the Gospel to our littlest friends. All positions are open and are usually run on a bi-weekly basis. For more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Dana Hennesey at 266-5202 or Jill Sorg at 515-8111.

WEPC Community Preschool Update:
The Staff and Preschool Board are excited to announce that WEPC Community Preschool will be expanding for next school year. Enrollment is open for two, three and four year olds. If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like to learn more about us, please visit the preschool webpage or email Casey Zollinhofer at casey@wepc.org. From the webpage you are able to download a Preschool brochure, a 2008 Prospective Family Packet, the 2008-2009 WEPC Community Preschool Handbook and a 2008 Application.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are Available:

- Because of the season and the recent string of colds and sickness, please pray for the health of our children, parents, families and congregation at large. Pray that Jesus would heal the sick, and that He would use our sickness as a reminder of the eventual day when Jesus will remove all sickness and death from His people.

- For the many parents that are struggling with parenting their children in the worship service. It is a seemingly endless and fruitless task to train our children to worship, yet the long-term benefits are immeasurable. Pleas pray for patience for the parents, for the Spirit’s peace in the hearts of the children, and the gift of encouragement for the congregation.

Praise for the January Babies!!!
Four beautiful babies were born to WEPC families in January. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in February

Sunday, February 3rd
What: Children & Worship Team Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Wednesdays, February 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Room 128 & all over
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, February 17th
What: Children & Worship Team Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

January 2008 E-Newsletter

2008-01-03T11:36:00.001-05:00

Acts 11:26b (NIV)
“The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.”

My family and I spent a few days in Chicago with extended family members. We had a great time enjoying the company of aunts, uncles and cousins that I hadn’t met in almost 20 years (or had never met!). At the same time it was somewhat surreal: these are people that are mostly strangers to me, yet they are family – they share the same DNA and biological predispositions that I do. No matter what, I can never shake my connection to these people – I belong to them, and they to me.

The same is true of the church: we belong to each other (for better or for worse). But even more than that, we belong to Christ. In Antioch, the disciples were consistently talking about Jesus Christ and their connection to him. So much so that the town began to refer to them as “Christians” – maybe even in a derogatory way. But the disciples heard this moniker as a badge of honor: they were connected to Christ! They belong to him!

We are brothers and sisters.
We have the same heavenly Father.
We are united by Christ.
That can never be shaken.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in January

Sick Child or Worker Policy
Remember that the absence of a sick child or worker from WEPC is a sign of God’s grace in the lives of the other children. In light of the current (and looming) cold and flu season, please remember that we ask no child or worker come into a Nursery or Sunday School room if they meet one of the following conditions: (1) Fever greater than 100.4°F within the past 48 hours, (2) ongoing diarrhea, or (3) new or unidentified rash. And as always, children are welcome to sit with their parents during the service.

VBS 2008 Update
This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from June 22nd to 27th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Rebecca Allan will be this year’s VBS Director and the theme will be “Olympion” – following Joshua’s obedience to the Lord, we will run the race of faith laid before us. If you would be interested in helping with this year’s VBS as a coordinator for Decorations, Prayer, Registration, Craft, Snack, Skit, Worship or for the Closing Ceremony, please mark your tear-off, or contact Rebecca Allan at becca.allan@hotmail.com.

2008 Communicants’ Class is full
Please be in prayer for the eight students who have signed up for this year’s Communicants’ Class. Beginning January 20th, these students will join together every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. to explore their faith and look into possibly joining the church. A group of WEPC elders will lead them through Stephen Smallman’s workbook “Understanding the Faith” and will conclude by May 4th.

Kids’ Club begins again next Wednesday, January 9th
WEPC will be presenting the gospel to our elementary-school children every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 128. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games. We will be learning about the movement of the Holy Spirit in the early church as recorded in the book of Acts, as well as how God is moving in our own lives. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come this Wednesday. You will need to register your child if you haven’t yet, and receive more information. If you would like more information about Kids’ Club, please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562.

WEPC Community Preschool Update
The Staff and Preschool Board are excited to announce that WEPC Community Preschool will be expanding for next school year. We plan to open enrollment in January for two, three and four year olds. If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like to learn more about us, please plan on attending a preschool tour on January 16, 2008 at 10:00 AM. If you are not able to attend the tour and if you would like additional information, plan to attend the January Open House on January 23 from 7:45 – 8:45pm. Please RSVP for the tour and the open house by emailing Casey Zollinhofer at casey@wepc.org

Children & Worship Team (do you want to fill out a questionnaire!?)
Over the course of the next three months, a team of parents and leaders in the church will be discussing the large question of “how are we as a body of believers raising our children to worship?” Please be in prayer for this team of ten individuals – that they may seek Christ and His glory and that the Holy Spirit will bring clarity and unity. At the risk of offense, I am asking that you take a few moments to fill out a questionnaire. I know that very few people enjoy questionnaires, but as individuals who receive this newsletter, I covet your input. If you have about 15 minutes, please click here to view the questions on the church website. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are Available

