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The 21st Century Church School Literary report:

Scope, Task and Concerns of the Committee:

Scope. The scope of this committee is to challenge church schools to engage all generations and facilitate connections with Christ throughout the lifespan. Church school remains an optimal space for multi-generational bible-based teachings, and this committee focuses on parents and teens.

Task. The task of the committee is (a) to encourage the pastor and local church school superintendent to assess the effectiveness of church school; and (b) to form authentic relationships with individuals who may feel left out of the 21st century church school, such as teens, millennials, and/or hip-hop minded members.

Concerns. Realizing that church school experiences will vary based on the size and commitment of the church, the following are specific concerns to be addressed: How can the church school be a more effec-tive ministry? Can church school teachers effectively integrate hip-hop and biblical teachings as theolog-ical conversation partners to not only capture the imagination of youth, but to speak to struggles across generations?

Essential Discoveries, Findings, Achievements, Goals:

Discoveries/Achievements. Kunjufu (2011) notes that forty percent of eighth graders as well as seventy per-cent of females and ninety percent of males leave the church after high school graduation. Can we con-nect with individuals across generations in spite of signs that the church in the western world is declin-ing? Forms of expression that articulate our hope and despair are necessary – use of technology, visual arts, movement, lyrical evangelism, music.

Findings. Parental involvement and congregational support are vital for the 21st century church school. Par-ents do the best they can, but sometimes have limited time to build-on what their teens learn. Therefore, congregational support steps in by providing necessary supplies and by keeping parents informed - call-ing, emailing, and visiting. In an effort to make church school more relevant, church school leaders must expand their view of hip hop and include the expertise of cultural scholars (regardless of age) and from available texts. The church school has a responsibility to demonstrate the excitement of the gospel.

Goals. The key goals are: to encourage local pastors and members to move out of their comfort zones and be proactive when it comes to helping all individuals who attend church school and that a multigenerational church school will be a microcosm of the larger church, to improve teacher trainings, to incorporate appropriate technology, and encourage parent/family/congregational support.

Data References: Kunjufu, J. (2011). What is the role of teens in your church? Chicago, IL: African American Images. Parker, B. K. (2016). The Fugitive: A Failed Pursuit of the Black Church to Reach Millennials. Re-

trieved September 22, 2017, from http://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithforward/2016/06/fugitive-millennials-and-the-church/

St. Bernard, R. (2011). After the music stops: Effective youth ministry beyond the big event (2nd ed.) [Ebook]. Retrieved from http://www.afterthemusicstops.org/

Waters, M. W. (2017). Stakes is high: Race, faith, and hope for America. Saint Louis, MO: Chalice Press.

Recommendations: The committee recommends that (a) senior pastors evaluate the effectiveness of their church school ministry;

(b) parents be encouraged to remain active in church school and other family members be recruited assist when necessary; and (c) data references listed by utilized.

21st Century Church School Committee: The Reverends Reginald Johnson, Kimberly B. Stockton, James Watkins, Gene Brown; Dele-gates: Brother Rudolph Certain, Sisters: Thelma Wilkerson, Vanessa Maner, Minnie Baldwin, Loretta Dukes

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Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor

Rev. Reginald B. Johnson, Sr., Episcopal District, Church School Superintendent

Reverend Henry L. Postell, Presiding Elder North Orlando District Reverend Ronald E. Williams, Host Pastor

Associate Presiding Elders

Reverend Hartford Lee, Presiding Elder Daytona Beach District Reverend Valarie Walker, Presiding Elder Orlando District

Central Conference Church School Superintendent

Reverend Reginald B. Johnson, Sr.

Friday, October 6, 2017 Host Church

New Bethel AME Church

The Eleventh Episcopal District of the

African Methodist Episcopal Church

The 118th Session of the Central Annual Conference

ANNUAL CONFERENCE THEME: Prayer, Praise, Proclamation and Prophetic Engagement

“Intentional About Ministry – Generation to Generation “

http://www.afterthemusicstops.org/https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=images+of+prayer&view=detailv2&&id=CED886BD516DC96BA71D8F8BD7F7A585A2CE5354&selectedIndex=183&ccid=9MsB3Tjg&simid=608022440905081367&thid=OIP.Mf4cb01dd38e00ce72ed5a5a621548410o0https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=images+of+praise+and+worship&view=detailv2&&id=2EB12AFE4236743B6A08914094333BF567215260&selectedIndex=175&ccid=RmHeqQV4&simid=608006253181075841&thid=OIP.M4661dea905780f53302fb721e69b6d8fH0https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=images+of+proclamation&view=detailv2&&id=CE72CD44335384EB2286D9DCB4F6F48F10523265&selectedIndex=108&ccid=vbAGTCbG&simid=608034436747561322&thid=OIP.Mbdb0064c26c63986d48615f2bc5c2eaeo0

