WOW Wednesdays!

What is this?

It’s for all elementary age children from 7 – 8 PM.

• May 12 - WOW! 

• June 23 - WOW! Water Play Night

Mark Your Calendars! Invite your friends! WoW!

Lets Talk About Sunday School

Parents and Grandparents, school has started and everyone for the most part is done with vacation trips for a while. Now is a good time to get back in the habit of getting to Sunday School! Perfect Attendance awards are given out each year, and to earn these, children need to be in Sunday School each week! Sunday School is not just a fun thing, it is valuable spiritual education. Everyone recognizes the value of a good secular education, but do you know that a spiritual education is even more valuable? Make Sunday School a priority for your family. Set the example, and bring the whole family to Sunday School and Worship Service. Is it too much to give God two or three hours a week? That isn't even a tithe of your time, and the blessings you receive are worth more than money can buy. See you in Sunday School!

from Joy Turner

Safe Sanctuary Practices

It is such a privilege to work with our children. As a church, there are things we can do to make everything done at the church a safe & positive experience for both children & adults. Everyone must understand how to “avoid the appearance of evil” as well as avoiding anything inappropriate in the way we behave with one another & with children. Our Annual Conference has adopted some guidelines. Everyone who will work with children under 18 years of age must participate in a yearly training on “Safe Sanctuary Practices”.

Acolytes

Thank you to Lydia Perkins for training our Acolytes at FUMC.  She has been quietly and faithfully doing her job, and making sure someone is there to bring in the light on Sunday mornings.  Special thanks to Thomas Perkins, too, for serving as Acolyte more than anyone else!  Children from third grade up through high school are eligible to be an acolyte.   For more information, contact Lydia, or Joy Turner.

For Those With Children Entering our Youth Department

Suggestions from Annette Gifford

I am a parent of a senior student who is about to embark on a fantastic journey. We call it life. However, I can remember when my child was just starting the 6th grade and began to attend the “Youth” Department at First UMC Irving. There were many questions. Through trial and an open trust and communication, we have a strong relationship today. Perhaps the new parents just coming up and some who are deciding now to be more involved would benefit from some of my observations over the years. Here is a list of points I thought you might want to consider. If you haven’t already thought of them, you will soon.

• ALWAYS keep an open line of communication with your child and the person you have placed over your child.

• Encourage your child to be a part of Bible Study – a valuable source for growth.

• Don’t ever let a question just go without an answer or explanation.

• ALWAYS go to the source to find out the answer you need to know.

• There are rules on many things at FUMC and making yourself aware is the first step to thwarting disaster.

• Find out about the sponsor, the van and adult driver requirements.

• What are the driving rules for kids who have licenses to drive and those who don’t?

• Can my child travel with a High School licensed driver?

• How do we deal with our Junior High students and the vast maturity differences with Senior High students?

• What kind of consistency will there be in the Youth Group?

The most important thing you can do is to sit down with your child and establish a set of ground rules. What will you and your family do about the new freedom just on the horizon? Listen to your children, but ask questions and clarify often. Do not be a “one question” parent. Ask a lot. Remember, we are training and growing the youth, and they need to be held accountable for their actions. When they say, “stop nagging me”, then you have done your job. Where will you be going? Who will bring you back to the church? How much money do you need? Do not assume anything. Train your child not to assume anything either. There will be a lot of growth and change over the next several years. Why not let the majority of those years be filled with excitement and joy knowing that the church is working with you and your family to create opportunities for your child to grow in all ways. Please consider being at all the Parent Meetings. They are informative and fun. Help your child’s Youth Director grow by watching, volunteering, advising, and praying for him.

 - Excerpts have been adapted by Sean Cawthon