In an effort to assist parents in the training of their children in worship, we are offering a standard Children’s Sermon Bulletin every week. You will find this bulletin (one 8½ x 11 sheet of paper, double-sided) on the visitor table in the gallery.
The purpose of this bulletin is to help gear the attention of the child to the sermon, in an age-appropriate way. One side is targeted to younger preschool-age children, while the other is for older children. Parents, please use this as a tool to help train your children in worship.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the Information Table in the Gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. You can also find information on the Children’s Ministry Bulletin Board, opposite the Nursery Counter in the back hallway. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about the many opportunities to become involved at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs

- In light of the passing of the Christmas and New Year’s break, please pray for the transition of our parents and children into their regular schedules again considering that a regular schedule is one of the “best friends” of families with younger children.

- For a parent that is becoming more concerned about the developmental delay of her child. Please pray that Jesus would comfort this parent, as well as heal and lead the child.

Praise for the December Babies!!!
Two beautiful babies were born to WEPC families in December. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in January

Sunday, January 6th
What: Children & Worship Team Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Wednesdays, January 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Room 128 & all over
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, January 13th
What: WEPC Community Preschool Board Meeting
Where: Library
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Contact: Anne McGurn

Wednesday, January 16th
What: WEPC Community Preschool Tour
Where: Room 123
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Contact: Casey Zollinhofer

Friday, January 18th
What: Nursery Volunteer Meeting
Where: Room 128
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, January 20th
What: Communicants’ Class Begins
Where: Steve’s Office
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, January 20th
What: Children & Worship Team Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Wednesday, January 23rd
What: WEPC Community Preschool Open House
Where: Room 123
Time: 7:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Contact: Casey Zollinhofer

December 2007 E-Newsletter

2007-12-05T10:44:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 26:8b-9a (ESV)
“…your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul. My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you.”

“What is precious to you?”

If you ask that question to my children, you might hear, “racecars, ‘duckies,’ ice cream, Curious George, superman cape, or mommy.” If you ask me (and I was feeling overly honest that day), I might say, “my wife, my children, my health, my comfort, my peace, a Superbowl victory for the Carolina Panthers.”

How would you answer that question?

What is precious to you? What feeds your soul? What fills your heart with joy or comfort? What quiets the noise of chaos in your life? Isaiah points the people of God to the source of our innermost desires and need: the name and remembrance of Him. Advent is a conflicting time for many of us – our souls are invigorated by the coming season of joy and peace, yet at the same time we are enslaved by the subtle pressures of gifts, expectations, and memories of loved ones. We are tempted to find that which is precious to us in the boxes under the tree, in the good behavior of our children, or in the proper fulfillment of traditions. But we need to pray that the Gospel will become more and more precious to us. As we remember His name, and as we trust in His goodness, the Holy Spirit will make Jesus more beautiful to our eyes and precious to our souls. I pray that as we celebrate Jesus’ presence with us this Christmas, that we will fall in love with Him all over again.

Merry Christmas!

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in December

VBS Update
This year’s Vacation Bible School will be held from June 22nd to 27th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This year’s theme will be “Olympion” – following Joshua’s obedience to the Lord, we will run the race of faith laid before us. If you would be interested in helping with this year’s VBS as a coordinator for Decorations, Prayer, Registration, Craft, Snack, Skit, Worship or for the Closing Ceremony, please contact Joe Brown.

Kids’ Club December Schedule
Kids’ Club will have its final regular club this Wednesday, December 5th.
Then, on December 12th, we will conclude with a Kids’ Club Christmas Party! This will be in the regularly scheduled time of 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Kids’ Club will then take a three-week break, following the local public school schedule (OFF on December 19th, 26th, and January 2nd)
Kids’ Club will return on January 9th!
Every Wednesday evening, WEPC presents the gospel to our elementary-school children from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games in an age-appropriate setting. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come and experience it. You will be asked to register your child then if they haven’t already, as well as receive more information. If you would like more information about Kids’ Club, please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562.

