.Volume 1, Issue 8 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Have you ever thought about the evolution of Christian Education? Why “the education and _formation of persons in the Christian church in all areas of life in light of the Christian faith (Westminster) has become essential to our development? Here is an excerpt that may help you with answering these questions. In 1559 John Calvin himself founded a school, the Geneva Academy, and he was very influential in creating Christian schools throughout the city of Geneva. Calvin understood that for the effects of the Reformation to continue, providing children a Christian education was essential. John Knox helped form Christian schools throughout Scotland and these schools operated in conjunction with both the church and the state. Holding Fast: Christian Education Across the Centuries Article originally from Teacher to Teacher, October 2003 issue (continued) Slowly, the modern Christian school movement gained momentum. It began to flourish in the 1950s and 60s, and by the 1970s and 80s, the movement had exploded. All across the United States, faithful people were planting Christian schools, thousands of which continue today. Several Christian colleges and universities rose to the occasion and began training teachers with a view toward Christian education. Christian publishers began producing educational texts and materials, and today many Christian textbooks are available at all grade levels—even some at the college level. Modern technology continues to make Christian education even more accessible for many families with video, satellite, and computer-based classes and curriculum. The age-old battle between Christian education and secular education continues today. And many are wondering where Christian education is headed in the future. For Christian education to thrive, pastors must teach their congregations its importance. Universities must train quality Christian teachers. Christian textbook publishers must produce thoroughly biblical, educationally sound materials and Christian educators must get these truths and resources into the hands and minds of the students. Sunday schools in England and in the United States contributed greatly to the cause of Christian education. In the late 1700s the Sunday school movement began to thrive in Great Britain, with Robert Raikes being one of its most wellknown leaders. Sunday schools began as a separate entity from the church with the primary goal of offering religious and moral education to poor children on Sundays. As the movement progressed, it broadened in scope to reach a larger variety of children. Sunday schools soon spread to the United States where by the nineteenth century more than 100,000 were in operation. Above all, we must invoke God's hand of protection and blessing upon so great an endeavor. For we would surely not want the Christian to slip out of Christian education. Not on our watch. (By Walter G. Fremont, Dean Emeritus of the School of Education at Bob Jones University, with Stephanie Ludlum. Works Consultedhttp://www. hightestscores.com/articles/christian-education-4.htm) In closing, | would like to take a moment to rejoice because we, New Zion Baptist Church, can say that our Christian Leadership School is a contribution to this significant effort. May God's will be done! The summer months are slowly coming to a close MISSIO but the Mission Ministry is swiftly forging on! There is indeed much work to be done in the Lord’s vineyard REPORT of New Zion and our hearts are turned toward humble service. @ Please take a look at the photos of our recent Back-to-School celebration in the church vestibule. A grateful “thank you” is extended to Sis. Betty Smauldon, our Newsletter Editor, for capturing this spiritfilled and enjoyable annual church celebration. A special “note of thanks” is given to Sis. Roberta Dixon for her dedicated sponsorship of “Rainbow the Clown” for previous and this years celebration. Last but not least, a heartfelt “God bless you” to Dea. Harry Nunn, Bro. Ray Younger and everyone who so faithfully worked, prayed and supported this event for our church and community youth! @ We praise and thank the Lord for our recent Men’s and Women's Day Celebration! The women of New Zion partnered with our Men for a wonderful anointed celebration. @ The intermountain General Baptist Convention (IGBC) recently concluded their 91s* Annual Session, August 12-17, 2008, at Second Baptist Church. As President of the IGBC Women’s Auxiliary, | consider it an honorable pleasure to announce the names of the following faithful members of New Zion who were award recipients during the Women’s Auxiliary Annual Awards Luncheon held during the Session. o Women of Faith Category Awardees: Sis. Connie House, Sis. Betty Smauldon and Sis. Sharae Younger o Women’s Auxiliary Bowl-Fest Certificate Awardees: The Youngest Bowler — Bro. Xzavion Brock The Highest Individual Score Bowler — Bro. Thomas White The Lowest Individual Score Bowler — Sis. Janice (Jazz) Cornish The Funniest Bowler - Deaconess Pamela Latson The Most Enthusiastic Bowler — First Lady Sabrina Davis o BowlFest Traveling Plaque Awards: Greatest Greatest Greatest Greatest Overall Number of Bowlers — NZBC Number of Women Bowlers — NZBC Number of Children Bowlers — NZBC Overall Combined Team Score Bowlers — NZBC o Mission Queen (Spare Change Project to Support NBC Foreign Missions): Assoc. Pastor Lillie Holman & New Zion Mission Ministry Congratulations to all of our awardees! Please know that your support of the New Zion Mission and the IGBC Women’s Auxiliary is most sincerely appreciated. A heartfelt expression of appreciation is also extended to all the dedicated women of the Mission and New Zion for their outstanding support during the Annual Session. May God return to you a hundred fold blessing for your prayers and participation. Pastor Davis would like to encourage all church officers, members and y; visitors to Dea. Wilson English Bible Study family, area churches sessions each Wednesday support and to our First Lady Sabrina Davis and to Assoc. Pastor Curtis Knott of Pilgrim Rest attend weekly at 12 Noon . ane 720 pee Hope to see YOU there!! and Den. Pam Latson (Chairpersons) would like to thank the New Zion — ip MBC in Montgomery, and visitors for their AL for the powerful messages they brought forth as our Men and Women’s Day guest speakers. @ Keep a look out for upcoming Community Outreach event this month! More details will be forthcoming. NOTE: If you have clothing or small household items you would like to donate for this project, please see Sis. Lucy Jones, Mission Vice President, or Sis. Mariah Hicks. i The IGBC Women’s Auxiliary will be hosting an Interfaith Women’s Conference this month, September 20, at the White House of Ogden, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The conference theme is, “Christian Women Standing Strong.” A personal invitation is extended to the girls and women of New Zion to attend this conference. See any member of the Mission Ministry for registration and workshop session information. Attention young girls and women of New Zion .... WE NEED YOU! As we've previously expressed, there’s strength in numbers and we have a mighty work yet ahead of us. We invite you to come out to our bi-monthly meetings (September 9 & 30t) and join us as we study some spiritually uplifting lessons and engage in wonderful Christian praise and fellowship! Will we see you there? We prayerfully hope so!