Ecumenical Christian Education NGO. Founded 1995

Transcription

1 Ecumenical Christian Education NGO Founded 1995 Handbook

2 Table of Contents Board and Staff... 4 Board of Directors and General Assembly... 4 Board of Advisors... 4 Director... 4 Educational Department... 5 Administrative Department... 5 Blessings... 7 Dear Parents, Young Adults, Youth and Children, Mission, Vision, Values Mission Vision Goal Beliefs What CrossTalk Teaches Integrity of Character Ecumenism Family and Community Values Social Responsibility Recycling at CrossTalk We Don t Just Talk, We Recycle Good Citizenship History Fees Curricular Activities Classes Development Charts My Prayer and Faith Autobiography Journal Baptismal days and Birthdays Clubs Newsletter Club Story Keepers Club

3 CrossChords, the Music Club Drama Club CrossTeam, the Sports Club Duties Commitment Expectations Library Extra-curricular Activities Activities Camps Spiritual Retreats CrossTalk Day Mountain Movers Program T H R I V E Community Outreach Open Arms Mission Camps Give of Yourself to Others Parents Parents Involvement Parents' Bible Study Seminars, Life Testimonies Expectations Circulars and Letters Bus Fund Raising

4 Board and Staff Board of Directors and General Assembly Treasurer: Father Tony Bou Nejm, Pastor of St Elias Church for the Maronites, Ain Aar Secretary: Father Boulos Wehbe, Pastor of St Michael Church, for the Greek Orthodox, Beirut Accountant: Father Elias Chataoui, Pastor of Our Lady of Annunciation Church for the Melkite Greek Catholics, Rabweh Public Relations Officer: Reverend Habib Badr, Pastor of the National Evangelical Church, Beirut Vice President: Amal Cavalcanti President: Ranya Nasrallah Members: Pierre Doumet, Mireille Karam, Rita Chedid, Zeina Hayek, Ghada Khneizer, Ralph Yaacoub Board of Advisors Father Elie Sfeir, pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Resurrection for the Maronites, Mtayleb Father Agapios Naous, Pastor of Mar Elias Church for the Greek Orthodox, Mtayleb Father Melhem Hourani, Pastor of the Dormition of our Lady for the Greek Orthodox, Mhaydsseh Father Romanos Bou Assi, Pastor of Our Lady of Annunciation Church for the Melkite Greek Catholics, Rabweh Reverend George Mrad, Pastor for the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Rabyeh Director Ranya Nasralah 4

5 Educational Department Ghada Khneizer Head of Department Civic Engagement Ghada Khneizer Rula Asfour Curriculum and Instruction Ghada Khneizer Maguy Bitar Marianne Chataoui Ralph Yaacoub Ranya Nasrallah Zeina Hayek Extracurricular Activities Ghada Khneizer Mark Eke Ralph Yaacoub Administrative Department Zeina Hayek Head of Department Accountants Chucri Cavalcanti Tony Ghorra Auditor Sarkis Sakr & Partners - Geneva Group International Driver Joseph Kirakossian 5

6 Fundraising Committee Adriana Doumet Amal Cavalcanti Mona Hawa Nelly Khnaizer Odette Dakhil Nayla Abu Hamad Pierre Doumet Raymond Feghali Rita Ghorra Rania Ghorayeb Rula Asfour Sana Katul Soha Nasrallah Soha Saadeh Zeina Hayek Zeina Mrad Information Technology Hovig Boyrazian Lawyer Jacques Zebouni Librarian and Secretary Noura Haddad Social Media Ghada Khneizer Mark Eke 6

7 Blessings CrossTalk acquires the blessing of seven different churches through their leaders namely: Bishop Youssef Bechara Maronite Archbishop of Antelias Bishop George Khodr Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jbeil and Batroun Bishop Kyrillos Boustros Greek Catholic Archbishop of Beirut and Jbeil Reverend George Dib Mrad Pastor of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Rabieh and Naccache Bishop Kegham Khatcherian Armenian Orthodox Archbishop of Lebanon Bishop Jean Teyrouzian Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Lebanon Bishop Boulos Dahdah Vicar-Apostolic for the Latin Rite in Lebanon 7