WEPC Community Preschool Update
The Staff and Preschool Board are excited to announce that WEPC Community Preschool will be expanding for next school year. We plan to open enrollment in January for two, three and four year olds. If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like to learn more about us, please plan on attending one of the following preschool tours:
December 12, 2007 at 10:00 AM
January 16, 2008 at 10:00 AM
We will also be holding a January Open House for families not able to attend a tour or who would like additional information. The Open House will be on January 23 from 7:45 – 8:45pm. Please RSVP for your tour date and the open house by emailing Casey Zollinhofer at casey@wepc.org

FINAL Child Safety Training for CM Volunteers is THIS Thursday
If you missed any of the previous Child Safety Trainings, but are a volunteer in the Children’s Ministry, there will be only one more follow-up class this Thursday night, December 6th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Elizabeth Phillips at ejandsloanphillips@comcast.net if you are planning to come. If you are volunteering with the Children’s Ministry this year then you are required to come to ONE of these meetings on Child Safety. Note that regular member workers in the Nursery are NOT required to attend, but are free to do so.
Note that regular member workers in the Nursery are NOT required to attend, but are free to do so. Please RSVP to Elizabeth Phillips. We will discuss the new Child Safety Policy Statement. It is available to view on the website.

Communicants’ Class begins January 13th
Is your child interested in joining the church? Is she asking questions to explore the faith deeply? Then please register for this year’s Communicants’ Class. Once a year, during the winter and spring quarters, a group of 4th & 5th Grade students join together every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. to explore their faith and look into possibly joining the church. Your child will explore what it means to be identified with Christ, and what it means to be a member of a body of faith. Beginning January 13th, this group will meet for 13 weeks straight and work through Stephen Smallman’s workbook “Understanding the Faith.”

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are Available

In an effort to assist parents in the training of their children in worship, we are offering a standard Children’s Sermon Bulletin every week. You will find this bulletin (one 8½ x 11 sheet of paper, double-sided) on the visitor table in the gallery.
The purpose of this bulletin is to help gear the attention of the child to the sermon, in an age-appropriate way. One side is targeted to younger preschool-age children, while the other is for older children. Parents, please use this as a tool to help train your children in worship.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the Information Table in the Gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. You can also find information on the Children’s Ministry Bulletin Board, opposite the Nursery Counter in the back hallway. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about the many opportunities to become involved at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs:

- For children to prayerfully consider joining the communicants’ class and to join the church. This is a large step for these kids, so please pray that Jesus would enflame their hearts and that God would give them wisdom in their decision.

- For the parents of WEPC to know how to lead their children in the Gospel. This is a constant prayer – that parents would see their jobs as missionaries and as evangelists to those that God has given to them.

Praise for the late October, early November Babies!!!
Two beautiful babies were born to WEPC families in late October and early November. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the baby and family. If you would like to know more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in December

Wednesday, December 5th
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Room 128 & all over
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Thursday, December 6th
What: Child Safety Training
Where: Room 163
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Elizabeth Phillips

Wednesday, December 12th
What: Kids’ Club Christmas Party!
Where: Room 128 & all over
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Monday, December 24th
What: Family Christmas Eve Service
Where: Sanctuary
Time: 4:00 p.m.

November 2007 E-Newsletter

2007-11-01T10:08:00.001-04:00

Acts 6:3, 7
3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them… 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

What gifts do you have?

Some people have the gift of teaching (see picture to the right with Jennifer Farkas), some have the gift of serving, and others have the gift of encouragement. For some, their gift is clear to them and to others. But others of us muddle through life not knowing exactly how God has blessed us. Sometimes, I see people that I want to be like that I convince myself that that is the gift I want. Other members of our pastoral staff have the gift of teaching and can communicate truths clearly and concisely. As I watch them, I covet their ability to increase awareness in people’s minds, rather than increasing their confusion! Older children do this often too. In their desire to “blend” with the crowd and to “fit in” they downplay their true gifts and play act.

But in Acts 6 the word of God is spread because of the service ministry of these seven deacons. Without these seven men, the word of God would be stifled in its power. God didn’t gift people so that we could all be efficient as possible – God gifted people for something far more important: so that the Gospel would spread. Serving isn’t more spiritual than teaching, and vice versa. It’s simply that as we experience the life-changing power of the Gospel, and as we seek to love and serve God and His creation, God will use us to further His Kingdom.

Strive after God and He will make sure you are gifted.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in November

Big Event this Sunday, November 4th
To celebrate what God has done through the Capital Campaign, our church will worship together in Byrd Middle School this Sunday, November 4th at 10:00 a.m. only. After that service, we will have a special luncheon over at the church. We will NOT have Sunday School or Children’s Worship. A nursery will be provided for any child from newborn to 3 years old. All children from 4 years old and up should join the church body for worship and remembrance in the gymnasium of Byrd Middle School.

Mark your Calendars: Dates for VBS 2008 are Set
This year’s Vacation Bible School has moved forward a few weeks from its usual spot. VBS 2008 will be held from June 22nd to 27th. Again it will be an evening VBS from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In honor of the 2008 Olympics, this year’s theme will be “Olympion” – following Joshua’s obedience to the Lord, we will run the race of faith laid before us. More information to come.

