Rev.  Kathryn  G.  Brown  General  Secretary,  Chris8an  Educa8on  Department  

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Dear Christian Educators,

Sunday, September 18th is Christian Education Sunday in the life of our Zion. This year’s theme is taken from the new quadrennial theme for the denomination, which was introduced during the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference in July. The new theme is “The Freedom Church: Refocusing on our Purpose, Reviewing our Practices, Re-tooling our People and Reaching our Potential.”

Our theme for this year’s CED Sunday is “Focusing On Purpose.” The worship experience is designed to celebrate God who created each of us on purpose and with a purpose! Post worship events have been developed to focus on the purpose of the ministry of Christian Education and to help us focus on our purpose as Christ’s disciples.

“Focus On Purpose” is the Christian Education Department’s theme from September 2016 through September 2017. This guide is designed to launch the new theme with resources for CED Sunday and the months thereafter. Additional resources will be provided at Truthville 2016! Let’s make the commitment to live our lives ON PURPOSE – God’s divine purpose!

Expect the Great!

Rev. Kathryn G. Brown General Secretary, Christian Education

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Recommended Scriptures: •  Genesis 1:26-28 •  Exodus 3:1-15 •  Psalm 139 •  Esther 3:1-14 •  Jeremiah 1:4-10 •  Luke 4:17-22 •  Acts 9:10-19 •  Ephesians 4:1-16 Recommended Music: Congregational: “The Church’s One Foundation” - #304* “A Charge to Keep I Have #439* “Have Thine Own Way- #$492* I Am Thine O Lord #644* “Trust and Obey” – #443 “O Jesus I Have Promised - #472* “Completely Yes” #551** “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus - #400** “Lead Me, Guide Me” - #474** “Only What You Do For Christ Will Last” - #548** “Open the Eyes of My Heart” – Michael W. Smith - https://youtu.be/Vnqb7Vn4AEE “One Way” – Hillsong United - https://youtu.be/gbVXZ0KOpuw “I’m Yours” – Casey J - https://youtu.be/BLxiRspWw2I?list=PLbIwq6HuKrKw9-c63LJcynWeuJ6IjxOpx *’I’ll Be the One”- Bri (Bria Babineaux) - https://youtu.be/NXGAu6sXXrc?list=PLbIwq6HuKrKw9-c63LJcynWeuJ6IjxOpx “They’ll Know We Are Christians” - #683* “We Are Christian Educators” (see page 4) “Pass It On” – (see page 5) Choir “Changed” – Tramaine Hawkins “God Wants A Yes” – Ricky Dillard “Lord, I’m Available to You” – Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Singers “I Need Your Glory” – James Fortune & FIYA “Intentional””- Travis Greene “Jesus Will” – Anita Wilson “Souled Out” – Hezekiah Walker “Yes You Can” – Marvin Sapp *A.M.E. Zion Bi-Centennial Hymnal **African-American Heritage Hymnal

CHRISTIAN  EDUCATION  SUNDAY  WORSHIP  SERVICE  

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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!

CHRISTIAN  EDUCATION  SUNDAY  WORSHIP  SERVICE  

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CHRISTIAN  EDUCATION  SUNDAY  WORSHIP  SERVICE  

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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FOCUS  ON  PURPOSE  DURING  THE  WORSHIP  SERVICE  

•  Incorporate the mission of the Christian Education Department into the

worship service (see page 7). Utilize the litany on page 9 to help emphasize the CED mission.

•  Select a student to choose either “One Way” by Hillsong or I’ll Be the One” by Bri and prepare a 2 minute presentation about what the song teaches them about being focused and/or about purpose.

•  Utilize the prayer prompt on page 8 prior to praying the morning prayer.

•  Prior to Christian Education Sunday, have students and teachers identify the top 10 reasons to excel in school. Have one of the students share these top 10 reasons (and include in the Sunday bulletin) followed by the prayer on page 10 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.”

•  Invite local educators to worship and include them in the special prayer

and “book blessing.”

•  Promote Truthville 2016 (information is on page 12).

