Youth Kick off Party!

On September 12, from 5pm to 7pm, we are kicking off the year with dinner and games at Carol Poorman Shih’s house. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call.

DATE: September 12, 2009 5-7 pm
RSVP by calling the church at 610-642-6650

New Plans for the Youth Fellowship

The Youth Leaders are excited to get to know your children as we all grow in relationship with each other and with Jesus Christ.

We have set some new goals for this year.

• to love God;
• to love neighbor;
• to build up the body of Christ;
• and to provide pastoral care to our youth.

We will try to accomplish these goals in a variety of ways. Youth Fellowship will consist of three components: a weekly meeting, monthly missions, and special events. Youth are invited to join us for any and all of these as they are able. As you can tell, some details are still being worked out. We want your input as well as your youth. We hope to finalize a calendar in the next few weeks. Below is a brief outline of this year’s program.

Weekly Meetings
This year our Wednesday night meetings will have two parts. Part One begins at 5 pm in the Parish House till 5:45 pm and will consist of games and other fellowship activities. Part Two begins around 6:15 pm, and we end at 7 pm. This component will consist of a Bible study or an exploration of an issue of our faith.

In between, we will share a meal together. Like last year, we need your help to make this possible. We are asking that each week a different youth and his/her family bring dinner for everyone (approximately 15 people). Please contact us to let us know when you can help.

Monthly Mission
In addition to our weekly get-together, we will be joining some local mission projects. We are hoping to do this approximately once a month, on a Saturday or a school holiday. We will meet at the church and travel together to the mission site.

Special Events
In past years, the youth have participated in a variety of activities, including Ski Trips to the Poconos, skating at Penn's Landing, and senior high retreats. We will continue to organize special events, and are open to suggestions for new events. This fall we are planning to partner again with other Presbyterian churches for retreats – one for middle high and one for senior high – at Harvey Cedars. Details are coming.

Homecoming Picnic

September 13, 2009 - 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at South Ardmore Park

Greet old friends and meet new friends – Delicious food – Fun for all ages
Volleyball, Softball, Frisbee, Tennis and more - Playground for young children adjacent to picnic area
Please bring picnic dishes to share: hearty appetizers, salads, casseroles, desserts
RSVP: Covenant of Friendship pads or phone the Church Office
In case of rain picnic will be held in Fellowship Hall

New Sunday School Curriculum

Dear Families:

At the baptism of our children, we promise that we will raise them in the knowledge of the Lord. At Ardmore Presbyterian Church, Sunday School is just one way we live out that promise. A new, exciting year begins on Sunday, September 13^th in the Mill Creek Room.

Last year, the staff and volunteers worked hard to provide a great experience for our children. This year, the Christian Education committee again has diligently prepared for the coming year. The committee has been meeting in order to pray, think, and plan for the future of our Sunday School program.

One difference for this year is the stated goal that our children become better participants in worship. They will be given the opportunities to pray, sing, and study the Bible in a fun way. Our new curriculum is lectionary-based, which means that the lessons will cover the same Bible passages as the adults study in worship. We hope that this will better connect your children and youth to the worship service so that you can all discuss the Bible lessons each week.

Grade level groupings are a little different from last year. The groupings are as follows: 2-3 year-olds, 4-5 year olds, 1^st-2^nd grades, 3^rd-4^th grades, 5^th-6^th grades, and 7^th-8^th grades. The 2-3 year-old class will begin at 10:30 a.m., while the 4 year olds and up will begin in the worship service and be dismissed to their classes following the Children's Moment.

While 2-3 year olds will be dismissed at the conclusion of the worship service, all others will remain in their classes for an additional 15 minutes, until 11:45 a.m. This will provide teachers with needed instructional time. You may pick up your children in the Mill Creek Room.

Since we are starting with a new curriculum this year, Pastor Hodsden and I would like to meet with you all after church on Sunday, September 20^th. We hope to explain further our goals for the Sunday School program. We want to hear your thoughts, and we would like to share our expectations for your children.

I hope our Sunday School program will be an important part of this coming school year for you and your family.

In Christ,

Kristen Thomas Clarke

Director of Christian Education