Children & Family Ministry - May 2026
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Sunday School and Nursery: Last day of Sunday school (aka “Popsicle Sunday”) for the year is May 31st! Nursery for ages 0-5 will continue throughout the summer. Ask God if He is calling YOU to teach for a month or two during the 2026-27 school year.
Messy Church: May 12th, 5:30-7:30. Potluck! Come join us for a Christ-centered time of creativity, food, and fun for all ages. Bring a dish to share. This will be our last one until September, come celebrate what God has done!
VBS: “Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God” VBS will be June 28-July 1 from 6-8:30 pm. Register kids aged 4 years – 5th grade at Saxonburg.org/VBS. Students sixth grade and older can be “guides” this year. We are looking for an Imagination Station (science/art) teacher, a preschool director, registration table people, a Games teacher, and Guides. See Carrie if you are interested or fill out the Team Member Form at www.saxonburg.org/vbs. We are collecting small cardboard boxes, brown paper packaging, large pieces of cardboard, faux greenery + plants (to borrow), and small plastic butterflies, frogs, lizards, etc. (to borrow). Please label items so that we can return them to you.
**New for this summer: BE BOLD! A special Sunday morning 6-week class for students ages 9-13 years. We will meet in the bride’s room from 9:15-10 am, June 7 - July 12th to validate faith questions and connect with one another.
Themes for the weeks:
6/7 Is It Okay That I Sometimes Doubt God?
6/14 How Can I Forgive When I Don’t Feel Like It?
6/21 If God Loves the World, Why Does He Let Bad Stuff Happen?
6/28 How Did the World Come to Be?
7/5 Does God Care About How I Use My Time?
7/12 Is What the Bible Says About Me True?
*Weekly Mystery Missions: “When you have an adventure with Jesus, you build an unshakable faith foundation." That’s why BE BOLD includes Mystery Missions: Every week, preteens head out with a sealed mission to open at home—one that reinforces the week’s Bible truth and invites kids into an adventure with Jesus.
Leaders have the same mission—giving adults and kids something to talk about when they next get together.”
Ongoing Professional Development and Growth/Visioning forward:
I have currently been learning and reflecting on the themes of collaboration and life-long learning and applying these ideas to children’s ministry here at SMPC. My hope and prayer for all of us (the children, myself, and the entire church family) is that we continue to “crave that pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. (1 Peter 2:2-3)”
My desire is for YOU as the body of Christ to be in places of growth here. I want to challenge you to try something new, reach out to someone new, and seek the Lord with your heart. I want to “hear” your input on vision boards (see the bulletin boards) and through conversations. May this place be one of fellowship and worship as we remember that we are here to grow. Growth happens as we challenge ourselves and serve in new ways. Grace happens when we try something and learn in the safety of this space. We need each and every one of you—not to burn you out, fill your time, or cause you to labor tirelessly, but because God has a purpose for your being here (I have heard that somewhere...). He has given you talents, passions, and ideas for hope and a future to which He has called you. Let’s be a light by being his body.
LITTLE BLESSINGS PRESCHOOL WEEK
Saxonburg Memorial Church Preschool is now enrolling for “Little Blessings” week June 8th-12th, from 9:30 am-12 noon. This pilot program will be taught by Pennsylvania certified teachers with the purpose of playfully engaging children ages 3-5 years. We seek to enrich language/literacy skills, gross/fine motor skills, and social/emotional skills through Biblical storytelling, songs, games, crafts, and outdoor time. Our approach is largely based on a whole-child approach that focuses on Jesus, creativity, play, inquiry, and positive friendships. Snack is provided. Cost is just $50 for the entire week. Please register your child at: saxonburg.org/preschool.
Blessings in Christ,
Carrie Allio
Director of Children & Family Ministries