St. Philip Newsletter - September 2004

Sunday School Kick-Off

I hope everyone had a fun filled summer. It certainly went by quickly. We had a fun Summer Sunday School with many visitors who recounted their encounters with Jesus.

I’m looking forward to the upcoming Sunday School year. In June Father Martin, Vicky Granger-Jones and I met to discuss the future of Sunday School. We have made some changes for the upcoming year.

· We are actively looking for a Nursery Attendant. This would be a paid position.

· We have reconfigured the classes: Preschool (3- and 4-year olds); Kindergarten 1^st and 2^nd Grades; and 3^rd 4^th and 5^th Grades. We felt that it was better to have classes with 8-10 students as opposed to only 2-3 students.

· We have decided to use a new curriculum for Pre-school – 5^th Grade. It is “All Things New” (see the box on this page for more about this great program). We are trying to coordinate lessons within all grade levels, but it may vary on occasion.

Upcoming Events

August 29: Wrap up and review of Summer Lessons, final visit with the Special people who knew Jesus.

September 5: Kick off Sunday with a “Blessing of the Backpacks.” We’re asking students to bring their backpacks for a special blessing for the upcoming school year. We are also collecting school supplies for distribution by Valley Churches United Mission.

Please let me know your thoughts and ideas and willingness to teach for the upcoming year

Julie O’Brien, Sunday School Coordinator

Text Box: All Things New is … Child Focused Honors every child’s unique spiritual journey. Applies contemporary research into diverse learning styles. Respects the diversity of today’s families with multicultural resources. Scripture Centered Offers 78 best-loved Bible stories Incorporates Episcopal liturgy and tradition Explores scripture for today’s Church with multicultural music, art and activities.

Text Box: School Supplies Needed Almost 500 kids have qualified for backpack assistance this year. But now Valley Churches United Missions need stuff to fill them up with! They are looking for college-ruled binder paper, scientific calculators, pens, pencils, and other school supplies. We will be collecting supplies for this wonderful program on September 5 at St. Philip’s “Blessing of the Backpacks.” Donations may also be made at Valley Churches United Missions T W Th 9-12 pm and at Ben Lomond Gas 8 am - 8 pm. Cash donations may be mailed to Box 367, Ben Lomond, CA 95005.

Text Box: HELP WANTED We are still looking to hire a nursery attendant for the 10 am service. The room is very welcoming; all it needs is a loving, caring person to make visiting parents feel great about leaving their precious children there while they worship with the congregation. If you know anybody who may be interested, please contact Julie O’Brien.

YOUTH NEWS