Stewardship and Resources
When the parish house renovation was completed 12 years ago and our beautiful new children’s space was ready, we had no furniture or fixtures, and no budget to meet those needs. But as it happened the town was in the final stages of moving from two older elementary schools (now part of the Ocean View complex) to the new elementary school on one combined campus in the center of town.
I learned they would not be bringing any of the old furniture and it was going to be auctioned off. Because we were a local church, they were happy to let us in early to selected everything we wanted at a favorable price. Through two donors (who each contributed $500) we were able to furnish the entire lower level, including all the child-size tables, chairs, bookshelves, coat hooks, cubbies, tack boards and white boards. The rugs and sofas came from parishioners. So, God, indeed, did provide.
Our curriculum is entirely recycled from years of past purchasing from major Christian publishers going back to the 1970’s. Of course, Bible stories don’t change, so this can be used indefinitely. When preparing for our monthly theme with older material, it’s wonderful to see the beginning of inclusive imagery that reflects the many racial groups that make up the United States. The imagery of the era also includes the mainstreaming of children with disabilities. Everything is filed by Bible story, which makes it easy to use. It also means we do very little photocopying.
One of the children’s favorite activities is when we play BIBLE BINGO. We have many versions for different themes and lessons. I have a PRIZE BUCKET which is primarily filled with small, donated or recycled items. As you begin to spring clean, please send any new (or like-new) small children’s toys to S. Mary’s. The biggest hit at the last game was the toiletry kit from United business class
I often joke with our teachers “we have a lifetime of craft supplies” just waiting to be used. Our toys and games are largely donations, although I will occasionally purchase gently used items at Goodwill or my daughter-on-law’s favorite store “Lots for Tots” in Falmouth, which is a children’s resale shop. We also fixed up the education office with a Danish mid-century modern desk and vintage Holy Land posters from eBay, all donations.
I recently read in the WSJ that almost 17% of products ordered online are now being returned, and those returns are piling up in warehouses with no place to go. Unfortunately, a lot of what we think is being recycled is ending up polluting other parts of the world. Being good stewards of the church, our community and our planet, means reducing, reusing and recycling as much as possible. It’s my personal philosophy and one of the things I love about church fairs…raising money by selling donated items with volunteer labor…brilliant…as they say in the UK.
February Theme - Rotation #6 Miracles of Jesus
Jesus Calms the Storm: Power over nature (Matthew 8:23-27)
The Faith of the Centurion: Power over sickness (Matthew 8:5-13)
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man: Power over the unseen realm/sin (Mark 2:1-12)
Guiding RAY will be held every Sunday in February, including school vacation week.
Sunday, Feb. 23 will be a MOVIE DAY.
Winter Clothing – Weather permitting we will continue to play outside and walk over to the church building for communion, so please send your children with appropriate warm clothing (coats, hats, mittens and boots).
Middle and High Schoolers – We continue to refer our Middle and High School youth to Young Life Casco Bay https://cascobay.younglife.org. However, on Sunday mornings if your teen would like to help with Guiding RAY, please email Meg Hurdman.
SOUPer Bowl of Caring: TACKLE HUNGER and be a GAME CHANGER. Everyone, young and old, bring cans of soup for the Falmouth food pantry. From 2/2 until 2/9 collection baskets will be in the parish house and in the narthex of the church building. The Falmouth food pantry needs chicken noodle and vegetable soup. They also have a need for cold cereal and pasta.