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AMEC THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICTChristian Education Department

The Right Reverend McKinley Young, Presiding BishopDr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Episcopal Supervisor

288 South Hamilton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43213-2034 Office Phone (614) 575-2279Rev. Dr. Otis J. Gordon, Jr. – CED Chairman (419) 243-2237 Rev. Karen R. Schaeffer, Ph.D. – CED Director (513) 305-8295

Third District Christian Education DepartmentNew Wine, New Wine Skins

Church School Innovations Start Up Kit

Purpose: This document is designed to provide a thorough description of the “New Wine, New Wine Skins” project, and supply guidance documents to support efficient planning and implementation of creative and effective Church Schools. These materials are to be used along with the web-based training module required for all participating local Church School leaders.

Contents Page“New Wine New Wine Skins” Project At-A-Glance 2Participation Agreement (to be signed by CED Director, Pastor, and Church School Supt.) 3Application Form 4Baseline Assessment Tool (due no later than April 30, 2016 for Cohort I) 5 required items 1-8 (pages 6-10 optional help)Action Planning Process Document 11 (use this process or another of your choice)Project Reporting Requirements 13Cohort Report Form 14Communication Planning Document 15 Third District CED Guidance 16Recommended Reading/Links 16

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38 (NRSV)

© CED Third Episcopal District AME Church 2015

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“New Wine New Wine Skins” Project At-A-GlanceCohort I (24 Local Churches) Cohort II (24 Churches) Subsequent Cohort(s)

Tim

elin

e

Jan. 30, 2016 Application & Participation Agreement in

Feb. 15, 2016 Web-based overview completed

Feb. 16, 2016 1st webinar conference

Feb. 2016 Local planning meeting conducted

Mar. 2016 Local implementation steps outlined

April 2016 First steps enacted & baseline report in

July 18-21 Report/Network at Tawawa

Jan. 30, 2017 Submit first outcome report

Tawawa 2017 Report/Network

Dec. 15, 2016 Application Due

Jan. 30, 2017 Participation Agreement Due

Feb. 15, 2017 Web-based overview completed

Mar. 30, 2017 Local planning meeting conducted

April 30, 2017 Local implementation steps outlined

May 30, 2017 Baseline Report submitted

Tawawa July 10-13, 2017 Report/Network

Jan. 15. 2018 Submit final outcome report

Lessons learned from first two cohorts of local Church Schools will be applied to plan and enact the next phase of this Church School innovations project, “New Wine New Wine Skins”

Exp

ecta

tions

Complete the web-based orientation training

Use the tools provided in this Start Up Kit to design and implement an innovative Church School Model

Participate in Reporting Activities

Log on to monthly 1 hour webinars with CED leaders

Complete the web-based orientation training

Use the tools provided in this Start Up Kit to design and implement an innovative Church School Model

Participate in Reporting Activities

Log on to monthly 1 hour webinars with CED leaders

TBD



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Participation Agreement

The undersigned represent a local AME Church that has submitted an application form, and agree to participate fully in the activities of the “New Wine New Wine Skins” Church School Improvement Project of the Third Episcopal District AMEC.

Name of Church _________________________ City, ___________________________

Church School leader(s) will:

1. Complete the web-based overview session by Feb. 15, 20172. Participate in monthly consultation webinars beginning Feb. 21, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.3. Conduct a local planning session during which the required portion of the Baseline Assessment Tool, and

an Action Plan Process is used (in collaboration with those who have leadership roles in Christian Education for the local Church) to outline an innovative Church School Model.

4. Submit copies of these completed documents with the signatures of Pastor, CED Director, and Church School Superintendent to: Third District Church School Supt., Rev. Felicia Bagneris [email protected]

5. Communicate the plan to the congregation (see communication planning grid)6. Begin implementation of first steps by the end of April 2017.7. Register for, and fully participate in the Tawawa CEC including presenting at the Networking Session

July 10-13, 2017. 8. Complete and return the Project Report Template by Jan. 15, 2017.

Signatures

Pastor Date

CED Director Date

Church School Supt. Date



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mailto:[email protected]




New Wine, New Wine Skins

Proposal for Improving the Church School Application

Each church in the Third Episcopal District is invited to commit to creating a model for improving the Church School that can be shared with the entire district.