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ORDER OF SERVICE

Bell tap or Musical Interlude

Singing #210 “More About Jesus Would I Know”

The Apostles’ Creed and Church School Creed

Prayer, closing with the Lord’s Prayer in concert

Singing #424 Standing on the Promises

Calling Roll of Officers and Teachers

Reading of the Lesson Text, by Church School, Responsively

The Decalogue

STUDY OF THE LESSON

Musical Interlude (while preparation is made for teaching and learning)

Church School Study of the Lesson

Warning Bell (five minutes prior to end of the period

Closing Bell for Study of Lesson

Singing #450 “Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine”

Review and Application of Lesson

Secretary’s Report

Remarks and Observations

Church School Creed

Eleventh Episcopal District Church School Benediction

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Warning Bell Rev. Reginald Johnson Closing Bell for Study of Lesson Rev. Reginald Johnson Singing—#450 ”Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine” Offering Rev. Jimmie Moore

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain:

This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

The Offering Finance Committee

Review and Application of Lesson Brother Tyrone Pressley Allen Chapel, Daytona Secretary’s Report Closing Remarks and Observations Rev. Reginald B. Johnson, Sr., Episcopal District Church School Superintendent Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr, Presiding Prelate Church School Creed Rev. Reginald Johnson

I believe my AME Church School must grow and grow; and that I must make it a top priority to make it so. Every member a Christian, Every Christian a worker, every worker trained so that a worker need not be ashamed. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen. Eleventh Episcopal District Church School Benediction Rev. Reginald Johnson

WE HAVE COME, WE HAVE STUDIED, WE HAVE LEARNED, SO, UNTIL OUR NEXT COMING TOGETHER TO STUDY GOD’S WORD,

MAY HIS RICH BLESSINGS RESIDE WITH YOU AND MAY HIS GRACE BE ETERNALLY YOURS. AMEN.

Lesson 5 September 30, 2016

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What they heard in selected messages. Also, make this a point of prayer, and ask God to open your ears so you will hear the divine messages proclaimed in wor-ship and thanksgiving services. Let us close where we started on the issue of boundaries. In comparison with former centuries, we now live in a very liberal society. Many boundaries in the church have been dismantled. In some congregations, it is virtually an unwritten policy of “anything goes.” Think about the boundaries that are still upheld in your church and in church communities generally. What do you think about these: which ones should be preserved and which should be dropped? Also, note that some changes that are occurring in the church are originating from discussions outside the church. What do you think about this phenome-non.

Summary Dr. Earl A. Burney, Jr.

Daytona Beach District Supt.

This lesson looked at the covenant relationship God established with Israel at Mount Sinai. We saw the boundaries that were set at the institution of the rela-tionship. In addition, we touched on the issue of boundaries in both figurative and spiritual terms. We also made a compar-ison of the old Mount Sinai covenant with the new Mount Zion covenant which was set through Jesus Christ. Questions: 1. What do you think about the views

of Mark and Jenny? 2. People say familiarity breeds con-

tempt, meaning a close association with someone or something leads to a loss of respect for that person or thing. Is it possible that our ready and open access to God has led to a reduction in the reverence we should have for God’s presence? Discuss.

3. How do people show respect for God’s presence in corporate worship services? In what other settings do you experience God’s presence? How do you show reverence in those settings?

Closing Devotion

Sister Loretta Dukes Dear God, we thank you for making access to you free and clear in Jesus Christ. Help us, Lord, to cherish the ac-cess we have to you. Lead us in using this free access to you to improve our own spiritual growth, and to reflect your glory. This we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Lesson 5 September 30, 2016

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THE MODEL CHURCH SCHOOL ORDER OF SERVICE

THE BELL TAP Reverend Reginald Johnson Superintendent THE SINGING OF HYMN #210 More About Jesus Would I Know Rev. Jimmie Moore Allen Chapel, Daytona

More about Jesus would I know, More of His grace to others show, More of His saving fulness see, More of His love who died for me.

Refrain: More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fulness see, More of His love who died for me.

More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern;

Spirit of God, my teacher be, Showing the things of Christ to me.

More about Jesus; in His Word, Holding communion with my Lord; Hearing His voice in every line, Making each faithful saying mine.

More about Jesus on His throne, Riches in glory all His own;

More of His kingdom’s sure increase; More of His coming, Prince of Peace. THE APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. The Third day he arose from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the church universal, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sin, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.

