Tidings May 2016 | Page 8

Faith Formation—Children & Families In Faith Village this month, we focused on the biblical character, Lydia from the book of Acts. Apostle Paul met Lydia on his second missionary trip. Lydia listened to Paul eagerly as he taught about Jesus. Afterwards, she had her entire household which included family, friends, employees, and slaves baptized. Lydia was known for selling purple cloth. She was a business leader who was generous with her wealth and hospitality. She later became a spiritual leader. In the art rotation, the children made baptismal banners and pouches using the following baptismal symbols: a seashell which reminds us that we are baptized in the living water, a drop of water that symbolizes that our sin is washed away, a candle which represents the light of Christ, a dove which a reminds us that God’s Holy Spirit lives within us, and the cross which is a symbol of Jesus dying and rising again for our forgiveness. In the science rotation the younger children crushed coffee beans, beets, cabbage, turmeric and other plant items to create dyes for fabric. The older children learned about the dichotomous key and how it is used in science to classify and identify plants and animals. The dichotomous key reminds us that God created each of us to be unique. The children also learned that they are “key” in spreading the good news of Jesus. During the cooking rotation we made homemade clay hearts to signify how Lydia opened her heart to Jesus. We also enjoyed some delicious purple berry crisp. In drama, the kids played charades to show how messages are communicated. This reminds us that we can tell others about Jesus. We also went on an imaginary journey to show how we can be missionaries for Jesus just like Apostle Paul did. Sky Ranch was here for Camp Sunday on April 24th. We played games, made crafts, and learned songs during the Faith Village education hour. Next month in Faith Village, we will focus on the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26). In Pray and Play we continued to read bible stories and praise God by singing and dancing. We read the stories of Noah and the Ark, Jonah and the Whale, Joseph and His Coat of Many Colors, and Daniel and the Lions’ Den. Trinity hosted a First Communion Workshop April 16th. We learned about the sacrament of communion and baked communion bread. The children took their first communion on Sunday. Next month we will host a workshop for the Lord’s Prayer on May 14th. In July, Trinity families and children are invited to attend the Sky Ranch Summer Camp. Dates: families (7/15-7/17), 1st-3rd graders (7/17-7/19), 3rd -5th graders (7/17-7/22). Please note that the younger children stay for a shorter period of time. If your 3rd grader is able to stay the entire week they would enroll in the older group. Please let me know if you are interested ASAP so I can contact Sky Ranch and get our enrollments started! Trinity will be joining Our Saviours and the other FOCOLU churches for the summer Vacation Bible School June 13- 17 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The theme for VBS this year is Cave Quest. Online registration is now open on Our Saviours website. Go to the “learn” tab, select “Children and Family Ministries”, click on the “Cave Quest Vacation Bible School” icon, and click on the “register your child here” button. There is a $25.00 per child suggested donation for the week. This donation can be paid the first day of VBS or you can send it to OSLC ATTN: VBS 2000 South Lemay Fort Collins, CO 80525. Please contact me if you have questions about VBS or if would like to sign up to volunteer that week. Thank you for the continued support of all the Faith Formation programs. Please contact me if you have questions or if I can be of assistance. Peace, Kelli Karst Director of Faith Formation – Children and Families (970) 482-1226 Ext. 213 or [email protected] 8