8 Translation of the Text concerning the Blessing and Endorsement of the Bishops responsible for CrossTalk To whom it may concern, We, the undersigned, Bishops of the dioceses and board of the pastors of the different churches of the Maten area where the main branch of the Ecumenical Christian Education Project called CrossTalk is located, are pleased to inform you that CrossTalk is a non-profit organization which aims at catering for the spiritual needs of society in a comprehensive and continuous way. It also aims at caring for and following the spiritual growth of the children and especially the teenagers. At present, CrossTalk has branches in Rabweh, Hamra and Broumana. We are honored to inform you that we endorse CrossTalk and its activities, which are being conducted by competent persons known for their ecumenical spirit. We would like to add that we strongly support this educational and humanitarian work because it is done in coordination with and under the supervision of the priests and pastors of the parishes, helped by experienced people. The fruits of this unique project are clearly visible in the hearts of the students enrolled at CrossTalk, in their homes, and in their faith and ecclesiastical commitment. We bless those who work at CrossTalk and those enrolled in it and we lift our petitions to our Lord for its growth and persistence. We hope that it would receive support from all those who can in order to secure its continuity. 8

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10 Dear Parents, Young Adults, Youth and Children, Welcome to our Christian education program for the academic year We are thankful to the Lord Jesus for twenty successful years at CrossTalk. We have grown steadily from three children that gathered once a week in 1995 to more than two hundred children, teenagers, young adults and parents. In 2013 CrossTalk took place across three branches Rabweh, Hamra and Broumana Parents are the first and most important Christian educators of their children. We hope we can co-operate in making the Word reach and touch every aspect of the students lives. CrossTalk teaches an Ecumenical program of Christian education through activities and classes. The activities and classes aim to familiarize the children with the Word of God The activities, clubs and camps are geared towards living the Way and the Truth together. CrossTalk does not intend to be a substitute for a Parish. Students are encouraged and taught how to be involved in their respective parish. The following information can help you familiarize yourself with our program 10

11 Mission, Vision, Values Mission CrossTalk s mission is to help each person develop his or her full potential in Christ by teaching and living the Word of God in an ecumenical educational environment Vision CrossTalk s vision is to embody an ecumenical Christian community in fulfillment of God s calling. CrossTalk strives to provide opportunities to diverse people of different age groups ranging from toddlers to grandparents to grow spiritually. CrossTalk also grants support to parents whose primary responsibility is to immerse their children in Christian education Goal Providing classes, bible studies, spiritual retreats, music, art, camps, trips, sports, and other activities that include regular outreach visits to orphanages and other such communities Running a non-profit ecumenical Christian community center operated by a team of committed volunteers and employees who serve as an ecumenical board of directors and advisors, educational committee, fund raising committee, accountant, auditor, lawyer and graphic designer Teaching ecumenism, by discovering, accepting, and learning about the different denominations of Christ Providing space and time to do all of the above for the Lord s Glory Developing a structure for fundraising to maintain self-sufficiency, including a boutique, a cafeteria, lunch open house gatherings, annual dinner, special events, and catering Homemade Food 11

12 Beliefs Parents are the primary and most important Christian educators Living as a community in Christ Ecumenical education that aims to enlighten and enrich our students who come from a variety of backgrounds to follow Jesus together as one Body. To appreciate each other's unique traditions, and to appreciate the value of diversity and unity. Although one is rooted in his or her own denomination, one is not away from other denominations. On the contrary, relationships are strengthened between the different denominations to strengthen the one Church What CrossTalk Teaches Integrity of Character CrossTalk allows the students to discover that honesty and respect are the way to success, and that cheating, in all its forms, will only lead to self-destruction and to negative consequences on others. On the other hand, students are encouraged to avoid the trap of cheating, lying and gossiping. They are taught to respect copyrighted material Ecumenism Ecumenical education at CrossTalk aims to enlighten and enrich our students who come from a variety of backgrounds to follow Jesus together as one Body, to appreciate each other's unique traditions, and hence, to embrace diversity within unity. One important characteristic of CrossTalk is that it is a place where Christians from different denominations meet in the Lord s name. This leads to loving each other, the way Jesus commanded us in John 15 12

13 CrossTalk has received the blessings of the Church Bishops and Leaders. The fathers and pastors of the different neighboring parishes have regular meetings at CrossTalk to work together trusting that they form the Body of Christ and each one of them is an indispensable part of God s Body, the Church CrossTalk teaches students respect and encourages them to be committed to their own parishes. Therefore, they form small indirect building blocks for the unity of the Church Family and Community Values CrossTalk teaches the importance of the family structure which is the building unit in the community. Awareness is taught to the children about the need to honor and respect parents. Teens and young adults are taught sexual education, enlightening them of the holiness of sex held within marriage, the institution which God has created since the beginning. Students are made aware that sex outside marriage will lead to harm, as in having teenage pregnancies that can often result in abortion. Students are directed to be sensitive to the community needs and be ready to give their time with opportunities to visit children in need catering to their materialistic and spiritual needs Social Responsibility CrossTalk teaches students to have self-esteem and avoid peer pressure. Teachers are always updated on everything children, and especially teenagers, encounter in society s dark areas. Teens and youth are made aware of the negative consequences of using drugs and alcohol. The students are therefore on guard against modern crises from suicidal attacks, to life threatening car accidents, addictions and over dosage. In addition, CrossTalk is taking into advantage its direct connection with children to help raise awareness on the grand positive impact of recycling. Thus, becoming productive members of society 13

14 Recycling at CrossTalk We Don t Just Talk, We Recycle For the past 10 years, CrossTalk has followed a zero-waste policy recycling and reusing whatever it can, whenever it can. Paper, aluminum, plastic, glass and even organic wastes are being collected separately and disposed of in their correct respective manner Good Citizenship When Christians and Lebanon are passing through difficult times, prayer meetings are held. The focus is that what people cannot resume, God can surely do. But our prayers are needed for the Lord said, Whenever two or three get together in My name, I will be with them and whatever they ask in My name, I shall give them. Awareness of a citizen s rights and duties are taught; such as following governmental regulations, paying taxes, voting and others History How it all started The Lord planned for CrossTalk and guided us to build an ecumenical Christian education program against all odds. Two friends, Josette Kfoury and Ranya Nasrallah, met in mid-september 1995, after a separation of several years due to the war in Lebanon. Their children entered the same non-religious school. As mothers, their main concern became that their children lacked Christian education Their search for Christian education classes in English came to no avail until they were led to Saint Francis House in Mtayleb. The late Father Gabriel welcomed them and congratulated them on their efforts. When they asked him if they could meet the Father or Brother who will be teaching the kids, Father Gabriel explained: It is my understanding that the teachers are you: the mothers. The 14

15 mothers made it clear to him that teaching Christian Education was neither their field of interest nor their specialty. Father Gabriel encouraged them to do it; he offered them two rooms to use as classes, he put his photocopy machine at their disposal and took out of his pocket a $100 bill. He handed the money to the two mothers telling them to buy material for the children. Ranya and Josette did not miss this opportunity. They accepted all that Father Gabriel offered them. Their plan was to find someone to teach the kids and take over in a couple of weeks. Ranya and Josette started teaching and looking for teachers. However, God s plan was different: My thoughts are different than your thoughts; My ways are different than your ways Isaiah 55:8 They could not find anyone to teach. They relied on God and with a lot of faith in Him, they took on the responsibility of teaching the children themselves : Ranya and Josette started teaching their own three children. They relied on Catholic books with a Teacher s guidance for different age groups. The number of students searching for Christian education in the same area quickly grew to twelve : The two mothers realized the need for a spiritual advisor. They asked Father George Bakouni. He accepted willingly and considered the request God sent. That same year, Father George s Bishop had asked him to do activities and Christian education for children in his parish, St Anne for the Greek Catholic, in Rabweh. Father George succeeded with the help of CrossTalk. The number of students that year grew to twenty-two : Students from new areas joined the program. The teachers number grew and they realized that the students were from different Christian denominations. They agreed to stop preaching Catholicism to non-catholics. The teachings started to stress points that are in common between all Christian denominations 15

