Education Extra

Public school students throughout Ala. are learning the Bible during the school day thanks to School Ministries Alabama. While similar classes have been held nationwide for over 100 years, it’s a relatively new concept for most Ala. schools. 

How It Works. “School Ministries Alabama is active in communities and school districts around the state to promote one particular free exercise of religion that doesn’t entangle the school district or cross over that fictitious ‘wall of separation’,” explains Winston Greer, Executive Secretary of the School Ministries Alabama (SMA) Board of Directors. He adds, “It is a religious freedom that is little known, often misunderstood, and underutilized by the evangelical Christian community. It is called Released Time Bible Education.” Released Time Bible Education (RTBE) allows parents to grant permission for their child to be excused from public school during the school day to receive private Bible instruction. This practice has been constitutionally permitted since the Supreme Court’s 1952 decision in Zorach v. Clauson, which ruled that students may participate in religious instruction during school hours as long as parental consent is given, the classes are held off public school grounds, and the program is privately funded. “School Ministries Alabama is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), state office affiliate of School Ministries, Inc., a national organization of RTBE programs in the U.S. We presently have twelve classes operating in six Alabama school districts and have been authorized by another three to begin Bible classes in their school districts, with more classes and districts actively pending.”

“School Ministries Alabama works within the legal boundaries of the U.S. Constitution and Alabama state law to offer an opportunity for public school students to receive, with the permission of a parent, Bible education during the structure of the school day, and at no cost to the school,” Kasey Burleson, President of School Ministries Alabama, explains, adding, “For some, this may be the first and only opportunity in their young lives to learn from His Word about the God who creates, forgives, and can lead them with purpose, in peace and joy, their entire life – now and for all eternity.”

Inside the Classroom. “A typical class for intermediate and middle school students meets once a week, and begins with an opening prayer by the teacher followed by a lesson from either God’s Rescue Mission or  Jesus On Mission Student Guide books, Greer explains. Classes generally close with student requests. Greer adds that the high school elective credit Bible education classes are similar in routine but have to meet the number of contact hours required by the school district for elective course credit, generally five 50-minute class sessions each week. Lessons are taught from SMA’s “Worldview” curriculum; the first semester covers the Old Testament and the second semester covers New Testament and World Religions. School Ministries Alabama classes in the Birmingham area include Oak Mountain Intermediate School, Booker T. Washington School, and more. To learn more and register your child to attend SMA, visit www.smalabama.org. †

 

Education Extra

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School (OLS School) students held a school-wide House assembly, called the Coin Challenge on September 11, 2024. Their House system, which is divided into six groups of students in various grades is a testament to the school’s commitment to promoting a positive, unified, character-focused school environment. 

Throughout the month of August, each House was assigned a local first responder or medical professional, including firefighters, EMTs, police, military, doctors, and nurses. Their challenge was to bring in coins to raise money for their designated cause. On September 11, the funds raised for each role were announced at the House assembly. “September 11 is such a historic date for our country. Since our House system is rooted in service, we wanted to honor the groups of men and women who were instrumental in saving lives that day and giving back to the community,” said Jennifer Clark, chair of the House Leadership Team. “Our students did a fantastic job collecting coins for this cause.” The students’ dedication and the support of the OLS School community were evident as they collected over $1,474.62 in coins in just three weeks. This generous contribution benefited the Homewood firefighters, police, EMTs, Veterans Hospital patients, and Children’s Hospital doctors and nurses.

OLS School fosters every child’s religious, academic, and social development, recognizing that knowledge enlightened by faith and realized through service is at the heart of Catholic education.  To learn more about Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, visit www.olsschool.com. 

---

We want to hear what is happening at your school. Email [email protected] with details and photos. They may soon appear in an upcoming issue of Birmingham Christian Family.

 

Education Extra

Congratulations to Lydia Burnett from Crossroads Christian School, the recipient of the Annual Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) Scholarship! Burnett receives a $2,000 scholarship to the college or university of her choice. Read her inspiring words on how her Christian faith impacted her decision making throughout her high school career.

“Throughout my high school career, the Lord has presented me with many decisions to make.

