Sunday School

We want to extend……… our thanks to everyone who made the 2011 Christmas program at Faith so successful; especially to the parents and the support you give to your young children; to Gene and Jeff who used their carpentry skills (much like the carpenters in Nazareth) to extend the “stage”; to Dave S. and Jeff for the sound/DVD systems; to Judy Thomas and Judy Tart for utilizing their expertise in the kitchen; again to the Sunday School teachers who worked with their students on their parts and who helped with the organization of the event and Melissa and Suz who belong in the Music Hall of Fame, not only for their talents and abilities (along with many of our congregation’s musicians), but for their patience. We so appreciate the support demonstrated with everyone’s attendance at the program as well, particularly when your own children/grandchildren aren’t in the program. You just gotta love those “angels”, everyone!

What’s Your New Year’s Resolution………….

For many, the beginning of a new year is a time of reflection, assessment and setting of goals. January first is like getting a clean sheet of paper with which to write on. We have a sense of renewal and a new energy that speaks to our gut saying, “Do it better this year!”
Many New Year’s Resolutions are the same for most people. They have to do with weight loss, exercise, financial gain, quitting bad habits and starting good ones. Do you have any spiritual resolutions for this year? God’s word is full of people just like you and me who determined some things about themselves spiritually and worked at them. Let’s look at some of those resolutions from men and women of faith and see how we can benefit from their example.
     * Lois and Eunice determined to teach their children and grandchildren about God (2 Tim. 1:5).
     * Daniel made a habit of praying 3 times a day (Dan. 6:10).
     * Jonah did like most of us who set out on goals. He went backwards before he went forwards (Jonah 1:1-3; 3:1-3)
      * Paul had accomplished much, but pressed on to his goal (Phil. 3:12-14). Some of you are those rare individuals who set goals and accomplish them with flying colors. You are the ones who see opportunities, not obstacles. We all can take a lesson from Paul in not dwelling on the past, but looking forward to things to come. It is easy to sit back and see all the good things you have accomplished and feel satisfaction. Don’t let that slow you down from growing more, helping others, and finishing your race! ---Michael Cawthon

Attend the adult Sunday School class! Take your cup of coffee and treat into the classroom and discuss the writings of Mark! It may have been written over two thousand years ago…but it still relates to our lives today! REGISTRATION FORMS

Don’t forget to return the registration forms for each Sunday School student. It’s important that we know who to contact in emergencies; and to be informed of any medical concerns you may have. Teachers would also like to know when children have birthdays so we too can make it extra special for all.

PHOTO RELEASE FORMS

We’d like to place various photos/videos of our activities (singing during worship service, the Christmas program, etc.) on our newly revised website and some of those photos may include your children. In the near future we will be sending a photo release form home with one of your children; please consider completing this form and returning it to the office, giving us permission to use those photos. If names are placed on the website, it will be only the first name of each child. Be assured that we have and will continue to have your child’s best interest in mind.

Adult Class

Pastor Burton Hoag will lead the adult class in the Bible study of The Gospel of Mark. Enjoy a cup of coffee and snack as you study Mark, which begins with the statement that it is “Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” We’re number one! We’re number one! We’re number one! That cheer echoes in gymnasiums and stadiums throughout the country as fans scream their encouragement and loyalty for their teams. It seems as though everyone wasn’t to be “number one”.

It might seem strange, then, to hear Jesus say, “But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then” (Mark 10:31), and “whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all” (Mark 10:44).
That’s the way Jesus is – he surprises people and turns their thinking upside down and inside out. Jesus IS the greatest – God himself and our Savior – but he entered history as a servant and gave his life for us.
You can listen all about Jesus in this action-packed book written by Mark. As you read, listen and discuss this Gospel written by Mark, watch Jesus in actions and listen carefully to what he says – he was and is the greatest!

Sunday School Volunteers

Our Sunday School teachers for the year 2011-2012 include:

Gail Rollie........................................... PreSchool

Matt/Joleen Ramaker........................ Kndg/1^st Grd

Cathy Paul......................................... 2^nd Grade

Missy Messner................................... 3^rd-5^th Grade

Gene Ramaker.................................. 6^th Grd – H.S.

Pastor Burton Hoag........................... Adult Class

Substitutes: Kathy Casady, Kim and Dan Terbeest.

The young student’s music program will be lead by Melissa Erdman, with Suz Eberle as pianist.

The Education’s fundraising program to raise funds for many of the activities will be organizing the 4^th Sunday Coffee Hour of each month. Parents of our students are encouraged to donate supplies and also work in the kitchen. Jenny Huebner will chair this program.

Please pray for the volunteers in our Sunday School Program as they lead our students in the Christian Education program.