Edmonds United Methodist Church RSS Feed http://www.edmondsumc.org/ This is an RSS feed available from Edmonds United Methodist Church. Edmonds, WA Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:14:56 GMT 15 Announcement: Important Upcoming Events http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=133&content_id=29
Click on the image above to donate to Haiti Earthquake Relief.

Lenten Handout Participation Requested-Submissions are still being accepted-Which Lenten/Easter memories, activities, scriptures, poems, or songs are especially meaningful to you? Please tell us why. Or write a devotional(s) or poem(s) for EUMC’s congregational Lenten handout. Subjects: family, forgiveness, sin, resurrection, abstinence, repentance—anything seasonal! Length: 1 page or less each item. Email to: Sharman Badgett-Young or leave submissions addressed to “Sharman” in the office drop-box. (Author and source of quotes/lyrics required for copyright purposes.) Submissions may be edited.

Lenten Reflection Time-As Lent gets underway, it presents the opportunity to reflect on our spiritual wellness and our walk with God. To enhance that opportunity, our lovely Chapel is OPEN for quiet reflection throughout Lent, every day from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Meditation materials are available there to help deepen your reflection time.

Registern for the 2010 EUMC Women's Retreat, "Woman to Woman: The Legacy of Sisterhood" April 9-11, 2010 at Camp Indianola.
We're happy to welcome our "sister" Marcia Rudd, EUMC's former director of Adult Ministries, back to the Women's Retreat to help us remember all of the wonderful lessons we've learned from our sisters of all ages and to consider the legacies that we want to pass on to future generations of sisters. Sisters ages 14-114, from Edmonds and beyond welcome! Registration is from March 7 - March 28, Cost is $80 per sister. Come visit our table in the Wesley Room during Coffee Hour to sign up and have a special treat "for sisters only!" Need more info? Contact Lillian. Click HERE for the registration form.

Third Sunday Collections: March 21-The March Third Sunday collection will be for the Church of Mary Magdalene. Please bring the following: personal bath items; new socks and underwear; and hair care items. Please place the items in the container in the foyer by Sunday, March 21. Thanks for your care and support.

March Food Drive: Sunday, March 21st-For Lent we are having another congregational food drive on March 21st. There will be bags that you can pick up and fill with a list on them. Please pick up a bag during Coffee Hour on March 7th and March 14th and bring back your full bag on March 21st. This can be a great way through the next couple of weeks to add something to your grocery bag everytime you go to the store!

Guest Choir Housing Needed-EUMC will be hosting the University of Minnesota Morris Concert Choir for a wonderful program on Sunday, March 21 at 6:00 p.m. We also need several host families to house these students for one night and provide breakfast the next morning. If you are able to be one of these hosts, please sign up during Coffee Hour. For more information about the choir and concert, click HERE.

Girl Scout Cookies-Donate to Operation Cookie Drop, which sends cookies overseas to our Troops, or donate to our Food Bank. Cookies available during Coffee Hour.

Lenten Cross of Caring-During Lent, a Cross of Caring will be in the entry way, covered with slips of paper, with the name and address of someone who no longer drives and is not as independent as they once were. YOU can show God's love through a simple act that will make Lent more meaningful for them, and for you, by taking a name from the cross, praying for that person, and sending them a card or letter. You can be a kind word in this small but meaningful way to those less independent souls among us.

Art Hall News-During Lent we are showing copies of a set of lovely paintings and words depicting the Stations of the Cross. These tell of the last few hours of Jesus' time on earth. Please plan to include a walk through the hall as part of your Lenten devotions.

Ladies of the Wilderness-Mark your calendars for March 20th as we go to Spencer Island, near Everett, for a walkabout. Be prepared for muddy conditions. Length is 3-4 miles of trails. Bring a sack lunch. Meet at the church at 9 a.m. to carpool.

