September 2011

From Helga Finlay, our Church School Coordinator:

One of the things that I enjoy the most about this time of year is seeing all our First Church families returning to their normal school year routines. As a congregation member, I love seeing all of the children popping their heads up from their pew and looking around for an old friend or two. As a Sunday school teacher and in my role as the Church School Coordinator, I truly enjoy watching these children change and grow over the summer months. From a quick passing glance, these changes may seem barely noticeable, but when you’re looking and talking about spiritual growth - well that’s hardly the kind of thing that can be visually measured, if it can even be measured at all.

Regardless of whether your time this past summer was spent relaxing or filled to the brim with activities, there’s a pretty good chance that we’ve all grown in spirit. After all, spiritual growth doesn’t seem to follow any particular schedule, let alone the school calendar. That’s not to say that calendars don’t serve a greater purpose in our children’s spiritual lives. Both the church and the Sunday school’s curriculum calendar provide a framework for teaching our children about Christianity, while creating opportunities for our children to deepen and strengthen in their faith.

During our recent family vacation, I managed to get in a little alone time, albeit, it was brief moment. As I sat in my beach chair watching the waves rhythmically roll in one after the other, I began to reflect upon the past year. I couldn’t help but realize that my children were growing up fast and it was happing right before my very eyes. I began thinking about the differences in my relationship with each one of them and how that might have an affect on their adult lives. I wondered if I was measuring up to each one of them as a good parent, as an inspiring teacher, as a trusting advisor, as an exemplary role model and whether my actions were teaching them how to become a faithful servant of our savior Jesus Christ. In all, I seemed to wonder about so many things while sitting there on that beach. Shortly thereafter I found myself up and wandering close to the water’s surf. Scanning the beach I took note of the brightly colored sea shells that effortlessly rearranged themselves with each incoming tide. From where I was standing I could see my reflection in the water, and a paradoxical feeling seemed to overtake me. I suddenly felt that time was quickly slipping by, and yet at the same time, time seemed to be at a momentary standstill. Then I began to pray. I prayed that next year I would be right back in the same spot where I was standing. I prayed that I would be thinking about many of the same things. I prayed that I would continue to feel God’s presence in my life and continue grow in my spirituality and take comfort in my deepening faith. I prayed that I would always remember not just who I am, but whose I am.

Homecoming is September 11, and parents can register their children on the lawn in front of at Nelson Hall or inside the hall in the event of inclement weather. We’ll be sending an e-mail blast with the registration forms attached. Homecoming is a time when our church families to return to regular worship services and Sunday school programming for the new academic year begins.We will be holding our annual Homecoming Picnic in Nelson Hall following the 10 a.m. worship service. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided.

Families are requested to bring the following side dishes: Last names A-L: please bring a pasta or salad side dish. Last name begins in M-Z: please bring a dessert. (NO NUTS).

Christmas at First Church in Windsor

Over 400 people attended our 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service where the church school children presented the Christmas story through a glorious pageant. Here are some of the pictures:


Narrator Mark O'Donnell	The Holy Family - The Futterliebs

The Shepherds	And the angels sang their heavenly chorus.

and sheep arrived	And the child was born and welcomed into the world.

Here are some more pictures of this holy night.

CHURCH SCHOOL

Families are encouraged to begin 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship together in the meetinghouse (sanctuary). Nursery and toddler childcare is available on the lower level of the Parish House (brick building) and children can be left with our volunteer caregivers beginning at 9:45 AM. After the children's message is shared in the early part of the worship service, children leave with their teachers for the church school and rotation classes held in the Parish House.

On the first Sunday of each month (Communion Sundays) children through Grade 6 begin the morning at a brief children’s chapel service in Nelson Hall of the Parish House beginning at 10:00 AM before going to their classrooms. Parents are welcome to remain or to attend worship and receive Communion in the meetinghouse.

In class in the lower level of the Parish House, toddlers, three’s and four’s enjoy stories, puppets, music, crafts, games and interactive play time. First and second graders also meet on this same level and engage the Augsburg Press “Witness” curriculum. Grades three through six meet on the main level and follow a rotation model curriculum, a multi-sensory and interactive approach to learning the biblical stories and/or about the church year through cooking, skits, drumming/music, computer games, writing, and other opportunities. Seventh and eighth grade classes meet in the Youth Room (lower level of the meetinghouse) and use the “Seasons of the Spirit” curriculum. (http://www.spiritseasons.com/)

All of our teachers are dedicated members of the congregation who volunteer to support the teaching mission of First Church in Windsor. Our staff are always available to answer any questions or to support you and your child(ren).

Summer Explorers

During the summer months, we offer a multi-aged Explorer Group that is led by church members who share their interests, hobbies and talents and explore the unlimited connections these offer in relationship to God, church and faithful discipleship.

Vacation Bible School

First Church hosts a wonderfully creative, fun and music-filled Vacation Bible School for one week in August from 9AM-12PM for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. All of the classes and activities are led by volunteer church members and youth leaders.

MUSIC MINISTRY

Cherub Choir is for three to six year olds and is held during Sunday class time.

Genesis Generation is for children in grades one through five and takes place at 11:15 in Conference Room #1 of the Parish House. Activities include singing, drumming, tone chimes and creative movement. Mark Watkins leads this dynamic and interactive group. Parents provide a snack on a rotation basis.

Mission of the Month

Outreach is a vital part of being a Christian, which we teach and practice through the following monthly mission activities and themes:

September—Windsor Food Bank
October – Connecticut Humane Society
November – UNICEF and Thanksgiving cards
December – Connecticut Children’s Home
January – Immaculate Conception Shelter
February – Child Sponsorship Program
March – One Great Hour of Sharing
April – Habitat for Humanity
May – Heifer Project International
June, July, August and Sept. – Covenant to Care

Summers at Silver Lake Conference Center

Silver Lake Conference Center is the home of the Outdoor Ministries of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Berkshires of Litchfield County, Silver Lake has been welcoming church groups, youth groups, schools, non-profits and businesses, for almost fifty years during the Fall, Winter and Spring.

Each summer, Silver Lake continues the proud tradition of being the vibrant church camp for up to 1300 fourth graders through high school-age young people. These week-long "conferences" offer "once-in-a-lifetime experiences, over and over" to several generations of youth, helping to shape future leaders and spirited community-builders everywhere.

Silver Lake has become a sacred place to so many people, young and old. We invite you to come away from the busyness of everyday life and find out what is so special about this ministry of God's love.

Mission Statement
Silver Lake Conference Center, a year-round outdoor ministry of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ, is called to covenant in partnership with God and with the churches of the Conference in the work of forming life-sustaining leaders for the Church and world, by offering:

Experiences of inclusive and nurturing Christian community
Opportunities to grow and participate as Christ's disciples
A model of sustainable environmental stewardship of God's world.
We worship, learn, play, serve and work together, respecting the right of private judgement. We seek to provide a safe environment of acceptance regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, reflecting our unity in Christ and respecting the faith journeys of all of God's children. "Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the Glory of God." Romans 15:7

Church and Staff Support

Faith and discipleship formation at First Church is a shared ministry among all of us! Parents, church members, confirmation mentors, volunteer teachers, youth assistants and staff come together to create a community of learning, exploration and sharing that serves as a faith foundation for life. Your ideas, thoughts, support and questions are welcomed.

Laurel Slate, Chairperson, Board of Christian Education
Rev. Rick Huleatt, Senior Pastor
Char Corbett, Minister of Youth and Outreach
Helga Finlay, Church School Coordinator
Gary Sava, Church School Assistant