CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2017 “CREDIBLE” Matthew 5:14-16

Rev. Dr. Kathryn G. Brown General Secretary, Christian Education Department

1 Dear Christian Educators,

Sunday, September 17th is Christian Education Sunday in the life of our Zion. The theme for CED Sunday is “Credible.” The Christian Education Sunday worship experience is designed to highlight the ways in which the ministry of Christian Education fosters the development of credible Christian disciples.

“Practices That Lead Toward Credibility” is the Christian Education Department’s emphasis from September 2017 through September 2018. For the next 12 months we will explore various practices that lead toward credibility. We will also review our personal and departmental practices and evaluate how these practices lead to credibility.

This guide provides valuable information for Christian Education Sunday worship and 12 months of plans in conjunction with our theme. I am excited about this opportunity to grow in credibility. I hope that you are too!

Expect the Great!

Rev. Dr. Kathryn G. Brown General Secretary, Christian Education

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• Videotape or obtain written testimonies of the impact of your local church’s district’s or conference’s Christian Education ministry. Display written testimonies with photos on bulletin boards. If possible, show videos during the worship experience or at a reception following the morning worship.

• Select someone under 19 to write an essay, poem or spoken work on the topic, “Being A Credible Witness for Christ in the 21st Century.” Have them share what they write during the morning worship service.

• Using Matthew 5: 14-16 as the foundation scripture, present an object lesson that teaches about being light in the world (see next page)

• Prior to Christian Education Sunday, have students and teachers identify the top 10 ways Christian students and teachers can let their light shine during this school year. Select two students and two educators to share these top 10 ways (and include in the Sunday bulletin) followed by the prayer on page 9 and “book blessing.” Remind students of all ages to bring their books, tablets, etc. to church so that they can participate in the “book blessing.”

• Include the Litany for CED Sunday in the appropriate place in the worship experience (see page 8).

• Invite local educators to worship and include them in the special prayer and “book blessing.”

• Promote Truthville 2017 (information is on page 12).

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Object Lesson Based on Matthew 5:14-16

• Display several different kinds of light bulbs on a table (chandelier bulb, refrigerator bulb, regular light bulb). • Ask the children to explain the purpose of a light bulb. Ask them why the light bulbs look different. Ask if the different sizes and shapes impact the bulb’s purpose. • Have a few students hold up a light bulb and try to get it to shine. Encourage them to try different ways to make it shine by holding it higher, turning it upside down, shaking it, etc. (remind them to be careful not to break the bulb). Then ask why the light bulb is not doing what is was made to do? Make sure their answers point to the fact that the light bulb must have a source; it cannot shine on its own. • Have one of the children (previously prepared) to read Matthew 5:14-16. Ask them to explain this scripture in their own word. Ask for examples of how we let our light shine at home, school, church, with friends, in the grocery store, on the playground, etc. Point out that letting our light shine is the same as being a credible disciple. Remind them that the bulb cannot shine on its own. It has to be connected to a power source. Just like a light bulb is not able to shine light on its own even though it was created for that very purpose, we also cannot shine the Light of Jesus unless we are connected to the source – Him! • Screw the bulb into a lamp that is plugged into a power source so that they can see how the light bulb is able to shine when connected to the lamp. Remind them that although the bulbs are not all the same, they all will shine when connected to the right power source. Explain that JESUS is the right power source for all us , regardless of our size, race, gender, family background, skills, etc. Point out that we are only able to shine when we stay connected to Christ! Ask for examples of how we stay connected to God (praying regularly, reading the Bible, worshipping, serving, obeying God).

Adapted from Creative Bible Study http://www.creativebiblestudy.com/objectlesson-light.html 4 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE

Recommended Scriptures:

• Genesis 39:1-10 • Exodus 1:1-21 • Matthew 5:14-16 • Ephesians 5:1-20

Recommended Music:

Congregational: “More About Jesus” - #263* ”They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love” - #683* “More Love To Thee” - #256* ”Yield Not To Temptation” - #518 I Am Thine O Lord #644* “Trust and Obey” – #443* “O Jesus I Have Promised - #472* “Give Me A Clean Heart” - #461** “ “We Are Christian Educators” (see page 7) “Pass It On” – (see page 6) “You Are My Strength” – Miranda Curtis (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G37B3XHPc8Q) ”Lord You Are Good” – Todd Galberth – (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-hs33zcLAU)

