It’s that time of year again, time for the Christmas pageant. After surveying the families of the Sunday school, it became obvious that families love the tradition of the pageant on Christmas Eve. When we look past the pushing and shoving in the sheep section and the occasional fumbled lines, there is just something about the “holy chaos” that really brings home the true meaning of Christmas. So it is with delight that we will again be sharing the Christmas pageant during the 3 pm service.
Pageant registration forms went home in November with the children, and are due back on December 4. If your child has not already received a sign up form, please feel free to contact me at home or during Sunday school hours to sign-up. We will take registrations through the last rehearsal. Keep in mind though, speaking parts are given to the oldest children first and need to be decided before Dec. 11. If possible, children who have speaking parts need to be at all rehearsals. Please contact me if your child cannot attend rehearsals.
November brought a time of Thanksgiving. Thank you to Deacon Jan for speaking to us about stewardship and the importance of sharing what we have with those who are less fortunate. This subject coincided nicely with “Jammie’s Grammies” PJ collection and December’s ingathering of food for the Christmas baskets. The items collected on Stewardship Sunday benefitted the NK Food Pantry, the Salvation Army, and the Exeter Animal Shelter. Thank you to all the children who shared items with those less fortunate in our local area. We’re also looking forward to sharing our talents as we make Christmas cards to accompany the food baskets. The children also shared all the things they are thankful for on slips of paper and the chains showed just how blessed we are here at St. Paul’s.
On November 13th, Father Patrick and almost 100 children, youth and adults participated in our first Sunday School Eucharist in the Parish Hall. Patrick explained each part of the service and helped the children to understand communion as coming together for a family meal. The children were able to learn the importance of this sacrament in a caring and nonthreatening environment. They learned how to hold their hands or cross themselves, as well as the “fancy church names” for each item. The teachers were thrilled to be able to share in communion with the Sunday school community. Depending on clergy availability, we are hoping to be able to continue with this wonderful service monthly. The next scheduled Eucharist is December 4th. Any parent who has questions or concerns, please call me at home or see me on Sunday mornings. Thank you Patrick for making this available to the children and youth, to Sindy Hempstead for sharing a story with the children to start the service, Rozanne Fuller and Alicia Cranston for providing the music, and Jayne McBride for being our chalice bearer; it was a great day.
This is a wonderful and joyous time here in the Sunday school. If you would like your child to join us on Sunday mornings, please bring them over to the Parish Hall on Sunday mornings. It is never too late to register and friends are always welcome. We have so many great things planned for the months ahead, all showing how God’s love is at work today. The pageant is coming quickly; don’t miss out on this wonderful celebration of the Christmas story. The real meaning of Christmas is seen in the angelic faces of the little ones. Join us on Sunday mornings and during the Christmas Eve service. It is a magical experience.
~ Lori Lamb ~- Regular Sunday School Dec. 4, 11, 18
- Sunday School Eucharist Dec. 4
- Community Worship Dec. 25, Jan. 1
Children’s Pageant will be held during the 3 pm. Service on Dec. 24th. Participating children are asked to arrive by 2:15. Full Rehearsal will be Saturday Dec. 17th, 9:30-11am. (Sheep are asked to arrive at 10:30 am.). Speaking parts will also rehearse Dec. 11th, and 18th during regular Sunday school hours.