Kids’ Club every Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Every Wednesday evening, WEPC presents the gospel to our elementary-school children from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games in an age-appropriate setting. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come and experience it. You will be asked to register your child then if they haven’t already, as well as receive more information. If you would like more information about Kids’ Club, please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562.

Nursery Room Leaders Still Needed for the Fall
Every Nursery room at WEPC is staffed by the members of WEPC. And in each room (3 during the first service, 5 during the second service) we would like to have a room leader that shepherds the children, guides the workers in praying and playing, and greets the parents. It is a commitment of every other week during one of the services. If you are interested in any of the following positions, please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 or mark your tear-off. One Room Leader for the Waddlers Nursery (12-18mos.), Two Room Leaders for the Scooters Nursery (18-24mos.) and Two Room Leaders for the Toddler 2 Nursery.

Kids’ Choir
Kids’ Choir has begun again! Kids’ Choir is for all children in 2nd - 5th grades. We meet every Sunday afternoon from 4:00 to 5:00 PM in Room 162 at the church to sing praises, enjoy new friends and learn about music. If interested, please contact Kathleen Richine or Tammy Ingram or simply show up next Sunday.

WEPC Community Preschool Update
The new Preschool is off to a great start. Through the leadership of Casey Zollinhofer and teacher’s assistant Jenn Warren, six children from the church and community come together twice a week for instruction, socialization and fun. Please pray for the first class of the WEPC Community Preschool.

CPR Training Class is Full
The American Red Cross will be coming to West End Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 10th to teach “First Aid & CPR for Infant/Child/Adult.” The class is full. For all deacons and Nursery Coordinators, the cost of the training is $25. If any other WEPC member would like to take the training, the cost is $75. If you want more information, please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at 741-6562.

Child Safety Training for CM Volunteers
If you are volunteering with the Children’s Ministry this year (Nursery Directors, Nursery Coordinators, Nursery Room Leaders, Sunday School Directors, Sunday School teachers & helpers, Children’s Worship Director & leaders, Kids’ Club Director & teachers) then you are required to come to ONE of the following meetings on Child Safety. This training is specifically designed by members of WEPC to serve our ministry-specific needs and to raise awareness about safety concerns. The meetings are in Room 163.
Dates and times are:
(1) Thursday, November 8th, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
(2) Thursday, December 6th, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Note that regular member workers in the Nursery are NOT required to attend, but are free to do so. Please RSVP to Elizabeth Phillips. We will discuss the new Child Safety Policy Statement. It is available to view on the website.

Baptism Class is ONLINE
During the month of October, WEPC offered a Sunday evening class on the sacrament of baptism – and it is now available online. This class was intended to address such topics as infant baptism, the sacrament’s use in the church, and its role in God’s plan for His people. This class was taught by Matt Purdy, the Assistant Pastor for Adult Discipleship and Joe Brown, Director of Children’s Ministry.

Communicants’ Class begins January 13th
Is your child interested in joining the church? Is she asking questions to explore the faith deeply? Then please register for this year’s Communicants’ Class. Once a year, during the winter and spring quarters, a group of 4th & 5th Grade students join together every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. to explore their faith and look into possibly joining the church. Your child will explore what it means to be identified with Christ, and what it means to be a member of a body of faith. Beginning January 13th, this group will meet for 13 weeks straight and work through Stephen Smallman’s workbook “Understanding the Faith.”

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are Available:
In an effort to assist parents in the training of their children in worship, we are offering a standard Children’s Sermon Bulletin every week. You will find this bulletin (one 8½ x 11 sheet of paper, double-sided) on the visitor table in the gallery.
The purpose of this bulletin is to help gear the attention of the child to the sermon, in an age-appropriate way. One side is targeted to younger preschool-age children, while the other is for older children. Parents, please use this as a tool to help train your children in worship.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the Information Table in the Gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. You can also find information on the Children’s Ministry Bulletin Board, opposite the Nursery Counter in the back hallway. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about the many opportunities to become involved at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs:
Please pray for the following needs for the Children’s Ministry of West End Presbyterian Church. If you would like to submit a prayer request, please click here, or reply to this email. Please note in your request if you would like it to remain confidential.

- For a family that is struggling with a child that is acting out violently. This child has said things and done things at school that have prompted the school authorities to be concerned. The parents (member here at WEPC) are beside themselves with how to proceed. Please pray that this child would have an advocate in the school system, that Jesus would penetrate this child’s heart with the transforming power of the gospel, and for His Holy Spirit to minister to the parents.

Praise for the October Baby!!!
One beautiful baby was born to a WEPC family during October. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the baby and family. If you would like to know more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in November

Sunday, November 4th
What: WEPC Big Event
Where: Byrd Middle School (Worship), WEPC (Luncheon)
Time: 10:00 a.m.

