Christian Education Corner

VIEW FROM THE PEW * SUNDAY SCHOOL (CHILDREN) (MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH) (HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH) (YOUTH MISSION TRIP) (NURSERY) * PERFECT ATTENDANCE * Vacation Bible School * CONFIRMATION CLASS *  SHOUT OUTS * SECOND GRADERS * GRADUATES * ANNUAL ICHETUCKNEE TUBING RETREAT * CALENDAR * COMING SOON

VIEW FROM THE PEW
Or a View from Afar
Mary Ann Sumner (MaryAnnSumner@wbts.org)

On April 12 we proved that the people of Westminster By-The-Sea are very bad square dancers. What we did prove is that we can laugh and adapt (2 grills that didn’t work too well) and make more room at tables and keep on trying and have a good time. We had people from nursery age through those who swore they were way too old for this kind of thing. We had children ready to try to figure out a dosado and an allemande left to youth who actually danced and didn’t sit in a corner thinking we were all crazy. People six feet tall had partners that were four feet tall. The caller and his wife were so impressed with the good spirit we had at our church. Last week I went to Columbia Seminary to take a course called “Extreme Makeover: Christian Education” that spoke about education of the church being more than that 9:45 hour we call Sunday School. We talked about the whole church experience as education. It centers around worship and knowing how and why we worship the way we do. One of the main emphases was in intergenerational communication. We need to pass our faith and experiences down to the following generations. We can learn so much from our younger people, too. We are touched every year by the Statements of Faith written by our confirmation classes. I am amazed at how the younger children remind us of the purity of our faith. During our Communion class in Sunday School a couple of years ago I asked the children what they should do during the serving of Communion. I was going for “sit quietly” or “pray” but one of the preschoolers said, “Dance.” He was so right. We should feel like dancing that our Lord was willing to give so much for us. Next time you see an event happening at the church don’t think you’re too old or too young or too uncoordinated or too tired. Come share yourself with others and learn from them. You’ll have a great time. You’ll go home exhausted but totally energized.
 

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SUNDAY SCHOOL
CHILDREN
We wrap up our Sunday School year with The Good Samaritan. Although this story is very familiar to us, the ideas in it were scandalous during Bible times. We will visit storytelling, music, cooking, and video theater as we explore this story.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH

We have had great attendance in this class all year. Thanks to Harvey, Chip, and Jay and all the students for making this a great year!

It’s the end of the school year and the last regular youth meeting until the fall, so we’re going to have a blast! We’ll play some games, have a fantastic dinner and end the year with some fun. This excellent event will be on May 18th starting at 4:30 and ending at 7:30.

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HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH
It’s the senior high’s turn! They’ll be locking themselves into the church on May 23rd. We’ll have a scavenger hunt, ask some questions, and eat some good food. It’s the end of the year party for these youth and should be a lot of fun!
 

YOUTH MISSION TRIP

On May 18th the youth groups will be holding a combination car wash and bake sale during fellowship hour to help raise money for their mission trips this summer. You’ll have the opportunity to sample delicious baked goods in the fellowship hall while your car is washed – with no effort on your part! If you are interested in donating to the bake sale, please contact Rev. Cara by May 11.
Bean Soup Jars should be passed out the second week of May, so if you ordered one, make sure you pick yours up!
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NURSERY
Kim Adams
Congratulations to Alexandra Triplett who graduated from the nursery on her sixth birthday in April. This month we will be learning about Creation.

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PERFECT ATTENDANCE

March 2008

K-1
Alexandra Triplett
Grades 2-3
Marshall Argenbright
Sydney Bartell
Grades 4-5
Monet Bartell
Middle School
Blake Argenbright
Brooke Brubaker
Stacy Neeka

Way to go everyone!

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Vacation Bible School

COSMIC CITY
Explore the Awesome Wonder of God
Visit Alpha Base each morning to get ready to blast off for your daily adventure. Along the way you’ll visit the Theater of the Galaxies, Wonder U, Asteroid Alley, SuperNova Supermart, and the Shooting Star Drive-In.

It’s time for our space travelers to sign up for VBS! You many use the sheet enclosed in the Spire, pick up extra forms in fellowship hall or print them off the wbts.org website by clicking HERE. Forms may be left in the basket in fellowship hall or given to Mary Ann Sumner. The program is open to children who are entering Kindergarten through 5th grade. We welcome friends and neighbors for these grades. There is limited space in the preschool class and first priority goes to children of church members for this class. We will put any other children on a waiting list in case the class isn’t full. Youth entering 6th – 12th grades may sign up to work at VBS. Make sure you sign up in fellowship hall or tell Mary Ann if you plan to help. We still need a few adult workers to help as shepherds and floaters that week. We have all our teachers signed up at this time.

If you have any questions call Mary Ann and she’ll try to answer them!

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CONFIRMATION CLASS
On April 30 the class will take their final exam and present their Statements of Faith to the Session. Plan to celebrate with them at a fellowship hour in their honor on May 11 right after they profess their faith and join Westminster as full members. These students have been with Jeff and Mary Ann this entire school year to learn about the church and their faith:

• Kimberly Boone

• Reagan Walker

• Aubrey Osiborski

• Brooke Brubaker

• Laura Timbs

• Stacy Neeka

• Chris Oliphant

• Aaron Osiborski

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SHOUT OUTS
Congratulations to Brooke Brubaker for being chosen as a cheerleader at Warner Christian Academy.
Nicole Brubaker was chosen as the 4th grade class representative for the Math Olympics in Titusville. She attends Warner Christian Academy.
We’re always looking for good news about our children and youth. If you have something to share email Mary Ann at maflam@aol.com or call the church office with the information. You’ll see your name on these pages!
 

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SECOND GRADERS
The following students will receive Bibles during the worship service on May 18th. If you are in second grade and your name is not on this list please call the church office.
Zac Anderson Hannah Lindmeier
Jarrett Moorhouse Dylan Rice
Matthew Staudt John Clark Triplett
 

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GRADUATES
We will be recognizing our high school and college graduates during worship on May 18th. If you are graduating please call the church office ASAP so we will have a complete list. If you graduated in December we would like to take this opportunity to recognize your accomplishment.
 

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ANNUAL ICHETUCKNEE TUBING RETREAT
Who? Middle and High School Youth
Where? Ichetucknee Family Campground and State Park
When? June 6. We’ll meet at the church at 4:30 pm and head over to set up camp. Our activities will begin at 9:00 pm with games, devotions, and music. Departure will be on Sunday, June 8, after a brief worship service at 8:00 am.
Why? Just because the school year is over doesn’t mean the fun is!
How Much? The church is splitting the cost with youth so you can come on this wonderful adventure for only $10.00 for the weekend! Wow!
How Do I Do It? Just give your money to Rev. Cara by May 11 (that’s a Sunday) and pack your sleeping bag!
 

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CALENDAR
May 11 Confirmation class joins the church
May 18 Recognition of Graduates
Second Grade Bible Presentation
May 25 Sunday School Attendance Awards
& Teacher Recognition
June 16-20 VBS Setup Week
June 23-27 Vacation Bible School


May 25 is the last day of Sunday School for this year. Thanks to all the teachers and students in all of our classes for making this year another big success. Have a great summer and we’ll gear up for more exciting and enlightening classes in the fall.

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COMING SOON
Watch for a special announcement in the June Spire about preview classes for our fall Institute. They will take place after VBS during the summer for different ages groups.

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