ROCK

Really

Outstanding

Christian

Kids

From Kindergarten through Fifth Grade

 DecemberROCK!

In November, the ROCKers enjoyed learning about the Canaanite woman’s faith in Matthew 15:21-28; we learned that when it seems like God isn’t hearing us, we should ASK AGAIN!  God does hear our prayers.  November also included bringing Miss Shannon (Johnson) into our program every week, beginning to practice Christmas music, and a lot of fun at the FamilyROCK on November 12 when we got to create our own works of art!

And now into December, we will be finishing up our third series of the year, a study of Luke 5:27-32, the call of Levi, the tax-collector, as one of Jesus’ disciples.  Levi wasn’t the sort of person you might expect to be called into God’s service – so he was a lot like you and me!

Beginning December 10, we’ll start rehearsing for the Christmas pageant.  Registration forms have gone out at ROCK and at Church School, but just in case you didn’t receive one, and you’d like to participate, the form is attached below.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, ROCK would like to express our appreciation to all the people who have been faithfully working to make it a program of adventure and Spirit:

ROCKplay: Laura Knorr, Al Steele and Todd Gunter

ROCKsong: Miss Shannon and Meredith Robbins

DinnerROCK: Barbara Hillyard, Jey Young, Jen Fraser, Betsy Gephart-Wells, Terry McElroy, Elaine Murray, Mikki Gallagher, Jim Hillyard, John Asher, Dan Abbott, Chris Trella, JoAnne Dahlmeier, Grace Kahalioumi and Jo Fancher

BibleROCK: Jen Fraser, Theresa Asher, Ellen Steele, Meredith Robbins, Jo Lewis, Mary Danforth and John Asher

We also appreciate the efforts of all of our ‘unsung helpers’ who have stopped in and lent a hand – whether for setting up, for clearing tables, or for washing the dishes!  I’m sorry if I have missed any names; ROCK could not function without your good-hearted participation.

And while it may not be a direct function of ROCK, we also thank both Andrea White and Debbie Sands for their creativity and care of the Prime Time program, which offers a lot of fun and excitement for our senior adults.

If you are interested in joining the ROCKteam, just ask any of the above saints or contact Pastor Lorelei at 480.966.6267 or by email: lorelei.hillman@upctempe.org.

YOUTH @ UPC

Finally autumn has arrived in the nick of time for Thanksgiving! I wonder if winter will make it here by Easter!? Maybe the chill in the air and a little rain will help us get in the holiday spirit.  Picking my daughter, Courtney, up at the airport for Thanksgiving has helped too! It will truly be one of the blessings I thank God for as many of our youth return home for the holidays. J

I know the stress of finals, choir and band performances, school projects, and what special gift you’ll find for mom and dadJ, are weighing on your minds. Good-luck with the endeavors you are involved with and continue to make good choices. You are always in my prayers and I hope others will join me in praying everything goes well for all of you!  

Every year during the holiday season we notice those in need around us. Well, this year we don’t have far to look to notice all the hurting and struggling people, some as close as our own families. So what can you as youth do to help with the difficult state our country is currently enduring? For one, learn from our mistakes! Keep your blessings at the forefront of your mind; negative thinking is not helpful. Downsize your Christmas wish list. Pray for those in need and our world leaders. Volunteer and donate food and clothes to a shelter. Right now there is an increase in need and a decrease in volunteers. Offer some free childcare to a family, even a couple of hours would be a big help! You have the power to make someone’s day brighter and blessed. As we try to live for the true meaning of Christmas, remember hope is a gift we received from Baby Jesus and hope is a gift we can give to others through our actions.            

Both Senior High Youth Connection (Gr. 9-12) and Jr. High Youth Connection (Gr. 6-8)

J Youth Sunday is December 7th. Please plan to be in church early. 

Church School is 11:00-12:00 after the worship hour on December 7th, 14th, and 21st, in the Jr./Sr. High classrooms.

Senior High Youth Connection

The Senior High Youth Connection will meet in the Senior High Room at UPC, every Sunday night from 6:00-7:30 unless notified. We are still missing some permission slips from some of you. Please bring those back ASAP with everything filled-out and signed. If you did not get them, ask Pastor Lorelei or myself for copies. Thanks! J   

Junior High Youth Group (Grades 6-8)/ T.N.T. Teens’ Night Together

The Jr. High Youth Group/TNT meets from 6:00-7:30 at Mission Del Sol Presbyterian Church, every 2nd and 4th Sunday night.

Make a note of time change: December 14th TNT will meet at 4:30 pm to head over to Care Stone Care Center for gift giving and carol singing. Pick-up will be a bit early too at 7:00.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!

Suzanne

*Anyone interested in more information on any of our youth programs, please call Suzanne Niemann at (480)821-5714 or the church office.