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June News

Sabbath School Certification Seminar

On June 20 & 22, 2008 a Sabbath School Certification Seminar was held in the North Bahamas Mission, Grand Bahama, Bahamas. Vivienne Quarrie, Associate Personal Ministries Director, with responsibility for Sabbath School in West Indies Union Conference conducted a very informative, interesting and motivational seminar. She was assisted by the North Bahamas Mission PM/SS Director, Pastor Henry Moncur. It began on Friday evening with Sabbath School Superintendents and concluded Sabbath School (SS) teachers, secretaries and all other SS personnel. During the sessions, attendees were reminded of the four goals of Sabbath School:       1) The study of the Word; 2) Fellowship; 3) Outreach; 4) World Missions

Superintendents were given a general outline of how the Sabbath School program should run with approximate time limits for each section of the program.  They were also given a copy of and taught the two theme songs for the beginning and ending of Sabbath School.

A spiritual gifts questionnaire was given with an explanation of how it could be utilized in helping the Sabbath School care units to function more smoothly. Special emphasis was given to the role of the Sabbath School Action Unit. Each class is to be no larger than 12 members, with a leader, class secretary and care coordinator. The Care Coordinator's role in each unit was stressed. It was noted that they are responsible for keeping in close contact with all members of the unit and sharing information with the class. The unit members are to celebrate, care for and grieve with and support one another. In this unit, the small group activities of the church can be effectively carved out.

Teachers were reminded that the Sabbath School lesson is to be reviewed on Sabbaths by utilizing the Learning Cycle which made up of four sections: Motivate, Explore, Practice and Apply.  Sister Quarrie noted that if teachers cover these four areas in the lesson they would have covered the whole lesson in a comprehensive way.

The very close relationship between the Sabbath School and the Personal Ministry Department was strongly emphasized and also the important function of the secretaries in the units and the Sabbath School was outlined.

Betsy Monroe, Church SS Superintendent

Pastor Henry Moncur, NBM SS/PM Director