Good Children's Literature is Essential

"In a day and age when reading good books has never been of greater need for our children, parents and teachers owe Elizabeth McCallum and Jane Scott a deep debt of gratitude for the wonderful service they have provided by compiling this updated second edition of their book. It is a mandatory companion for any home or school."— Patch Blakey, Executive Director, The Association of Classical & Christian Schools

Good Children's Literature is Essential
A Word from the Authors

We wrote our book because a book of this sort is greatly needed. The Book Tree is a recommended reading list for all ages, from preschool through high school, and it includes several unique features. It contains a selective array of excellent books for each age group. We believe with Walter de la Mare that “only the rarest kind of best of anything can be good enough for the young,” so we have spent many years researching and reading old books and new, classics as well as recent releases. In this book, we provide a recommended list of classic books, as well as books by Christian authors, some little-known books by great writers and poets, and a sizable collection of inspiring biographies. Of course, we do not think that these are the only books worth reading. In fact, we are discovering new favorites all the time. We are simply sharing with you some of the books that we have especially enjoyed.

Table of Contents:
1. Preschool Literature
2. Elementary School Fiction
3. Middle School Fiction
4. Elementary & Middle School Biography
5. High School Fiction
6. High School Biography

Also Includes:
Title Index
Author Index
Illustrator Index
Subject Index

Publishers Description:
Once upon a time, a carpenter entered a forest and happened upon a wolf wearing a feathered cap. Quick, whose side are you on? If you don't know, then keep reading. Stories provide a roadmap for life. This is because stories are life. But oftentimes it's easiest to understand where we are when we can look through other eyes—from the perspective of someone else, living somewhere else, somewhen else.

If you thought you knew The Book Tree, think again. Jane and Elizabeth have updated this charming book with over 100 new book reviews, and whimsical illustrations from recommended titles are scattered throughout. New formatting and four indexes (title, author, illustrator, and subject) make it easier than ever to browse for that next well-worn favorite.

For those beginning to read for the first time or those beginning to read again, The Book Tree will drop golden apples in your lap, until you can climb high enough to pick for yourself.

About the Authors:
Elizabeth McCallum (M.A. English, University of Houston) has taught high school and college English for thirty years. She currently teaches English at Covenant Christian Academy (Cumming, GA) and conducts seminars on literature and English for both parents and teachers.

Jane Scott (B.A. English, Covenant College) spends much of her time managing her home and teaching. Her husband, Martin, serves in the Georgia legislature, and they live in northwest Georgia with their four girls.

Click here to see a sample of the book and to watch The Book Tree advertising trailer.

Don't Take the Whole Summer Off - Remember to Pray!

Summer has arrived!

We have heard the final bell – watched our graduates triumphantly “recess” from their graduation ceremony – said the last goodbye to fellow teachers who will be moving on to new areas of ministry.

The school year that just a few short months ago held such promise and anticipation is over – and now the desks are empty, the chalkboard is clean and washed- the promise of the 2007-2008 school has been realized and the many events of the school year are now a memory.

While the “responsibilities” of being a teacher might be over for the summer (you did turn in your grade book and plan book, didn’t you) – you are never really “done” being their teacher! Your influence goes beyond the walls of your classroom and beyond the calendar! If you haven’t had the experience yet – you will (if you teach long enough) to have adults point in your direction and whisper to their children “That’s Mrs. Smith – she was MY third grade teacher.” Those who are bold enough will approach you wearing their best “you remember me” smile and will be able to recall with vivid clarity something that you said and/or did during that 3rd grade year – and expect that you will, too!

As we are still in the “early stages” of summer, please take a few minutes to remember your class – recall them one by one – say each name aloud and thank God for the privilege of being “their” teacher and for the opportunity you had to be part of their lives for just a moment in time!

Pray for them throughout the summer and as the summer winds down, begin praying for the students who will be in your class for the upcoming school year. You don’t have to wait for your class roster to begin praying – pray for the students, their parents and for the transition of new students/families into your school.

But above all – remember to pray for yourself – that God will prepare you for a new year of ministry and that you will be looking forward to the new school year – one that will be filled with promise and anticipation!

MACSA Scholarships Announced!

Barbara Williams, MACSA Vice President and Chair of the MACSA Scholarship Committee
Lehigh Christian Academy ~ Allentown, PA

Each year MACSA awards several scholarships to educators (teachers and/or principals) in Christian schools who will be taking graduate courses during the upcoming summer months. The Lord has continued to bless this effort and each year we award a scholarship to several candidates.

This year we had over fifty applicants and awarded eight scholarships. The educators chosen answered questions about their educational background, current responsibilities, future plans, and the impact that the coursework would have on their professional growth.

We trust that we will be able to continue to offer these scholarships to teachers and administrators dedicated to Christian education and the students they serve.

