In raising children who love God we often miss the importance of building our children’s confidence that they can be leaders for Christ at any age. We have opportunity to nurture a sense of value, responsibility and self esteem in our children in the way that we invite them to be active participants in the life of the church. One of the best things about Harrisburg UMC is the commitment of the adults in the congregation to live into the promises we make in baptism to “..surround these children with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others.” We can’t say it better than the way Tracy Bartels recently shared.
“Today, while my older 2 kids were in a church van on the way home from [a youth retreat] with 19 other people, my youngest and her elementary-aged friends ran things. They were ushers, taking time out only to run in and acolyte (they are experts and did perfectly in a strange candle situation) or participate in children’s moment.
The comfort these kids have running around the church and ensuring everything is running smoothly makes me so happy and proud. They are leaders and integrated into the life of the church, where they feel they belong and are valued.
We went to another church last spring, and adults ran the show. Children were neither seen nor heard. We were allowed in as a favor and kept to one side. Made me happy we are not in that place often. We have kids in the (adult) choir, kids helping run Sunday schools, kids running their own small groups, kids playing music, and kids running everywhere. The grade-school kids in my class today welcomed a toddler and took care of her, ensuring she had enough snack before they took anything. I can’t imagine it working any other way.”
What a gift to be part of a church family that helps people of all ages find their place to serve and lead in the kingdom of God!
Children ages 2 through the 4th grade and their parents are invited to the Fellowship Hall at 9:45 a.m. for a morning snack and fellowship.At 10 a.m. the children will be lead to their classes by the teachers.
Preschoolers – ages 2 & 3 (Room 14)
Children ages 4 years old through the 4th grade will attendGodly Play Classes.(Room 7 & 8)
Godly Play Curriculum provides children the opportunity for spiritual development through storytelling, creative play, and community.
5th & 6th graders (Room 2) use a curriculum calledConnect, which connects all the Godly Play story to a larger picture of God working in our world.
Join us in Worship on August 25th at 9 am. or 11 a.m. We invite students, teachers, and school administrators to bring their backpacks to church to receive a blessing.
Backpacks contain work to be done, tools to complete homework. Notebooks, pencils, pens, protractors, compasses, crayons, rules, scissors, glue sticks and other items used for school work will find their way in and out of backpacks.
Some days, so much stuff will fill these backpacks that the student may find it difficult to walk. Other days, they will be light and nearly empty. But on each and every day, these backpacks represent the work required of the students, teachers, and administrator gathered here. And, as in every aspect of our life, we bring these before God for the blessing at this time.
For the Month of August we’ll be collecting school supplies for Pitts School Road Elementary School. Here’s a link to the School Supply list which is by grade level, or just go to the store and purchase the basics: pencils, copy paper, markers, tissues, black marble composition books.
A Special Teacher Supply offering will be taken on August 18th. The goal is to provide each teacher with a gift card.
If you’re interested in volunteering at Pitts School or being part of the church connection team, you will need to apply for approval at https://www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/ccsvolunteer
Sign up sheets are on the church bulletin board for volunteers to provide food for the teachers Back to School Breakfast and to be a Kindergarten Lunch Helper. Keep watch for more details on these two projects and more volunteer opportunities.
Our Children’s Summer Sunday School theme is Superheroes Make Life Super for Others! Sometimes superheroes do great things. Other times it’s the little things that make them super. Big and small things add up to a life that honors God and allows us to do some super things for others. Kids will learn that small acts done for Jesus can lead to a super life and they’ll learn how to make life super for others. Beginning June 9, our children’s Sunday School classes will be combining in the fellowship hall for an exciting time of learning about what real superheroes are like and how we can become Superheroes in the lives of others around us. Sunday School will begin at 9:45 am! Don’t be late and miss out on any of the fun!! Memory Verse:“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31b (NIV)
Parent or adult interested in leading a class, and yes we do need you!!!!, please check out our sign-up genius and choose a class to teach! Our curriculum is all downloadable and will be available from Denise Spittle our Summer School coordinator! We also need a helper for every week. The only thing we ask is that you be safe sanctuary trained and I can help you out with that training.https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e084ba9a722a3fc1-childrens1