Wednesdays, November 7th, 14th, 28th (NOT ON 21st)
What: Kids’ Club
Where: Room 128 & all over
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Thursday, November 8th
What: Child Safety Training
Where: Room 163
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Elizabeth Phillips

Saturday, November 10th
What: CPR Training (Red Cross)
Where: Room 128
Time: 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Sundays, November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
What: Kids’ Choir
Where: Room 162
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Contact: Kathleen Richine & Tammy Ingram

October 2007 E-Newsletter

2007-10-03T09:45:00.001-04:00

Acts 1:9
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

This school-year in Kids’ Club we will be studying the book of Acts. It seems fitting to continue the story that we began last year when we looked at the Gospel of Luke. But I must admit, there are reasons that there’s not a lot of children’s lesson plans on the book of Acts – “hey kids – let’s study the Jerusalem Council!” (thunderous applause and screams of excitement!) I know there are stories of Pentacost, shipwrecks and prison (get ready boys), but in all, the book of Acts is a chronology, a history book – not a Hollywood blockbuster.

So as we approach Acts, we must see the profound truth hidden beneath the bland exterior. Take for example the verse above – Acts 1:9. The great and glorious redemptive event of Jesus’ Ascension is written in plain, matter-of-fact ways: “he was taken up… and a cloud hid him.” Why wouldn’t Luke write something more descriptive and colorful: “…a massive and ominous cloud swallowed Jesus as He ascended in the sky…”?

But Acts is written from the perspective of the church. When glorious events occur in the life of the church, the church usually doesn’t notice for a while. Something that seems quite normal or commonplace could actually be the turning point in someone’s life, or in the life of a community of faith.

Is God moving mightily in your life through a commonplace event right now?
Does life seem rote and “planned-out” right now and you can’t seem to see God’s hand?

God’s hand is on His people. Our bridegroom is pursuing us, protecting us, preserving us, and enabling us to pursue Him in return – even if you don’t see it.

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in October

Mark your Calendars: Dates for VBS 2008 are Set
This year’s Vacation Bible School has moved forward a few weeks from its usual spot. VBS 2008 will be held from June 22nd to 27th. Again it will be an evening VBS from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In honor of the 2008 Olympics, this year’s theme will be “Olympion” – following Joshua’s obedience to the Lord, we will run the race of faith laid before us. More information to come.

Kids’ Club begins THIS Wednesday, October 3rd
Beginning THIS Wednesday, October 3rd, WEPC will be presenting the gospel to our elementary-school children every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games. All are welcome. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, please come this Wednesday. You will be asked to register your child then if they haven’t already, as well as receive more information. We are also still in need of help in various roles. We need a Game Coordinator (an up-front commitment for about fifteen minutes a week), and at least two more Small Group leaders for Kindergarten and 2nd Grade. If you are interested in helping, or would like more information about Kids’ Club, please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 or mark your tear-off.

Nursery Room Leaders Still Needed for the Fall
Every Nursery room at WEPC is staffed by the members of WEPC. And in each room (3 during the first service, 5 during the second service) we would like to have a room leader that shepherds the children, guides the workers in praying and playing, and greets the parents. It is a commitment of every other week during one of the services. If you are interested in any of the following positions, please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 or mark your tear-off. One Room Leader for the Waddlers Nursery (12-18mos.), Two Room Leaders for the Scooters Nursery (18-24mos.) and Two Room Leaders for the Toddler 2 Nursery.

Stewardship Lessons for the Children
As part of the Capital Campaign, your child will have an opportunity to learn about stewardship and participate if they so desire. On October 7th, all the children’s Sunday School classes will learn about stewardship in an age-appropriate way. On October 14th, Kindergarten through 5th Grade Sunday School classes will do a second lesson, digging in deeper about God’s ownership of His creation. The younger classes will return to their regular curriculum. If your child desires, through the month of October, all the offerings collected at Children’s Worship will go toward building out the basement. If your child would like to give toward the basement fund but does not attend Children’s Worship, please have them give it to their Sunday School teacher privately.

Kids’ Choir
Kids’ Choir will resume on Sunday, October 21st! Kids’ Choir is for all children in 2nd - 5th grades. We will meet every Sunday afternoon from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at the church to sing praises, enjoy new friends and learn about music. If interested, please mark your tear-off. Questions, contact Kathleen Richine or Tammy Ingram.

WEPC Community Preschool Update
The new Preschool is off to a great start. Through the leadership of Casey Zollinhofer and teacher’s assistant Jenn Warren, six children from the church and community come together twice a week for instruction, socialization and fun. Please pray for the first class of the WEPC Community Preschool:
Jeb Brown
Elizabeth Childress
Fernando Cuneo
Faith Elyardo
Bethany Gaubatz
Yasmin Lopez

CPR Training, Saturday, November 10th
The American Red Cross will be coming to West End Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 10th to teach “First Aid, CPR & AED Course for Infant/Child/Adult.” For all deacons and Nursery Coordinators, the cost of the training is $25. If any other WEPC member would like to take the training, the cost is $75. You must register with the church office by October 21st to be guaranteed a spot (only 8 more spots available). If you are interested in attending, please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at 741-6562.

