Advent Mission Project

This Sunday December 13, 2015 is the LAST Sunday to give to our Elementary Advent Mission Project! We have been  collecting loose change to raise money for our mission partners in Kenya. Our gifts will support a Christmas party for the children who live at the Jitegemea Children's Home and School. There will be jars out in the Elementary hallway labeled by grade level for your child to put in their change this Sunday. The grade who collects the most change will win a doughnut party in January.

In just two weeks, have raised $134.21 and third grade is in the lead! Thank you for your generosity and support for our mission partners!

Advent is Upon Us! During Advent, we wait expectantly to celebrate the birth of Christ. As we wait, we reflect on the amazing gifts God has given us through Jesus, gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love. It is exciting to remember that the God of the universe loves us so much that He would send us His only Son Jesus through whom we are able to receive such divine gifts.

During Advent, we reflect on each of these gifts through the lighting of the Advent wreath. Last week in Advent Family Sunday School, we talked about the origin of the Advent Wreath, discussed what each candle represented, and made our own family Advent Wreaths. I hope you will hang up your family Advent Wreath and continue talking with your children about Advent at home, and if you were not able to attend Advent Family Sunday School, I still encourage you to talk about Advent and the true meaning of Christmas with your children. 

One great way to do this is to designate one day during each week to do an Advent devotional together as a family. To guide you, here are four short devotionals that include scripture, questions, and prayers you can read as a family for each week of Advent. 

Advent Week One (this week): HOPE

Scripture

Read Psalm 39:7 as a family.

Questions

What kinds of things do you hope for?

What does it mean to have hope in Jesus?

What is one way you can spread the hope of Jesus to others?

Prayer

God of hope, as we begin Advent, we can get carried away with decorating, parties, and presents. Lord, help us to keep our focus on you and to remember that you are hope of the world and the true reason we prepare and celebrate. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Advent Week Two (begins 12/6): PEACE

Scripture

Read Isaiah 9:6 as a family.

Questions

What do you think it means to have peace?

When is a time you have felt peace?

Why do you think we call Jesus the Prince of Peace?

Prayer

God of peace, sometimes our actions are not peaceful. Help us to quiet our minds, mouths, and bodies, to be still and invite in the peace that can only come through You. Guide us in all that we say and do, that we may show Your love and peace to those around us. Amen.

Advent Week Three (begins 12/13): JOY

Scripture

Read Luke 2:10 as a family.

Questions

Have you ever experienced joy? Share that story.

What is the joy we celebrate at Christmas?

Do you think we can celebrate the joy of Christmas all year? How?

 Prayer                                                                                                                                                   

God we know that some days, we do not act like there is anything to celebrate. Turn our eyes upward and outward, focusing not on ourselves, but on you! Fill our hearts with joy we pray. Amen.

Advent Week Four (begins 12/20): LOVE

 Scripture

Read Romans 8:39 as a family.

Questions

Who do you love?

How does it make you feel that because of Jesus nothing can separate us from God’s love?

How can you show love to others?

Prayer                                                                                                                                                        

God, creator of Love, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to show us unconditional love, a love that can never be taken away and a love that will never end. May all that we say and do be done in love and to the glory of Your Holy name. Amen.

Dear Parents of RPC Children,

In light of the recent attacks in Paris and other places around the world, I wanted to take a moment to offer some helpful tips on dealing with these issues with your children. What is happening is hard enough for an adult to understand and to talk to children about it can be a daunting task. If you are feeling this way, you are not alone. Parents across the world are struggling with this very thing, and there is no magic way to handle it. In an effort to navigate this difficult situation, I've done some research on the best practices to help guide parents through this.

There are two common themes in the research I’ve done. One is that you know your child best. You know their personality, their needs, and their fears. As their parent, you know best what they can and cannot handle when it comes to information like this. The other is that just by being present with your child and spending time with them can help you better know what they are thinking and feeling. This time with you can help them feel more secure. However, I know it can be hard to figure out if and when it is helpful to talk with your children and what exactly to share. It can also be difficult to be in total control of what your children hear 24 hours a day. They go to school, they ride the bus, they overhear adults or the news, and they have questions. Therefore, I have included links below to a few of the most helpful articles/resources I’ve found and I hope they will be helpful to you too if you need them.

In this time of fear and uncertainty, I am comforted by the words of Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me….” God is with us even in the darkest of valleys. Let us hold onto that and continue to pray for our world and all those in it.

Please feel free to reach out if you need additional resources or support.

Grace and Peace,

Carrie

Carrie Weatherford

Director of Children and Family Ministries

Roswell Presbyterian Church

755 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, GA 30075

770-649-4533, Direct Line

www.roswellpres.org

Links to Resources

· http://time.com/4112751/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-the-attacks-in-paris/#4112751/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-the-attacks-in-paris/

· http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/helping-children-cope/art-20047029?pg=1

· http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-stiffelman/talking-with-children-and_b_8569698.html

Tough Talks, October 4

9:45 to 10:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall

First Class Sundays on October 4: Tough Talk To Tender Hearts. Join Angela Williams as she helps us understand how to layer conversations over a child’s lifetime about personal boundaries, personal power, and appropriate touch and behavior. Meets in the Fellowship Hall at 9:45 a.m. 

First Class Sundays is an open forum for parents, grandparents, and those involved in the life of children and students. You will learn about today's hot topics. Normally scheduled for the first Sunday of the month.

For more information and to listen to/download previous presentations,
visit http://www.roswellpres.org/ministries/fcs

Wednesday, September 30

Grove Way Outreach for Elementary Families

Elementary Sunday School Families,

We have an exciting opportunity coming up with our Neighborhood Outreach program. We will be going to Grove Way on Tuesday, September 29 to participate in their after-school enrichment program.  We will have story time, then do a craft project with the students there.  We will meet at the church at 3:00 p.m. and we will head over to Grove Way together. Plan to be at Grove Way from 3:15-4:15 p.m. This is a great opportunity for children and their families to participate in outreach within their own community. Please let us know if you will be able to come by responding to Mem, mem@roswellpres.org.

Have a great week!

Tricia Patterson

patriciapatterson08@comcast.net

Elder on Children’s Ministry Council

F² Event

Fourth and Fifth Graders, join us for:

F² Screen on the Green

Friday, September 25

7-9pm

$5 for pizza

RSVP to mem@roswellpres.org

The F² leadership team voted and we will be watching.... the Sandlot!