Tuesday, November 29, 2011

{Elementary} Snacks Unpacked!

(Taken from our NL Kids e-Newsletter)

I’ve been debating for a while whether or not our Elementary kids need to have snack during service. Most kids are only here for one service, which is probably around 55 min to 1hr 15min. Do they really need a snack and is it really a necessary part of the class?

We’ve thought long and hard about it and have decided that we will no longer serve snacks in our Elementary rooms (K-5) on Sunday’s Beginning January 2011.  It wasn’t an easy decision to make. There were many things we had to consider in making this decision.

So, we would like to share with you how we came to this decision:
 
Snack Fact #1:
It costs a lot of money to have snacks.  We have around 100-120 elementary a weekend during the school year and when you add up the cost of animal crackers, cheese crackers, cups and apple juice for that many kids 52 weekends a year, the cost will actually shock you.

Snack Fact #2:
We have many kids with severe food allergies. To assure that each child is safe and healthy we want to leave the food choices in the hands of parents.

Snack Fact #3:
We have so many fun, exciting and powerful ways that we want to introduce worship and other spiritual growth activities on Sunday Mornings, but do not have the time because of the time we take out to serve and eat snacks. Many times we even have to hold off on our learning activities in Small Group because we’re eating snacks.

In light of this change we want to encourage you to be sure to give your child a snack/breakfast before bringing them to church. Or let them know they will eat a snack after church. Or perhaps come a little early and bring them to the Shell room to grab a quick bagel with butter before service begins.

We thank you for your understanding as we strive to create a healthy, safe and dynamic environment where your child can get to know their Creator who loves them immensely.


(P.S. We will continue to serve snacks in our Toddler and Preschool environments.)

Monday, November 28, 2011

Register Your Child for the New Life Christmas Eve Dance Team!


Dear Parents,

This year we are inviting children and youth (Kindergarten and up) to participate in a dance as a special part of New Life's Christmas Eve services. Susan Maysonet, mom and professional dance instructor, will teach the children the dance on Sundays during December to "O Come, Let Us Adore Him" by TobyMac.

If your child would like to participate, please download and fill out theregistration form and bring it to the first rehearsal. Participants need to commit to being on time and present for rehearsals.


Christmas Eve Dance Team Information
Who: Kids, Kindergarten-High School (5yrs and up)
What: New Life Christmas Dance Team
When:
Rehearsals:
December 4
9:15 - 9:45 or 11:15 -11:45 (During adult worship)
December 11
9:15 - 9:45 or 11:15 - 11:45
(During adult worship)
December 18
9:15 - 9:45 or 11:15 - 11:45
(During adult worship)
***Mandatory stage rehearsal December 18th 1:15 - 2:00
Performances:
December 24 (Christmas Eve Services)
5:00pm and/or 7:00pm

Where: All rehearsals will take place in the Upper Stage Room (K-3rd grade room). Once rehearsal is done K-3rd graders will stay in the room for their regular program, 4-5th graders can go downstairs to their room and Jr. High and High School students can go to their class or join the service. Parents do not need to pick up their child after regular rehearsals unless they aren’t going to class.
How: If you would like your child to participate, please fill out the Christmas Dance Team Registration form you received with this letter and bring it with you to the first rehearsal on December 4th. Costume: Jeans and red turtleneck, please.

We would love for the children participating to dance in both services, but we also understand that they may be very difficult for some families. Please indicate if you will be present for both performances or if not, which one you will participate in. Services are at 5 pm and 7 pm.

Thank you for your help and support!

In His service,

Rosie Villodas
New Life Kids Director

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Our Holiday E-Newsletter is Here!

Find out what is happening and what's coming up at New Life Kids!

Here's what's in this Issue:
  • December & January themes for Preschool & Elementary ministry
  • The latest on snacks @ New Life Kids Elementary Ministry
  • What to do if your child has questions about Jesus, salvation and getting baptized
  • December giveaways
  • Parent, Kid and Family Resources
  • And much more!

Friday, November 4, 2011

I Wish Every Parent Knew...

 I Wish Every Parent Knew… that we have an awesome curriculum for your child!  New Life Kids for your preschooler NOT babysitting.  We have a plan to help your preschooler learn three basic truths while they are in our environments.  These three truths will help your child build a strong foundation that will stick with them for their entire lives. We want your child to have a friendship with God that will last forever. And it begins now in their preschool years.  We want your child to know these three truths: