The Saintsation

On Tuesday (8/17), over 100 middle school students and chaperones loaded the bus headed to Horton Haven Christian Camp outside of Chapel Hill, TN. Prepared for the heat, students immediately got ready for swim time in the morning right before lunch. After lunch, students rotated in groups through several activities, including canoeing, zip line, outside and inside games, and arts and crafts.

On Tuesday evening, students were challenged by Coach Colter and Coach Cudd during worship sessions to be true team players for Jesus Christ. By discussing the excuses that people often focus on, they were able to highlight the necessity to live for the Lord now among their classmates. Students were blessed by Ms. Sullivan's music worship before each session, giving each student the opportunity to turn their hearts and minds toward the Lord.

After a two day adventure, students were ready to return home and to the classroom. We are so thankful to all of our middle school faculty and staff who made this retreat a success!

Scenes from worship

Scenes from activities

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TEACHER INSERVICE 2010 ENGAGING THE CULTURE On an early Tuesday morning (7/27), teachers made their way back to MJCA to begin a new school year. Armed with invaluable rest from the summer, teachers began to prepare their classrooms and lesson plans for their new students. During the Headmaster's Address, school personnel were charged with the theme "Engaging the Culture." Helping students understand their identity as Christ followers will reveal to them their role in the larger world climate. Faculty and staff were also provoked to consider their own mission to "Engage the Culture." During the week, teachers fulfilled necessary inservice responsibilities including orientation for the larger school family! After a week of preparation and prayer, teachers are ready to welcome their students for this new school year!! _____________________________________ HONORING A FALLEN HERO MICHAEL STANSBERY The Mt. Juliet community displayed a unified spirit when the body of fallen soldier, Army Specialist Michael Stansbery, arrived from Afghanistan. On Thursday (8/5), a calvacade of emergency personnel escorted the hearse transporting Stansbery's body down Mt. Juliet road, lined on both sides with students and well-wishers waving the American flag and saluting the hero and his family. Stansbery died on the previous Friday when an improvised explosive device went off near Kandahar province. Stansbery grew up in Mt. Juliet and graduated from Wilson Central High School in 2007. His family plans to have him buried in Arlington National Cemetery. MJCA took the secondary student body along with several of the elementary classes and lined the road to honor this true American patriot. Thank you, Michael Stansbury for your service and ultimate sacrifice to preserve our liberties. _____________________________________ FIRST PEP RALLY 2010 Students made their way to the gym on Friday (8/20) afternoon to celebrate the first varsity football game of the season at home against DCA. Middle and high school cheerleaders prepared routines and cheers to get the crowd excited and ready to support the Saints. After students competed in a few, fun pep rally games, all fall athletes were recognized. Students rounded out the pep rally with a spirit competition. The seniors took home the award of most spirited. _____________________________________	MJCA ORIENTATION 2010 On Thursday evening (7/29), the school family gathered once again in the FBCMJ sanctuary to kick off another exciting school year at MJCA. Headmaster/Secondary Principal Greg Scheck welcomed everyone back from the summer while encouraging each student to look forward to the opportunities of the upcoming school year. After an introduction of new school personnel, the crowd heard from the PTO, Athletic Director Paul Christensen, and Elementary Principal Amanda VanVactor before the elementary families dismissed to meet their child's teacher. Secondary families heard from Spiritual Life Director, Jennifer Christensen and the hopes for this new year as we work with our students to foster a closer walk with Jesus Christ. With an air of excitement, students picked up class schedules, greeted old faces and prepared for the routine of school life. We all look forward to what this year holds at MJCA!! *Mr. Scheck welcomes the school family!* *The sanctuary was filled to capacity on orientation night.* *Secondary teachers assist students with their class schedules.* ___________________________________________________ MIDDLE SCHOOL HORTON HAVEN 2010 On Tuesday (8/17), over 100 middle school students and chaperones loaded the bus headed to Horton Haven Christian Camp outside of Chapel Hill, TN. Prepared for the heat, students immediately got ready for swim time in the morning right before lunch. After lunch, students rotated in groups through several activities, including canoeing, zip line, outside and inside games, and arts and crafts. On Tuesday evening, students were challenged by Coach Colter and Coach Cudd during worship sessions to be true team players for Jesus Christ. By discussing the excuses that people often focus on, they were able to highlight the necessity to live for the Lord now among their classmates. Students were blessed by Ms. Sullivan's music worship before each session, giving each student the opportunity to turn their hearts and minds toward the Lord. After a two day adventure, students were ready to return home and to the classroom. We are so thankful to all of our middle school faculty and staff who made this retreat a success! *Scenes from worship* Scenes from activities ___________________________________________________	FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2010-2011 __________________________ FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL ELEMENTARY Seniors read to the elementary students during the first week. ____________________________________