Sunday School

Leads Worship Service

Children from the Church Garden Sunday School of the Newtown Congregational Church led the worship service Sunday morning, June 12. Teachers, shepherds, and the Christian Education Committee were introduced and thanked.

Morgan D’Avola did the Call to Worship and Sandy Petersen of the CE Committee gave special thanks to Sheila Cole, Sue Body, Vicky Truett, Ester Nichols, Matt Cole, and Tina Fiorella, Sunday School superintendent. Ms Fiorella thanked the Rev Janice Touloukian and Carolyn Joseph for all their many contributions.

Students explaining the stations of the Garden rotation were, Sarah Hull and Amy Martin, creation; Joseph, King of Dreams, Alexandria DeWolfe; Advent, Sarah Rose Hasselberger; Jesus Calls His Disciples, Mellisa Janco; Prayer, Julia Trudell; Easter, Michele Petersen, “Road to Emmaus,” Emily Anderson.

Special music included “The Butterfly Song,” the “Animal Song,” “Disciple Song,” “Of My Hands,” and “Smile at the Storm,” all sung by the children under the direction of Carl Lindquist. The children demonstrated with sign language as Sharon Goodkowsky sang the “Lord’s Prayer.”

Testimonials were given by teachers Bob Stowell and Dale Mello, while shepherds Peg Forbell and Mike Petersen told of their experiences with the children.

Ms Nichols recognized all the shepherds, Liz Eaton, Marilyn Radasci, Margot and Bob Hall, Cherie Collins, Mr Petersen, Missy Gregson, Heather Sherwood, Peg Forbell, Jeane Roberts, Carol Anderson, and Barbara Bigham.

Ms Fiorella recognized the leaders and teachers, Jean Walter, Sue Body, Cindy Dunn, Jerry Cole, Ms Petersen, Tammie and Burt DeMarche, Judi DeWolfe, Lisa Janco, Lynn Buttner, Sal and Linda Manganaro, Laurie Badick, Terri Ferris, Maria Baressi, Leslie Trudell, Ms Mello, Lisa Swain, Margi Keegan, Kelly Walker, Ms Nichols, Beckie Ferris, Tray Villeneuve, Jean Klein, Barbara Bigham, Marie Sturdevant, Sheila Cole, Kate Bellagamba, Beth Palmer, Dawn Escoda, Kathy Cunningham, Melissa Saint, Doug Body, Ms Truitt, Lynn Covill, Dawn Kornhaas, Bob Stowell, Judy Stowell, Carolyn Roberts, Elizabeth Cole, and Barbara Donahue.

PreK and kindergarten teachers were Lisa Hull, Todd Martin, Ann Martin, Carolyn Arneth, and Cathy Chiravelli. Mr Lindquist and Carolyn Joseph worked with a gathering of 7–12 graders and Dawn Escoda, Candice Davies, and Ms Stowell worked with the Junior Pilgrim Fellowship.

Each of the adults that worked with the children were presented with potted plants. The congregation joined the students in the closing hymn, “Seek Ye First.”