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THE CHURCH SCHOOL CREED

I believe my AME Church School must grow and grow; and that I must make it a top priority to make it so. Every member a Christian, Every Christian a work-er, every worker trained so that a worker need not be ashamed. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen. THE PRAYER (closing with the Prayer Jesus taught us in Concert) Sister Minnie Baldwin, Mt Tabor, Altamonte Springs THE SINGING OF HYMN #424 Standing on the Promises Rev. Jimmie Moore

Standing on the promises of Christ my King, Through eternal ages let His praises ring; Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,

Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,

By the living Word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord, Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,

Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword, Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,

Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call, Resting in my Savior as my all in all,

Standing on the promises of God. (Refrain)

THE CALLING ROLL OF OFFICERS AND TEACHERS THE READING OF THE LESSON TEXT (by Church School responsively) Rev. Reginald Johnson, Superintendent

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Point, the start of the “Old Testament Church.” So, we can say that the Israelites’ arrival at Mount Sinai was a turning point in their deepening relationship with God. The text speaks of God appearing to the people. In what form did God appear? We know that the transcendent God does not come to the people in human form or in a clear way that removes the mystery. God’s visible manifestation (theophany) is fire. You will recall how the Lord appeared to Moses in the burning bush. In this passage, we seen Moses’ role changed. Previously he was the deliverer who God used to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. At Mount Sinai, Moses is affirmed as a mediator be-tween God and the people. God’s covenant with the nation of Israel is established through Moses, and Moses is charged with leading the people to honor this new cove-nant relationship. As we saw in earlier lessons, God’s covenant made in the Old Testament held significance for New Testament Christians. Let us examine a New Testament reference about the Mount Sinai covenant. In He-brews 12:18-24 the writer contrasts the Israelite’s experience at Mount Sinai with the Christian’s experience at Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem. Read verses 18-21 which recall the dreadful events which occurred at Mount Sinai. Then see the con-trast which starts at verse 22. On Mount Zion, Christians get an encouraging invita-tion through Jesus Christ. We will return to this in Lesson 12.

Life Application Rev. James Watkin

Perhaps in the introduction story Mark and jenny had strict conservative views on

how people should conduct themselves in church sanctuaries. We should all have a sense of reverence when we approach God. As Moses did, church leaders should listen carefully to God for instructions to guide the people on how to meet God. Consider your own views on how people should ap-proach God. Hebrews 4:16 tells us we can go boldly into God’s presence without the fear which the Israelites experienced at Sinai. But, does this mean we go without a sense of reverence and awe? Consider carefully your views on this matter and how those views influence your approach to prayer and worship. Through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spir-it, believers have ready access to meet God. Consider the value you put on your access to meet with God. How do you set up a meeting with God? Someone once said people that pay more respect to meet-ing with those whom we consider to be important (e.g. the President, members of Congress, judges, bishops and business executives) than they pay to meeting with God. What do you think about that state-ment, and how does it apply to you? At Sinai, the people came together in an assembly to hear God’s will corporately. How do you see this happening today? From your attendance at corporate worship services, are you convinced that people use those services to hear from God? Maybe you should spend some time alone, and reflect on your experiences in worship ser-vices. Think about the messages that came in the singing, the drama, the announce-ments and the sermons. Did you hear the voice of God speaking to the congregation as a unit through these? If you did not, what did you hear? You can check your impressions by asking fellow members

Lesson 6 October 6, 2017

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THE INTRODUCTION Rev. Kimberly B. Stockton

To set the tone for this lesson, think about this conversation between twelve-year old Mark and his mother, Jenny. It occurred a few years ago an highlights some of the issues in this lesson: sacred spaces, boundaries and respect for God’s presence. Mark told his mother he did not want to go back to the new church. When his mother asked him to explain his reason, Mark told her, “The people don’t treat the church like a church.” As he sat at the table to eat his lunch, he shared what he saw earlier that morning in the church. “Mom,” he continued, “children run up and down the church. People stand up in the church and crack jokes, loudly, Mom-my, can you imagine people standing in the church and telling funny jokes loudly? Where is their respect for God’s house?” Mark took a deep breath, a sip of his soda, and continued. “And when people pass by the altar, they do not show respect. They just walk past. No respect!” By this time his anger was showing. Then in a pleading voice he begged, “Mom, please tell me I don’t have to go back there. Let us go to a church where people show re-spect for God’s house.” Jenny understood what her son was saying. In their previous church, members showed more respect for the Lord’s house. If they had to talk with each other in church, it was done in a whisper. Parents ensured that their children did not run through the church. And, everyone showed respect for the altar, by a bowed knee or other gestures of respect. That was the training Jenny had passed on to Mark. Her