16 : The program took on the name CrossTalk. Thanks to God s will and to generous donations, a Library, for both children and parents, took its first steps Parenting Seminars were given by Peter Shebaya : The following were established: Prayer Group, Choir, Camp program, GOOD NEWS (newsletter), Development Chart, a camp for preteens and teens : Our Lord poured His grace and blessings on CrossTalk and we were able to establish a Parent-Child Bible Study for preteens and teens and the Community Day which is now called CrossTalk Day : CrossTalk camps became special as parents joined during the day and others stayed overnight with their children in tents. The activities that were previously established experienced God s guidance in a special way that year by showing CrossTalk members that they are His Body no matter how different each one is. Classes grew from Nursery to Grade 10. An ecumenical Board of advisors was established; its members being Father Boulos Wehbe, Rev Habib Badr and Father Tanios Geagea : Clubs were established to serve the Lord. Three camps took place during summer. CrossTalk students welcomed twenty-four children from Deir Ezzor, Syria, in their own homes from August 4 to August 8. CrossTalk students grew in number to one hundred twenty-eight : A boutique for fund raising was established at CrossTalk. Parent's Bible study took place weekly where parents discussed the same theme their child was being taught at CrossTalk. A parent s lounge was furnished for parents who wished to wait at CrossTalk while their children were in class. A bus service became available to facilitate transportation to and from CrossTalk. A Christian band for youth, CrossChords started. The rites of the different churches were introduced as part of the curriculum 16

17 : A French section was established for Grades Petite Section till 4ème. A fund raising program was initiated to compensate for CrossTalk s operating costs. The fund raising program varied from monthly Open House brunches to yearly family Barbeque day. A football team, CrossTeam, was founded where students could learn how to win and how to lose : CrossTalk was endorsed by five different churches. Art lessons were given to guide students to draw what they learn about our Lord through Bible scriptures and classes. CrossTalk took care of refugees in five different centers : An ecumenical board of directors was founded : CrossTalk was officially registered in the ministry of Interior NGO No. 82/ : Older CrossTalk students, who started their university life, started teaching younger levels what they had learnt : CrossTalk was able to purchase two buses. CrossTalk s youth established a community outreach program Give of Yourself to Others, forming a partnership with Children s Cancer Center in Lebanon, affiliated with Saint Jude : CrossTalk parents established the Open Arms community outreach program. A new CrossTalk branch opened in Hamra, Beirut. A summer program was added to the camps, enfolded trips, challenging activities, game nights, movie nights for the youth. Twice a week summer full program at CrossTalk for the preschoolers and elementary levels started : Parents in Broumana expressed their desire to host CrossTalk in their neighborhood. Knowing how generous God is, He led CrossTalk into opening a branch in Broumana, besides the Hamra and Rabweh branches : Parents concern to support CrossTalk s mission led to a new fundraising program, the Homemade Treats : CrossTalk has produced and sought a never-before seen concept on the regional level taking the form of a Christian 17

18 theme nightclub under the name of T H R I V E. The summer program was named Mountain Movers and a mission camp was established : Ranya Nasrallah s near death accident was a true blessing in disguise clearly depicting CrossTalk s strong foundation T H R I V E night club became set on the second Saturday of every month. We are taking care of all the gifts our Lord has poured on us. Knowing how generous God is, CrossTalk us expecting more blessings Fees I assure you that anyone who gives you a drink of water because you belong to Me will certainly receive his reward. Mark 9: 41 Classes are free of charge Your contribution, however you choose it to be (monetary, printing, providing stationery and other material, or giving your own time), means a lot. The library and all previous activities were possible thanks to parents' donations The widow s tiny offering (Luke 21: 1-4) pleased our Lord much more than other offerings. He then transfigures our small efforts into building His Kingdom Curricular Activities Classes Classes are given in three languages- English, French, and Arabic, in our three branches in Rabweh, Hamra, and Brummana For the class schedule, check: or call