Multifaith Works CareTeam Program-How do you care for someone living with HIV/AIDS or chemical addiction? Multifaith Works CareTeam Volunteers offer practical care, emotional support, and nonjudgemental listening to people living with HIV/AIDS and/or recovering from addiction. To find our more about our March 20th volunteer training, contact Multifaith Works at 206.324.1520 ext 226.

Holden Village Registration-Our church family is meeting at Holden Village this summer, August 16-22. You may go for a week or part of a week, but because space fills up quickly, early registration is important. ]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:27:43 GMT Announcements http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=133&content_id=29 Announcement: In Worship This Sunday.... http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=133&content_id=27

Sunday, March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
“Speaking of Sin: Lust”
Pastor Kathlyn preaching.
Texts: John 4: 7-26 & James 1:12-16.
~One Great Hour of Sharing Offering~
]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:14:40 GMT Announcements http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=133&content_id=27 Announcement: Debbie Leraas Children's Center http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=133&content_id=33 Children's Center are currently being scheduled for parents interested in childcare or preschool for summer and fall programs. If you are interested in a tour, or more information, please contact Heather Peterson-Bruno, Director, at 425.774.4458.

Registration is currently open for Summer and Fall 2010.

For the health and safety of all the children we care for…we will become a NUT-FREE program on June 1st!
 ]]> Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:19:00 GMT Announcements http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=133&content_id=33 Updated Page: Music & Arts Upcoming Events http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=359
University of Minnesota Morris Concert Choir
Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.

The Music & Arts Team is thrilled to host the University of Minnesota Morris Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Hodgson, on Sunday, March 21 at 6:00 p.m. at Edmonds United Methodist Church. From standards like Bach's motet for double choir, “Be Not Afraid” to Minnesota choral standards by F. Melius Christiansen, the repertoire for the University of Minnesota, Morris Concert Choir Spring Tour offers a range of music that’s sure to please, inspire and entertain.

The 2010 West Coast Concert Tour repertoire includes “Sing Ye Merrily” by Arnold; “Sicut Cervus” a Gregorian chant by Palestrina; “Abendlied” by Ed Rene Clausen; a mass “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” by J.S. Bach; a Finnish folk song “Lost in the Night” arr. by F.M. Christiansen; “Benedictus” by Emil Paladihe; “Lift Up Your Heads” arranged by Olaf Christiansen; “Lullaby” by Ken Hodgson; a Brazilian Psalm “Alleluia” by Jean Berger; and “All That Hath Life & Breath Praise Ye the Lord” by Rene Clausen.

The second half opens with a beautiful Spanish love song “Amor De Mi Alma” by Z. Randall Stroope; a contemporary love song “A Boy and a Girl” by Eric Whitacre; a poem by E.E. Cummings; “I Carry Your Heart with Me” by David Dickau; two spiritual pieces “Hush! Somebody’s Callin’ My Name” arr. by Brazeal Dennard and “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” arranged by Moses Hogan. The concert concludes with various spirituals and folk songs, capped by the choir’s haunting Hebrew farewell, “Shalom Chaverim,” arranged by Dr. Hodgson.

The Choir is noted for its performing excellence and enthusiasm, which is fueled by the vitality of their talented conductor. Dr. Hodgson brings to the podium a combination of the poise and elegance of the St. Olaf tradition—under Olaf Christiansen—and the dynamics and energy of the Concordia Choir tradition under Paul Christiansen.

Dr. Hodgson holds a bachelor of arts degree from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., where he studied with Olaf Christiansen. He received a master of arts degree from Central Washington State College, Ellensburg, while working with Dr. Wayne Hertz, and earned a doctor of musical arts from the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana., studying with Harold Decker. Before coming to the University of Minnesota, Morris, Hodgson served as assistant choral director to Paul Christiansen at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.

Admission to this concert is free. A free-will offering will be taken.

Currently in Art Hall-During Lent we are showing copies of a set of lovely paintings and words depicting the Stations of the Cross. These tell of the last few hours of Jesus' time on earth. Please plan to include a walk through the hall as part of your Lenten devotions.

A Community Choral Concert
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Performances at 3:00 & 6:00 p.m.

