1, Issue 6 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION An introduction to a Phase I Certificate of Progress Program Class Let us take a moment to ponder about God. Here is a question to begin the process. Have you ever thought about the nature of God? Let us take a moment to contemplate the following word picture to begin our thinking. Page 4 In closing, “God has given His final and decisive revelation of Himself in Jesus Christ.” Again, are you equipped with the tools and knowledge to see His nature fully? If the answer is no, it would be wise to make plans to attend this class. - , Volume He was just a little boy, on a week's first day. Wandering home from Sunday School, and dawdling on the way. He scuffed his shoes into the grass; He even found a caterpillar. He found a fluffy milkweed pod, and blew out all the ‘filler.’ A bird's nest in a tree overhead, so wisely placed up high. Was just another wonder that caught his eager eye. A neighbor watched his zigzag course, and hailed him from the lawn; asked him where he'd been that day and what was going on. 'I've been to Bible School,’ He said and turned a piece of sod. He picked up a wiggly worm replying, ‘I've learned a lot about God.' 'Mmm, a very fine way,’ the neighbor said, ‘for a boy to spend his time.' 'If you'll tell me where God is, I'll give you a brand new dime.’ Quick as a flash the answer came! Nor were his accents faint. ‘I'll give you a dollar, Mister, if you can tell me where God ain't. | -Author UnknownThe question again, “Have you ever thought about the nature of God? “ Before and after one becomes a believer, we are directed to read the Holy Bible and consult the Scripture in order to discover what God has revealed to mankind about Himself. Yet, when we read and study do we consider looking beyond what is written to see “The nature of God?” Is it possible that we are not equipped with the knowledge to see His nature fully? One of our Certificate of Progress Program classes teaches on "How to Study and Teach THE BIBLE.” Some of the chapter titles are: "7he Centrality of Bible Study in the Life of the Church.” Another, "What the Bible Is” and lastly, "Bible Hermeneutics (Guidelines for Interpreting the Bible. In the story shown above, the writer takes us to see God everywhere. Yet, have you seen all of God? From the Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms, it states the following as to define God, nature of: God's being or who God is, in contrast with God's actions or what God does, Biblically, God's nature includes God as one, creator, redeemer, the source of law, just, loving, gracious, righteous, truth, faithful, patient, merciful, giver of life and peace, sovereign, judge, life and peace, sovereign, judge, righteous, truth. This is Our Mission .... di AIN'T = om oe ee MISSIONS CORNER One might ask the question, “Why do we need Mission Ministry?” Well, |'m glad you asked. In today’s fast-paced society, there’s a tendency to become so “busy” that there remains little time to gather together as women to study the Word of God. Many women, to include a large percentage of New Zion’s women, are employed outside the home, are caregivers to their families which may also include grandchild and senior care, are actively involved in civic and professional organizations, and find that there is little or no time to quietly commune with the Lord on a consistent basis. Attending Sunday worship service is an important means of growing and hearing God’s Word and we at New Zion have been abundantly blessed through the spirit-filled biblical sermon series of late. However, with the demands in their lives, many women find they need a venue to go deeper into study. That's where the Mission Ministry comes in. At the Mission meetings, we study the Word of God utilizing first and foremost, the Bible, and the National Baptist Convention, Inc. Women’s Auxiliary Quarterly Mission Books. The lessons are written by godly women and address pertinent issues affecting women. Through spirited study we discuss and learn how to apply God’s Word in lives, to nurture our spiritual growth, strengthen our prayer life and walk with the Lord. We praise God together, we often laugh together, sometimes we cry together but most importantly, we pray for and encourage each other. What are some of the blessings of our meeting together? We become equipped to go beyond our meeting location to: minister to those of New Zion who are sick and shut in; offer compassionate comfort in times of bereavement; share the good new of Jesus with our families, friends and the unsaved; faithfully serve in other New Zion auxiliaries and ministries; and ultimately we keep the flame of our passion to serve as the light of Jesus Christ burning wherever we may venture. This is our mission! If you sense the Holy Spirit is calling you to a deeper relationship with the Lord ... the Mission Ministry would truly welcome you to join us on the 2" and 4' Tuesday [July 8 and 22” at 6:00 p.m.]. Together we can fulfill all that the Lord has predestined for us as faithful women of God. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Please be in prayer for the Dixon, Dabney, Cottrell, Davis, Knox and all other families who have had loved ones recently pass away. CPR May God bless, comfort and keep you in your time of bereavement. Bi ‘ble St | Es Ee mrorerr wll pate emesis lll, eee ae bs as accel Pastor Davis would like to Recent Events & Acknowledgements — encourage all church officers, members and DIBED ae La any anna Study sessions each Wednesday at 12 Noon and 7:00 p.m. : Hope to see YOU there! Father’s Day Celebration* All the fathers would like to thank Dcn. Hutchinson (Don. President), Min. Holman (Mission President), Sis. Flaine Walton (Event Coordinator), Sis. Davis (First Lady) and the all women of New Zion for their efforts in preparing and serving a scrumptious luncheon and distributing lapel pins and key chains to all the fathers during the Father’s Day Celebration on Sunday, June 15th. © Big Thank Min. Michael Smauldons’ Initial Sermon (Sunday, June 29" )* Ou, ! Min. Smauldon acknowledges God for calling him to do the great task of preaching the Gospel ae ; ; to His people. In addition, he extends his deep appreciation to Pastor Davis for his assistance in preparing him for this endeavor, Associate Pastors, the Kitchen and Ushers Ministries, Mass Choir and Bro. Law, my New Zion Baptist Church family, area Ministers and Deacons, and last but not least, my family and friends who has and continues to support me. May God continue to bless and keep you all!