Child Safety Training for CM Volunteers
If you are volunteering with the Children’s Ministry this year (Nursery Directors, Nursery Coordinators, Nursery Room Leaders, Sunday School Directors, Sunday School teachers & helpers, Children’s Worship Director & leaders, Kids’ Club Director & teachers) then you are required to come to ONE of the following meetings on Child Safety. This training is specifically designed by members of WEPC to serve our ministry-specific needs and to raise awareness about safety concerns. The meetings are in Room 128.
Dates and times are:
(1) Thursday, October 11th, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
(2) Thursday, November 8th, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
(3) Thursday, December 6th, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Note that regular member workers in the Nursery are NOT required to attend, but are free to do so. Please RSVP to Elizabeth Phillips. We will discuss the new Child Safety Policy Statement. It is available to view on the website.

Baptism Class during October
During the month of October, WEPC will be offering an evening class on the sacrament of baptism. This class is intended to address such topics as infant baptism, the sacrament’s use in the church, and its role in God’s plan for His people. This class will be from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the four Sundays of October in the library. It will be taught by Matt Purdy, the Assistant Pastor for Adult Discipleship and Joe Brown, Director of Children’s Ministry. If you are interested in attending, or you would like more information about the class, please contact the church office or mark your tear-off. Dessert provided.

Communicants’ Class begins January 13th
Is your child interested in joining the church? Is she asking questions to explore the faith deeply? Then please register for this year’s Communicants’ Class. Once a year, during the winter and spring quarters, a group of 4th & 5th Grade students join together every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. to explore their faith and look into possibly joining the church. Your child will explore what it means to be identified with Christ, and what it means to be a member of a body of faith. Beginning January 13th, this group will meet for 13 weeks straight and work through Stephen Smallman’s workbook “Understanding the Faith.”

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are Available

In an effort to assist parents in the training of their children in worship, we are offering a standard Children’s Sermon Bulletin every week. You will find this bulletin (one 8½ x 11 sheet of paper, double-sided) on the visitor table in the gallery.
The purpose of this bulletin is to help gear the attention of the child to the sermon, in an age-appropriate way. One side is targeted to younger preschool-age children, while the other is for older children. Parents, please use this as a tool to help train your children in worship.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the Information Table in the Gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. You can also find information on the Children’s Ministry Bulletin Board, opposite the Nursery Counter in the back hallway. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about the many opportunities to become involved at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs:

For struggling marriages. There are a few families in our church that are going through some dark times in their marriages. Please pray that God would redeem their relationship and that His glorious light would reveal the sin hidden in the dark and bring about repentance, reconciliation and renewal.

For our children and families to pray about proper stewardship. Since we are entering a Capital Campaign, please pray that our children would see that God owns everything, that He gives us the responsibility to be shepherds and caretakers, and that one response to blessing is to praise Him through giving.

Praise for September Babies!!!
Seven beautiful babies were born to WEPC families during September. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information on the birth of WEPC children, please contact the church office at 741-6562.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in October

Wednesdays, October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
What: Kids’ Club BEGINS
Where: Room 128 & all over
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Thursday, October 4th
What: WEPC Community Preschool Board Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Anne McGurn

Sundays, October 7th, 14th, 28th
What: Baptism Class
Where: Library
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Matt Purdy & Joe Brown

Thursday, October 11th
What: Child Safety Training
Where: Room 128
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Elizabeth Phillips

Sundays, October 21st, 28th
What: Kids’ Choir BEGINS
Where: Room 162
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Contact: Kathleen Richine & Tammy Ingram

September 2007 E-Newsletter

2007-08-31T14:14:00.001-04:00

Matthew 28:18-19a
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”

The following paragraph was written on the final day of the Cherokee Mission Trip in an update to our support team:

“Anna Roe has taught us all a little bit about repentance.
On Tuesday at the soccer camp, Anna Roe got stung by a bee on the eye lid. Her left eye swelled completely shut. It was a scary afternoon as Blair and I walked around the Laundromat holding our little girl who was screaming and as her face was swelling. She is almost 100% better now, but it was a roller coaster ride for those next couple days. But as we waited in the Laundromat, we were able to strike up conversations with numerous people – a mom and son who were traveling America from Germany for three weeks, an elderly lady who couldn’t quite figure out how to use the machines, the Cherokee woman who helped Anna Roe by putting tobacco on the wound to bring down the swelling (I think it worked?).
But as I confessed to the camp later that day, I felt like a failure as a missionary. I never pushed through with the gospel, but was bound by fear and worry. The more I dwelled on this, the more I realized that I was attempting to work outside of Christ’s love in my life. I walked into that Laundromat as if I was an orphan – someone who believes that if anything good is going to happen, he needs to make it happen himself. But I am more than an orphan – I am a son of the High God who is well-loved and fully forgiven. As I begin to see that (and I think this week has opened my eyes to seeing that more clearly) I can be free to love and forgive because I am forgiven. And all of this is thanks to a bee stinging my daughter. What Satan intends for evil, God intends for good.”

