WELCOME FROM OUR "ELECTRIFYING" EPISCOPAL LEADERS

May the joy of our Lord be completely yours during this Lenten Season!

Welcome to the Christian Education Connector (The CEC). The Connector will serve as the connecting and communication link between the Board of Christian Education at the Episcopal District level and with the leadership and membership at all levels. Through this unique and creative teaching instrument we will share the faith, equip the saints, empower the people and transform our world.

Let's all connect with the Connector!

Mrs. Young and I are proud of the work of the Board of Christian Education and we see the Connector as an exciting and dynamic new venture of faith and witness.

Bishop McKinley Young
Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young
Our Episcopal Leaders

SALUTATIONS from DARYL INGRAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

On behalf of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, I congratulate and salute Bishop McKinley Young, Dr. Dorothy J. Young, Rev. Joy Gallmon, Rev. Kennetta C. Carter, and the Christian Education Department of the Eleventh Episcopal District on the inaugural edition of your Christian Education newsletter, “The Christian Education Connector”. Your noble goals of developing an effective Christian Education department and encouraging believers to become strong disciples of Christ are foundational and fundamental to the witness and work of Christian life.

Matthew 28:16-20 comports three aspects of Christian life; evangelism, teaching, and service. Christian Education as effective teaching ministry, engenders vital faith formation and development that leads to lives of strong piety and sincere responsibility in believers. Christian Education transforms repentant converts into committed servants. Christian Education equips believers with deep, mature faith for vibrant service for the Kingdom’s ministry and mission.

This newsletter will be a spiritual blessing and strengthening encouragement for those who toil tirelessly in the field of Christian Education without any acclaim or recognition. These servants will be inspired to teach Church School, nurture youth, mentor young adults, and undergird other congregational ministries. Ultimately, this newsletter will glorify God through the salvation of souls and their responsive service to God and the Kingdom. May God bless this newsletter ministry with extraordinary effectiveness, success, and longevity.


Daryl B. Ingram
Executive Director
Department of Christian Education
African Methodist Episcopal Church

GREETINGS FROM REV. JOY L. GALLMON, THE ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

"Great Past - Greater Future, an Incredible Call to Serve:
Influencing the World for the Cause of Christ."

Greetings in the name the great teacher, Jesus the Christ.

The Eleventh Episcopal District Board of Christian Education is thrilled to embark on this initiative for Christ. It is the goal of the Christian Education Connector to assist, provide, expose, and empower lay and clergy, youth and adults, christian education directors and church school superintendents at all levels of the Eleventh with the tools to effectively influence the world for the cause of Christ.

Under the capable leadership of the editor, Rev. Kennetta Carter, supported by the Board of Christian Education, the Christian Education Connector will cover a multiplicity of topics including; Developing an Effective and Strong Christian Education Department, African American History,and Evangelism. Each issue of the Christian Education Connector will offer thought starters on creative ways to promote Christian development through innovative and relevant educational models, sermons, worship bulletins, mailings, liturgy, music to name a few. The Christian Education Connector will include liturgy and worship resources that may be downloaded for use in the local setting.

The Christian Education Connector will also make extensive use of the wealth of talented and diverse voices from across the District as we invite persons who honor our collective great past, who are committed to our collective greater future and who have a passion for service and influencing the world for the cause of Christ.

The Eleventh Episcopal District Board of Christian Education and I are excited and thankful for the opportunity to serve the Church Universal in this capacity.

Joy L. Gallmon
Director of Christian Education
Eleventh Episcopal District

WELCOME by the CURRICULUM COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRPERSONS

To the Esteemed Constituency of the “Electrifying” Eleventh Episcopal District:

We greet you in the Matchless Name of Jesus, and welcome you to this, the Inaugural Edition of our Eleventh Episcopal District Christian Education Newsletter! It is with much excitement and great anticipation that we launch this latest initiative and enterprise on behalf of you, our intrepid readers! In each edition, themes will be addressed throughout its entirety. Our goal is to provide you with relevant material, research, useful sources, and ready to implement material to both facilitate and support the efforts of kingdom building at every level.

