On Saturday August 25th, Base 301(Diane Jones, Charles Perez, Kathy
Siler, Scott Davis and Lisa Wool) hosted the 1st annual Ministry Appreciation Get-Together Dinner in the fellowship hall of New Zion Christian Church.

    Well over 100 current active ministers who volunteer their valuable time, energies and talents to serve the NZCC body and the community turned out for the event. This casual affair was held for two reasons: to extend a huge "thank you" from the Pastors, base coaches and elders of the church to those who serve this local body. And secondly to inform those in attendance that September is designated as Ministry Month.

    Before dinner was served, there was a huge selection of appetizers that everyone could partake of. This included chips and dips donated from Ninfa's, nachos donated from Skeeters, veggie trays with dips and potato chips. Also before dinner, three ice breakers were played which got everyone in the mood to say hello and get to know one another. One rousing ice breakers involved getting signatures from other attenders if they met the criteria of the statement written.

    For example, the statement on the paper read, "I minister in the dance team". An attendee had to move around the room and find someone who ministers in the dance team and get them to sign the paper. First one to fill all 25 blanks with signatures won a very nice prize. Wow... afterwards, most attenders said this was their favorite game and was loads of fun. Dinner was served next which was catered by Lasagna House and featured a huge portion of traditional Lasagna and Greek salad and cookie or cake for dessert. All attending had a terrific time.

    Here are some points mentioned that were shared for ministry month: Events for ministry month include "name tag" Sunday on September 9th. All current ministers are encouraged to wear a name tag on this Sunday displaying their primary and secondary ministries. This will help identify those who are in a current ministry and those who are not.

    At the get-together, Pastor encouraged each minister with the slogan "each one reach one". Studies show that more people join ministries when they are asked than with any other avenue of advertising (video, flyers, posters etc...). NZCC ministers were encouraged to approach those who were not wearing name tags and try to get to know them, find out their interest and invite them to come and try out their ministry.

     The following Sunday, September the 16th, is slotted for visiting the ministry table set up in the main foyer. Here you can sign up for Diamond Saturday, pick up a brochure about the ministries of NZCC or get you questions answered about any of the ministries. Diamond Saturday is for those who might be interested in becoming a member, getting disciples, getting involved in a ministry or learning about missions. Each base coach will do a short video clip each Sunday in September highlighting the ministries under their base and encouraging those to get involved!