Name of Church

Street

City State ZIP

Phone Number Email

Pastor Phone No.

CED Director Phone No.

Church School Superintendent Phone No.Return to:Rev. Felicia [email protected] Box 474 Wilberforce, OH 45384-0474



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Baseline Assessment ToolThe purpose of this tool is to help you assess existing strengths, gifts and assets as well as to identify challenges and opportunities. This is the beginning of a strategic planning process supported by this Start-up Kit.

Name of Church _________________________ City, ___________________________Date __________________________

REQUIRED ITEMS 1-81. Which best describes the location of your local church:☐Rural ☐Urban ☐Suburban2. Estimated number of members in your congregation ___________

3. Program participation for past 3 weeks (whether in traditional Church School mode, or in another creative mode, how many are participating?):

Datexx/xx/20xx

Cradle roll (birth-2)

# Pre-K (3-5)

# Primary (6-8)

# Junior(9-11)

# Intermd. (12-14)

#Senior(15-18)

#Young Adult (19-39)

#Adult (40+)

4. Total students registered _______5. Literature currently using ____________________________________________6. Total number of teachers _________ 7. Total number of administrators _______8. Total number other Church School staff _____ (please specify) ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________(include all support persons who regularly help with Church School.)



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Optional items 9-47 provided as a resource to assist in your planning & implementation

Extent best practices in leadership in place

Church School Leaders How are we doing? Rate level of priority for improvement

9. Provide clear expectations and supervision to guide all operations of the Church School Program.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

10. Ensure that resources are allocated and provide encouragement to support all practices that are expected from superintendent, teachers and students.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11. Help develop the leadership capacities of the superintendent, teachers and students through effective communication and distribution of leadership responsibilities.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

12. Ensure ongoing communication with teachers, students and parents through emails, phone contacts, newsletters…

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10



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Extent best teaching practices in place

Teachers How are we doing? Rate level of priority for improvement

13. Study the lessons at least 2 hours each week.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

14. Role model respect, responsibility and leadership.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

15. Use music, dance, art, role-plays and other creative methods to maintain student interest.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

16. Plan and implement relevant, engaging, age/development appropriate lessons for each session.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

17. Participate in regular learning/planning meetings.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

18. Share gifts and testimony with students.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

19. Help with special programs and activities.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

20. Provide the instruction, encouragement and correction needed for students to meet behavioral expectations.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

21. Maintain confidentiality regarding each student.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10



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22. List gifts, talents, resources, strengths and assets present now:(examples, a teacher who is musically talented, classrooms well suited to various age groups and activities, equipment, spiritually grounded leaders…)

23. List your perceived barriers or obstacles that represent opportunities for growth(examples, low attendance, not enough teachers, limited finances, limited space, opposition to change…)

Assessing extent of best practices in outreach



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Outreach activities How are we doing? Rate level of priority for improvement

24. Build a class prospect list. Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

25. Pray for this prospect list. Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

26. Mail/email invitations to these prospects.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

27. Make phone calls to of these prospects (or to parents/caregivers if under age 18.)

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

28. Make a visit to this prospect’s house.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

29. Ask your pastor to promote Church School.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

30. Ask your pastor to encourage specific families.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

31. Plan a special event just for the class and prospects.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

32. Connect with prospects online (or to parents/caregivers if under age 18.).

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

33. Plan a giveaway or contest to promote attendance.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

34. Offer gifts to first time guests. Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

35. Maintain communication to make sure current students keep coming.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

36. Arrange to pickup children whose parents don’t attend.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10



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37. Encourage children to have friends over on Saturday night.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

38. Recruit a Church School champion.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Assessing extent of best practices for in reach

In reach activities How are we doing? Rate level of priority for improvement

39. Pray for each student weekly. Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

40. Maintain current and complete registration and attendance records.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

41. Celebrate individual milestones and achievements (birthdays, graduations…).

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

42. Show interest in each student (know their hobbies, sports etc.…).

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

43. Build relationships based on mutual respect (do not humiliate or embarrass a student).

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

44. Continuously learn and apply current best practices in education.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

45. Stay in touch with families and keep them informed about upcoming events etc.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

46. Get in touch right away when someone is absent.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10



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47. Have periodic field trips, celebrations and other special events.