The remaining concert in our Organ Benefit Series, a Community Choral Concert, will be Sunday, April 25th at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. This concert will feature the combined choirs of Edmonds United Methodist Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, and other area choirs performing Festival Te Deum by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo ("Little Organ Mass") by Franz Joseph Haydn.

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Registration starts Sunday, March 7 for the 2010 EUMC Women's Retreat, "Woman to Woman: The Legacy of Sisterhood" April 9-11, 2010 at Camp Indianola.
We're happy to welcome our "sister" Marcia Rudd, EUMC's former director of Adult Ministries, back to the Women's Retreat to help us remember all of the wonderful lessons we've learned from our sisters of all ages and to consider the legacies that we want to pass on to future generations of sisters. Sisters ages 14-114, from Edmonds and beyond welcome! Registration is from March 7 - March 28, Cost is $80 per sister. Come visit our table in the Wesley Room TODAY to sign up and have a special treat "for sisters only!" Need more info? Contact Lillian. Click HERE for a printable registration form.

Women in the Wilderness:
Mark your calendars for March 20th! We are going to Spencer Island, near Everett, for a walkabout. Be prepared for muddy conditions. Length is 3-4 miles of trails. Bring a sack lunch. We will meet at the church at 9:00 a.m. and carpool.

Women's Ministry Book Club:
Do you love to read and often wish you could discuss a great book you have read with others? Then the Women’s Ministry Book Club may be just the group for you. 

Perhaps you have no time for group meetings at this point in your life but would like to see what we are
reading. Here is the list of upcoming meeting dates and the books we collectively chose.

Our next meeting is Friday, March 12 at 10:00 a.m. in the church library. We will discuss Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout-a winner of a Pulitzer Prize. What do you think about this complicated main character and best-selling book? Hope to see you on March 12th.

United Methodist Women: 
A community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. The local unit is comprised of smaller groups called, Circles.  At Edmonds United Methodist there are 4 circles. The larger local unit meets for a luncheon meeting on the 1st Wednesday of each month.  All women are welcome and the cost is $5 per person.  For information & reservations, call the church office. UMW does not meet during the summer, so look for updates as fall approaches!

Spirited Women:
Saturdays at 9 a.m. in the Library.

Women's Bible Study:
Thursdays at 10:00-11:30 in the Wesley Room.

Women’s Small Group:
Fridays, 6:00 – 7:00 a.m., at church
Sundays, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., at church
Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., at church
Tuesdays, 10:30 – noon, in-home

 

]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:33:49 GMT Page Updates http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=307 Updated Page: Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=135 Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.
 
Welcome to Edmonds United Methodist Church!
Edmonds United Methodist Church welcomes everyone. We strive for diversity in our congregation, believing that all people are created in God’s image and loved unconditionally by God. We seek to be an inclusive and multicultural church of different ages, racial backgrounds, classes, genders and sexual orientations. We seek unity in our common faith in Jesus Christ and our common commitment to grow in Christian discipleship.

Click HERE for Announcements!

Click on any of the images below for more information.


University of Minnesota Morris Concert Choir

       

                  
  
   
     Donate now to the Haiti Relief Effort
]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:00:37 GMT Page Updates http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=135 Updated Page: Youth Ministries http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=320 WORSHIP. GROW. SERVE.

YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS March 1

This week’s Lenten blessing:
Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him,
my help and my God.
            ~Psalm 42:11b

Please continue to pray for Ana.  She is now on the Rehabilitation Floor at Harborview and will remain there until she can come back to Edmonds. She is getting both physical and occupational therapy and is working on regaining strength in her left arm and leg. Her cell phone is 206-499-0455. She now has a computer in her room and she can be found on Facebook! If you care to send a card, you can drop it at the church or send it to her directly- I know she would love to get mail!  Harborview Medical Center; Ana Santiago Payo; 325  9th Avenue; Room #457; Seattle, WA  98104-2499

UPCOMING EVENTS 
24 hour District BROOMBALL Retreat - Friday, March 5 to Saturday, March 6. Broomball, fellowship, food, fun, new friends. Be part of the planning process! To be held at Garden Street UMC in Bellingham. Fee is only $20 per youth group member and only $5 for friends. Let Stephanie know if you are interested.
CHAPERONES are needed for this event!!!

