From the DCE                                                           -- Kathy Maddy  768-2502

This year we return to a VBS theme that focuses on water and boats in a round about way.   The actual focus is on light; the light of Christ and how we shine and reflect that light.  But Lighthouse Kids brings us back to the water, and boats.  The function of a lighthouse is to guide ships at sea.  Well, the church is often symbolized by a boat, or a ship.  And Christ is often symbolized by an anchor.  Christ, our anchor, stabilizes our boat.  So what’s my point?  God also calls us to get out of the boat, to get out and go to work.  Our great big God calls us to step out of the boat and walk on water!   Come walk with us at Bible school this summer.  We need you to join us in working life’s little miracles here at church.  Come join us in shining God’s light on our little piece of this great big world.  Prayerfully consider saying “yes” if asked to lead a rotation, or be captain to a group of little sailors this year.  Could you drive youth to local mission sites?  Let us know if you can provide supplies, or help decorate, or cook meals each evening.  There are so many ways to get involved.  All you need to do is come to our planning meeting Sunday, May 4^th at 5:30pm.  Or call the church and get on board the boat.  Let the light of Christ be your guide.  Say “yes, Lord!”

 Summer Sunday school is another way to figuratively get out of the boat.  This summer comes early at First Presbyterian Church of St. Albans.  We will begin our summer immediately following Pentecost.  We have a few science labs and summer “camp ins” in the works, but we also want to let you share your special interests, hobbies, crafts and skills with the youth of our congregation.  Please call me and let me know what you will share and when. 

 Sunday School News

Sunday school classes are offered for all ages at 9:45.  Children and youth meet together in the Upper Elementary class upstairs for group worship till 10:00am.  The Fellowship class meets in the Parlor and the Covenant class is upstairs in the Starry Night Theatre.  Join a class at any time.  All are welcome.

Teacher News

 Teacher Appreciation Service will be held on May 18^th instead of May 4^th.

 Opening Doors to Discipleship

There is now an online teacher training resource available to us.  “Opening Doors to Discipleship” is sponsored by Presbyterian Reformed Educational Partners and can be found at www.openingthedoortodiscipleship.com.

The first course, Teaching Skills, can be accessed by members of PCUSA and can accessed with a login number for our Presbytery only. The course is twelve sessions and can be taught in a group setting.  Contact Kathy Maddy if you want to take the course this summer on Wednesday evenings (or suggest another time that works for you).  Just call me and I will be happy to share the number with you.

Youth Happenings

The youth will have a game night on Friday, May 16 from 7 – 10 pm.  Bring a friend and join the fun.

 SAYN “Dinner and a Movie” Sunday, May 4^th   Dinner at First Presbyterian at 5:30 pm.  At 6:05 pm go to the Starry Night Theatre for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  On Saturday, May 17^th SAYN will go to the Great Escape at 4 pm to see Prince Caspian and then return to Highlawn Presbyterian to discuss the film.

SAYN SERVICE PROJECT

 Saturday, May 10^th St. Albans Youth Network will work in shifts at the local food pantry at St. Marks Episcopal Church.  The United States Postal Service Spring Food Drive will drop off non-perishable goods throughout the day. Youth from area churches will unload, sort and shelve for the pantry beginning at 10:00 am through 4:30 in the afternoon.  First Presbyterian youth will work at the Food Pantry from 12:00 to 2:30 pm.

 
Vacation Bible School

June 22^nd through June 27^th

We will be shining for the Lord at Vacation Bible School this summer with Lighthouse Kids:  Shining God’s Light.  At Lighthouse Kids, the children will be dazzled with the power of God’s light as they explore the world of lighthouses and all that light can do.  They will explore God’s light through Bible and mission stories, fun crafts, recreation, and music.  

A planning meeting will be held Sunday evening, May 4^th at 5:30 beginning with a light supper.

A variety of volunteer positions are up for grabs.  We will need people who love God and children. People who can direct children and are quick to offer encouragement and affirmation.  We want people who like to play games and be creative.  We need people who like to sing and people who like to tell stories.  And we need people who like to cook and don’t mind cleaning up the kitchen.  I’m certain we can find a place for you to help out with VBS that suits your likes and talents.  Please join us Sunday, May 4^th to plan this summer’s VBS.  Questions?  Call Kathy at the church or at 539-2573.

 Sunday School News

 The children and youth are meeting in the sanctuary at 9:45 am for a brief time of fellowship, study and worship.  Please bring your child to the sanctuary.  They will dismiss for class at 10:00 am.  Parents are welcome to join us in the sanctuary.

Nursery and Church School News by Donna Merguc

 Kid Quote:  When the teacher asked the kids what they thought Jesus said to Zacchaeus, the tax collector, Sandy shouted, “I know, I know!  He said, ‘Go to your room!’”

 We welcome our new little blessing, Madeline Claire Hartman.  She was born on April 17, weighing 7 lbs. 15 oz. and 20” long.  Congratulations to the proud parents, Natalie and Brent Hartman, and congratulations to the proud grandparents, Bill and Julie Hartman, and great grandfather, George Hartman, Sr.  The Nursery Committee plans to take dinner to them and deliver a Love Bag.

 Weather Wonders

            When the weather turns warm, it’s a treat to take little ones outdoors.  Tell toddlers about Noah and the flood with these weather-related activities.

            Pinwheel - Blow into a toy pinwheel or let toddlers blow to make it twirl. Say: The storm came and the wind blew.

            Spray Bottle - Gently spray babies’ feet with water and say: Then God brought the rain!

            Colored Crepe Paper - Softly swoosh rainbow colors of crepe paper streamers across babies’ arms or legs, and say: Then God brought a rainbow of promise—God always keeps his promises!

 CHURCH SCHOOL

The theme for this month is:  God Gives Us What We Need to Live

God Gives Food – Exodus 16:11-18, Numbers 11:7-8

People Who Care – 1 Samuel 1:20, 26-27; 2:18-19, 26

Water to Drink – Exodus 16:1-7

God Gives – Genesis 1:29, 2:8-10, 15, 18; 3:20-21

 The children will relate their own experiences with the Bible stories and they will see how the Bible stories work in their own lives.

Come and fellowship with us!