· Stephanie Cruz (Calvary Academy, Lakewood, NJ)
· Vivian Dippold (Penn Christian Academy, Norristown, PA)
· Mary Catherine Fox (Crossroads Christian Academy, Clinton, NJ)
· Mark Gebhardt (Cumberland Christian School, Vineland, NJ)
· Thomas Hoffman (Grace and Peace Academy, Toms River, NJ)
· Alice Latouk (Calvary Academy, Lakewood, NJ)
· Linda Marvin (Seaford Christian Academy, Seaford, DE)
· Christine Mitcheltree (Meadowbrook Christian School, Milton, PA)

Effective Ministry Leadership

Dr. James Jeffery
President, Baptist Bible College

This article was orignially printed in the Spring 2005 edition of the MACSA Bridge. Dr. Jeffery was the keynote speaker at the November 2004 MACSA Convention.

Our mission at Baptist Bible College, Graduate School, and Seminary is to provide excellence in biblical education for effectiveness in ministry leadership. The needs of the local church and those it partners with as it fulfills its mission on Christ’s behalf in a broken world demand the right kind of leaders. They must be Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, servant leaders who stand ready to take their places according to God’s call. They are able to influence others toward God’s purposes.

What are the characteristics of these leaders?

Convictions
Effective ministry leaders are the result of theological formation. They have put deep roots down into the soil of the Word of God. Because of this, they know what they believe and why they believe it.

Commitment
Spiritual formation shapes leaders to be committed to the lordship of Christ over all of life. These leaders are committed to Christ’s cause in the Great Commission and the local church as the center of God’s program on Earth.

Character
Leaders must earn the trust and respect of those they influence. That comes from being conformed to Christ as the fruit of the Spirit is developed on the vine of character. Who we are inside determines what we do in ministry.

Competencies
Effective ministry leaders develop leadership, specific ministry, and personal competencies to be effective. The Book of Nehemiah gives an outstanding example of leadership competencies. Nehemiah was unwilling to accept the status quo of the broken-down wall. He inspired a shared vision, mobilized people to team up, encouraged the people, and set the example.

Capacities
No two servants of Christ are the same. As we follow Christ, He shapes us individually to become effective leaders. That comes from knowing yourself as you discover the way God has designed you for ministry with your gifts, personality, and experience. It also comes from growing through lifelong learning and mentoring.

As these five "C's" are integrated into every aspect of life and ministry, we will be effective in carrying out the Great Commission of Acts 1:8.

God Be With You

God Be with You till We Meet Again
Text: Jeremiah E. Rankin, 1828-1904
Music: William G. Tomer, 1833-1896
Tune: GOD BE WITH YOU, Meter: 98.89 with Refrain (MH--no refrain)

Click here to listen.

God be with you till we meet again;
by his counsels guide, uphold you,
with his sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain:
Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus' feet;
till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;
neath his wings securely hide you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;
when life's perils thick confound you,
put his arms unfailing round you;
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;
keep love's banner floating o'er you,
smite death's threatening wave before you;
God be with you till we meet again.

A Word of Thanks

From Nurturing Faith
Dan Beerens, author and editor
Vice President of Learning Services for Christian Schools International

A word of thanks to those of you who . . .

. . . kept in focus the big picture of nurturing faith in students, despite all the distractions and obstacles during this school year;

. . . kept your cool when working with a student for the umpteenth time on a repeated issue—thanks for remembering that God continues to forgive each of us for repeated sins;

There's more!
Click here to jump to the Nurturing Faith blog to read the rest of the Thank You!

MACSA Development Institute

Confidence in Your Christ . . . Confidence in Your Calling
Therefore, do not cast away your confidence,
which has great reward. Hebrews 10:35

November 5, 2008
Lancaster Host ~ Lancaster, PA

The MACSA Development Institute is designed for a full day of
Inspiration ~ Information ~ Networking
with Christian school administrators, development officers and board members
Cost: $50 per person - registration forms will be sent late summer/early fall.

Thanks to Ambassador Advisors for their sponsorship of the
2008 MACSA Development Institute
Click here to visit the Ambassador Advisors website.

Four Distinctive Tracks ~ Sixteen Workshops
Stay "on track" or mix and match throughout the day!
Check back for specific workshop titles and descriptions!

· Where Do I Begin?
Basic topics in development - for schools just starting out in "development" and/or for the administrator who needs to "do it all".

· Marketing and Promotion
Including the importance of the admissions process and the "re-recruitment" of current families.

· The Nitty Gritty
A series of workshops designed for the seasoned Development Officer.

· Fundraising That Works
In depth discussion on specific events, programs and techniques - including a panel discussion on "Events Work".

Schedule
8:00 am
Registration, Coffee, Networking
9:00 am
Opening Session
10:05 am
Workshop Session I
11:10 am
Workshop Session II
12:15 pm
Lunch : Round table discussions during the lunch break
1:30 pm
Workshop Session III
2:30 pm
Workshop Session IV
3:45 pm
Questions and Answers ~ Networking

Extend your stay and attend the 60th Annual MACSA Convention on Thursday and Friday, November 6-7
For more information, please contact
Ruth Hennigh, MACSA Development Institute Registrar
717-671-8112
MACSADev@yahoo.com