     

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FOCUS  ON  PURPOSE  DURING  THE  WORSHIP  SERVICE  Mission  Statement  of  the  ChrisFan  EducaFon  Department  

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The  mission  of  the    ChrisFan  EducaFon  Department  of  the  

African  Methodist  Episcopal  Zion  Church  is  to  unify,  promote  and  supervise    ChrisFan  training  that  fosters  the  

development  of  credible,  commiSed  ChrisFan  disciples.    

Through  Biblically  based,    doctrinally  sound,    

innovaFve  and  relevant    educaFon,  training  and  worship,  the  Department  works  collaboraFvely    

with  the  Board  of  ChrisFan  EducaFon    to  disciple  the  enFre  membership  of  the  

denominaFon.  

FOCUS  ON  PURPOSE  DURING  THE  WORSHIP  SERVICE    

Prayer  Prompt  for  use  prior  to  the  morning  prayer  

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As we prepare our hearts for prayer, I am going to ask us to think about our cell phones. Yes, our cell phones! In fact, if you have your cell phone, hold it up as we are preparing to pray. Many of us depend on our cell phones to communicate throughout the day and evening. In order for a cell phone to work properly, it must be able to receive a signal from the provider’s cell tower. When the signal is strong, we are able to hear and be heard clearly. When the signal is weak, communication is unclear. In fact, sometimes calls will drop if the signal is weak. What causes a weak signal? The two primary causes are distance from the cell tower and obstructions that cause interference. In order to remedy the problem, callers must get closer to the cell tower and/or remove obstructions that interfere with the signal. Some of us have been trying to find our purpose in life. We may have prayed but are unable to hear what God is saying. Could it be that we are like cell phones and our signal has become weak? Have we allowed life’s challenges and busyness to move us far from God (our “cell tower”)? Are certain people, circumstances and habits “obstructions” that interfere with our ability to discern God’s voice? Today, as we prepare to pray, I invite you to think about the quality of your communication with God. Draw close to God – our “spiritual “cell tower.” Remove the obstructions that are causing interference and allow God to speak as we pray….

CED SUNDAY 2016 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:. As I stay connected to Christ, the true vine, I will bear much fruit! ALL: I am called! I am credible! I am committed! I am a disciple of Jesus Christ! 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 22:37-38, and John 15:1-2. 9  

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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FOCUS ON PURPOSE AFTER THE WORSHIP SERVICE

•  Organize a CED Ministry Fair in which each ministry under Christian Education will development a creative display regarding the PURPOSE of the ministry. Be enthusiastic and creative! Serve refreshments that relate to the ministry (ex: red and white cupcakes for Varick’s Children, blue chips and red salsa for the overall Christian Education Department, purple punch for VICYC/youth ministry, red and gold apples for YACM/young adults, traditional dishes for senior ministry!)

•  Launch “Five Marks of A Methodist” focus groups as a Credible, Committed Discipleship Experience (CCDE) over the next five months. Traditionally, focus groups are demographically diverse groups of people assembled to participate in a guided discussion about a product or provide ongoing feedback on a TV series, etc. This CCDE will help participants focus on purpose, by exploring how the “Five Marks” helps us become more credible, committed Christian disciples! The CCDE should begin in October and meet monthly (or twice a month if preferred) through February. It is important to be flexible and open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Resources for this study are: •  Five Marks of a Methodist: The Fruit of a Living Faith by Steve Harper •  Five Marks of a Methodist Leader Guide by Margrey R. deVega •  Five Marks of a Methodist Participant’s Guide by Margrey R. deVega •  There is a DVD by Steve Harper to accompany the study which can be

purchased at www.abingdonpress.com

•  Participate in the first “CEDTalk!” on Monday, September 19 at 8:30 pm EST. Modeled after TED-Talks, the Christian Education Department is launching periodic 20 minute CEDTalks via Periscope. Our premiere CED Talk is on “Purpose” and will be presented by Rev. Brian Thompson, Pastor of Simon Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Fayetteville, NC and Co-Advisor for the Young Adults in Christian Ministries. In order to participate you will need to follow cedamezion on Periscope! Spread the word!

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TRUTHVILLE PROMOTION

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