While this first edition is framed and fashioned by the Eleventh Episcopal District Curriculum Committee, you, the Laity and the Clergy, are cordially invited and welcomed to submit articles for publication for all future editions of our Newsletter. Each Newsletter is designed to deal with a theme which is relevant and pertinent for the month or months ahead, this is to aid your sermonic, musical, and programmatic development. Thematically speaking, this, our March Newsletter, deals with Holy Week ~ Resurrection, May’s Theme is Church School ~ VBS, and the theme for July is Developing an Effective and Strong Christian Education Department.

Once again, we welcome you, we invite your questions, your concerns, and your comments which can be forwarded to Reverend Kennetta C. Carter at undergird@gmail.com. We believe time will demonstrate this to be an excellent service to our community of faith and look forward to serving you, in the Mighty name of Jesus! Amen!


Reverends Vincent and Grayce Lane
Co-Chairpersons
11th Episcopal District Curriculum Committee

LITURGICAL NOTES on the CHRISTIAN CALENDAR

Edited by Bishop McKinley Young

Advent Season is the beginning of the Christian year and includes the four Sundays preceding Christmas. The colors for Advent are Purple or Blue and the Sundays are noted as Sundays in Advent***.

Christmastide, usually two Sundays between December 25 and January 4th designated as Sundays after Christmas Day. The color is White.

The Season of Epiphany is four to nine Sundays between January 4, which is Epiphany Sunday and continuing to the beginning of Lent which depends upon the date of Easter. The designation is Sundays after Epiphany. On Epiphany Sunday the color is White or Gold. The color is Green for the remainder of the season.

The Lenten Season covers forty days and includes six Sundays before Easter designated as Sundays in Lent. The fifth Sunday may be called Passion Sunday and the sixth is called Palm Sunday. The color for Lent is Purple. The color for Passion and Palm Sunday is Purple or Red.

The color for Easter is White or Gold. Eastertide embraces Easter Day and six other Sundays designated as Sundays after Easter of which the last may be called Ascension Day. The color is White.

Pentecost (The birth of the Christian Church) begins with Pentecost Sunday and continues until the season of Advent. The color for Pentecost is Red. Trinity Sunday is June 7, 2009 and the color is White. All of the remaining twenty-four (24) Sundays are designated as Sundays after Pentecost and the color is Green.

The Communion Table, Altar Table should be furnished with an appropriate cross 24 or 30 inches in height. The cross should be in the center and is taller than the candles which are on both sides of the cross representing the Divinity and Humanity of Jesus Christ. The Flower Vases are on the outside of the candles. Only “Live Flowers” should be placed on the Communion Table and in the Chancel Area. [Candles on the table should be lit at the beginning of worship either by Acolytes or Stewards. They should be extinguished at the close of worship and prior to the Doxology, Benediction and the Recessional.]

*** [Some Congregations use an Advent Wreath which has Four Candles plus the Christmas Candle. Three of the four candles are Purple, one is Pink and the Christmas candle is White]

Sources: The Book of Worship AMEC & UMC

THE SEASON OF LENT

Submitted by Rev. Nevell Owens

As early as the fourth century, Lent has been observed by the Christian Church in the West; it spans 40 weekdays beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending on the Saturday before Easter. Originally, Lent marked the preparation of those who were to be baptized. These new converts underwent a period of intense study and prayer to prepare them for baptism at the Easter Vigil. However, because these new converts were to be received into a community of faith, the entire community joined in with them in prayer and study.

Today, churches and individual Christians continue to observe Lent through prayer and preparation in anticipation for the Easter celebration. Since Sundays celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the six Sundays that occur during the Lenten season are not counted as a part of the 40 days of preparation. While there are many biblical occurrences where the number 40 is used, the days of Lent are especially connected with the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for his ministry. According to the gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus remained in the wilderness 40 days, fasting and being tempted by the devil.

Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting, Lent has traditionally been observed by the giving up of food, especially meat. Some churches and individual Christians rigidly adhere to a strict observance of not eating anything during the entire 40 day period while others are more lenient in how they observe Lent.