Choir/Solo/Liturgical Dance

”Change Me” – Tamela Mann “His Blood Still Works” – VaShawn Mitchell “My Life, My Love, My All” – Kirk Franklin “Here I Am To Worship” – Israel Houghton and New Breed -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjpmoVPokt0 “Love Lifted Me” – Hezekiah Walker - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XPp9Gyga_Y “For the Rest of My Life” – Timothy Wright - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad2k3FEhcz0 “What If God Is Unhappy With Our Praise” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnalBmpgdBQ

*A.M.E. Zion Bi-Centennial Hymnal **African-American Heritage Hymnal

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“We Are Christian Educators” (to the tune of “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder) (Written by Dr. Mary Love)

We are Christian Educators. We are Christian Educators. We are Christian Educators. Answering to God’s call.

We are teaching one another. We are teaching one another We are teaching one another About God’s love and grace.

Red and blue are our colors. Red and blue are our colors. Red and blue are our colors Visually showing our call.

We are following your Son, Jesus. We are following your Son, Jesus. We are following your Son, Jesus. Striving to be your Church.

Optional verse (recommended by Rev. Kathryn G. Brown, General Secretary, Christian Education Department):

Rise! Shine! Give God the glory! Rise! Shine! Give God the glory! Rise! Shine! Give God the glory! Soldier of the cross!

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Pass It On (Y.A.C.M. Theme Song)

It only takes a spark to get a fire going, And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing; That's how it is with God's Love, Once you've experienced it, Your spread the love to everyone You want to pass it on.

What a wondrous time is spring, When all the tress are budding The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming; That's how it is with God's love, Once you've experienced it. You want to sing, it's fresh like spring, You want to pass it on.

I wish for you my friend This happiness that I've found; You can depend on God It matters not where you're bound, I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD! I want the world to know The Lord of love has come to me I want to pass it on.

I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD! I want the world to know The Lord of love has come to me I want to pass it on.

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CED SUNDAY 2017 LITANY

LEADER: I am called to be a credible, committed Christian disciple.

RESPONSE: To be credible is to be believable. I desire to live my life so that others will believe that I believe in Jesus Christ, and as a result, they too will believe!

LEADER: I am called to be a credible, committed Christian disciple.

RESPONSE: To be committed is to be dedicated and loyal; to not give up even when when I am uncomfortable or life gets tough.

LEADER: I am called to be a credible, committed Christian disciple.

RESPONSE: A disciple attaches self to the teacher so that the teacher’s behavior becomes theirs.

LEADER: As a credible, committed Christian disciple, I endeavor to love the Lord my God with all of my heart, and with all of my soul and with all of my mind. I endeavor to love my neighbor as myself.

RESPONSE: I will serve Christ and Christ’s church. I will pray as Jesus prayed and endeavor to love as Jesus loves.

LEADER: As a credible, committed Christian disciple, I desire to fulfill God’s purpose for my life.

RESPONSE: GOD made me. I did not make myself! I am a sheep of God’s pasture; therefore, I belong to God! I want God to direct my path.

LEADER:. Jesus is the light of the world. His light shines in me.

ALL: I will let this light shine so that others will see my good works and glorify my Father in heaven.

Written by Rev. Kathryn G. Brown, General Secretary of the Christian Education Department, A.M.E. Zion Church and inspired by the CED mission statement and Psalm 100:3, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 5:14-16, 22:37-38.

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BACK TO SCHOOL PRAYER

A PRAYER FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR: From the heart of Dr. Stephanie Buchanon Crowder, Assistant Professor, Chicago Theological Seminary

Holy One, like the rushing of a mighty wind let your Spirit:

INTERVENE -for parents who don't know how to speak up for their children -for teachers who lack resources and materials -for children who go to school to eat -for students in every class-- accelerated, special needs, basic level -for custodians who go beyond the call of duty

INTERCEPT -any vehicle that doesn't honor school crossing signs - administrators who lack cultural competence -teachers with a hostile attitude -any cafeteria worker who is not compassionate -any sleepy or inattentive bus driver -government officials blocking school funds -bullies and material and social intimidation

INTERRUPT -students so that mediocrity is unacceptable -teachers so they educate for life not just for test taking -parents so that meeting with teachers is a priority -counselors and nurses so they listen and act raptly -coaches for to teach the game of life -administrators so that communication not suspicion or suspension is the first option -the community so that all hands are on deck in educating our children

Hear our prayers. Amen.

