Children & Youth

 

This month the Rotational Sunday School class is learning about Jesus’ baptism and the temptations put before him. In music, Lisa and Deanna are teaching them “Down by the Riverside”, which they’ll sing in the 8:30 worship on Feb. 5th. Parents can reinforce the lesson and song by telling your children about their baptisms and also point out the things that are temptations in their lives and yours. Also, I hope you’ll take the time to thank the teachers for their time and dedication to your children.

The children made blankets in Sunday school in January classes to be given to the Missions Committee on Blanket Sunday, Feb. 12th. Missions Committee will then send them on so that others will be able to use them for warmth and comfort.

 

 

The senior high youth are planning their summer mission trip and are brainstorming ideas to help them pay for this opportunity to be Christ’s hands, feet, and heart. We’ll keep you updated on the details of where we’ll be serving and how you can help us reach our goals. We also want to thank you for all of your past support of prayers and donations.

 

 

Mark 10:13-16 speaks to the value that Jesus placed on children/youth when he said, “Let the children come to me.” At Good Shepherd, we understand the inherent value children and youth have in the Christian community. Yet, we must accept the fact that they are also more vulnerable than adults. Therefore, we have put a Safe Sanctuaries policy into place in order to safeguard our young ones from abuse and neglect. In 1996, The General Conference of the UMC adopted the following resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the church: “Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to the little ones, the children. The Social principles of the UMC state, ‘…children must be protected from economic, physical and sexual exploitation and abuse.’” If you are interested in learning more about our Safe Sanctuaries policy, please ask us for a booklet that explains it. Also, be listening for more information on this policy in church.