In whatever way one may observe Lent, as noted the Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday gets it name from the ancient practice of ashes being placed on the foreheads of worshippers as a sign of humility and sorrowful recognition that sin brings death. Ash Wednesday is a somber day of reflection on what it means to be Christian. This somber day of reflection is preceded by Carnival and Mardi Gras. Carnival, which in Latin means the removal of meat, is the three day period before Lent, primarily a period of celebration that ends with Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, traditionally a day where a final, fat laden meal is eaten prior to the beginning of Lent.

The Lenten season culminates with Holy Week beginning with Palm (Passion) Sunday and ending with the Saturday before Easter. Included in this week are Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Palm Sunday marks the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as the crowds waved palm leaves proclaiming Jesus to be the messianic king of Israel. Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus last meal with his apostles before his arrest wherein Jesus instituted several mandates for his followers to observe. Good Friday commemorates Jesus’ arrest, trial, suffering, crucifixion, death and burial. Saturday of Holy Week is viewed as the time that Jesus rested in the tomb prior to his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

As can be seen the Lenten season has a rich history in Christianity and should be a time when all Christians remember what it means to be a disciplined follower of Jesus, the Christ.

HOLY WEEK EVENTS

Submitted by Rev. Kennetta C. Carter

PALM SUNDAY/HOLY WEEK
The events of Holy Week would forever change the world. Jesus entered Jerusalem and the crowd welcomed him as a king. By the end of the week they were demanding his death. His followers abandoned him in fear. None of his close followers had really understood the events of Palm Sunday and Holy Week until after Jesus returned. They had all expected Jesus to be an earthly king, but God had given them something so much better - an open door into a kingdom that would never end.

Holy Week includes the follow events:
Palm Sunday – Jesus enters Jerusalem
Maundy Thursday – The Last Supper, Foot Washing, and Betrayal
Good Friday – The arrest trial, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus
Easter Sunday – The day Jesus rose from the grave

PALM SUNDAY
Palm Sunday, in the Christian calendar is the Sunday before Easter, sixth and last Sunday in Lent, and the first day of Holy Week. Palm Sunday 2009 is celebrated on April 5. This Sunday is when Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem is commemorated. This is the fulfillment the prophecy in Isaiah 62:11 and Zechariah 9:9. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him with waving palm branches, and by covering his path with palm branches shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” Palm Sunday is given to meditation on the events of Jesus’ last week before His crucifixion. It is also referred to as “Passion Sunday”.

Palm Sunday can be celebrated by providing palms or crosses for the congregation to wave during the service. Some churches have Palm Sunday Reenactment Parades in their communities.

Liturgical Color(s): Red or Purple
Type of Holiday: Sunday Feast
Time of Year: Sixth Sunday of Lent
Duration: One Day
Celebrates/Symbolizes: Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Alternate Names: Passion Sunday, Fig Sunday
Scriptural References: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44;John 12:12-19;
Old Testament references: Psalm 118:25-26; Isaiah 62:11; Zechariah 9:9

MAUNDY THURSDAY
Thursday of Holy Week is called Maundy Thursday. “Maundy” probably comes from the latin word “mandatum,” which means “commandment.” This reference is of Jesus’ words to His disciples (that they wash one another’s feet – John 13:14). During the Last Supper, Jesus washed his disciples' feet. This act has sometimes been followed literally in history as a good way of reminding rulers that they are here to serve their subjects. Maundy Thursday is a commemoration of the Last Supper, the Passover meal Jesus celebrated with His disciples the night He was betrayed. It is usually celebrated with Holy Communion. This year Maundy Thursday falls on April 9, 2009.
Many Christians commemorate the Last Supper in a special Eucharist. In some churches, they may wash each other's feet. After the service the altar is stripped. Some Christians may hold an all night vigil in church, remembering Christ's time in the Garden of Gethsemane or have a Maundy Thursday Service consisting of the Passover meal and footwashing.

