Children's Sunday School at East Woods Church has a "personality" similar to every other aspect of our fellowship. Our classes are welcoming and relaxed. Teachers of all ages model God's call to nurture one another. Our mission is to help our youngsters see themselves as beloved children of God.
We seek to encourage, equip and empower families to be intentional and proactive in their day-to-day Christian walk. Hospitality and fellowship are central to the relationships we build with parents and children.
If you are a disciple with a heart for children, I'd love to talk with you about our ministry. We have both experienced and new classroom teachers. Please pray for them as they minister to your children. And since Sunday school is about Bible lessons AND fellowship, please make church attendance a priority for your family.
East Woods Presbyterian Church performs national background checks on all adult volunteers who work with children.
Check out the Children & Family Ministry link on our "MINISTRY" page. You'll find pictures of our staff and teachers. Below you will find summaries of the elementary Sunday school lessons for each upcoming month.
February 2012
It’s the New Year and I’m finding so much to celebrate!
For starters, I LOVE that Pastor Bill connects directly with our children during worship. Faith is about relationships and the children need to know that Bill is their pastor, too. When he (literally) “gets down” to share time and space with the children, it’s another way to convey to each boy and girl that God loves them and we do, too.
This March and April I’ll be teaching the students in Grades 3-5 a series of lessons I’m developing around The Lord’s Supper. This fulfills one portion of a six-month final exam project I am undertaking for Educator Certification in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Each hands-on Sunday school lesson will explore the deeper meaning of the Lord’s Supper by linking it to different stories of Jesus’ miracles. I’m confident this will be a time of rich discovery for everyone…including me.
We’re getting close to selecting the Vacation Bible School program for 2012. As always, VBS at East Woods is a “grass roots” ministry. I’ve invited over 40 former VBS volunteers to help make the selection from three different published programs. We’ll gather on February 12 for lunch and I’ll announce the final choice. If you would like to help with Vacation Bible School, please let me know; there’s always room for more!
Lessons for February…LENT is just around the corner; time to start getting ready for Holy Week. February’s elementary Sunday school lessons are about relationships and some of the ways that Jesus broke the rules that kept people from knowing God’s love. Jesus is the living water of God’s Kingdom.
FEBRUARY 12- John 4:4-30, 39-42: Jesus and the Samaritan woman—as a woman she was marginalized to begin with, but more so because of her infidelity. But Jesus restores her to the fullness of life.
FEBRUARY 19- Mark 10:13-16: Jesus and the children—who are socially more invisible even than their mothers. Jesus elevates them to their proper place in God’s eyes.
FEBRUARY 26- Luke 10:38-42: Jesus, Martha & Mary—little sister REALLY breaks the rules and yet receives Jesus’ blessing. Big sister is encouraged to join in the fellowship.
As we enter these lessons my most fervent prayer is that you and your family will take part is all that East Woods offers your children; from fellowship with Pastor Bill to fellowship with one another and the Bible. Give East Woods a couple of hours and let it fortify your week.
January 2012
As 2012 arrives...Christmas continues
On December 18 as our children helped present “Lessons and Carols” we experienced the highlights of Advent and Christmas in a single worship service. Many thanks to all of you who supported our re-enactment of this traditional observance. Special kudos to Tim Martinez for helping the student narrators. Judy Hooper helped the younger children understand the importance of their role in the different tableaus. And thanks to Molly Sperry and all the parents who helped the children in and out of their costumes.
Secular society walks away from Christmas after December 25. But for the followers of Jesus the journey is just beginning. Christmastide takes us through January 5—known as Epiphany, commemorating the magi’s arrival in Bethlehem. Many Protestant churches add an Epiphany season that extends another 40 days, focusing on the magi’s visit and Jesus’ baptism and early ministry. This brings us to within a week of Ash Wednesday, which starts the season of Lent. Six weeks later we arrive at Holy Week. On Palm/Passion Sunday we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem for Passover, then walk with Jesus to his arrest, trial and crucifixion. Then on Easter/Resurrection Sunday, we proclaim God’s faithfulness and celebrate that Jesus Christ has conquered death. But wait—we’re far from done. Eastertide comprises the 50 days between Resurrection Sunday and Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit visited Christ’s apostles in Jerusalem.
As you can see, our Christian year offers lots of important markers. We want to share these practices with you and your children. So let’s get started. Beginning in January 2012 these newsletter articles will summarize the month's elementary Sunday school lessons and how they tie together and observe these important Gospel (i.e., “GOOD NEWS”) narratives. After all, the Gospel story is OUR story!
