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Excitement is brewing in our preschool wing as we prepare for a new event with our little ones. A program called “Godly Play” is coming to our preschool Sunday School class. Over the next few months, I want to share with you some of what’s to come. Godly Play is founded on the Montessori approach. The practical application of the Montessori method is based on human tendencies-to explore, move, share with a group, to be independent and make decisions, to create order, to develop self-control, to understand abstract ideas from experience, to use the creative imagination, and to work hard. There are three stages of learning in this approach. They are: • Introduction to a concept by means of a lesson or lecture • Processing the information and developing an understanding of the concept through work, experimentation, or creating something. • Knowing or possessing an understanding of the concept by teaching it to someone or expressing it with ease. For more on what this means to you, your children, and the children in our church, stay tuned! (posted March 29, 2006)
The Witness Outreach Ministry in Evangelism Calling, along with First Presbyterian Youth, designated March as Food Bank Month and your participation was greatly appreciated! On Sunday, March 12, 309 pounds of non-perishable food was donated and on March 19, we received 267 pounds! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Our goal; to reach by Sunday, March 26, was 500 pounds. Brown paper bags, with a list of suggested items attached, are still available in the Narthex and the church office. Minute for Mission was observed on March 12 with Andrew Berg, US Coordinator of Puentes de Cristo in Reynosa, Mexico. Andrew explained the programs and opportunities available for young people at Puentes de Cristo. During “Celebration Sunday” fellowship he shared photographs, Puentes publications and an opportunity to tour Puentes de Cristo. Thank you, Andrew! The next meeting of Evangelism Calling, with Witness Outreach and Communications Ministries, will be Monday, April 3rd, at noon in the church parlor. Watch your newsletter and the Sunday bulletin for information on our continued efforts to stop hunger as First Presbyterian joins other churches in the greater McAllen area to participate in CROPWALK. A project of Church World Service, CROPWALK (Communities Reaching Out to People), raises money to assist those in need around the world and in our communities. The date for CROPWALK is April 30th. More information coming soon. Be an important part of EVANGELISM CALLING for First Presbyterian Church through your Witness Outreach by inviting a friend to worship with us! (posted March 29, 2006)
Have you ever noticed how tall a parent can stand and how huge a smile can become when a child has displayed a true act of love and kindness from their heart? Well, that is the kind of feeling that I have about our little preschoolers. All our three and four year old classes have been riding tricycles in a trike-a-thon for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Yes, they have raised money for a very worthy cause, but even more than that, they have experienced the joy of helping someone less fortunate than themselves and they have responded with their whole heart. All the children have studied about St. Jude's so they understand why they are outside riding around and around and around that track. They will tell you that they are riding to help the sick children that are in the hospital and that need to know that we care about them. But the pride really wells up inside of me when I see them never want to quit because they know they are helping others. The sweat can roll down their heads, their cheeks can get flushed, and boy can their legs get tired, but the drive to keep going is there, probably a lot stronger drive than you and I could produce. The drive is not to win, because there is no race; the drive is to help someone else and let them know someone cares. Nothing can make me prouder of our preschoolers than to see them putting into practice God's love that we talk about each week in chapel. You know, we can try to teach others many things, but when you know they are getting it is when they willingly display it. Our preschoolers have proven that you are never too young to learn how to help others and show God's love. I am so grateful. Pat Simpson, Lynn Flowers Preschool director (posted March 29, 2006)
Is it hard to find time to take your children to the library? Bring them to our church library to pick out interesting reading for the week. We have a quality collection of children’s books, with new selections being added all the time. Visit the library, located adjacent to Fellowship Hall, before Sunday School, after church, or on Wednesday evenings. Oh, and while you’re there, why not indulge yourself by choosing a good “read” from our adult section! (posted March 29, 2006)
WE ARE AN EASTER PEOPLE Lent is almost over. As Easter arrives we celebrate our reason for being. Easter is the reason Christian churches exist. It’s why people gather and why spring isn’t just flowers and butterflies (although they’re beautiful, aren’t they?), but renewal. This is what makes our religion unique, set apart. The risen Christ is the miracle! Our Sunrise Service breaches a new day and a new identity, a promise fulfilled. Now we celebrate. We walk with a bounce in our step as we leave the sadness of Jesus’ death and move into the gladness of who we are in Christ. So what do we do when the egg hunt is over and the Easter ham is eaten? How do we move on from here? There are numerous books that address Christian practices, including “Practicing our Faith” edited by Dorothy C. Bass and “Growing in the Life of Faith” by Craig Dystra. Yet within our church there are lots of ways to live out your faith. From the simple to the involved, opportunities abound to offer up your talents and be blessed in the process. So often we sit in the pews on Sunday morning unaware of the issues faced by folks a few feet away. There are some among us who don’t have regular contact with friends or family and so appreciate a few minutes of our time to chat and visit. Each Calling has ministries that need help. From assisting in worship as a liturgist or usher, to helping publicize upcoming events, to delivering flowers to the home bound, to helping with Vacation Bible School, to being the treasurer of the church – there is something for everyone to do. So celebrate the miracle of Easter but don’t stop there! Recognize your call and reach out to do something for someone within your church. You will be blessed for doing so. (posted March 29, 2006)
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