Liturgical Color(s): Purple
Type of Holiday: Part of Lenten Fast
Time of Year: Thursday of Holy Week
Duration: One Evening
Celebrates/Symbolizes: Institution of The Eucharist and Ordination
Alternate Names: Maundy Thursday, Shear Thursday
Scriptural References: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13;
1 Corinthians 11:22-34

GOOD FRIDAY
Friday of Holy Week is called “Good Friday.” Good Friday is probably a variant of “God’s Friday,” the same way we say “good-bye” today instead of “God be with you." Good Friday is an observance of Jesus’ crucifixion and death. It is a somber day. Justification has been merited for us by the Passion of Christ who offered himself on the cross as a living victim, holy and pleasing to God, and whose blood has become the instrument of atonement for the sins of all men. The customs and prayers associated with Good Friday typically focus on the theme of Christ's sacrificial death for our sins. The evening (at sunset) of Good Friday begins the second day of the Paschal Triduum. Good Friday worship services begin in the afternoon at 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. (the time Jesus likely died). Various traditions and customs are associated with the Western celebration of Good Friday. The singing (or preaching) of the Passion of St. John's gospel consists of reading or singing parts of John's gospel. The altar and lectern is stripped of its paraments or black paraments are used.

Liturgical Color(s): Black or Uncovered
Type of Holiday: Fast Day
Time of Year: Friday of Holy Week within the Paschal Triduum, and within the traditional 40 day Lenten Fast
Duration: One Day
Celebrates/Symbolizes: Jesus' Passion, Crucifixion, and Death
Alternate Names: Good Friday of the Lord's Passion, Great Friday
Scriptural References: Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 23; John 17-19

Holy Saturday
Saturday of Holy Week is sometimes called “Holy Saturday” and it is characterized by watchfulness and preparation. Holy Saturday (in Latin, Sabbatum Sanctum ), the 'day of the entombed Christ,' is the Lord's day of rest, the body of Jesus rested in the tomb in which it had been sealed. Jesus had said that after three days he would be resurrected. The Apostle's Creed which says "He descended unto the dead." It is a day of suspense between two worlds, that of darkness, sin and death, and that of the Resurrection and the restoration of the Light of the World. Consequently, according to Saint Matthew, the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, ordered the posting of guards at the tomb to prevent Jesus’ followers from removing the body and claiming that he had arisen from the dead. There is deep symbolism upon which we can reflect on Holy Saturday. On this day, the Church waits at the Lord's tomb, and meditates on His Passion and Death and His descent into Hell. With prayer and fasting we await His glorious Easter resurrection. Ideally, Holy Saturday should be the quietest day of the year. Many Christians have Easter Egg Hunts.

Liturgical Color(s): Purple
Type of Holiday: Part of Paschal Triduum
Time of Year: The Saturday of Holy Week
Duration: 1 day
Celebrates/Symbolizes: Waiting at the Tomb of Jesus, meditating on His Death Alternate Names: Sabbatum Sanctum, Black Saturday
Scriptural References: Matthew 27:57-45; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:44-56;John 19:38-42

EASTERTIDE/EASTER SEASON/PASCHAL TIME

Written by Rev. Dr. Waymon Dixon

Eastertide according to the revised liturgical calendar is the span of time from Easter to Pentecost. The candles which symbolize the humanity and divinity of Christ are lit throughout this season. They should not be higher than the cross. This corresponds to our understanding of the importance of the resurrection to Christian Faith. The lighted candles also symbolize the fire that brought light to the tomb at the very moment of the resurrection of Christ. The Paraments or altar cloths and vestments are white during Eastertide. Gold may also be used. Acts of the Apostles, replacing The Old Testament scripture, should be read each Sunday during this special season. The Gospel of John should accompany the Acts reading. The Seven Sundays of Easter are numbered: Second Sunday of Easter (which is Low Sunday), Third Sunday of Easter, Fourth Sunday of Easter, on until the Day of Pentecost. On Pentecost Sunday, the color is red which symbolizes the fire of the Holy Ghost.

Easter Sunday itself is the central day of the church year. The Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, after their theological assertion of Easter faith, examined every aspect of Jesus’ life on earth. Mark began with Jesus’ Baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Luke and Matthew reflected upon his birth, but John looked further into the nature of Christ’s divinity in reflecting upon Jesus’ transcendence of the space time continuum itself through Logos Theology: "In the beginning was the word and the word was God and the word was with God" (John 1:1). It is in the imaginative shadow cast by Easter that we understand the humanity and divinity of Christ. The Easter moment is the organizing principle of the liturgical calendar. Easter gave birth to Christmas. The winter solstice in which we celebrate Christmas is nine months after the spring equinox in which we observe Easter. We understand Christ’s birth in the light of Christ’s passion and resurrection. Easter, not Christmas, is the oldest and most important day of the Church. Easter is the story of the Apostle Peter’s reflection on Mary Magdalene’s witness to the Son who arose at sunrise: ”Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (St. Matthew 28:10/NIV)