Our January 8 elementary Sunday school lesson is “The Magi Visit Jesus” (Matthew 2:1-12). The magi were foreigners; gentiles who traveled long distances. They followed the star to locate and worship the infant king. We, also, worship God through Jesus
On January 15 we learn about “Passover in Jerusalem/Jesus Preaching in the Temple” (Luke 2:41-52). This narrative about the 12 year-old Jesus helps children understand that as they grow, they share experiences with the boy Jesus: they spend time with family, learn skills from mom and dad, learn to get along with siblings, etc. This understanding helps children to see the gospel story as their own.
January 22’s lesson is “Light Comes into the World” (John 1). John’s message is another ADVENT message…GET READY for the One who is coming. We, like John, are called to point the way toward Jesus, to let Jesus be the light in our lives.
On January 29, “John baptizes Jesus” (Mark 1:1-11). Jesus was baptized because it was God’s plan. We can be baptized like Jesus. In baptism we are united with our local congregation and the world wide Christian community.
December, 2011
FAREWELL, AND THANKS!
Heidi Puttkammer, RN
Farewell to a VERY special disciple!! Please join us in extending deep gratitude and sincere thanks to Heidi Puttkammer as she steps away from her long time role as Nursery Attendant at East Woods Church. Heidi’s new job on the nursing staff of Vancouver Clinic Battle Ground urgent care and pediatrics Center involves working Sunday rotations. We are certain that the same energy, devotion, creativity and enthusiasm that are Heidi's hallmarks in our Nursery will bless those she cares for in her new position. She is indeed blessed to be a blessing!
We will continue to fully staff the Nursery to care for your little ones.
THE MEANING OF ADVENT
The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." During Advent we wait for, and get ready for Jesus’ birth. Christians have celebrated Advent for at least 1700 years!
Advent can be observed in the home as well as at church. In 2011 Advent begins on November 27. Advent is the FIRST DAY of the Church calendar…it’s the Christian “New Year.”
The Advent COLOR is purple. The circle of the wreath reminds us of God’s love and mercy that have no beginning or end. The evergreen branches are for LIFE. We have life in Jesus. The candles are for LIGHT. Jesus is the light of the world.
The four outer candles represent the time of waiting.
The FIRST PURPLE CANDLE: is the prophecy candle. This candle is for waiting, expectation and hope.
The SECOND PURPLE CANDLE is the Bethlehem candle. With this candle we also remember Joseph, who was Jesus' earthly father.
The PINK CANDLE symbolizes joy that Jesus’ birth is coming soon. It is the Angels candle and also reminds us of Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
The THIRD PURPLE CANDLE is the Shepherd’s candle and reminds us to tell others about Jesus just like the shepherds did.
The WHITE CANDLE is always in the center. It is the CHRIST CANDLE. The Christ candle is for Jesus’ day of birth. We light the Christ candle on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Join us November 27 at 4PM for our traditional Advent wreath-making festival. The fellowship and meal are warm and friendly, you can decorate cookies to your hearts content. AND you'll go home with the cutest little hand made nativity set you ever saw! Special thanks to SALLY GIFFORD for leading the craft making!
I pray that your family will share time each day around your Advent wreath. Let the expectation build and carry you through a truly blessed Christmas season.
October, 2011
REVIEW OF EAST WOODS' FIRST STAKEHOLDER'S MEETING
This fall the monthly Children and Family Ministry Team meetings will move to a Sunday following worship. ALL parents are welcome, and we will extend personal invitations to one or two families each month. The meeting agenda will accommodate lots of input from families.
To enjoy our VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL photo album, go to our FACE BOOK page:
http://www.facebook.com/eastwoodspres
RECENT SPECIAL EVENTS
| Bible presentations to third graders | Blessing of the Animals |
BAPTISM CLASSES are scheduled for families upon request. Families engage together in age-appropriate stories and crafts and children converse with the pastor about exactly what happens during the sacrament of baptism.
LEARNING TO USE MY BIBLE CLASS for families with children in Grade 3. We give each third grader a Study Bible written specifically for that reading level. During the class, families explore the language of faith. We peel away the mystery behind words like holy, inspired and testament. Children experience samples of the scriptural treasures the Bible holds. Each October we present Bibles to the students during worship.
On Communion Sundays children in Grades K-5 experience a special group fellowship time during the sermon. Following the sermon we escort the children back to the Sanctuary to share The Lord's Supper with their family. Pre-school children have Sunday school class as usual.
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Congregational life at East Woods is about family and fellowship. When a child is baptized the entire congregation commits to help raise that child to know, and experience, God's love. We walk the talk.
If you would like to learn more about about what East Woods offers to children and families, I'd love to visit with you. Come and experience the deep joy that surrounds this worshipping community.
For more information and pictures, check us out at Children and Family Ministry