FRIENDSHIP, NY - A
free Children's Day Celebration this Saturday in Friendship heralds the start
of a series of children and family summer ministries which will include free
piano lessons, a Community Picnic, a rotating Vacation Bible School, support of
free and low-cost children's camps and workshops, and more.
The
community's first-time version of the national observance, hosted by participants in the What God is DoingTM in
Friendship ny alliance of churches, will be from 1PM to 3:30PM Saturday,
June 7, on the front lawn of The Mission House Family Center, 28-32 East Main
Street, former site of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, offices and rectory.
A bounce house, face painting, music, games,
popcorn, lemonade, educational displays and more will occur during the first
two hours, followed by a short VeggieTales movie with hot dogs and chips
afterward.
Some
highlights of the event include:
Free Produce
--
Fidelis Care is providing 20 free bags of fresh produce, to be given away to
households registering during the activity, with drawings throughout the
afternoon. Individuals must be present to win.
--
The Friendship Free Library, in addition to providing popcorn and lemonade,
will be holding a library card drive with brand-new books available to check
out. It also will host a make-and-take book-folding craft.
Plastic films will be accepted for
recycling, with Friendship churches
having been serving as collection sites for such items as the library
seeks to recycle enough of the film products, such as plastic bags and food
wrappings, to obtain a free park-style bench from the recycler.
--
Music will be provided during the event by a Houghton University music graduate
student who, as a pilot project, also will be providing a limited number of
free music lessons to children and adults during the summer.
--
The first seed and plant exchange will enable individuals to bring such items
to the event and swap them with others.
The purpose of the exchange is to expand the
vision of area residents in regard to food sustainability by encouraging
plantings, gardening and other grow-your-own applications.
The churches alliance is engaged in studies
to help determine ways to enhance food sustainability in the area, along with
needs of the elder population.
It also is hosting, by pre-registration
only, a Monday morning Employment Support Group to provide insights into how
and where to obtain employment and a Tuesday evening Consumer Resources Group
to exchange information on ways to save on regular household expenses.
Due to the nature of the seeds and plant
exchange, swapped items are unable to be guaranteed.
Free
Piano Lessons
Allie Leary, a graduate music student at Houghton University, will provide free piano lessons for Friendship area children and adults over the next two months through registration with the What God is DoingTM in Friendship NY alliance of churches.
A limited number of applicants will be
accepted for this pilot project, with priority being given to children and
youth who would like to try learning about and playing a piano.
Lessons availability also will consider
student availability as it relates to accessible locations, dates and times.
Expressions of interest can be forwarded to WhatGodisDoing@outlook.com
or (585) 664-9989.
Enrollment requests also can be provided
from 1PM to 3PM Saturday, June 7, during the Children's Day Celebration at The
Mission House Family Center.
The Mission House is being used in part by
the churches alliance as an experiential learning center for children and
adults of all ages.
Vacation Bible School
A
rotating Vacation Bible School will be held during the week of August 4 through
8 at different churches and locations within the Town of Friendship.
The joint venture will provide families with
greater flexibility for child participation in their own neighborhoods in
situations in which transportation is an issue.
Free Community Picnic
-- A
free Community Picnic is scheduled from 12:30PM to 3PM on Sunday, August 24, at
Island Park, 37 West Water Street (County Road 31).
Free food, a bounce house, music, games and
more are anticipated.
Participating churches will be providing hot
dogs, chips, beverages and table service, with attendees able to provide a
dish-to-pass or dessert, if desired, a portable chair, and invitations to
family members and friends.
Members of the music group, A Band Called
Hope, which is scheduled to perform, played at a free luncheon and
afternoon concert last month at the Friendship Bible Baptist Church, also
hosted by the alliance of churches.
Band members and the number of performers
vary at various events, depending on the venue.
Camps and Workshops
The alliance of churches also is encouraging
parents and caregivers to enroll
children in learning experiences during the summer, such as one of four free
weekly camps at Gil's Hills Ministries at Wellsville during July for ages seven
through 17. Further information and
registration are available at https://tinyurl.com/Gils-Hills-Summer, and additional details at
szalays74@gmail.com or (585) 593-6211.
Family Life Network (FLN)
also will be providing its Youth Theatre Workshop for ages seven through 17
from 8:30AM to 12:30PM weekdays on Monday-Friday, July 21-25, at Friendship
Central School.
Children from throughout
the region participate in this annual event during which students learn song,
dance, acting skills, and biblical principles, culminating in a free public
performance entitled The Warriors Journal at noon Friday, July 25 at the school.
Details and registration
are available at https://tinyurl.com/2025-Youth-Theatre-Workshop.
Additional information
and updates about these and other summer activities hosted by participants in
the What God is DoingTM in
Friendship ny alliance of churches is available by
joining or following the alliance group Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/God-in-Friendship-FB,
or at WhatGodisDoing@outlook.com
or (585) 664-9989.