Archive: Around Town

Anna M. Sannes has joined the First Congregational Church of Ithaca (FCCI) as full time Director of Children and Youth Ministries. A member church of the United Church of Christ denomination, FCCI is located at 309 Highland Road, near the Cornell campus.

Rev. Dr. David Kaden, senior minister, expressed, "We are delighted to have Anna join our staff! In addition to her excellent qualifications, she brings energetic passion for the spiritual development of children and youth. She has a spark. And we are confident that under Anna's leadership, this vital ministry will grow and flourish for years to come."

Sannes received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University and Master of Science in Educational Studies from Johns Hopkins University. She is certified to teach Special Education and Secondary Mathematics, and has studied Urban Education and Advanced Practices for Inclusion and Differentiated Instruction. During the five years she was teaching in Baltimore, she served as Children and Youth Programs Associate for Cleveland Park Church in Washington, DC.

Karin Silva was a member of the search committee that selected Sannes. "We strive to create an environment in which all children and youth feel welcome, accepted, and have a sense of belonging. Anna possesses all of the skills and experiences we were seeking. Our expectation is that she will help us to grow our programs in both size and scope, providing our kids with even more opportunities to form meaningful relationships and participate in service projects," according to Silva.

Sannes shared, "It was clear to me that the FCCI community truly desires a space for their children and youth to explore and take ownership over their own faith journey. I firmly believe in encouraging questions and exploration, helping young people to form their beliefs. I'm thrilled to join a community dedicated to serving one another and the broader community to make the world more loving and just."

Fall plans at FCCI include its first ever 'Blessing of the Backpacks' on Sunday, September 9 during the 10:00 am worship service. Students of all ages and school staff are invited to participate bringing their backpack (or briefcase!) for a special send-off to launch the new school year.

On October 21, Sannes is helping to organize an inter-generational celebration of the National Observance of Children's Sabbath. 'Realizing Dr. King's Vision: Ending Child Poverty' is the theme locally and nationally. FCCI will be joining with thousands of places of worship across the nation to affirm a shared commitment to children. All children and youth programming at FCCI on October 21 will take place within the specially-designed inter-generational service.

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