May I suggest the following Liturgy for an Easter Sunrise Candlelight Service: A small fire should be lit beyond the Church. This symbolizes the fire of Christ that emerged from the empty tomb. The pastor should light the Paschal Candle from the Fire and lead the congregation carrying unlit candles into the church. The Pastor will light the candles on the altar and then light the candles of the members from his or her candle. This should be timed perfectly to coincide with daybreak. After the Easter Gospel is read, the lights of the church may be turned on. Using the A. M. E. Hymnal as a source, “Christ The Lord Is Risen Today” by Charles Wesley and Isaac Watts’ great hymn, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” may be sung as the Hymn of Praise and the Hymn of Preparation, respectively. Sing the African American Spiritual, “He Arose” for the Call to Christian Discipleship.

For further reading on this topic I suggest Protestant Worship: Traditions in Transition by James F. White, Planning the Church Year by Leonel L. Mitchell and The Oxford History of Christian Worship by Geoffrey Wainwright and Karen B. Westerfield Tucker. Happy Easter!

COMMON LECTIONARY FOR LENT

Ash Wednesday
February 25, 2009
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12, Psalm 51:1-17,
II Cor. 5:20b-6:10 Matt. 6:1-6, 16-21
________________________________________
First Sunday in Lent
March 1, 2009
Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15
________________________________________
Second Sunday in Lent
March 8, 2009
Gen. 17:1-7,15-16, Psalm 22:23-31, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38
or Mark 9:2-9
________________________________________
Third Sunday in Lent
March 15, 2009
Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19, I Cor. 1:18-, John 2:13-22
________________________________________
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 22, 2009
Numbers 21:4-9, Ps. 107:1-3,17-22, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21
________________________________________
Fifth Sunday in Lent
March 29, 2009
Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 or Psalm 119:9-16,
Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33
________________________________________
Liturgy of the Palms
Sixth Sunday in Lent
April 5, 2009
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16
________________________________________
Liturgy of the Passion
Sixth Sunday in Lent
April 12, 2009
Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1-15:47
or Mark 15:1-39,40-47
________________________________________


The online Revised Common Lectionary by Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

LENTEN SERMON IDEAS

Preaching during the Lenten season should seek to inspire the listener to engage in Holy Habits (giving, worship, prayer, fasting) thus strengthening their relationship with God as they walk the forty-days with Christ. Here are a few sermon ideas that may spark your creativity and give you a good WORD to share.

“The Lenten Transformation”
1. A Transformed Life Requires New Priorities—II Corinthians 4:16-18
2. A Transformed Life Requires Commitment—Luke 16:13
3. A Transformed Life Requires Sacrifice—II Corinthians 8:7
4. A Transformed Life Requires Service—Ephesians 2:8-10

Submitted By
Pastor Marvin C. Zanders, II

LENT and EASTER CREATIVE WORSHIP

THE TOLLING OF THE PASSION SERVICE

The Tolling of the Passion order of service has evolved over the years. The prayers, scriptures and song selections have been modified to meet the needs of the community to which it was offered. Similar orders of service can be found in many faith traditions books of worship and other worship related materials. We offer you the bones of the service and pray that as you will modify it and use it for the education and transformation of the community you serve, that the Lord will be in the mist.

Suggestions
 This is a powerful service for any size congregation. The preparation is minimal and the song selections work well without music or at the most with a simple piano
 The mood is solemn
 There is quite a bit of reading you may want to use several readers

You will need
 Seven candles of the same or different heights, sizes and colors
 one large Christ candle, gold or white placed in the center and
higher than all the others
 A candle extinguisher

Be creative and let the Lord guide you.


Good Friday
Tolling The Hours of the Passion

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above Ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Lighting the Candles
Leader: Blessed art Thou, O Lord, Our God, King of all creation. You kept us alive, and sustained us, and brought us to this season.
People: May our community of faith be consecrated by the light of your love, and may it shine upon us, and bring us peace.