Low Medium High 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10



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Action Planning Process DocumentAfter completing the Baseline Assessment Tool, you may use this worksheet to set goals, plan actions to meet goals, and set a timeline for showing evidence of growth. The purpose of this tool is to increase the likelihood that your visionary and innovative plans will actually be implemented.

What is the vision that you share regarding this “New Wine New Wine Skins” Church school Model? Describe in detail what you will see, hear and be able to touch once the Model is up and running. (example, We will see children and adults of all ages engaged in dynamic learning experiences….We will promote spiritual growth resulting in consistent attendance, improved biblical knowledge and behavior that demonstrates Christian principles.)

Look back at your needs assessment, what items are priorities for improvement because they are necessary to help you realize this vision?

1.

2.

3.



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Which of the priorities identified in your needs assessment process will you address in your action plan?

Goals based on priority needs

Tasks/activities to accomplish each goal

Set a timeline for accomplishing each task

Specify the person responsible for ensuring that each task happens?

1.

2.

3.

Date of goal setting:

Date of review:



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Project Report Requirements:

Cohort I Baseline Report Due April 30, 2016

Cohort I Outcome Report Due Jan. 30, 2017

Cohort II Baseline Report Due May 30, 2017

Cohort II Outcome Report Due Jan. 15, 2018

Baseline Report: Turn in completed Baseline Assessment Tool and your action plan along with any additional written information that you generated using optional templates, or materials you designed or obtained from other sources.

Cohort Outcome Report: Turn in the Cohort Outcome Report Form along with any materials that you believe may be of help to other Church Schools.

Rev. Felicia [email protected] Box 474 Wilberforce, OH 45384-0474



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Cohort Outcome Report Form

Name of Church _________________________ City, ___________________________

1. Which best describes the location of your local church:☐Rural ☐Urban ☐Suburban2. Estimated number of members in your congregation ___________

3. Program participation for past 3 weeks (whether in traditional Church School mode, or in another creative mode, how many are participating?):

Datexx/xx/20xx

Cradle roll (birth-2)

# Pre-K (3-5)

# Primary (6-8)

# Junior(9-11)

# Intermd. (12-14)

#Senior(15-18)

#Young Adult (19-39)

#Adult (40+)

4. Total students registered _______5. Literature currently using ______________________________________________6. Total number of teachers _________ 7. Total number of administrators _______8. Total number other Church School staff _____ (please specify) __________________________________________________________________________________________

(include all support persons who regularly help with Church School.)Signatures

Pastor Date

CED Director Date

Church School Supt. DateThen he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38 (NRSV)


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Communication Planning GridHow will we share this information with our congregation?

Who needs to know? How will we get the information out?

Who is responsible? (insert names from your local church to indicate the specific person who will complete each task.)

Congregation as a whole (Examples: Bulletin, Announcements, Newsletter, Social Media, Word of Mouth, Letter…)

Stewards

Trustees



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Third District CED Guidance

Web-based Orientation to the project online at www.3dame on the Christian Education Page

Start-up Kit with Guidance Documents also available on the Christian Education Page Monthly webinars to provide consultation on each third Tues. at 6:30 p.m. Networking & resource sharing opportunities at each Tawawa CEC Facilitating development of empowered Church School leadership at all levels in the

Third District

Recommended Reading/LinksNew Wine , New Wineskins . How African American Congregations Can Reach New Generations . By F. Douglas Powe Jr. Abington Press, 2012.

This text provides inspiration and practical advise for relevant timely innovative church today! While it does not focus specifically on Church School, this book describes the creative, responsive and timely measures that we need to consider as we develop our “New Wine New Wine Skins” projects.…………………….

Basic Sunday School Growth in Black Methodist Churches. By A Lee Henderson; Bobbye J Henderson, AMEC Publishing,1987.

This classic book provides historical and theological reasons why Black Church Schools have been set up to teach those who show up. This resource will help us stretch as we learn necessary practices for developing growth oriented Church Schools

…………………….



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http://www.3dame/






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