19 Development Charts The Development Charts aim is to help the child achieve a sense of responsibility in carrying his/her mission as the Lord s witness. Parents are encouraged to sign and return Development Charts in a timely manner You shall be My witnesses Acts 1:8 My Prayer and Faith Autobiography Journal Each student is encouraged to have one s own Prayer and Faith Autobiography Journal where they write one s personal experiences with our Lord Jesus Christ and daily prayers, praising our Lord, thanking Him, repenting and asking from Him Baptismal days and Birthdays CrossTalk staff will organize a small celebration for the students' baptism and birthday Clubs Our clubs are a means for the students to use their creativity and potential in serving the Lord. Five clubs are available for Grades 4, 8ème and above. All students are welcome to contribute to any of the clubs. However, members only are required to meet regularly for editing and managing the clubs together. The schedule will be given later to all clubs besides CrossChords Newsletter Club The students will be the ones contributing to the monthly newsletter. They may write their own experience with the Lord, what is going on at CrossTalk, and they may incorporate their artwork 19

20 Story Keepers Club Students are encouraged to write and/or produce stories of different kinds with Good Messages. CrossTalk will join them in a book CrossChords, the Music Club For Grades 8, 4ème and above. They meet every Friday from 19:00 to 20:30 The students learn and create different Christian hymns ranging from soft tunes, RnB, Rock and Roll, and much more Drama Club Students will identify and grow along in faith through the dramatic arts; embodying and envisioning theatre productions aimed and showing His glory CrossTeam, the Sports Club The students learn to rely on the Lord in every aspect of their daily life including sports. They learn how to accept loss and how to deal with success Duties Commitment Students should commit themselves to classes regularly. We have a yearlong curriculum that is spread out according to the sessions we give. So attendance is a necessity. In case of not being able to attend class the student is encouraged to phone her/his teacher before time excusing herself/himself 20

21 Expectations Students are expected to: Return books, CDs and DVDs to the Library on their due dates Participate in activities Attend classes and clubs regularly Bring along: 1. A Bible: We encourage our students to have a personal Bible to take notes of God s Word 2. A folder or a bag to safeguard precious paperwork, prayers, homework, calendar, and newsletter 3. My Prayer and Faith Autobiography Journal 4. A pen or pencil Library Saint Ignatius de Loyola was a soldier. His life changed after he read a book about the life of saints. He then gave up everything and became a soldier of our Lord Reading Christian spiritual books and watching Christian movies is essential for our Christian growth. The information in the library books, CDs and DVDs complement what is taught in class The Library is provided to all CrossTalk students and their parents. Every year new books, CDs and DVDs are being added to the Library, thanks to your contributions Parents are welcome to use the Library during its opening hours as well as to check out books, CDs and DVDs. The Library is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm 21

22 Students are encouraged to check out a book, CD and/or DVD weekly. Children who return their books, CD and DVDs on their due dates will be allowed to check out more than one of them at a time. Any lost book, CD or DVD must be replaced Extra-curricular Activities Activities Activities at CrossTalk include community outreach programs such as giving Christmas presents to orphans at Deir Mar Semaan convent, working with refugees, environmental awareness, providing food to the needy, and collaborating with the children s cancer center, spiritual retreats and fundraising activities Camps all of us, though many, are one body 1 Cor 10:17 As Christians we form the Body of Christ. Camps build up community life among its members putting the parts of the body together. CrossTalk has had more than twenty camps since their inception in 2000 Spiritual Retreats Spiritual retreats are held occasionally for Grade 4 students and above. Students are encouraged to join the retreats where there is time for discussion and prayers. Subjects are chosen according to the students needs and interest to help in their spiritual growth CrossTalk Day This is a day where parents, youth, children, and neighboring parishes meet at CrossTalk play games, sing hymns, feast and 22

23 thank the Lord as one BODY. It is held yearly on the last Saturday of June to wrap up the year Mountain Movers Program CrossTalk embraces and nurtures the children, teens, youth and young adults during their free time in July and August. The Mountain Movers program aim is three-fold: 1. To meet in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To put into practice what we have learned throughout the year 3. To get to know our country Lebanon more The program embraces challenging activities and game nights Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea, it will be done Jesus in Matthew 21:21 T H R I V E Jesus loves electro, and He definitely loves RnB too Forget French Night or 80s Night, and even RnB Night, T H R I V E has them all combined under one roof Can it get even better? You will be doing it in an avenue that is in accord with the teachings of Christ. Why belittle yourselves to the music and clubbing standards this world has set? The Lord wants to lift you higher than ever, even when you are out and about in your nightlife A Brief History T H R I V E was kicked off with an open-air event in May A year and two months later, July 2015, T H R I V E was hosted again in Chill Out Dik El Mehdi and then once again in August. The program and event has grown and developed such popularity, that it has received several media coverages, and will now be held every second Saturday of each month 23