What type of friend will I be? Turning to scripture, I chose to follow the example of Christ as he sought out those who were unseen by others. Being a class representative in Key Club has helped me to grow in my ability to lead large groups of people, understanding and learning to work with the strengths and weaknesses of individuals.

What type of student will I be? Just as Christ respected those around them listening affirming and encouraging, so must I. I must also be willing to apply criticism and display discipline as I study, desiring to learn and grow in knowledge.

What type of daughter will I be? Christ continually looked to the needs of others before his own. So, I must also choose to serve my family with love and compassion as I take on more chores, drive my brother to practice, and care for my grandfather next-door.

What type of worker will I be? Christ did all for the glory of all, setting an example for his disciples to follow. As I interacted with locals at the Farmers Market or helped customers at the Soccer Concession Stand, I must choose to be personable but professional with costumers and strive for excellence, encouraging coworkers to do the same.

Lastly, what type of future is in store for me? To God I look, asking Him to make straight my path and to guide my steps, remembering He holds my future in His hands. As the Lord leads me to pursue a career in missions and ministry, He has guided me to Covenant College. This option at first seemed impossible due to financial considerations, and I had to decide whether I would trust in God’s sovereign plan for my life. The Lord continued working, calling me to trust Him and dedicate myself to His plan regardless of how impossible it seemed. In choosing to trust the Lord, I continue to experience Him making straight my path in ways I never foresaw. From friends and family to work and school, Christ has used each of these decisions to mold me into the servant He desires me to be. As I continue my Christian walk, I will continue turning to Christ in scripture and in prayer seeking His direction and wisdom.”

Here are some additional inspiring words from the 2024 Finalists on how their Christian faith impacted their decision making throughout their high school careers. Runner-Ups Brayden Butler and Hunter Parsons each receive a $500 scholarship to the college of their choice.

Runner-Up Brayden Butler, from Alabama Connections Academy, says “Throughout my high school career, my Christian faith has been the cornerstone guiding my decisions, particularly in the face of adversity. The trajectory of my life shifted dramatically following a life-threatening motocross accident, an event that challenged not just my physical well-being but also my outlook on life’s purpose. In the aftermath of the accident, my family and I turned to our faith as a source of strength and comfort. Through constant prayer and the support of our community, we found the resilience to navigate through the darkest moments. This reliance on faith not only bolstered our spirits but also provided a framework for decision-making as I embarked on my high school journey. One of the most significant impacts of my Christian faith has been the realization of my purpose beyond mere personal aspirations. Instead of succumbing to sadness or bitterness, I recognized that my experiences could serve as a platform to inspire and uplift others. Guided by my faith, I made the decision to transition to online schooling, allowing me to prioritize both my role on the US para climbing team and my advocacy work within the disabled community.”

Runner-Up Hunter Parsons, from Oak Grove High School, shares “When I was young, a sense of responsibility beyond my years took hold of me. At just five years old, I felt the weight of circumstances I couldn’t fully understand. My mother, a single parent navigating the challenges of supporting two young children alone, found herself relying on faith and family to make ends meet. In my innocence, I believed that to help my mother, I needed to be older. By the time I turned thirteen, I began to actively contribute to our family’s income. I found tasks like mowing lawns, landscaping for neighbors, and eventually assisting in running a food truck to earn extra money. These experiences taught me a crucial lesson – it’s not the absence of certain individuals in our lives that define us, but rather, the presence of those who support us without fail. Life was not always easy for our trio, but together, we had a united front and relied on our faith to navigate life. My mother instilled in us values such as responsibility, a strong work ethic, and respect for others. Above all, she nourished our spiritual growth by making sure we attended church every Sunday, ensured we were active in a church youth group and constantly shared with us the teachings of Jesus Christ. Through these teachings I learned that the wealth of our family transcends material possessions.”

Top Five Finalist Adelaide Jowers, from Homewood High School, says “When you are a “doer” of the Word, your decisions can be tough. Your decisions can be unpopular. Your decisions can bring ridicule. However, my identity as a follower of Jesus Christ has given me the courage and freedom to choose wisely. I have learned I must have a Christian world and life view, where the anxieties of current events are seen through the lens of God’s sovereignty. I have learned that cultural affirmation is fleeting and rarely based on truth. I have learned that instant gratification, while instant, is not fulfilling. I have learned that truth is only true is if is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.” 

