Youth Ministries
Youth-dynamic, creative, questioning, exuberant-the future of our church and the future of our world. From nursery care to senior high classes, First Baptist Church of East Greenwich introduces kids to, and keeps them in touch with, Christ throughout what has become an all too short childhood and into an increasingly challenging adolescence and young adulthood. In addition to Sunday School classes, First Baptist has active Senior and Junior High Youth Groups that enjoy fellowship outside of worship. When kids can gather together to have fun in a healthy, positive setting, the true seeds of Christianity are planted. We understand that, like most adults, kids lives are filled with a mixture of faith and doubt, strength and weakness, hope and frustration. We encourage kids to come as they are--God has a plan for all of us.
’08 – ’09 TEACHER RECRUITMENT: At it’s January meeting, the Board of Christian Education agreed to the following schedule for recruiting teachers to staff our classes for 2008-2009. STEP #1: Determine intentions of present teachers regarding teaching again in the coming year. To be completed by Feb. 29th. STEP #2: Compile a list of candidates to fill any vacancies found in step #1. This step is to be completed by the end of March. STEP #3: Contact persons on the “Candidate Contact List” and ask if they will serve as a regular classroom teacher in the upcoming school year. PERSONS READING THIS WHO FEEL CALLED TO OUR “TEACHING MINISTRY” ARE INVITED TO CONTACT JIM ESSEX. You can reach him to let him know of your interest and willingness to serve at 884-2852, or via e-mail at jet201@aol.com. A teacher “Job Description” will be shared with those interested. Our goal is to fill all teaching positions for 2008-09 by the end of April. Those agreeing to serve will be asked to take part in at least two preparatory events, prior to September 1st, 2008, namely: The Annual CE Planning Conference, scheduled for Monday evening, may 12th, from 6:00pm to 9:15pm (includes supper), and the annual Teacher Orientation Workshop, to be held in late August 2008. We must staff each class with two (or more) regular teachers, to be in compliance with our Safe Child/Church Policy. Persons with questions, or who seek more information, are also invited to contact Jim Essex, as indicated above.
2. SUPPORT CLASS “LAROMANA MISSION” PROJECTS: At this writing, support is
growing within our congregation for the efforts of our children and youth to collect items to send with our Mission Team to LaRomana in late April. Folks may leave items in the appropriate basket at the CE Display each week in Fellowship Café. Our collection efforts will continue through Sunday, April 13th. Once again, here is what each class is collecting:
3’s – 5’s Class: Crayons.
Primary Class: Stickers (this one is lagging the most. Can you help?)
Junior Class: Flip Flops or Stencils.
Junior High’s: Colored Pencils.
Senior High’s: Usable Eyeglasses.
Thanks to all who have contributed thus far. Of course, thanks to all of you who will contribute in March or early April. We will report to you where these supplies were given, once the team is back from LaRomana.
3. CONTINUING TEACHER NEEDS:
A SECOND JUNIOR CLASS TEACHER: Is needed for April and May, through Children’s Day on June 8th. Holly Swift helped for the month of February.
JUNIOR HIGH 3rd TEAM MEMBER: To work with Allison Morrison and Cindy LaPrise, in particular to take Cindy’s place on alternate Sundays through the balance of this year.
ADDITIONAL SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS: We continue to seek regular substitute teachers.
EMERGENCY FILL-IN VOLUNTEERS: We continue to seek emergency fill-in volunteers.
IF YOU CAN HELP: If you feel called to help minister to children or youth in ANY OF THESE WAYS, please speak to Jim Essex, or contact him at 884-2852, or by e-mail at jet201@aol.com.
4. KEY APRIL EVENTS UPCOMING:
Our lessons (and worship) focus on the 23rd Psalm.
Sunday, April 20th: Easter 5. Class lessons focus on how Jesus showed his disciples, and us, how to live in God’s way, and how we can show others.
Sunday, April 27th: Easter 6. Class lessons focus on Jesus’ preparing the disciples, and us, for the coming of the Holy Spirit, in assurance God’s love will thus never leave us.
Persons willing to staff our Nursery in April or beyond, for one month as the Primary Caregiver, are asked to speak to Jim Essex. > Our CE calendar identifies a “Church Talent Show” event to be held in April (or May). Are there folks out there who would be willing to “perform” in such a Talent Show? If “yes,” please speak to Jim Essex or Ed Chair Jane Lutrario, or any Ed Board member, at your earliest convenience. > Look soon for education NEWS ITEMS as part of our FBC WEB SITE, recently updated by Alan Bowser. Check it out at http:///firstbaptisteg.com/Ministries. Or at related “links.”