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REVIEWING OUR PRACTICES: PRACTICES THAT LEAD TO CREDIBILITY

As we move into the second part of our denominational theme, the Christian Education Department will focus on Reviewing Our Practices: Practices That Lead to Credibility. Christian educators will lead our church in reviewing personal and departmental practices. More specifically, we will be intentional in examining how our practices support growing as credible witnesses in a world that is craving credibility. Christian educators are asked to follow the guidelines on the next two pages for 12 months of reviewing our practices and exploring practices that lead to credibility.

The dictionary defines “credible” as offering reasonable grounds for being believed; able to be believed; convincing. As Christians seeking to bring light to a dark world, it is important for us to be intentional credible in our lifestyle and church practices. For the next 12 months, Christian educators are encouraged to explore lifestyle practices that lead to credibility as follows:

A. Practices That Lead to Credibility: Personal Insight and Plan Christian Educators are encouraged to spend the before Christian Education Sunday completing a personal assessment of our spiritual growth. It is easy to neglect our personal spiritual growth when we are involved in the demands of serving in the church. It is also dangerous to serve others and neglect our continued spiritual development. Use the survey found at this site to honestly evaluate your spiritual growth. It will take some time, but it’s worth the time. It will be useful to do it with others with whom you serve or within your circle. It is also fine to make this a personal assessment between you and God. Cut and paste this link into your browser: http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_PDF_DSC_Spiritual_Growth_Assessment.pdf

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REVIEWING OUR PRACTICES: PRACTICES THAT LEAD TO CREDIBILITY

B. Practices That Lead to Credibility: A Monthly Study of Credible Biblical Personalities

• Begin an 11 month study on credibility by studying the following Biblical personalities: • September: Joseph (Genesis 37, 39-50) • October: Daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27) • November: David (I Samuel 17) • December: Gabriel (Luke 1:26-56) • January: Hezekiah (II Chronicles 29) • February: Shiprah and Puah (Exodus 1) • March: Jesus (Matthew 4) • April: Jesus (John 8:1-30) • May : The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-30) • June: Peter (Acts 2:1-41) • July: The “Believers” (Acts 2:42-47)

• Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit for insight and direction in leading this study. As you study these passages, feel free to study other passages that may relate to text. Explore the following questions with those participating in the study: a) What signs of credibility do you see in this Biblical personality? b) Did they exhibit behaviors that made them more or less credible? c) Did anyone question or doubt their credibility? If so, how did they deal with doubters? d) What do you learn about being credible from this passage?

Episcopal, Conference, District and Local Church Directors of Christian Educators should embark upon this study with their workers and officers. District and Local Church Youth Directors should also utilize this study with the youth council officers. Any of these personalities can be the focus of Bible study during Super Saturdays, District Sunday School Conventions and CED Conferences and CED Day during Annual Conference.

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REVIEWING OUR PRACTICES: PRACTICES THAT LEAD TO CREDIBILITY

C. Practices That Lead to Credibility: Exploring Spiritual Disciplines

Using Richard Foster’s Study Guide for Celebration of Discipline, begin a 12 month study of the these Spiritual Disciplines. Specifically explore how these disciplines are practices that help us become more credible disciples. This study is also recommended for all Christian educators. Pastors may choose to use this study with their congregation. Study leaders and others may desire to purchase the book Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by the same author. This book provides greater insight into each of the disciplines in the Study Guide.

REVIEWING OUR PRACTICES DEPARTMENTALLY

A. Reviewing Our Practices: What, Why, How, When, and Where

Episcopal Directors of Christian Education are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that Conference and District Christian Education Departments review their practices. Local churches are encouraged to do the same. The purpose of this review is to determine what we are doing, why we do what we are doing, how we do what we do, when we do what we do and where we do what we do. More specifically, Episcopal, Conference and District Christian Education Departments should look at their meetings, conferences, events, election of officers, etc. according to the questions above and answer the following questions: 1) How do these events/activities foster credible disciples? 2) If we changed our dates, timing, location or programming, would it help or hinder our ability to foster the development of credible disciples? Elaborate

These assessments should be completed by January 2018. The Episcopal Directors are asked to send these assessments to the General Secretary by February 1, 2018.

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A special invitation is extended to Choir directors, praise and worship leaders, acolytes, musicians and others involved in leading worship!

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