We were so glad to share the story of Jesus’ birth through our family Christmas worship this past Saturday. It was great to have Pastor Shelly and Ms. Carrie help us celebrate with our families. Today’s post is from Carrie Lahmeyer, Aldersgate UMC Director of Children and Family Ministries
I can not believe that we are already mid December, and Christmas is less then two weeks away. I love this time of year hearing all the preschoolers sing their cute little Christmas jingles, hearing their laughter and seeing the surprise in their eyes when they learn something new. I am so blessed this year to get to work with the preschool children and staff more getting to know some of the children and families as well as see “my kiddos” who are a part of Aldersgate Church programs during the week. All of these things brighten my days and make my heart full.
Today as I sit here on a gloomy, and cold Monday morning I think about how this time of year can be very confusing, and stressful to children and even us adults as it has become so much about Santa, reindeer, Elf on the Shelf and other items that we have trouble staying focused on the true meaning of Christmas, JESUS! For myself I find myself asking questions and even the all too familiar, “Why God” questions and realize that Christmas isn’t always a happy time of year for many. This is why my job as Director of Children and Family Ministries is so important to me. Aldersgate is real, with real people who have family troubles, marriage issues, depression, personality conflicts, and a lot of other things that others experience. We also have many Joys like the building we share, the love we have for one another, the events, and services we offer, and wonderful staff, and most of all the blessing of God. The Joy of spreading God’s Love is in ACTION at Aldersgate and I invite you to be a part of that at any time. Below you will find our Sunday schedule as well as some opportunities coming up soon and after the first of the year. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the church office or at the information listed below with any questions, or suggestions. More details about events, groups, and church schedule are available on the church webpage at www.aldersgateumc-ks.org also.
I pray that each and everyone of your families has a memorable, blessed Christmas and 2016 brings you great joy. As a mother of four children, the oldest who will graduate in May I will tell you these childhood years go way too fast! Take this special time of the year to teach them the true meaning of Christmas and make memories that will last a LIFETIME! One of my favorite quotes is from Charlie Brown’s Christmas and it says, “It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters, it’s who is around it!”
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Carrie Lahmeyer
During Advent the Children’s Ministry team has been using movie clips each Sunday from “Charlie Brown’s Christmas” to teach children life lessons from the movie and how they relate to the Bible. We have been keeping it simple around here and putting a lot of focus into it is not about what we receive, but what we give others.
Project Linus:
This Saturday, December 19th from 6:00-8:00 PM we invite you to join us for a Project Linus event. We will gather in the Church Commons to make fleece tie blankets to donate through a local Project Linus group for children at Children’s Mercy Hospital. These blankets will be given to children in need, or who are scared and need a little extra love during their time at CMH. To join us please sign-up at the Sign-Up Station in the church commons or register online at www.aldersgateumc-ks.org. All ages are welcome, childcare for children 4 months old through age 2 will be provided upon request only. If you are unable to attend, but like to donate contact me for information on how you can help.
What to bring:
- 1 and 1/4 yards of fabric (there will be some fabric already purchased)
- Scissors
- A dozen snacks, or treats to share
Christmas Eve Services:
6:00 PM- Family Service
- Geared for families with children 5th grade and younger and don’t mind the giggling and wiggling.
- Childcare for children 4 months old through age two will be provided for any families desiring childcare.
6:30 PM- Jesus Birthday Party
- Families are encouraged to start the 6:00 Worship together and then children will be dismissed to attend the Birthday Party. Adults and older children will remain in the Worship Center for the remainder of the service.
- Parents will pick up children in the far east preschool rooms following the conclusion of the 6:00 Worship.
11:00 PM- Traditional Candlelight Service
- All ages welcome
- No childcare provided
Parenting with Love & Logic Classes:
Thursday evenings 6:00-8:00 PM, starting February 18th. This is a 6 week class that will meet every Thursday evening, except March 17 through March 31. Childcare will be provided for a suggested $5/class per family charge. Mark your calendars now, and watch for more details after Christmas break.
Sunday Mornings:
8:30- Worship **
9:45- Sunday School for all ages*
11:00- Worship **
*Childcare is provided for children 4 months old through age 2 at both Worships and during the Sunday school hour.
**Children ages 3 through 3rd grade are invited to PAL (Praise and learning)Time, a.k.a Children’s church. Children start Worship with their families and are dismissed to PAL Time following the Children’s Message.
Aldersgate Preschool 