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Services:
Sundays
8:15 & 10 am
Child care provided
Office hours:
Tuesday - Friday
9 am - noon
Location:
5705 Lacy Rd.
Fitchburg WI 53711
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Phone:
608-273-1008
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| Children’s Programming Committee Annual Report 2009 |
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The Children’s Programming Committee serves the children and families of Memorial United Church of Christ. Sunday school lessons built upon the lectionary teachings connect children with the congregation. Children and adults listen to the scripture in worship together. The children’s sermon begins the exploration of the lesson and then the children adjourn to Sunday school where they explore the stories in more age-appropriate discussions. There are 35-40 children on any given Sunday and 22 teachers who bring meaning and understanding to the teachings during the year. During the summer our one-week Vacation Bible School provides lessons, activities and experiences to engage the children and help them grow in their faith. In 2009, 35 children attended VBS, including 7 who were new to MUCC. For some, this was their first exposure to stories from the Bible. VBS requires many hands and hearts to make it a success. In 2009 we had a group of 8 people working all week and at least 5 helpers who were able to give of their time to make VBS a spectacular event for all involved – kids and adults alike. The committee also provides for nursery care for infants and very young children during both services on Sunday morning, generally with a paid childcare worker. The Children’s Programming Committee coordinates many other activities that provide children of Memorial United Church of Christ a chance to spend time with each other having fun and helping others throughout the community and beyond. The children started Pennies for Peace program, with collection jars located in each classroom and in the narthex niche. The 6th – 8th grade Sunday school class spends one Sunday per month hearing from and talking with members of the congregation and community on issues related to peace. Each year the children participate in The Heifer Project during Lent, a fundraiser for Heifer International. Bunnies and chicks were our theme animals this year. Activities were kicked off with a breakfast. “Reading Rabbits” reading logs were available for all ages to track minutes read – participants read over 15,000 minutes during Lent. A Kids’ Fun Night was held the same night as the Bayou Bash. Root beer (black bunny) floats were served on the day of the spring play performance. The children participated in Terry Kiss Frank’s spring play, "All it Takes is Courage." In April, special visitors greeted the children – Terry brought rabbits and chickens to close out our Heifer Project fundraiser. The Sunday school picnic was held in May. The weather cooperated this year and the kids enjoyed many outdoor activities. Summer months provided children with a one-room Sunday school experience. Volunteer teachers spent time with the kids in a less-structured classroom environment than during the regular school year. In August and early September, preparations were made for the 2009-10 Sunday school year. Some new teaching teams were created as we welcomed new teachers. Classrooms were organized and training for all teachers was held. Sunday school curriculum and most of the supporting materials are available online for the first time! The committee hosted a breakfast with the Worship Committee for Rally Sunday to welcome back everybody for the new Sunday school year. Fall traditions include trick or treating for UNICEF - children (and adults!) wear their Halloween costumes to church. In November, preparations were made for the Advent workshop which was held on Nov. 29th this year. Children and families spent time making crafts, cookies and chocolates to prepare for the Advent season. The committee collected items for our college students – fun and tasty treats to help relieve some of the pressures of final exam time. The year ends with our family Christmas Eve worship service. All children are able to participate as we celebrate the night of Jesus’ birth. Committee Goals for 2010 Review the questionnaire in the Sunday School curriculum to gather information on the children. Continue to hold more church activities for the children, such as: a book discussion group; a family evening at church with a potluck and games, videos, crafts, etc. Continue to be an advocate for the children. Partner with the Membership Committee for Confirmation Sunday celebration. Hold a kids’talent show to raise money for Bright Stars. Committee members Amy Boutelle, Chair Beth Magness Cheryl Porior-Mayhew Jessica Veloff Kelly Jetzer Kelly Kopperud Jann Veloff, Children’s Programming Director |