What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of March? Is it St. Patrick’s Day? Daylight Savings Time? Major League Baseball’s opening day? Spring Break? There is SO much that happens in March.
Here at First Church, March is centered around Lent. Lent is the season of preparation for Easter. This can mean a lot of different things. Sometimes people like to give things up for Lent, as a way to free up time to focus on God. Others like to take things on as a way to build a new practice or habit. This is my preferred approach to Lent.
This season, I invite you to connect with us in a way that may be new. Maybe it’s trying out Children’s and Youth Ministries for the first time. Maybe it’s volunteering with us. Maybe it’s simply coming to the Spring Picnic. Whatever it is, I hope you connect with us and find a way to connect with God.
This newsletter has everything you need to know about March and beyond so be sure to read all the way through. One highlight, since the deadline is approaching: The FINAL day to sign up for the summer Youth Mission Trip is March 15. Details are below but don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity for service.
Happening in March
Children’s Sunday School: Lent in Community
Throughout March, children will explore Lent through Jesus’s actions in the community. Here’s what kids will be focusing on this month:
- March 8: Mary Anoints Jesus (John 12:1-8)
- March 15: Jesus Washes Feet (John 13:1-7)
- March 22: Jesus Breaks the Bread (Mark 14:12-26)
- March 29: Jesus Prays (Matthew 26:36-46)
Can you help out in Children’s Ministry one week a month? We need volunteers to help assist in classrooms. For more information, visit the Children and Youth Ministry Volunteer page or get in touch.
Youth Group: Presence
Throughout Lent, youth will discuss and explore being present in their faith. This is our second 40-day focus of the year and we’ll talk about how we can be present in each other’s lives, the community, and with God.
Special Youth Group Dates
Youth Group meets from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm on Sunday mornings and from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Sunday evenings. The following dates are slight adjustments to the time or location:
- March 1: PM Youth Group March Madness Tournament (Same time)
- March 8: PM Youth Group Dog Park Picnic
Meet at the Constitution Green dog park from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Bring your own picnic dinner, your dog, and a friend (and their dog too if you want). - March 22: No AM or PM Youth Group for Spring Break.
- March 29: Youth Group Service Sunday at the Spring Picnic
Youth can sign up to volunteer at the Spring Picnic (details below). There is no PM Youth Group this evening.
Spring Picnic: March 29 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Bring your lunch, grab a blanket, and join us on March 29 for the annual Spring Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt at Wadeview Park! This event is filled with fun for all ages. Participate in sack races, three-legged races, and more! Plus, the first 150 participants will enjoy a free snow cone from Kona Ice!
Please bring one-dozen plastic eggs filled with candy. No chocolate (it melts) or anything containing nut products (kids are allergic) please.
Want to volunteer? We’ve got plenty of opportunities for youth and adults. Sign up today!
Palm Sunday: April 5 at 10:30 am
There is one service on April 5 at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary. This is a communion Sunday and Children will stay with their families for the service. There is no AM or PM Youth Group this Sunday, but stay tuned to our social channels for a potential afternoon Youth Group popup event.
Save the Date
These events are a little further out, but you can register for all of them today!
Camp Wesley
June 1 – July 31, 2020 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
It’s that time of year! Summer will be here soon! Please join us for another amazing summer camp filled with fun and learning and the Spirit of Christ! This year we will highlight each week with a fun theme and continue to give the children an amazing spiritual journey over the summer.
Vacation Bible School: Knights of North Castle
June 15-19, 2020 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
At Vacation Bible School: Knights of North Castle, kids will enjoy an interactive, energizing, Bible-based good time as they go on a quest in search of the King’s Armor. They will become Knights and discover how to serve God and God’s mission for their lives.
Pre-K 3 through 5th-grade students are invited to participate and youth are invited to volunteer!
Youth Summer Mission Trip
DEADLINE APPROACHING!!!
June 21-26, 2020 at TEAMeffort in Green Cove Springs, FL
The Youth Summer Mission Trip is June 21-26, 2020 at TEAMeffort in Green Cove Springs, FL. The trip costs $525 per student, which covers transportation, food, and program fees.
Mission Camp 345
July 13-17, 2020 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Mission Camp 345 gives children who just completed third, fourth, or fifth grade an opportunity to explore faith through service to others. Children will serve both at the church and with service organizations around town. Lunch and transportation are provided each day.
