Learn more about Discover more Check out the the Spring Kids about our news about this Musical. Summer pro- year’s Rock ‘n Rock & Roll Eggstravaganza PAGE 2 grams! Roll Egg Hunt! Saturday, April 19, 2 - 4 pm PAGE 3 PAGE 4 It's an all-out family affair with booths, games, music, crafts, WHAT’S INSIDE: snacks, and activities that center on the fact that God rolled the rock away from the tomb on Easter morn -- and it’s free! Looking for an egg-themed but Christ-centered Easter egg hunt? Then look no further -- this event will surely delight families with children toddler age through 6th grade! Friends and neighbors are more Spreading God’s love with children and families than welcome to join in the fun! To RSVP, sign up on-line SSUMC or in worship! Young Families Sunday School March Focus: Women of the Bible Mark Your Did you ever notice that there are a lot of men in the Bible? But, what about the women? The Young Families Sunday School Class will start Children’s Calendars! a study of four women who play critical roles in God’s story of salvation: Deborah, Abigail, Mary Magdalene, and the Woman at the Family Camping Event Well. Using a book from the Converge series by Pastor James A. Ministry Sat. May 17 - Sun. May18 Harnish, we will look at how these women can be examples for us (and our children) about how to be more faithful disciples of Christ. Starts Family Map Day ISSUE NO. 3 Burke Lake Park March 9th at 9:45 am in the Library (M16) and is facilitated by Ed & Workshops for Parents FEB 2014 Wendy Baird, parents of Margaret (age 10) and Charlie (age 13). At St. Stephen’s UMC, we feel called to partner closely with families in helping them to live a great story with their children! The Family Map Tween Ministry Day event is one significant way we do this. Mission Possible Kids So what is the Family Map Day event? This is a new event that the church’s We believe kids can help change the leadership has planned for adult family members (parents, grand parents, etc.) 9203 Braddock Road world! So, we’ve created a new minis- and leaders working with children and youth from our church, preschool, and try for tweeners (3rd - 6th graders) Burke, VA 22015 neighborhood to come together for learning and connection with one another! called Mission Possible Kids (or MPK) www.ststephensfairfax.org What can I expect to happen that day? Participants will have an opportunity to specifically meet their needs. Gener- to attend two 1-hour workshops of their choice, eat lunch and make new friends, ally, MPK meets monthly on Friday and purchase resources from an on-site “pop up” bookstore. Nights from 6 – 8:30 pm, although oc- casionally the group meets on Saturdays. What will I gain from attending two workshops? Participants will learn what Every MPK includes a light meal, mak- to expect at each developmental stage, key spiritual practices that are ing new friends, and fun theme-based developmentally appropriate to implement at home; and they will be connected activities and games, as well as a hands- with other parents of children at a similar age as their own. on service project developed around the Cost of the event is $10, scholarships are available. Lunch & child care are monthly theme. On February 21, kids provided. For more workshop info and to register, go to the church website. are sharing dessert with a great group of Seniors at Greenspring Retirement Vil- lage and we’re developing a project working with horses in April. Check the website for more info on future projects! SUNDAY SCHOOL Monday Night Dinners FOR ALL AGES NEW KIDS SPRING MUSICAL 9:45 - 10:45 am Sundays The community gathers on Monday evenings for a delicious, home- Bullfrogs & Butterflies cooked meal that is lovingly prepared by chef, Johnnie Lawton. Sunday School classes are Our Children’s Choirs will perform their spring musical Join us for dinner on Monday nights offered weekly from 9:45 - “Bullfrogs & Butterflies” during worship services on from 5:45 – 7 pm in Fellowship Hall 10:45 am for children from Sunday, May 3. Children will gain confidence on stage, (next to the Kitchen). This is a great preschool through high school learn teamwork, and develop new music and acting skills -- all while having fun! way to connect with others and get (and parents too -- see page 4 involved in ministry – music, ESL for more details about the Since it's inception in 1978 Like Knowing God the Best, B# Choir, Mondays Tutoring, children’s ministry, and more! Young Families Class) and are Bullfrogs and Butterflies has Kid Talk, My