husband’s job promotion had force them to relocate to this area. She had no inten-tion of driving 34 miles every Sunday to attend the old church. What was Jenny to do? Did the people at Modern Tabernacle Miracle Center not know about showing respect for God in the sanctuary? Don’t they understand the sa-cred area around the altar? Maybe she can get the leaders in this new church to under-stand that in God’s house there are both physical and spiritual boundaries? So, she decided to have a chat with Pastor Lister. Hopefully, Jenny can get him to accept that the church is holy, and his members must show respect in the place where people go to meet God. She was firm in her opinion that people cannot approach God with dis-respect.

Bible Story Rev. Gene Brown

A pivotal verse in the text is verse 12, where God called for boundaries to be set. The boundaries were physical. However, there can be no doubt, the intent was to make the place solemn (holy) to heighten in people’s heart on how awesome it was to enter the presence of God. The imputed holiness of the place was to be enforced by sanctions. The danger that the Lord “will break out” in verses 22 and 24 forewarns of a sudden judgement by God. We see this warning of summary judgement again in 2 Samuel 5:20; 6:8. Let us put this in context. The Israelites are in the early part (90 days) of their jour-ney out of Egypt. They are being formed into a new nation. The Israelites need to frame their relationship with God. Some commentators call what happened at this

Lesson 6 October 6, 2017

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Lesson 6 October 6, 2017

GOD’S COVENANT WITH ISRAEL

LESSON SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 19; ISAIAH 60:3 PRINT: EXODUS 19:16-25

Key Verses: Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. They took Their stand at the foot of the mountain. Exodus 19:17 (NRSV)

Exodus 19:16-25 (NRSV)

16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, as well as a thick cloud on the mountain, and a blast of a trumpet so loud that all the people who were in the camp trembled. 17 Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. They took their stand at the foot of the mountain. 18 Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, because the Lord had descended upon it in fire; the smoke went up like the smoke of a kiln, while the whole mountain shook violently. 19 As the blast of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses would speak and God would answer him in thunder. 20 When the Lord descended upon Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain, the Lord summoned Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. 21 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to Lord to look; otherwise many of them will perish. 22 Even the priests who approach the Lord must consecrate themselves or the Lord will break out against them.” 23 Moses said to the Lord, “The people are not permitted to come up to Mount

Sinai; for you yourself warned us, saying, ‘Set limits around the mountain and keep it holy.”’ 24 The Lord said to him, “Go down, and come up bringing Aaron with you; but do not let either the priests or the people break through to come up to the Lord; oth-erwise he will break out against them.” 25 So Moses went down to the people and told them.

Exodus 19:16-25 (KJV)

16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet ex-ceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. 18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. 19 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and loud-er, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.

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20 And the Lord came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. 21 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the Lord to gaze, and many of them perish. 22 And let priests also, which come near to the Lord, sanctify themselves, lest the Lord break forth upon them.

23 And Moses said unto the Lord, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it. 24 And the Lord said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the Lord, lest he break forth upon them. 25 So Moses went down unto the peo-ple, and spake unto them.

Home Daily Bible Readings October 2—October 8

Monday—Deuteronomy 10:12-22 (You Are God’s Choice)

Tuesday—Exodus 19:9b-15 (Prepare to Meet Your God)

Wednesday—Isaiah 60:1-7 (The Triumphant Glory of God)

Thursday— Psalm 135:1-9, 19-21 (House of Israel, Praise the Lord)

Friday—Luke 9:28-36 (Revealed in a New Way)

Saturday—I Peter 2:1-10 (A Chosen Race, a Holy People)

Sunday—Exodus 19:16-25 (Worship God Through Obedience)

Lesson 6 October 6, 2017

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Lesson 6 October 6, 2017

Leader: Hear what Christ our Savior says, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, you shall love your neighbor as you love yourself. On these two Commandments depends all the Law and the prophets.

The Gloria Patri (#626 AMECH)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen. Amen.

THE STUDY OF THE LESSON

The Musical Interlude (while preparation is made for teaching and learning)

The Decalogue and Summary Rev. Reginald Johnson Leader: Hear the Commandments of God to God’s people: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of bondage; you shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make yourself any idol. You shall not invoke with malice the name of the Lord your God. Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy. Honor your father and mother. You shall not commit murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not be a false witness. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. People: Lord, have mercy upon us, and write these laws upon our hearts. Nearer, my God to Thee, nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me; Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God to Thee; nearer my God to Thee, nearer to Thee!