Beacons Of Light
St. Mary School’s Beacon of Light ministry group helped to run a children’s Christmas program for a center in need. The Nottingham Youth Center is run strictly on donations and each year helps provide Christmas cheer to children who otherwise may not have much to celebrate.
Director Nancy Mino came to the center through a volunteer match service and has since become an integral part of its operations. She helps to provide the center’s youth with a safe place to come during the day and also to have access to toys, books and some educational services. She will also ensure the center will remain open during the children’s winter break from school to allow them to continue to have a meal.
On Dec. 20, the families were invited to join in by attending a Christmas party hosted by the members of the Nottingham Methodist Church and center. The children were invited to play winter theme games, have a meal and receive a gift from Santa. The youth were surprised and excited to hear that Santa would visit, as one visitor commented that they did not even have a Christmas tree at their home. The Beacon of Light volunteers hosted children’s games and a sing-along.
The Beacon of Light volunteers enjoyed helping visitors decorate ornaments to hang on the church’s tree and sharing conversation about what school and grades they were each in. The children quickly began playing together games of “Santa Says” and pin the nose on Olaf. At the end of the day, before Santa arrived, the Beacon of Light led a lively sing-along and told the story of Christmas. All agreed that they would like to return to help out again next year.
Kindergarten Word Hunt
Kindergartners had a great time finding words in their classroom and sorting them by the CVC pattern. They sounded out the words with a partner, remembering the short vowel sound in the middle of each word.