Hands Belong to 5-5:55 pm, 1st - 6th Grades Nursery is provided by our child care a great way for your child to This group, led by Music Di- become one of Christianity's You, Bullfrogs & Butterflies, staff from 5 – 9 pm in C46. make friends and be most endearing songs and has Noah, You're So Good to Me, rector Tammy Lydon, helps Plan for more challenged to grow in their inspired and delighted children & so many more! children build confidence as Cost is $6 for Adults, $3 for Children faith. Each week incorporates and their parents around the they explore the basics of cho- (12 and under), maximum $20 per Bible stories, hands-on world. This musical produc- Dress Rehearsal will be held rale singing -- good vocal pro- family. To RSVP, please go to our activities, crafts, media, and tion, based on the award win- on Sat., May 3 from 1 - 3 pm duction, learning the mechanics SUMMER of breathing, and harmonizing, website, www.ststephensfairfax.org by 12 pm on Monday. Monthly Menus are games into a full faith ning song and story series of and is mandatory. as well as learning to read mu- listed and families may RSVP for one night or the whole month! experience. Each class is team the same title, provides whole- Rehearsals are now underway sic. Lots of fun and a great taught by two caring adults and some messages that are sure to FUN and are held during choir on way to build friendships! last a lifetime. A delightful take home sheets are provided Mondays . No prior experience production that kids will surely Vacation Bible School so parents can reinforce at is necessary! Children’s Choirs perform on FOR CHILDREN DISCOVER 4 Years Old - 5th Grade love performing all while learn- home what happens in class. Sundays once a month during SUNDAYS @ 11 AM OUR NURSERY! Monday, July 14 - Friday, July 18 This winter, the kids are ing valuable lessons! Cherub Choir, Mondays the 11 am worship service. During worship at 11 am, several Through our nursery ministry, which learning more about Jesus on 5-5:55 pm, 3 years - K The Cherub Choir performs on Songs include Welcome to ministries are offered for children. is offered on Sunday mornings during Sometimes, in the midst of the routine and the way to Jerusalem and the Led by Teryl Pomeroy, this 2nd Sundays and the B# Choir Agapeland, This Is the Day, the everyday, we suddenly experience the choir is a fun, engaging way to on 3rd Sundays. For more all three services and throughout the events leading up to Easter, wonder of God. We’re surprised. We’re Practice Makes Perfect, Rainy introduce young children to info, email Tammy Lydon at Acolyte Ministry week at various times, we recognize before moving onto the Book grateful. We say, “WOW!” At this sum- Day Song, Good Morning, I music. [email protected]. Children, 2nd - 6th grade, help how precious infants and toddlers of Acts to learn about Peter light the candles, carry the Bible truly are. It is our priority to provide mer’s Workshop of Wonders VBS, your and his ministry. child will discover their own “WOW!” mo- into the Sanctuary and lift up the a safe, secure, and loving environ- ments as they explore how to imagine and offering plates. Training is pro- ment for your child to grow in. With To register your child, build with God. Plan now, so your child Calling Artists & Builders! vided and kids serve once a month. great joy we hope to introduce each download the form on our won’t miss out! Registration opens in April. child to God’s love simply by how we website under Next Generation New Small Group: Encounters with Jesus Children’s Moment lovingly care for them. Rest assured, -- or visit the Check-in Cart a Helping Hands Mission Event Children are invited to come to the our nursery is staffed by experienced little early on your first visit. Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday Rising 4th - 6th Graders altar steps for a special message and professional child care workers Thurs. July 24 - Fri. July 25 Many families share that and ends on Holy Saturday. This year, the season of Lent begins on Wednesday, “just for them” that is related to the who have cleared a thorough back- Sundays are the best day of the March 5 and culminates on Saturday, April 19. Why not consider participating in an day’s sermon. Afterwards, older ground check. Helping Hands will be held at Woodlake week for their family! Why adult small group as a way to encounter Jesus anew? children return to their seats, while UMC in Chesterfield County, July 24-25, not for yours too? children up to 2nd grade may head 2014.