Announcements for the Children’s Ministry in September

Sunday, September 9th is “MOVE UP SUNDAY”
This is a big day for our children and families. All Sunday School and Nursery classes will “graduate” into their new classes. Please take some extra time that morning to find your new class and meet your new teachers. This will also be the first day of our new year of Children’s Worship led by Lilli Benko and her team.

Volunteer Positions Needed for the Fall
To see all the fall teachers and helpers, please see the large signs outside of the classrooms. Below is a list of the current 36 positions available still. For more information about any position, please contact the appropriate ministry director or Joe Brown at joe@wepc.org.
Waddlers Nursery (12-18mos.): One room leader
Scooters Nursery (18-24mos.): Four room leaders
Toddler 2 Nursery: Two room leaders
Younger 2’s SS: One teacher, Four helpers
Older 2’s SS: Two teachers, Four helpers
Younger 3’s SS: One teacher, Two helpers
Older 3’s SS: One teacher
1st Grade SS: One helper
2nd Grade SS: Two helpers
3rd Grade SS: One teacher
Nursery: One Co-Director
Kids Club: Large Group Games Coordinator (begins October 3rd)
Kids Club: Two Kindergarten Small Group Leaders (begins October 3rd)
Kids Club: One First Grade Small Group Leader (begins October 3rd)
Kids Club: One Second Grade Small Group Leader (begins October 3rd)
Kids Club: Two Third Grade Small Group Leader (begins October 3rd)
Kids Club: One Fourth/Fifth Grade Boys Small Group Leaders (begins October 3rd)
Kids Club: One Fourth/Fifth Grade Girls Small Group Leaders (begins October 3rd)

NEW Children’s Worship Registration is open
If you would like your child to attend Children’s Worship in the fall, please fill out a CW Registration Card found in the gallery. Children’s Worship which begins September 9th is during the sermon of the late service and is open to all children from the age of 4 years old to 1st Grade. You can drop off the registration form in the offering plate, or you can bring it to the church office.

Baptism Class during October
During the month of October, WEPC will be offering an evening class on the sacrament of baptism. This class is intended to address such topics as infant baptism, the sacrament’s use in the church, and its role in God’s plan for His people. This class will be from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the four Sundays of October in the library. It will be taught by Matt Purdy, the Assistant Pastor for Adult Discipleship and Joe Brown, Director of Children’s Ministry. If you are interested in attending, or you would like more information about the class, please contact the church office or mark your tear-off. Dessert provided.

Kids’ Choir
Kids’ Choir will resume on Sunday, October 21! Kids' Choir is for all children in 2nd - 5th grades. We will meet every Sunday afternoon from 4:00 to 5:00 at the church to sing praises, enjoy new friends and learn about music. If interested, please mark your tear-off. Questions, contact Kathleen Richine at krichine@hotmail.com or Tammy Ingram at ingramfam5@hotmail.com.

Kids’ Club begins Wednesday, October 3rd
Beginning Wednesday, October 3rd, WEPC will be presenting the gospel to our elementary-school children every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. This is a chance for children to enjoy the fun of fellowship, small groups and games. Please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown if you want more information.

Child Safety Training for CM Volunteers for the fall
If you are volunteering with the Children’s Ministry in the Fall (Nursery Directors, Nursery Coordinators, Nursery Room Leaders, Sunday School Directors, Sunday School teachers & helpers, Children’s Worship Director & leaders, Kids’ Club Director & teachers) then you are required to come to ONE of the meetings on Child Safety. This training is specifically designed by members of WEPC to serve our ministry-specific needs and to raise awareness about safety concerns. The meetings are in Room 128. The last three dates and times are (1) Saturday, September 1st from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Wednesday, September 5 (2) from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and (3) from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Note that regular member workers in the Nursery are NOT required to attend, but are free to do so. Please RSVP to Elizabeth Phillips. We will discuss the new Child Safety Policy Statement. It is available to view on the website.