Invocation Prayer (Unison)
Gracious God, dare we call this day good, when it recalls the Passion of your Son, our Lord? Dare we worship you on this night, when we remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ? Dare we sing praise in the community of friends, when it reminds us of the betrayal, and denial, and deception of his friends? Come to us in the depth of your love these moments of quiet remembrance. Speak to us of sorrow and of joy, of denial and of triumph, that we may find in the crucifixion your gift of reconciliation and peace. Keep us in communion with you, and in community with one another, that we may worship in spirit and in truth. Amen.

9:00p.m. - In the Garden
Mark 14:26-31

Lead Me to Calvary (AME Hymn #306)
King of my life, I crown Thee now,Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary.
Lest I forget Gethsemane; Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary.

Show me the tomb where Thou were laid. Tenderly mourned and wept;
Angels in robes of light arrayed Guarded Thee whilst Thou slept.
Lest I forget Gethsemane; Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary.

Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, You know our frailty; you understand our weakness: you are acquainted with our failures. though we have professed to believe, we betray our Lord by our action. though we have promised to follow, we deny our Christ by our selfishness and our actions. Though we have vowed to be faithful, we desert our Savior by following our own desires. we have lived for ourselves and abandoned our neighbors. we have refused to bear the troubles of other. we have ignored the pain of the world, and passed by the hungry, the poor and the oppressed. In Your great mercy, forgive our sins, and free us from all evil, that we may choose Your will and obey Your commandments, through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Mark 14:32-42

Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone (AME Hymn #155)
Must Jesus bear the cross alone, and all the world go free?
No, there’s a cross for everyone, and there’s a cross for me.

12:00 Midnight - Betrayal and Arrest
Mark 14:43:-52
The first candle is extinguished

He Looked Beyond My Fault (African American Heritage Hymnal#249)
Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise,
For it was grace that brought my liberty;
I do not know just why Christ came to love me so,
He looked beyond my faults and saw my need.
I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary,
To view the cross where Jesus died for me;
How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul,
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

3:00 a.m. - The Sanhedrin Trial
Mark 14:53-65
The second candle is extinguished

I Know It was The Blood (African American Heritage Hymnal#267)
They whipped him all night long, They whipped him all night long,
They whipped him all night long for me
One day when I was lost, He died upon the cross
I know it was the blood for me


Mark 14:66-72
The third candle is extinguished

I Know It was The Blood (African American Heritage Hymnal #267)
He never said a mumblin’ word,
He never said a mumblin’ word,
He never said a mumblin’ word for me,
One day when I was lost, He died upon the cross
I know it was the blood for me

6:00 a.m. - The Roman Trial
Mark 15:1-15
The fourth candle is extinguished

Were you There (AME Hymn #136)
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Mark 15:16-20
The fifth candle is extinguished

Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

9:00a.m. - The Crucifixion
Mark 15:21-32
The sixth candle is extinguished

Were you There (AME Hymn #136)
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble

12:00 Noon - Darkness
Mark 15:33
Sanctuary Lights Are Extinguished

Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when the sun refused to shine?

A minute of Silence

3:00p.m. - Death
Mark 15:34-41
The seventh candle is extinguished

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Were you there when the laid Him in the tomb?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they when they laid Him in the tomb?

One Candle Remains - The Candle of the Light of the World
It is the Candle that can never be extinguished, for the Light came into the world and brought life to all humankind. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
Mark 15:42-47

Closing of the Pulpit Bible
Stripping of the Sanctuary
(Adornments are removed from the sanctuary, flowers, flags, candles, fabric, only the cross and the single candle remains, as a stark reminder of the suffering and bleakness of the crucifixion.)

Benediction
Leader: Go now into the darkening night, O people of God. Though we walk in darkness, we are not forsaken. We are led by the hand of God. May the love of God calm your fears; may the grace of God keep you through the night; may the presence of God sustain you through life. God go with you and with all of God’s people . Amen.

Please exit reverently in silence.


CREATIVE WORSHIP AND IDEA STARTERS
The following is a list of worship ideas to assist you as you plan Holy Week services and teaching opportunities. It is not intended to be all inclusive, but rather a conversation starter as you work with your ministry team to develop transformative teaching and worship experiences. Remember those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Happy Holy Week!

