Gurnee Community Church Children's Ministry

 
Whether you are just joining our Children's Ministry monthly emails or have received them for quite awhile there are always great thing to read about!  We're glad you are a part of the GCC's Children's Ministry!!!!
Sunday School

ABSENT
I wanted to let all of you know that I will be taking a family trip in November.  I will not be at church on Sunday, November 19th or November 26th.  On November 19th Elder, Tom Hood will be your contact person for Children's Ministry.  On November 26th Pastor Brian will be your contact person.  However, we have plenty of amazing volunteers that can answer your questions or guide you to someone that can.  This is the great thing about have a wonderful Children's Ministry team!

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PREP
We will be starting preparation for our song and hand bells for the Elementary students starting November 19th.  Practice will be during the regular 10:45 service but we ask that if your child wants to do the handbells or have a small group solo part in the song that they attend November 19th, December 3rd and 10th. It is very important that they are here the above three dates.  PreK and 3 year olds will have a part in the program also, which will be practiced during Sunday school time. We will have the program during the 10:45 service on Sunday, December 17th.
Family Event

SERVICE PROJECT
Saturday, November 11th from 3:00-5:00 pm
This is a great opportunity to show our children to be thankful for what we have.  We will meet at church to talk about food needed for our food pantry.  Then have an opportunity to shop for others and stock the shelves of our food pantry. Sign up is required. (*There is no cost or purchases necessary to attend this event). You can sign up at the TruKids check-in desk or online by clicking the link below.

http://gcchome.org/connect/family-ministry

CHRISTMAS CAROLING & COOKIE DECORATING
Saturday, December 16th from 3:00-5:00 pm
We will enjoying singing to elderly at Heritage Woods in Gurnee.  Then return to church to decorate Christmas cookies together. Mark your calendars now for this great event! 

Parents' Night Out

Friday, December 8th from 5:30-8:30 pm
This is a great time to do some Christmas shopping, go to a movie, get some dinner or just sit in a quiet house .  It is completely free!  Please feed your children ahead of time (as food will not be provided), then drop your children off at church. Sign up is required. You can sign up online by clicking the link below

Director's Section

I think some of you might be feeling like me, that we are finally in the swing of the school year. I always get that feeling around this time in the school year and then comes the business of the holidays. How do we stay in a balanced place with the hustle and bustle of the holidays? 

I don't usually have a great answer to this question but going out of town during this time of year has caused me to get a little more prepared.  I wanted to be able to get our Christmas photos taken and cards printed to take with us. One of the our girls' presents for Christmas is something that will be invaluable for the flights. Plus we can take over Christmas gifts now to avoid the shipping fees later. I'm not sure that next year I will be planning this far in advance but I can tell you that when we get back from being out of town my preparation for Christmas will be a lot easier.  But, is that truly the answer?!?!?!?

Ultimately, the way that we can find balance is seeking the Lord. 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

How can you not only space out some of your Thanksgiving and Christmas planning to give you relief to enjoy the holidays BUT also create space for the Lord in that planning?

I pray that you will find peace and balance during the upcoming months! May we take time to focus on those around us by...loving our families and loving our neighbors.    

Sincerely,

Carrie Yeaman
Director of Children's and Family Ministries
847-336-2392 x209
STAY CONNECTED: