This past Church year the children participated in many activities, taking leadership roles in four of note: our annual Christmas pageant, creating and decorating a Lent/Easter tree, Children’s Sunday, and creating a beautiful city display in our narthex. All had a strong emphasis on the creative process and encouraged the children to express themselves freely.

The 2000 Christmas pageant focused on the birth of John the Baptist as well as the birth of Jesus. The “set” was a canvas 6’ high and 24’ long, which the children painted, that created a rolling backdrop with three separate scenes. Flute, trombone, trumpet and electric guitar were added to the wonderful piano and organ playing of Pam McAllister. Once again we had a memorable, warm and fun time, as we played to a full house.

The Lent/Easter Tree was a five week project where the children adorned a bare tree constructed of branches with symbols Christ’s death and resurrection. It was led by Linda Mandraccia and will no doubt become a new PSUMC tradition. The ornaments, lilies, crosses, butterflies, angels and crowns were all made by the children under the artistic direction of Theo Fadel, one of the many artists in our congregation.

Children’s Sunday took place on June 24th, 2001, the last week of Sunday School before we broke for the summer. The children read scripture, gave the sermon and sang two songs, "I’ve Got a Song" by Malvina Reynolds and the rhythm and blues classic "Stand By Me." The sermon focused on Mark 10: 13-16 and explored what it is to be "child-like."

Our most recent project was a response to the current events revolving around the September 11th tragedy. The children constructed a "Beautiful City" with many different materials. Our church received many, many letters and artwork from other United Methodist churches throughout America, as far away as Washington state. Many of these were displayed along with the city in the church’s narthex. Many of our children have written back.. This is continuing a process of healing and supporting which will go on.

Looking ahead we have a special 2001 Christmas Pageant written by our Youth Group under the guidance of Rik Schell. A mitten tree will adorn the narthex this winter and we will donate all the winter wear to the local shelter. We hope to have a spring fair in the garden as a fund raiser and outreach event. We no doubt will continue to deal with current events as they occur with faith and prayers and a continuous dialogue with the greater church community.

We are constantly amazed and inspired by the children’s willingness and desire to explore their faith and share in the fellowship of our church. And we are convinced of the positive effects this church is having in their lives.