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

Sunday, March 7. 3rd Sunday of Lent
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Sunday School-- First Sunday BREAKFAST! 

Seattle Children's Chorus performance at 5:00

4:00 leave for concert at First Presbyterian in Seattle. PLEASE let Pastor Paul or Stephanie know if you are interested. Return to EUMC for snack and closing circle.

THIS WILL BE UMYF for the week.

 

Sunday, March 14. 4th Sunday of Lent

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Sunday School
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. UMYF Brainstorm for Youth Sunday in late April!! Bring your ideas.

Sunday, March 21. 5th Sunday of Lent
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Sunday School
Guest youth concert at EUMC
4:30 Pot luck begins for those who wish to attend.
6:00 University of Minnesota Choir Concert. This will be UMYF for the night. After concert, snack- Smart Family and closing in Youth Hall with the members of the visiting choir if they are able.

Sunday, March 28. Palm Sunday!

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Sunday School

Youth Group- COMPLINE! Meet at 7:45 in Youth Hall. We will return about 10:30 p.m.


Oliver! is being presented by Madrona Children's Theater. Cast members include: Corinne Jaquith, Jason Smarr, Rachel Larson, Ciru Boru, Brett Hargrave and Connor Hargrave, stagecrew- directed by Ted Jaquith. Dates: Thurs. 3/25 7:00 p.m.; Fri. 3/26 7:00 p.m.; Sat. 3/27 2:00 and 7:00 p.m., Sun. 3/28 12:30 and 5:00 p.m. $5 student tickets.

30 Hour Famine. April 23-24 (Friday through Saturday)
Friday night lock-in followed by all day Saturday events (service project, etc)
 
Senior High CONVO 2010 - May 29th through 31st at the University of Puget Sound.
Theme: "Anatomy of a Christian". More info coming soon!

MISSION TRIPS.

Finishing 8th-12th Grade: We have contacted Forward Edge about a week on the Crow Nation in Montana during the week of August 8-14. The cost will be around $500 per person plus transportation. Please let us know if this interests you.

Finishing 6th-8th Grade: We will do a 3-4 day sleepaway community service camp with Bothell United Methodist Church July 25-28 or Aug.1-4. The cost is not set yet, but will be very reasonable. We will be staying at the Bothell Church. Please let us know if this interests you.

Camping: John Rubenkonig has reserved a site for a camping trip the weekend of September 24. Youth will set agenda and menu. If you have any interest, please let Pastor Paul or Stephanie know!!

New UMYF Snack Schedule  Please email Stephanie at stephaniep@edmondsumc.org if you are interested in participating. This would help the budget as the church provides snack unless a family provides it. Thanks so much!

Music & Arts: Stephen Marshall-Ward and Gail Colson attended Youth Council and after discussion, the model we will be trying is small singing groups, soloists, instrumental pieces, interpretive dance, or poetry read during services. Gail will be meeting with those interested Sundays at 5:00 p.m. If you are interested in finding out more, please feel free to either show up 5:00 Sunday to meet Gail or contact Stephen at marshallse@comcast.net

Important: Each January, parents and guardians are required to fill out a new EUMC Youth Medical/Parental Consent Form. These are available outside the Children's/Youth Ministries door and on the EUMC website.

Edmonds United Methodist Church welcomes everyone. We strive for diversity in our congregation, believing that all people are created in God's image and loved unconditionally by God. We seek to be an inclusive and multicultural church of different ages, racial backgrounds, classes, genders and sexual orientations. We seek unity in our common faith in Jesus Christ and our common commitment to grow in Christian discipleship.

