Hello Chapel Hill Families!

The Faith Word for the month of November is, “VOICE”. Our memory verse is , “My mouth speaks wisdom; my heart’s meditation is full of insight.” (Psalm 49:3). The kids had fun learning about “Elisha and the Widow’s Jars” (2 Kings 4:1-7). We had lots of fun activities including jars and really focused on using our voices to ask for help.

Here are the lessons for November:

• 11/6 – “Elijah and the Ravens” (1 Kings 17:1-7)
• 11/13 – “Elisha and the Widow’s Jars” (1 Kings 4:1-7)
• 11/20 – “Isaiah is Called” (Isaiah 6:1-8)
• 11/27 – “A Time is Coming” (Jeremiah 23:5) – ADVENT KICK OFF PARTY AND SPECIAL GODLY PLAY!

KIDS SING IN CHURCH DECEMBER 4TH!

The kids did great practicing “This Little Light of Mine” for our performance on December 4th.  Here is the piano music that will accompany us if you would like to practice at home. The lyrics are listed below. If you are able to stay to perform at both services it would be greatly appreciated!

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine

Let it shine, All the time, Let it shine

Everywhere I go, I’m going to let it shine

Everywhere I go I’m going to let it shine

Everywhere I go, I’m going to let it shine

Let it shine, All the time, Let it shine

Information for our new families:

• Our volunteers are supposed to arrive by 9:00, but life happens and sometimes they are running late. Please try to drop off kids between 9:15 and 9:30 AM to avoid waiting on them to arrive.
• Please walk your children back to their classrooms at drop off. We want our volunteers to see who goes with which kid to help speed up our pick up time.
• Don’t forget your pick-up ticket. You will show this to get back to the children’s wing and again to their teacher to pick them up.
• Remember that kids are now promoted to their next grade level so check that their name tags show they are in the right group. Please let Ryan know if it is incorrect.

We sponsor cousins, Neema & Kikwete, who live in the Angel House Orphanage in Tanzania, Africa. We have pledged to give $90/month in order to provide food, clothing and schooling to these children at Angel House. Each Sunday, kids have the opportunity to bring money to put into our offering for Neema and Kikwete. Would you help us meet our goal by sending your child with $1.00 each week? Our former Director of Children’s Ministries, Raegan Brane, has visited Angel House in the past. You can find out more information about the Grassroots Organization and Angel House by clicking HERE.

REMINDER:

If you have a 3rd, 4th or 5th grader that has a Deep Blue Bible, please help them remember to bring it with them to Sunday school each week! We don’t have many extras of that particular version at the church and they will be looking up and reading scripture every time they come to church from now on.

Don’t forget to check our Chapel Hill Kids Facebook Group regularly for the most up to date information. If you haven’t checked your child’s information on the birthday post, please make sure you do so as soon as possible. I have marked it as an announcement so you can easily find it. If you have moved in the last year, please contact the office so that we have your correct address on file so they can receive some birthday mail. The office number is (316) 684-1117.

Blessings to you and your children,

Allison

Celebrate Wonder is a Sunday school curriculum that engages children’s natural sense of curiosity to help them understand God’s love. It creates a safe environment for kids to ask big questions — helping them explore the Bible in ways that feed their imagination and encourages creativity. Through carefully-selected Bible stories, songs, videos, and hands-on activities, Celebrate Wonder gives children the tools to explore their faith while incorporating it into their daily lives.

Each month, our weekly stories will align with a Faith Word. The Faith Word for the month of November is “VOICE”.

In this story, we have Isaiah using his voice to answer God’s call. Isaiah says, “I’m here. Send me.” This is a colorful story including flying winged creatures. Isaiah defines himself as a man with unclean lips. He seems to see himself as unworthy and “ruined.” Yet, God calls him anyway, and Isaiah answers. Because Isaiah answers God, he becomes a prophet. Prophets are people who speak on behalf of God, and they are instrumental in God’s work. The CEB Kid’s Bible notes, “The Bible has many interesting stories of God calling a person to do something.” There are many prophets in the Bible who do not know why they are called.

To accept God’s calling on your life means more than simply saying yes. It means using your voice and speaking up, even when it’s hard. Children might not always feel they are equipped to speak up. It can feel scary and unsafe to use their voices in difficult situations.

The story goes on to tell us that Isaiah must speak to God’s people even though they did not want to hear what he had to say. What do we do when we are asked to use our voice in hard situations? It is sometimes easier to stay quiet in moments of controversy. But God asks, “who shall I send?”

We can remind the children that we can be afraid and still speak up. Speaking up does not always have to be big and bold. We can use our voices quietly by writing down what we want to say, talking with a friend, or praying to God. These are all ways to use your voice and to be a prophet for God.

Isaiah was hesitant to agree to be God’s prophet. Throughout the unit, we have been learning about using our voices. There is a familiar affirmation that says, “speak up even when your voice shakes.” This sounds motivating, but it is not easy. This week do whisper prayers. Whisper to God something that scares you. Each day of the week, repeat the prayer, getting louder as the week goes on. By the end of the week, see if you can shout your prayer.