THIS WEEK I LEARNED

We want each child to know they are loved, valued and safe in our ministry. One of the ways we do this is by following our group promises. Please take time to review it with your child before class so that they understand the expectations. We will:  

• Listen when others are speaking and wait our turn to share  
• Keep our hands, feet, and objects to ourselves  
• Use calm, walking feet to move around the room  
• Use kind and encouraging words  
• Follow directions and make safe choices  

 Our littlest ones continued journeying through their new thankfulness series. We are helping them notice the small joys around them like soft blankets, favorite toys, yummy snacks, and naming those as gifts. Even at this age, children are already learning that gratitude grows in simple, everyday moments. 

In Godly Play, the children entered the story of Elijah, a prophet who listened for God’s voice even when everything around him felt loud and overwhelming. They explored how God sometimes speaks in the quiet places....in the stillness, the whisper, the gentle breeze. Ask your child what part of the story they wondered about most! 

Our singers are hard at work learning their new Advent song! Their voices are full of excitement, and we cannot wait for you to hear them share it in the 10:30 worship on December 14th.
 Here is a link if your child would like to practice at home:
https://viewer.jwpepper.com/smc2/?product=10068945E&preview=true

In Chapel, we wrapped up our series on gratitude and how it shapes the way we live and love. We talked about noticing blessings, expressing thanks in ways that feel true to who we are, and how gratitude helps us grow closer to God and to one another.   

 In our sensory-friendly service, we explored the story of Philip and the Ethiopian official. This story is a celebration of how God’s good news reaches every place, every community, and every heart. We reflected on how God meets us right where we are and welcomes each of us fully, without conditions. 

• Candy Cane Hunt December 6th at 10am! Join us for fun stations in the garden court followed by a candy cane hunt on the playground!
• December 7th is the Church Christmas Brunch following the 10:30 service. please see the app for more information.
• December 21st is You are Loved Sunday. Sign your family up to serve together for one of the various mission opportunities in the garden court or on the app. 
• Christmas Eve at 4:00 will be our interactive Sensory friendly Christmas eve service. If you are planning to be here and you or your child would be interested in helping with the readings for this service please contact Heather. 
• Please be sure you have downloaded the WPC app and joined the Children’s Ministry chat. All important events and information will be sent here, along with fun pictures of our Sunday morning activities. In the app, tap the Messages icon, go to the Discover tab, and search for Children’s Ministry to join. 
• For your children to attend Chapel, you must sign them in each week at the new kiosk (located next to the worship bags). This lets us know who will be attending and provides a way to contact you if needed.