14th Annual Church School Seminar
On Saturday, October 27th, 2007, the First Episcopal Church School celebrated its 14th Annual Church School Seminar and Luncheon, at the, always and welcoming, Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Church, where Rev. Martha Lang is the pastor, Sis. Jeanne Chavious, Philadelphia Conference Church School Superintendent was the warm and gracious host.
The theme of the Seminar was ”A Marriage Made in Heaven…Church School and Evangelism” Despite a day that started out with torrential rainstorms, the event was well attended. After an ample continental breakfast, the Bermuda Conference Church School Praise Team led us in a inspiring Devotion Service.
Bro. Joe Thomas, former Conference Superintendent for Western, New York was our Presiding Officer. Young Bro. Earl Knight, of Zion A.M.E., was the organist for the day. The Golden Voices of New Jersey, led by Min. Samuel Jones, Conference Superintendent for New Jersey harmonized a melody of spirit-filled and soulful songs. The harmony was impeccable and soulful.
Rev. Deborah Speakes, Associate Minister of St. Matthews A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia delivered our Morning Meditation. Her subject was “I Will”. Rev. Speakes highlighted on our vows to the Lord and to one another. As teachers, superintendents and Church School workers she emphasized that we are spiritually married to each other due to our rebirth in Jesus Christ and the evangelistic calling in our lives. In her closing, she brought into focus that if we say, “I Will” to the Lord then we also have to declare “I Do” in our teaching ministry of the Church School and Evangelism, “A Marriage Made in Heaven.” We thank God for Rev. Speakes and pray God’s continuous blessings upon her ministry.
Our workshops were facilitated by four renowned Christian Educators in all African Methodism.
Our Joint Learning Experience – “The Arm – Having it in the Right Position” (The Church School, the Evangelistic Arm of the Church) was conducted by Rev. Dr. Earl R. Jefferson, C.E.D. Consultant. Dr. Jefferson highlighted on five key areas of concentration for the Church School ministry:
- The Bible – The Core Curriculum for Everything Done in the Church – We need to use it, and rightly divide the word of truth. The Bible is Enough!
- The Mission of Church – God’s work in the world. To witness to the good news of God’s redeeming love as revealed in the lift, the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- As Christians we are responsible for one another as well. We are called upon to minister to our fellow human beings.
- Three most important elements of the Church School are:
o The students – who are nurtured by the sharing of God’s word and by the sharing of the faith;
o The teachers…who are Bible learners as well as Bible teachers, who are continually striving to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
o The curriculum…which is any and everything that contributes to the teach-learning process
v Every Christian Leader’s Business is EVANGELISM – THAT OF SHARING THE GOOD NEWS
v Last, but not least, strive for a balanced prayer life.
Our afternoon sessions consisted of three workshops:
“STEP UP THE WORD – The World is Waiting to Hear From You (Creating a Climate for Reaching the Un-Churched Community” Class I – was facilitated by Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Pastor of St. Luke A.M.E. Church in Harlem, NY. Rev. Wilson highlighted on several key steps to effectively promote the Word of God:
v Know what’s going on in the Hood
v Step outside the box
v Study the demographics
v Develop workshops for leadership training and ministries
v Develop a Bible Plan tailored to the community the meet the unchurched right where they are
v We are a team – a two parent family (Church School and Evangelism
“STEP UP THE WORD – The World is Waiting to Hear From You” (Creating a Climate for Reaching the Un-Churched Community Class II – was facilitated by Bro. William Booze, Conference Lay Facilitator of New Jersey and a member of New Bethel Vineland A.M.E. Church in Vineland, NJ. Bro Booze compelled us to be truthful and honest in our ministry:
v Each of us is called to be a revelation of Jesus Christ to the world.
v We are called to be willing vessels in the hands of God – not just in the church, but also in our homes, our communities, our workplaces and beyond.
v Our ministry, according to God’s plan, goes beyond the four walls of the Church.
v God wants us to take our ministry to the world
The workshop geared for the Superintendents “This is How We Do It…(Equipping Teachers to Teach Evangelistically) was facilitated by Rev. James E. Booker Jr., pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church in Harlem, NY…”My Pastor” Rev. Booker highlighted on the Basics:
v The Gospels – Knowing the Good News of Jesus Christ
v Being empowered to share the Good News
v Being baptized and filled with the Holy Spriit
v Living a life demonstrating the Good News
v Knowing what one must do to be saved
v Be ready to lead someone to Christ at any time
He admonished us as teachers we must:
v Have a consistent prayer life in regular communion with God – not just a Sunday Morning Fling
v Be led and empowered by the Holy Sprit when ministering to the lost.
v Must be a student of the Word (2 Tim 2:15)
v We must know more than just, “Jesus Wept,” “The Lord is My Light.., The Lord is My Shepherd...” and “the Lord’s Prayer.”
He told us to “Go Get ‘Em in Jesus’ Name!
Each facilitator brought a wealth of knowledge and information to their audience. I was extremely pleased when we reviewed the evaluation forms, each instructor was rated outstanding for clarity, and presentation. The 255 attendants of this 14h Annual Seminar can truly say, they came, they studied, they learned…
A Candlelight Memorial of all departed Church School workers was led by Sisters Jean Adams and Shirley Richards, Church School Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent (respectively), of the South District, and Sis. Lydia Kelly, Assistant Superintendent of the West/Main Line District.
The following individuals were recipients were presented with plaques for outstanding and committed service to the Church School:during this conference year:
Bro. William Booze – New Jersey Annual Conference
Rev. Carmen Walston – New York Annual Conference
Sis. Kathleen Williams – Delaware Annual Conference
Bro. Ernest and Sis. Beatrice Signor – Bermuda Annual Conference
Bro. Joe Thomas – former Conference Superintendent for WNY - 15 years of dedicated service
Sis. Delores Drummond – former Delaware Conference Superintendent – for 20 years of service
Rev. Martha Lang – Pastor – Mt. Tabor A.M.E. – Phil, PA – “Ministerial Award”
I would like to commend and thank the “Magnificent 7” Conference Superintendents (Sis. Jeanne Chavious, Rev. Samuel Jones, Sis. Christine Powell, Sis. Nadine Lapsley-Dyer, Sis. Barbara Lash, Sis. Carolyn Williams and Rev. Roger Sawtelle); Sis. Marianne Brooks, Treasurer, Sis. Mary S. Davis, Secretary, along with the 1st District Church School Council, for their commitment and leadership.
Accolades to Rev. Martha Lang, Bro. Lang and the Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Church family for their hospitality; Sis. Jeanne Chavious, our Host Superintendent. May God continue to bless your church in kingdom building because the spirit of Christ is truly reflected in the members and in your ministry.