September 6, 2006

Dear Parents, Grandparents, and Friends of St. Elizabeth’s children,

I want to inform you of two special events here at St. E’s in the month of September that I hope you will share with us.

First, Bishop Neff Powell will be visiting us next Sunday, September 10th.   Bishop Powell will officiate at both Services, preach, celebrate Holy Communion, and confirm or receive several adults into the Episcopal Church.   The bishop is good with kids and usually tells a short bible story to the kids after communion.   He is very personable and always visits with everyone during the coffee hour and is happy to answer any of your questions.   St. Elizabeths is known for the marvelous welcome we extend to our guests.   Please help us make Bishop Powell and his wife, Dorothy, feel welcome this Sunday.

Second, we launch this school year’s Children’s Program the next Sunday, September 17^th.    Clif Collins, our Music Director, is a gifted children’s educator and worship leader.     He is uniquely qualified to teach the kids about our church, our customs, worship, music, and the ways we seek and serve Christ in others and use the Bible.   Beginning September 17^th, Clif will invite the older children to follow him to the church school room following the singing of the psalm, teach them their class, and then return with them for the passing of the peace and the communion.  

St. Elizabeth’s is a small church with many strengths.   We don’t have many children but we know every one by name.   Each and every one has the chance to assist in the liturgy (egs. make prayer requests, carry a cross, carry the gospel book, help with the sermon, take up the food collection).   Each and every one is a star.   his new design makes the best use of our skilled people, provides the kids with quality teachers and a dedicated learning time, and fully integrates the children and their families into St. E’s worship and life.   There are few better places to be on a Sunday morning.

Please help us make this year a success and support our families with young kids, Clif, and Kristy.   Come regularly and volunteer to help.   A rope of many strands makes the strongest line.   Help us weave the kind of rope, i.e. build the kind of children’s ministry, we all want and our children need.

Thank you and God bless you.

Affectionately,

Richard +

Children and Worship - The Holy Eucharist

Makes every attempt to include children in our corporate worship and make the Service accessible to them. We encourage older children to participate in the Service with their families and friends, and to help lead parts of the Service. Infants and toddlers join everyone else in the church during the administration of communion. The Sunday morning Service is at 10 am. Speak with the Rector 774-5183 or Clif Collins, Music Leader 540 721 8425.

Children’s Choir

Learns about God, music and how to sing. The choir practices monthly.
Clif Collins, Music Leader 540-72-8425.

Christmas Pageant

Presents the gospel story in a dramatic form during the Christmas Season. Jim Tucker, 745-6694.

Intergenerational Workshops

Organizes fun projects for all ages during special church seasons. Call the office at 774-5183

Nursery

Provides childcare for children from infants to 4 years old from 9:45 am to 11:45 am on Sunday mornings. Kathy Killian at the office 774-5183.

Outreach

Encourages children to attend to the needs of others through singing in nursing homes, making cards for the ill or elderly, contributing towards worthwhile projects, etc. Coordinated through the Sunday School, SEEDS, or the church. Richie Alldredge 774-5183 Jim Tucker 745-6694

Puppetry

Entertains and teaches children and adults Biblical lessons and religious truths using puppets.
Jim Tucker 745-6694.

Sunday School

Teaches older children about God, Jesus Christ, the faith community and the sacraments through worship, Bible stories, arts and crafts. Clif Collins, 721-8425 & Patty Lezan, 774-5132.