CPR Training, Saturday, November 10th
The American Red Cross will be coming to West End Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 10th to teach “First Aid, CPR & AED Course for Infant/Child/Adult.” For all deacons and Nursery Coordinators, the cost of the training is $25. If any other WEPC member would like to take the training, the cost is $75. If you are interested in attending, please mark your tear-off or contact Joe Brown at joe@wepc.org or at 741-6562.

VBS 2007: Summer Seaquest Sails Off into the Sunset!
A hearty thanks to all who provided Summer SeaQuest Sea Fare, prayed, or came aboard as staff. Given that over 140 Sea Explorers voyaged with us from July 15th to the 20th, we saw remarkably smooth sailing thanks to all of the hands on deck! Praise God that all these children either heard the Gospel for the first time, or were once again confronted with the thrilling truth of God’s mercy. Erin Bacon, 2007 VBS Director, salutes you and bids you Bon Voyage until next summer!

New Sign-in Sheets in Nursery
As part of the continuing pursuit of safe and secure children’s classrooms, we have instituted new sign-in sheets for all Nursery classes. (We had instituted a similar change during the summer for all Children’s Sunday School classes.) When a parent drops off a child at a classroom, he or she must record the time, sign the sheet and write where she’ll be during the service. Then, at pick up, he or she must write the time of pick-up and sign the sheet again. We know this may be inconvenient, but it is an attempt to properly protect and shepherd the children. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Brown at 741-6562 or at joe@wepc.org.

Nursery Curriculum
In conjunction with the beginning of Nursery Room Leaders in the Fall 2007, the Sunday morning nursery will also begin using a new curriculum. This curriculum comes from Children Desiring God, from the church of John Piper. The hope is that our ministry to our youngest friends will be defined by prayer, Scripture and the aroma of Christ. If you would like to know more, please contact Joe Brown.

Children’s “Sermon Bulletins” are Available:

In an effort to assist parents in the training of their children in worship, we are offering a standard Children’s Sermon Bulletin every week. You will find this bulletin (one 8½ x 11 sheet of paper, double-sided) on the visitor table in the gallery.
The purpose of this bulletin is to help gear the attention of the child to the sermon, in an age-appropriate way. One side is targeted to younger preschool-age children, while the other is for older children. Parents, please use this as a tool to help train your children in worship.

Cherokee Missions Trip Update
About 40 people from 7 different WEPC families traveled to Cherokee, NC from July 28th to August 5th. They ministered to the Cherokee nation by offering a VBS at a local daycare, and through a soccer camp that the WEPC team developed and ran. It was a wonderful time to see God work through seasoned adults, rambunctious elementary students and squirmy infants. If you would like more information, please contact the team leader, Andy Schwarz.

How to Stay Connected…
On Sunday mornings, if you have questions about the Children’s Ministry, please visit the Information Table in the Gallery. There, you can find informational brochures for all the ministries to children. You can also find information on the Children’s Ministry Bulletin Board, opposite the Nursery Counter in the back hallway. During the week, please check out the church website or the Children’s Ministry webpage to read further about the many opportunities to become involved at West End Presbyterian Church, or give us a call at the church office at 741-6562.

Prayer Needs:

- We have numerous families that have found themselves at crossroads with relocation. There are quite a few parents that either have been “let go” from their jobs, or are being relocated to another city. Pray that God would provide a calming peace to the families during this transition, that He would provide everything they need, and that they would be reminded that God never abandons His children!

- For the volunteer needs for the Children’s Ministry. It is amazing to see how God provides our children with just enough leaders and teachers every year and every week. God is in absolute control, and He is the Great Shepherd. Jesus declares that these children are precious to Him and the church, and therefore He will provide the workers. Please pray that I and the numerous ministry directors are reminded of this truth – and we are given the grace to know who to talk to and what to do.

Praise for July/August Babies & Adoptions!!!
Five beautiful babies were born to WEPC families, and two newly adopted daughters joined a WEPC family during July & August. We praise God for His blessing, as well as continue to pray for the health and welfare of the babies and families. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Schedule for the Children’s Ministry in September

Saturday, September 1
What: Child Safety Training
Where: Room 128
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Contact: Elizabeth Phillips

Wednesday, September 5
What: Child Safety Training
Where: Room 128
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Contact: Elizabeth Phillips

Wednesday, September 5
What: Children’s Worship Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Contact: Lilli Benko

Wednesday, September 5
What: Child Safety Training
Where: Room 128
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Elizabeth Phillips

Wednesday, September 5
What: Children’s Worship Meeting
Where: Conference Room
Time: 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Lilli Benko

Thursday, September 6
What: Nursery Room Leader Training
Where: Conference Room
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown

Sunday, September 9
What: Move Up Sunday!
Where: All over!
Time: 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Who: All Sunday School children will graduate to the next grade level.

Wednesday, September 26
What: Kids’ Club Leader’s Meeting
Where: Room 128
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Joe Brown