]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:04:32 GMT Page Updates http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=320 Updated Page: Getting "Organ-ized" http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=363 Getting Organ-ized Progress Note
We are done with Phase One of building our new organ (click HERE for photo)!! Our builders and voicer from Klais Orgelbau have returned to Germany leaving us with a beautiful organ! The newly-installed Visser-Rowland/Klais pipe organ was gifted to EUMC by The Community Church of Vero Beach, Florida, and represents a decade of work by EUMC’s Music & Arts Ministries to replace a 50-year old instrument that was beyond repair. For more information about the history of the organ and organ project click HERE. Thank you to all who have contributed time, talent, and money to get us to this very exciting day!

The Organ Task Force is very excited to announce a fabulous benefit concert series to raise money for these modifications and installation (download brochure and order tickets). The first concert was held September 20 at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary. Performers included George Fiore (piano), Stephen Marshall-Ward and Wanda Griffiths on duo pianos, The New World Trio (strings and piano), the Cascade Symphony String Ensemble, trumpet soloist George Steward, and the Cascade Percussion Ensemble.

December 5 and 6 brought our traditional Christmas Concert, presented by the choirs of EUMC and featuring guest soloist (and EUMC favorite) Kenneth Gayle, and accompanied by organ and strings.

The Organ Dedication Concert, the third concert in the series was February 7.  For the official press release click HERE. Check out the KIRO news radio coverage of this story HERE. The Seattle Times coverage can be found HERE.

Many notable Seattle organists and musicians are donated their time and talents to the concert, including:

Douglas Cleveland, Music Director, Plymouth Congregational Church, Seattle

Carole Terry, Ruth Sutton Waters Professor of Organ & Harpsichord, UW School of Music

J. Melvin Butler, Canon Musician, St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle

Joseph Adam, Cathedral Organist, St. James Catholic Cathedral, Seattle

“Camerata,” the mixed-voice choir of Seattle Children’s Chorus, John Hendrix, Conductor

Stephen Marshall-Ward and Wanda Griffiths, EUMC’s Director and Associate Director of Music & Arts, on duo organ.

Additionally, the organ’s original builder – Dr. Pieter A. Visser, retired Master Builder, Visser-Rowland Pipe Organ Builders in Houston, TX – was on-hand for the dedication.

On April 25, 2010, the concert series will close with a community choral concert, featuring the choirs from EUMC and Trinity Lutheran Church, as well as others from the area. Accompanied by organ and strings, this concert will include works by Vaughn Williams and Haydn. Performances are at 3:00 & 6:00 p.m.

Come celebrate with us in this extraordinary year of sacred music!
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CHANCEL CHOIR
Directed by Stephen Marshall-Ward and Associate Director Wanda Griffiths, this group is committed to serving as worship leaders for our corporate worship services. Presenting a wide variety of musical styles, the Chancel Choir is keenly aware of its responsibility and privilege in proclaiming the Good News of Christ throughout our church community. The Chancel Choir also prepares at least one special presentation per year, which is important to the church’s outreach throughout the local community. The choir's main rehearsal is from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings and at 8:00 a.m. Sunday mornings.

CHAPEL BELLS
Directed by Wanda Griffiths, CHAPEL BELLS is a group of adults who present music in worship on a semi-regular basis, often for special worship services such as Christmas Eve and Easter. They hold a major fund- raiser on the Saturday before Lent starts by preparing and serving dinner, followed by the All-Church Variety Show. They also present concerts at other churches and throughout the community. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9:00 p.m.

CHARISMA
Directed by Stephen Marshall-Ward, Charisma is a talented group of vocalists and instrumentalists who bring a wide variety of musical and worship styles on a semi-regular basis to our services. Rehearsals are every other Tuesday evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. To schedule an audition, contact Stephen Marshall-Ward.

HALLELUJAH BLUES
Hallelujah Blues (2nd - 6th graders) is a dynamic group of children who periodically share their gifts in worship. This group is directed by Gail Colson who has years of experience as a public school music teacher and choir director. Rehearsals are Sundays from 4:00-4:45 p.m.

