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!

First Class Sundays, this week

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

We will be kicking off our Generosity 2016 Campaign this coming Sunday, September 13.

As part of that, Rev. Emily Wright will be leading First Class Sundays with talking to your children about money.

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

Sunday School Kick-Off

Kick-Off is this Sunday, August 16!

All elementary children and their parents should check-in in the Gym between 9:30 and 10:00am.

Find the table with your child’s grade listed and check-in with the volunteer at that table. They will give you information about your child’s Sunday School class. Parents will then walk their children upstairs to the Elementary Hall to find your child’s Sunday School classroom.

Children are also encouraged to bring their school backpacks to the 11:15 service this Sunday for ‘Blessing of the Backpacks’ during the Children’s Moment.

Also on August 16, Join us from 4-6pm at Roswell Riverside Park for our Fall Kick-Off Celebration!