Top Five Finalist Sydni Jean, from Corner High School, shares, “My Christian faith has played a significant role in shaping my decision-making during my high school career. It has provided me with a moral compass and a set of values that guide my actions and choices. First and foremost, my faith has taught me the importance of honesty and integrity. In all my decisions, I strive to be truthful and transparent, knowing that honesty is a fundamental principle of Christianity. This has helped me maintain a sense of integrity in both my academic and personal life, avoiding dishonest behaviors such as cheating or lying.”

 

 

Visit www.birminghamchristian.com/scholarship to read each finalist’s full essay. Thank you to the over 150 applicants who applied for the scholarship. Special thanks to our Scholarship Sponsors: Alabama Credit Union, American Village, and Vulcan Termite and Pest Control. The 2024 Scholarship recipients will receive special recognition at the Baron’s Faith and Family Night on May 31, 2024 at Regions Field.

 

Education Extra

Help bring history to life by applying for the American Village Junior Interpreter Program. Each summer, up to 25 students ages 12-17 (rising 7th – 12th graders) receive professional training at the American Village in Montevallo and assist our educational interpreters in presenting the customs and times of the 18th Century.

American Village is looking for students who are motivated, adaptable, mature, and also possess performance skills, along with an interest in American history. Deadline to apply is January 31, 2024. Auditions will be held in February and the program will run from May 28-July 4, 2024. Apply now at americanvillage.org. There is no fee to be a junior interpreter. Participants do need to purchase an 18th Century costume (usually $250).  For more details, click here or contact Rebecca Evans, Co-Director, Junior Interpreter Program at 205-665-3535 x1048 or [email protected]. †

Education Extra

Beeson Divinity School of Samford University will begin offering evening courses this fall for those who want to work towards a degree but desire greater flexibility in the pursuit of their studies. Students can work toward a masters-level theological degree in the evenings without interrupting their daytime commitments. Church members seeking to learn and grow in the faith as well as those serving in vocational ministry who desire further biblical and theological training are ideal candidates for the program.

Beeson courses are taught by world-class scholars devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ and dedicated to equipping followers of Christ for faithful service through the gospel. Graduate-level seminary course offerings for the evening program will include classes such as Old Testament Theology, New Testament Theology, Christian History and Doctrine, and Spiritual Formation. “We’re excited to offer this new opportunity for believers who want to learn and grow in their understanding of the word of God, the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, and their devotion to Christ,” said Dr. Tom Fuller, associate dean of Beeson Divinity School, adding, “Beeson is committed to strengthening the gospel witness and ministries of churches, beginning right here in the greater Birmingham area. We pray the Lord will use these evening courses to do that.”

Each course meets once a week for two and a half hours over a 14-week term. Students may apply as degree-seeking students to pursue the Master of Arts of Theological Studies (M.A.T.S) or Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree. Those applying to the M.Div. program will be required to take several courses offered only in the daytime as well. The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) is Beeson’s most versatile degree program, designed to provide a deeper understanding of the content of the Christian faith. Through courses in biblical and theological studies, as well as elective courses, students gain a foundational understanding of the theological disciplines for their personal enrichment and growth as well as their ministry and service to the local church. To learn more and apply to study at Beeson, visit www.beesondivinity.com/ad/evenings.

-Emily Knight

Beeson Divinity School

Education Extra

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic (OLS) School recently inducted nine students into the prestigious National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). They joined 16 current eighth graders who became members in 2022. With family members in attendance, a special induction ceremony and a reception were held in honor of the students. These bright young scholars were chosen based on the five ideals of the organization as proven by them through their activities and their teachers’ recommendations. The criteria included Scholarship; Leadership; Service; Character; and Citizenship. 

NJHS is one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a student in seventh and eighth grade. The Society brings the endeavors of an outstanding student to the attention of parents, teachers, peers and the community. Chapters in more than 5,000 secondary schools across the nation strive to give practical meaning to its goals. To learn more about Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, visit olsschool.com. †