Bishop Brooks has commissioned Mount Zion Baptist Church to focus on four distinct areas:

Prayer: is the means by which we get heavenly solutions and directions to earthly challenges by talking to the creator of the heavens and the earth-God. We believe that prayer is as essential to the Christian life as breathing is to the body.

Youth: the developing and maturing persons 18 years old or younger who are significant in our present age and the decision-makers and leaders of the coming age.

Family: the DNA of each individual that ultimately becomes the building block for society. As goes the family so goes the community, the state, the nation and society.

Stewardship: Being responsible and accountable to God for everything He has placed within our sphere of authority and influence.

General Announcements

No Solicitation Policy

Although we encourage entrepreneurship, we DO NOT permit businesses to distribute promotional materials or products on our campus. Occasionally, there are events held throughout the year that serve as opportunities for businesses to showcase their products and services. However, Sundays are not one of those times. If you are approached with any form of solicitation that has not been mentioned or supported from the pulpit, decline the offer and notify the person of our no solicitation policy.

Twan Chi Martial Arts / Self Defense

Ever want to learn a form of martial arts/self defense? If so, then join the Twan Chi Martial Arts class on Thursdays at 6:30-8:00 pm in Room 233. There is no cost to participate. The class is open to male and females ages 13 and older.

Free Financial Literacy Seminars

Free Financial Literacy Seminars are currently taking place! Two hours can change your life. What you do not know can hurt you. Class topics include: Credit and Debt, Understanding Insurance, Automobile Financing, Foreclosure Avoidance and Bankruptcy and 401-K Retirement Savings. Pre-registration is required. Choose your seminar(s) and date and then pre-register by calling (336) 273-7930 or signing up following Sunday Worship Service. Please note, these are stand alone seminars, attendance at more than one session is not required. All classes will be held at Mount Zion Baptist Church on the second floor of the Educational Wing (East Campus). Please click here to view the class schedule. For more information, please contact Belinda English at the previously mentioned number.

YOUTH MINISTRY

2008 Youth Events Calendar - contains events scheduled for students in Kings Children's Church (KCC), Middle School and High School.

I'm All In - summarizes the 2008 theme and direction of Youth B.L.A.Z.E. (Believers Longing After Zeal and Empowerment)

Youth Ministry Leader Application (adults) - provides general information and application for volunteering within the Youth Ministry.

January

21-Day Corporate Fast

Our corporate 21-day fast will begin on Friday, January 2. Fast booklets are available at either Welcome Center. As a conveneience, you may download a "booklet" copy here or a "page by page" copy here.

Mount Zion Leaders Make a D.I.F.F.E.R.E.N.C.E.: Communications Training

Thank you for participating in the 2008 Leaders Make a D.I.F.F.E.R.E.N.C.E. Series. We invite you to attend the 2009 Leaders Make a DIFFERENCE Series. Sessions will be held on Thursdays and Saturdays each week beginning on Thursday, January 22, 2009 and ending on March 28, 2009. The series will spotlight techniques to improve communication (see class descriptions below). The cost to attend is $15 per person. Childcare (for ages 3-11) and all training materials will be provided. Registration begins Sunday, December 7, 2008. The last day to register will be Sunday, January 11. You may register using one of the following methods:

SESSION 1

Introduction to Communication Skills / Introduction to Mount Zion Baptist Church's Communication Plan

As human beings, we are always engaging in a form of communication. As technology has advanced, new methods of communications have come to the forefront. This session lays the foundation for future sessions by exploring the importance of communication, the various types of communication and its processes. This session will consist of two mini-sessions and will challenge attendees to internalize three questions: Am I effectively communicating with others?; Am I communicating with the E's (Dept. Managers)?; What is Mount Zion's Communication Plan?

Attend on January 22 or January 24

SESSION 2

Spiritual Gifts / Winning Others Over & Active Listening

Every believer is given one or more spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit. Do you know what spiritual gifts you possess? This session helps you understand and identify your spiritual gifts and discover how walking in your gifting will serve the local church (Mount Zion Baptist Church), the Body of Christ and the world. With growing economic stresses, it is important that we use our spiritual gifts and talents to win others over. This session will equip God's people to effectively lead and influence others, particularly those over whom you have no direct authority. We all listen, but do we really hear what the other person is saying? This portion of the session give you techniques for actively listening to others. NOTE: This session will consist of two mini-sessions.

Attend on January 29 or January 31

SESSION 3

Winning Others Over & Active Listening

this session is a continuance of Session 2. You will learn the remaining active listening skills and techniques and be permitted to put into practice your refined skills to ensure that you have mastered the techniques.

Attend on February 12 or February 14

SESSION 4

Effective Meeting Management

Meetings are essential for effective event/project/ministry planning. Many of us have been responsible for leading a meeting but are we effectively running the meetings? This session will concentrate on four key areas: (1) basic requirements to ensure an effective meeting; (2) role and responsibilities of chairperson; (3) role and responsibilities of participants; (4) conflict resolution. You will practice these skills during the session.

Attend on February 19 or February 21

SESSION 5

Feedback & Self Disclosure

When used correctly, feedback can be a very powerful tools for one's growth and development. While we give feedback on a daily basis to our families, co-workers and ministry members, we want to ensure we are providing the feedback that is beneficial. This session discusses nine guidelines for providing constructive feedback, explores what is known and unknown about self through the Johari Window, and explains when and how self-disclosure should be used.

Attend on February 26 or February 28

SESSION 6

Generational and Cultural Differences

Generational and cultural differences exist in the communication styles of people across the globe and in every aspect of our lives. If left unchecked, it will wedge a gap between generations. With poor communication, culture also suffers to the extent that we began to devalue the existence of people unlike us. In this session, you will learn to improve communications regardless of generational and cultural differences.

Attend on March 12 or March 14

SESSION 7

The Movement of God inspired inventions like the printing press that were used to advance the Kingdom. Technology today: Friend or foe? In this session, you will better understand the new modes of communicating with others, the ethics and etiquette when using technology and gain an understanding of the pros and cons of technology.

Attend on March 19 or March 21

SESSION 8

Closing Celebration

What did you learn about communication? What would you like to see in the future? In this session, you will be able to share your communications training experience with the church leadership, offer suggestions and make recommendations for future training sessions. The church Elders will interact with leaders during this time. A closing celebration will follow.

Attend on March 26 or March 28