Palm Sunday
 Go Green: decorate the sanctuary with borrowed planted palms from the local nursery and thank them in your worship bulletin.
 Processional: choir, ministers, officers and children lay palm branches and cloaks/cloths on the floor in front of the chancel and altar, during the processional.

Good Friday Service
The Tolling of the Passion order of service that is attached has evolved over the years. We offer you the bones of the service and pray that you will modify it and use it for the education and transformation of the community you serve, that the Lord will be in the mist.
Click here to download The Tolling of the Passion.

Resurrection Sunday/Sonrise Service
 Partner with other churches for Sonrise Service to maximize resources
 Have the youth or drama ministry perform the scripture instead (10 mins) of having it read followed by Now Behold the Lamb and it is preaching time
 Full processional: during the first morning service worship bring the light of Christ into the sanctuary, empty cross along with other Resurrection symbols

Holy Week
Reclaim the power of the numerous symbols of Holy Week

Where: church school, youth meetings, bible study, small group meetings, component meetings, outreach ministry, prison ministry, hospital ministries, prayer service, worship bulletins, worship service, home…

When: at every opportunity

What: Palm Sunday: palms, cloaks, donkeys…
Passover: unleavened bread, the bowl, water, wine, the lamb…
The Passion: cross, crown of thorns, nails, torn robe, tomb, stone…
Resurrection: stone, empty tomb, linen cloths…

Who: parents, grandparents, church school teachers, youth directors, choir directors, small group leaders, bible study teachers, worship leaders and clergy in whatever capacity you serve


Holy Week Worship Planning Resources
AME Hymnal
Special readings 717-724
Prayers 782,783
Lectionary 795 Year B
Hymns 129-173

African American Heritage Hymnal
Biblical Responsive Reading 8,27,45
Litany Prayers 6,67,68
Hymns, 239-285,
Palm Sunday Hymns 22, 226, 227, 225, 331

The African American Pulpit, www.theafricanamericanpulpit.com

Waiting to Go! African American Church Worship Resources From Advent Through Pentecost, James Abbington and Linda H. Hollies

When We Gather: A Book of Prayers for Worship, James G. Kirk

The African Worship Book, Valerie Bridgeman Davis, and Safiyah Fosua

Season of Ash and Fire: Prayer and Liturgies for Lent and Easter, Blair Gilmer Meeks

Destination Easter: Lenten Programs and Practices for Youth, Kaylea Huston and Kathy Hershman

