By Julia Eliades, Interim Christian Formation Director 

We invite all children and youth to join Manakin’s vibrant Christian Formation program, which includes activities, learning opportunities and care for all ages.

The new program year begins Sunday, September 17, and families are asked to arrive at 9:15 a.m. that day to register for church school, explore new classroom spaces, enjoy good food and fellowship, and learn about our four focus areas as we Shine4God.

This fall, Manakin offers children and youth:

Children: Infant – 2-Years Old
Childcare is provided in our nursery space in Denny Hall. Megan Weast, our nursery worker, cares for our youngest children every Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m. – 11: 30 a.m. Parents/guardians are asked to sign-in at drop off, label all personal items, and leave a cell phone number to receive a text message when needed.

Children: 3-Years Old – 5^th Grade
This year at 9:55 a.m., children from 3-years old through fifth grade will gather in our newly transformed classroom! The room is designed to be a place for experiential learning, where children will participate in worship and singing; explore prayer practices; and engage bible stories through story-telling and dramatic play. The class will break into two groups to further explore the bible story with age appropriate lessons, ages 3 through 2^nd grade, and children in grades 3^rd – 5^th. This year, we are introducing the new Shine curriculum that will be our guide as we ignite, beam, sparkle and glow in our four focus areas of worship, outreach, spiritual practices, and formation. We ask that parent/guardians drop children off at the door of the classroom in Denny Hall. Children will join their families in the Sanctuary for the Eucharist (Communion).

Middle School Youth: 6^th – 8^th Grades
On the first and third Sundays of the month (and the occasional fifth Sunday), middle school youth will explore the history and significance of Episcopal worship practices, learn how to talk about faith challenges and try out some spiritual practices that will help them welcome God’s direction in their lives. They will also participate in outreach projects and activities. On the second and fourth Sundays of the month, they will participate in the worship service with their families.

High School Teens
All high school age teens are invited to a Rise and Shine breakfast on September 24 at 10:00 a.m. with Julia Eliades. We will talk about current events in our world, and discuss ways our beliefs influence our actions. Please let Julia know if you plan to attend.

Confirmation
Seven young people at Manakin have made the commitment to participate in a year-long confirmation class starting on September 10 at 10:00 a.m. The youth will be meeting on the second Sunday of the month at 10:00 a.m. until the spring of 2018. We will be using the Confirm not Conform confirmation curriculum. Much of the coursework will be done though online communication with Julia Eliades. We ask all Manakin parishioners to please keep these youth in your prayers as they begin an exciting journey in faith.
 

Special Activities and Learning and Worship Opportunities during Fall 2017

Soil and Animals, Abundant Life Garden Project
During September and October, children and youth will participate in the soil and animal interactive, scripture-based program developed by the Abundant Life Garden Project, Episcopal Relief and Development. Dr. Charles Boern will talk about the benefits of soil and teach students how to care for plant clippings from his garden. We will watch the clippings grow into plants and paint pots for the plants during our Rise and Shine celebration.

Blessing of the Animals Service
On October 1, everyone will participate in the Blessing of the Animals worship service. Children will continue to learn about the important role animals play in our world.

Goats4Life
During September and October, the children and youth will be collecting and offering funds to buy a goat for an impoverished family through Episcopal Relief and Development. The cost of one goat is $80.

Bears4Prayer
In October, children will make Bears4Prayers that will be given out as a way to offer comfort to those in need of prayer.

Remember: Faith experienced at an early age is the foundation for all other growth. The good news we share with our children has the power to transform lives and revitalize communities. So let’s prepare the ground for a new tomorrow, and teach our children to shine in the world.

By Jo Blandford

Join us on December 6 at 9:45 a.m. as we welcome two special guests. Blair and Meredith are Virginia Grassroots Coordinators for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. They will lead programs about ecology and water.

The Sunday School Safe Water Bucket Project ends December 31. We have almost reached our $1000 goal and are thankful for your support. Donation checks can be made to Manakin with water project on the memo line.

It’s time for our youth to sign up for Manakin’s annual Christmas Pageant. The pageant will be held on Thursday, December 24 at 4:00 p.m. Participants will need to arrive, in costume, between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. Pageant roles include: greeter, reader, angel, shepherd, donkey, sheep, cow. Rehearsal for the pageant will take place Saturday, December 19 at 10: 00 a.m. If your child would like to participate, please fill out a permission form, and return it to the Church Office as soon as possible.

By Jo Blandford

The Sunday School youth still need your help to raise money for 10 clean water system buckets. The goal of this project, sponsored by the Sunday School, is to raise $100 per system, a total of $1,000. Join us in our fight to provide clean water and to prevent childhood disease and death. Information about the project may be found in Denny Hall.

On Sunday, December 6, the Sunday School will have two very special guests from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation – Blair and Meredith, Virginia Grassroots Coordinators and Program Speakers. Please join us.

We need your help to raise money for 10 Clean Water Systems, a project sponsored by Manakin’s Sunday School and Stop Hunger Now. Our Goal is $100 per system or $1,000 total. Join us in our fight to provide clean water to prevent childhood disease and death. You’ll find the donation basket and more information in Denny Hall.

You can also help by participating in Dollars for Donuts. On October 25 after church, we will be selling hot and fresh Krispy Creme Donuts for you to take home and enjoy or give as gifts. Buy 1, 2, 3 or 4 dozen—you know they are that good, and they freeze well! In the really off chance you do not like donuts (now that would be news worthy) the offering box is always available and hates to be empty!

Thanks for your help as we use our hands to do God’s Work.