"Ask, and it shall be given you, search and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7
Prayer was the theme for Vacation Bible School this summer. In July, 20 youth from St. Paul’s attended a multi-denominational camp at Canonicus, which was featured in a "Providence Journal" article this month. They learned the importance of speaking to God through prayer. The focus was on God answering our prayers in a way that benefits us the most. It may not be the answer we are asking for but the answer that is right for us. It was a great week filled with laughter and joy. Their "Prayer Safari" included crafts, stories, games, and music
Swimming each day was a highlight for the kids, and my favorite was our hike to the Chapel in the Woods and Prayer Island with the "mighty worms". Ask a fourth grader who attended about that one. The week’s events were capped off with a BBQ and "show and tell" for the parents. One fourth grader summed up her experience to me at the end of the week," I can’t wait until next year." That just said it all.
This summer I had my own experience with the power of prayer. First, I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns. For those who aren’t aware, both my parents were diagnosed with cancer in April. This summer they underwent surgeries and chemotherapy. Knowing that people were praying for them helped them get through their toughest days. We really appreciate all the e-mails and phone calls throughout this difficult experience. Through the wonderful care at The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, both my parents are doing well. Although Dad’s still recovering and Mom still has a few more treatments, their doctors are very optimistic about their prognosis. My mom was actually kayaking two days after receiving chemo this week. God has answered our prayers for strength and healing in ways that seemed impossible a few months ago. We have grown as individuals and as a family over these last months, and we are very thankful for the caring people at St. Paul’s.
September kicks off another fun year for the Church School. Registration begins on the 11th after the 8:30 service. Children and youth ages 3 through 10th grade are welcome to register. The first day of class and Teacher Dedication will be on the 18th . Again this year, children will attend the first part of the 8:30 service with their families, and then will be dismissed with their teachers to attend classroom instruction. We’re looking forward to meeting with the youth of St. Paul’s and getting to know them throughout the year. Remember - Tenth Graders - confirmation class will begin in September and follow along with the Church School calendar, but will be held during the 10:30 service.
Thank you to all the teachers who have agreed to teach this year. We have a great combination of experienced and new teachers to make this year special. The teachers’ enthusiasm and willingness to guide the youth in their learning is inspiring to all. Thank you for taking part in this wonderful ministry. If anyone else is interested in teaching or helping in Toddler Care, please see me during the Church School registration on September 11. I look forward to seeing everyone in September.
PreK/K -- Susie Leahy, Bonnie Smith
Grade 1 -- Kathy Bellows, Sindy Hempstead
Grade 2 -- Mary Ellen Madsen, Kevin O’Connor
Grade 3 -- Sarah LeBlanc, Sandra Tierney
Grade 4 -- Pamela Blodgett, Dave Lamb
Grade 5 -- Lori Lamb, Alice Szrom
Middle School --Jenna McCarty, Karen Sternberg, ?TBA
Tenth Grade Confirmation -- Doug MacPherson, Peggy Todd
Important Church School Dates
Sept. 11 - Church School Registration after 8:30 am service
Sept. 18 - First day of Church School; Teacher Dedication Sunday during 8:30 service
Sept. 18 - Confirmation class, Guild Room, 10:30 am
Sept. 25, Oct 2 -Regular Church School