Submitted by Rev. Joy Gallmon

ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BOARD

Bishop McKinley Young, Resident Bishop, Eleventh Episcopal District
Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Episcopal Supervisor
Rev. Joy L. Gallmon, 11th Episcopal District Director of Christian Education
Rev. Cedric Cuthbert, Secretary
Rev. Vincent Lane, Co-Chairperson of the Curriculum Committee
Rev. Grayce Lane, Co-Chairperson of the Curriculum Committee
All Presiding Elders
Rev. Kennetta Carter, Director of Children’s Division of Connectional Church Growth and Development Dept.
All Episcopal Officers
Mrs. Melvin Morgan, President, Women’s Missionary Society
Mrs. Sandra Burke, Director, Young People’s Division
Mr. Jon Ingraham, President, Young People’s Division
Mr. Charlie Nichols, President, Lay Organization
Dr. Cynthia Griffin, President, Ministers Spouses’ Alliance
Dr. Samuel Hunter, Superintendent, Church School
Rev. Dr. Carlton Taylor, District Board of Examiners
Rev. Kenneth Irby, District Director, Sons of Allen
Rev. Dr. Mark Crutcher, District Director, Worship & Evangelism
Rev. Charletta Robinson, District Director, Women in Ministry
Mrs. Sharon Sheffield, District Commissioner – DMC
Mrs. Faye Diamond, Director, Allen Christian Fellowship
Mr. James Robbins, III, District Music Director
Ms. Karen Richardson, District, Media Director
Mrs. Sandra Mitchell – WMS – PME Director
Ms. Patricia Wright – Lay Activities Director
Rev. Dr. Angela Bess – Juvenile Justice Project
Rev. Karen Jackson Sims – 11th District CDC
Rev. Jeffrey Dove – Voter Registration
Rev. Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, Chair, Commission on Colleges and Schools
Rev. Waymon Dixon, Continuing Education Coordinator
Rev. Charles Morris, Florida Conference Director of Christian Education
Rev. Joyce Moore, Central Conference Director of Christian Education
Rev. Charles Scott, South Conference Director of Christian Education
Rev. James Givens, West Conference Director of Christian Education
Rev. Elizabeth Yates, East Conference Director of Christian Education
Presiding Elders Patterson and Williams, Bahamas Conference Director of Christian Ed.
District Boys Scouts Coordinator
District Girls Scouts Coordinator
Rev. Dr. Marcia Owens
Rev. Dr. Nevell Owens
Rev. Kevin Desire
Rev. Paula Lake
Rev. Atticus Taylor
Mrs. Kathy Taylor
Rev. Willie Cook
Rev. Glenn Dames
Conference Chairs – Board of Examiners
Rev. Dr. Julius McAllister – Bethel Tallahassee – Florida
Rev. Joyce Moore – Allen Chapel Melbourne – Central
Rev. Michael Bouie – Mt. Hermon Ft. Lauderdale – South
Rev. Harry Dawkins – Gtr. Mt. Carmel Tampa – West Coast
Rev. Michael Mitchell – St. Stephen – East
Pastors – Members At Large
Rev. Lee Plummer - Florida Conference
Rev. Willie Hagan
Rev. Nathan Mugala - Central Conference
Rev. Terence Gray
Rev. Samuel Sullivan - South Conference
Rev. Milton Broomfield
Rev. David Connelly - West Coast
Rev. Clarence Williams
Rev. Pearce Ewing
District Staff
Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Zanders, II, Treasurer
Mrs. Mavis Bobbie Bush, Executive Assistant
Ms. Debra Taylor, Office Manager
Rev. Tony D. Hansberry, Coordinator, Annunity Investments & Ins.
Rev. Charles Cloy, District Assistant/Book Steward
Rev. Mark Griffin, CPA

CEC 2009 SCHEDULE

Great Past-Greater Future an Incredible Call to Serve
“Celebrating Inheritance: Who We Are, What We Have, and Where We Are Going"

Schedule of Activities
Monday, July 22, 2009
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration:

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. MSA District Officers
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Youth Ushers Rehearsal
Uniform: black bottoms/white top

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Hall Monitors Meeting ~ Lay/SOA/WIM
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Minister Spouses’ Alliance
4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Presenters & Conveners ~ Meet and Greet

6:30 p.m. Orientation
7:15 p.m. Worship Participants Gathering
7:30 p.m. Opening Worship – Communion

Tuesday, July 22, 2008
6:00 a.m. Morning Exercise

7:00 a.m. WMS Working Breakfast

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration:

7:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Opening Plenary I
Devotion/Logistics

9:00 a.m. – 11: 00 a.m. Continuing Education: Session I

9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Seminar

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Adult Bible Study &Youth Bible Study

12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Lunch

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Continuing Education

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Seminar II (see pages)

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. DMC ~ Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young / Ms. Sharon Sheffield

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Bishop’s Seminar

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Youth Usher Rehearsal ~
Uniform: black bottoms/white top

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Organization/Component Meetings if necessary

7:15 p.m. Worship Participants Gathering

7:30 p.m. Witness in Worship ~ Lay Leadership

Wednesday, July 22, 2009
8:00 a.m. SOA Basketball

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Music Ministry Workshop

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Liturgical Dance Master’s Class

12:30 p.m. Mother Daughter Luncheon

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Dancing With the Saints
~Social Dance Workshop/Dance Instruction
Youth must attend to receive ticket for the Formal Ball

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Contemporary Worship

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Formal Ball

Thursday, July 23, 2009
8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Organization /Component Meetings
WMS/YPD –
Lay Organization
Sons of Allen
Board of Examiners

11:00 a.m. Closing Prayer and Commitment Service
~ Bishop McKinley Young

July 24 - 25, 2008
Bishop/Presiding Elder’s Retreat
Supervisor/Presiding Elder’s Spouses Retreat