Fast and Furious
This past Sunday, 15 students and five faculty members visited the NASCAR Hall of Fame in downtown Charlotte. When it comes to North Carolina culture, NASCAR racing is definitely in the fast lane! During our visit, we viewed the exhibits, including a variety of winning race-cars, learned about the history of the sport and even had some good-hearted competition.
Since most of group had little or no knowledge of auto racing, it was a surprise to learn that the origins of the sport dated back to the days of “running moonshine” in the Appalachian hills. Stock car racing took off in Daytona, Florida, in 1936, and that NASCAR was officially formed at the Streamline Hotel on Daytona Beach in 1948. Our group wandered around the displays, listening to the stories of famous drivers and learning about the development of the engines, car bodies, and the safety technology that has been a big part of the sport.
When we found our way to the “pit stop” area, we were directed to form three-person teams and compete in head to head competition. In a side by side competition on two stock-car mock-ups, two teams were coached in the skill of jacking up the “half-car”, quick-changing the tire, and putting a replica gas nozzle into the car’s tank. With a “ready, set, go”, both teams raced to the mock cars, trying to clock the best time.
But the highlight of the day was the chance to drive a race-car simulator – experiencing what it is like behind the wheel in a race. Seated in replica cars decked with the necessary electronics, students and faculty had a blast competing for that sought-after trophy. Time and time again, we raced with the goal that we might come in first this time.
The drive home somehow felt sluggish after the high-pace racing, but we students were going back revamped and ready to take on the finals that appeared ever so daunting.
Men’s Training Camp – Delavan, Wisconsin
51 men, ranging in age from 16 to 91, from congregations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri, assembled June 11–13 for the Upper Midwest Men’s Training Camp in Delavan, Wisconsin. Presentations, workshops, interactive breakout sessions and split sermons addressed the societal challenges facing adult and young men, fulfilling our Creators’ intent, making a contribution to the Body, defending the truth, organization and time management, building a strong marriage, understanding the challenges our children are being exposed to, and mentoring the next generation. Meals and free time provided plenty of opportunities for the men to mix, build bonds, support and encourage each other. The men left reinforced in their roles, armed and ready to apply what they learned, and to be the kind of men, husbands, fathers and Christians God wants them to be.—Bob Rodzaj
Israel Dig and Tour Cancelled
Due to the travel restrictions and an ongoing quarantine policy in Israel, we regret to announce that our Israel Dig and Tour is cancelled for the 2020 summer. We look forward to resuming the program again in the summer of 2021
Young Singles Virtual Weekend
Living Education is sponsoring a “Young Singles Virtual Weekend” involving a number of online get-togethers on April 10th and 11th. Register now!
Weekly Update Apr. 4, 2020
We’re sponsoring a “Young Singles Virtual Weekend!”
Orientation Week | 2019
The second year of Living Education is now underway!
This week was filled with activity as our new Living Education students arrived and began to learn more about where the next nine months will take them. Their three-day orientation program began on Monday with a trip to the Smoky Mountains, where they braved the icy waters of the Watauga River in a whitewater rafting adventure. On Tuesday, they spent the morning learning about the importance of education in the history of the Church of God, how to navigate the academic challenges for the coming year, and the principles that will guide them for the months ahead, before returning to Charlotte. On Wednesday they were welcomed by Dr. Douglas Winnail, Mr. Richard Ames, and Mr. Weston in a special forum, where they challenged to make the most of the opportunity.
For lunch, the headquarters staff gathered to meet and greet them, welcoming them to their new home. The balance of the day was spent learning more about their work-study program, becoming more familiar with the library, and taking a complete tour of the Headquarters facility. We’re so pleased to have these young people here to learn and also contribute their efforts to the Work. With our first day of classes drawing to a close, we can safely say that Living Education Charlotte 2019 has begun!
Click to check out the pictures from our Orientation Week!