ANGELS ALIVE
Our ANGELS ALIVE Choir (ages 4-6), directed by Sharon Ryder, bring much joyful music to our worship from time to time. Rehearsals begin Sunday, February 21 from 4:00-4:45 p.m. Children learn about music, worship, and our traditions of wonderful hymns and anthems.

INSTRUMENTALISTS AND MUSICIANS FOR SPECIAL MUSIC
Coordinated by Wanda Griffiths, this growing group of talented musicians, both instrumentalists and vocalists, works to add a variety of musical gifts to our worship services. Anyone who plays any instrument or sings is encouraged to contact the church music office and leave a message in order to be added to the pool of people available to serve in this way.

CHOIR ON THE MOVE
Led by Shelly Ehni, this group welcomes singers of all ages and generally meets at 9:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of the month for a brief rehearsal. The group then goes out into the community bringing the ministry of music to area nursing homes and similar settings.

EUMC ART GALLERY
This exciting new ministry brings the visual arts to EUMC by creating exhibits in our east hallway/gallery. This ministry encourages people from our congregation and the greater community to use their artistic gifts in the gallery and in the corporate worship experience. Contact Dana McMechan to find out how you can be involved in this dynamic ministry.

LITURGICAL DANCE
Dance can be a very powerful outward manifestation of an inward spiritual experience. We are intentional about including physical expression more and more in the the worship life of our congregation. If you are interested in sharing your gifts, please let us know.

SOUND & PROJECTION MINISTRIES
During our worship services and for special events, volunteers run the sound and projection systems offering their gifts to greatly enhance the congregation meeting together. New volunteers are always welcome to help in this ministry.

MUSIC/ARTS DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEERS
As the Music and Arts Ministries of our church grow with a sense of vision and purpose, there is a growing need for people willing to provide office and administrative support for these ministries. These tasks include filing, phone calls, data input, both short- and long-term projects, and general assistance in the music office. Whether you can give a little or a lot of time, we have projects that can fit your schedule! The Music & Arts Ministries department can be reached at 425.778.2119, ext. 13 or via email.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
We are always thrilled to have people join us in our arts ministries. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Stephen Marshall-Ward or Wanda Griffiths through the church office: 425.778.2119.
]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:53:17 GMT Page Updates http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=308 Updated Page: The Debbie Leraas Children's Center http://www.edmondsumc.org/content.cfm?id=358 About Us...
We are a Christian Program dedicated to providing a nurturing, secure environment with enriching and developmentally appropriate experiences for children. Experienced teachers with a thorough understanding of child development provide a variety of engaging activities which foster cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth. We value and celebrate each child with unconditional love, care and support.

We have been providing excellent Early Childhood Education programs for children since 1980. We offer a loving and nurturing Christian environment, and enriching curriculum and a strong emphasis on families. We are a fully licensed program.

Philosophy & Curriculum

We strive to help children learn to value others and themselves through:

* Enriching social interactions and cooperative learning
* Encouraging creativity and uniqueness
* Validation of and appropriate expression of feelings
* Fair, gentle and consistent discipline which encourages self-control
* Recognizing talents and different ways of learning
* Helping children develop an understanding of kind and caring behavior
* Including multi-cultural experiences and materials
* Interactions and activities that promote good self-esteem and healthy habits

To support and foster growing independence and the natural learning process through:

* Exploration and Discovery
* Involving the whole body and senses in learning
* Facilitating problem-solving strategies
* Providing appropriate challenge and responsibility
* A balance of child-centered, child-directed activities
* Providing choice within appropriate boundaries
* Experiences that are relevant and meaningful to the young child's life
* Experiences that are joyful and help develop a life-long love of learning

To foster spiritual growth and share in God's love through:

* Engaging chapel times bi-weekly
* Helping children discover and reflect on the beauty and wonders of God's world
* Modeling love and caring for others, prayerfulness, joy and thankfulness
* Supporting all children in the development of their relationship with God
* Laying the foundation for a life-long relationship with Christ
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