24 T H R I V E aims to be a platform where you can truly and wholeheartedly enjoy a nightlife experience, clear from the filth depicted as normal and propriety by society. At T H R I V E listen to music clear from profanity and useless themes, with the sole purpose to lift you higher. Witness true joy, and true happiness as you move your feet to the rhythm and beats of the Lord! Community Outreach Open Arms A charity encompassed within CrossTalk, aiming to show generosity and love. It provides us with the perfect opportunity to put to practice an integral part of Jesus teachings loving our neighbors as ourselves. It started by collecting donations of dried food to donate to the poor and needy. Now, the philanthropic mission has expanded into helping Palestinian families with their rent and running expenses and aiding a cancer stricken individual raise funds for rigorous and expensive treatment. The charity was funded by CrossTalk s family donations and when in need, with CrossTalk s private account Mission Camps Students are encouraged to serve others through the mission camps. In summer 2014, we took care of mentally disabled teens and young adults, renovated one floor of a school in the Palestinian camp, and visited those who are mourning. In addition, in 2015, students painted a basketball court, cafeteria and hallway of Home of Hope at Kahale Give of Yourself to Others Crosstalk has become a Strategic Partner with the Children s Cancer Center in Beirut encouraging people to give at least 10 cm of their own hair to be made into wigs for those who have lost theirs 24

25 due to chemotherapy. This program started in November 2009 and has become internationally renowned. Furthermore, it currently contributes hair to the Lebanese Breast Cancer Foundation as well Parents Parents Involvement Parents involvement will benefit the child. Parents are encouraged to participate in all activities, monthly and seasonal. Parents may assist in various ways at CrossTalk; such as classes, activities, the library, the newsletter, cooking, any kind of typing, the boutique and others Parents' Bible Study Parents are encouraged to attend the weekly Bible study to get to know what their children are learning in class. The aim is to provide parents and children the opportunity to discuss and further develop in their families the themes discussed at CrossTalk. Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, bring them up with Christian discipline and instruction Eph 6: 4 Seminars, Life Testimonies Parents, young adults and the youth may choose topics for the Seminars. Topics vary and are held depending on the specific need Expectations Parents are expected to: Check their child's folder Bring their child on time well prepared Encourage their child to pray, be active in the parish and celebrate Mass on Sunday and Holy days in their own parishes 25

26 Participate in Parents' Bible Study, Parenting Seminars and activities Circulars and Letters You are encouraged to check your boxes every week. GOOD NEWS, our newsletter, is a means of communication with parents. We urge parents to read its contents and follow-up promptly on any requirements. Furthermore, a calendar will be sent monthly as well as circulars and forms that may require your attention and signature Bus CrossTalk provides a bus service to facilitate regular attendance of students Fund Raising CrossTalk is growing. Last year more than two hundred twenty students came weekly to CrossTalk to get to know our Lord Jesus even more. All classes are given free of charge. CrossTalk steady expenses are becoming even higher ($ 12,500/ month) and without any fixed income. Expenses of each child at CrossTalk are around $550/ year or $46/month. CrossTalk can no longer continue to operate and might have to close. So as not to restrict a certain fee on all students, the Lord led the parents to engage in several fundraising efforts such as the CrossTalk Boutique, Open House Lunches, Homemade Treats, Exhibitions, Bazaar and the Annual Fund Raising Dinner. For more information please feel free to pick up the yearly income and expense sheet with detailed transactions from CrossTalk. Also, feel free to call at to have a copy sent with your child 26

27 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit Romans 15:13 27

28 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it. My Father s glory is shown by your bearing much fruit, and in this way you become My disciples John 15: