Parker UCC - Christian Education

Parker United Church

of Christ

PYED

PYED

Parker Youth Embracing Diversity

February was a great time for our youth. We started the month with a Friend Drive where the kids were asked to bring a friend and our goal was to get 20 kids at the event. The kids did a great job and we made it to 18 (almost got there – better luck next time :). Hopefully some of those kids can come back on a regular basis and join our group because we had a lot of fun!

We ended the month with a wonderful event where the youth redecorated not one but TWO rooms (two of the biggest rooms) at the Denver Women’s Shelter. The kids raised over $400 at the dessert auction in January (thanks to our fabulous bakers and generous buyers) and were able to provide brand new bedding and paint for both rooms along with some accessories to brighten the place up. Paintings were also donated by our very talented congregation members Kris Iltis and Amy Wagner-Grull and curtains were lovingly sewn by Lynn Hanson and Jeannine Glendenning. A special thanks to Eilleen Bartlett, our only non-parent volunteer, who not only gave of her entire day to help us with this event, but also made sure that every bed had a brand new pillow and made several trips to Wal-Mart for last minute needs as well as keeping my 5 year-old little man busy so that his mom didn’t go completely insane. (We love you, Eilleen!) We had 15 volunteers who spent the day painting, cleaning and resetting the rooms. We were all exhausted by the end of the day, but satisfied with a job well done and feeling grateful to be given a chance to touch the lives of others in need. I can’t wait for the opportunity to do it again! (Please see missions page for photos)

We’re taking things a little slower in March with many members of our group enjoying the last of the ski season and trips for Spring Break, etc., but we expect things to pick up again in April and May with another community outreach opportunity, a game night, a movie night, and other special events.

Many of our events need adult volunteers and there are always opportunities to help out by teaching on Sunday mornings or organizing events. We had several adult volunteers at our adopt-a-room event and I’m sure they would tell you it was very rewarding working with our youth. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience it for yourself. Sign up for something; you won’t be disappointed.

You are here: Christian Education

Sunday School News

Our elementary students just began a new study series – Parables from the Bible. As we study parables, we base the foundation of these valuable stories with Luke 11:33 “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a bushel, but on a stand, that those who enter may see the light.” What better way to evaluate this verse than with a jar and a lit candle – experimental learning at its best!

The parables of the Good Samaritan have introduced us to an interactive computer game which challenges us through a maze, while opening the doors of passage with our correct answers. As we look at Widow’s Penny we will be looking within our own values and passing of judgment onto others, how easy it is to do and just how it feels to be judged. The Prodigal Son and the will give our youngsters an idea about jealousy and forgiveness. We will test our patience and compassion while studying the parable of the Unmerciful Servant. We have so much to learn from the 50 plus stories offered to us throughout the New Testament. We will learn and challenge our minds through games, crafts, and experiments. You get the idea! Therefore, each Sunday please do ask our Sunday School students about the lesson they were taught – let them wow you with their learning tactics. In addition, it will help them practice our job as Christians to keep the flame lit and not hide it under a bushel.

We are truly enjoying our youngsters!

Pam and Roger

Youth Group

The First Annual Front Range UCC Youth Groups' End of Summer

SHINDIG

Who: Metro Denver area UCC youth Groups, or any other youth group that wants to come.

When: August 15, 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Where: First Plymouth Congregational Church, Englewood

What: Shindig of epic proportions! Ultimate frisbee Tournament (each church can enter one or more teams, or team up with other churches), t-shirt tie-dyeing, talent show, games, sing-along, dinner, s'mores and more!

Cost: $15 per person includes dinner and a t-shirt.

RSVP to pam@parkerucc.org by July 25th (please include t-shirt size).

Please bring your friends!!

Adult Exploration

Come Join “The Seekers”

This is a new group for Adult Members and Friends of Parker UCC. We are exploring many different Christian spiritual practices, having fun, eating a little and having a glass of wine or not. The first book we are reading is “Becoming A Blessed Church- Forming a Church of Spiritual Presence Purpose and Power” by N. Graham Standish. It can be purchased on Amazon or Pilgrims Press. It will be helpful if you read it, but you are welcome to participate in the discussion no matter. This will be our second meeting. If you missed the first one, ask somebody about it. The time we spent together was very meaningful and we are very excited about pursuing our spiritual paths both as a church and as individuals.

Come to Toni’s on Sunday, July 18th at 11:30 am after coffee hour.

Bring a main dish salad to share. Toni will provide bread, dessert, and drinks. Wear comfortable clothes and plan to stay until around 2:30 or 3:00. Baby sitting is provided by Toni’s kids.