ENOCH of NJ
March 2004 e-Newsletter!
14th Annual Convention
June 18th & 19th, 2004

A Word from the President

At ENOCH’s Annual Business meeting on Friday evening prior to the Leadership Conference, elected onto the Board of Officers were two new members: Mark August as Legislative Liaison and Sue Wojtkowski as Secretary. Both are currently Advisory-level Officers which means that they must serve from six months to a year during a trial period before becoming Board Officers with full voting rights and responsibilities.  This allows us to have a “honeymoon” period where we get to know each other. The Board is looking forward to working with them.

We are still in need of a Treasurer, three additional Regional Representatives and an e-Newsletter Editor (non-board position).  If God has called you to serve in this ministry, please let your Regional Representative know today.

Leadership Conference Report
ENOCH held its Annual Leadership Conference in the Princeton area just one week ago. We had a total of 53 attendees, including 11 ENOCH  members. Although I was disappointed that more Support Group Leaders did not attend, it was still a profitable day, one that was enjoyed by all attending. The discussion was stimulating, ideas and solutions were tossed about and helpful to those attending.  Topics discussed were insurance, responsibility, what is the defintion of homeschooling, cyberschools & homeschooling, leadership and more.

Our guest speaker, Rev. David Virkler (from Dedication Evangelism), offered words of encouragement for leaders in all ministires.

Mark August (NJ Task Force member) gave an excellent power point presentation that detailed homeschool history in NJ, perspectives on the current proposed homeschool law, and our recommended strategy.  It is our hope that the attendees of this confernce will now pass on the information gathered and the stragy defined to their membership.  Homeschoolers through out NJ must be united - Many Voices - One Message - No Compromise!

To add a recommendation for the strategy on "Adopting A Legislator” , we suggest that you ask your church to pray for all those serving your district.  Visit or call your legislator and mention that you and your church will be praying for him. Ask if there are any concerns or issues that he would like you to pray for specifically. As a condition for praying, ask him to report any answers to prayer as soon as they occur. Be prepared after to provide wise counsel, as you may be asked for help on some issues.

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At the Leadership Conference I presented two important points of encouragement that I want to restate here:

1)   There are four basic jurisdictional spheres: Family, Church, Business, and Government. All jurisdictions were designed by God to support and protect the Family, members of which are the focus of God’s work.  Like Jonah fleeing in the opposite direction, the Christian community has for the most part abandoned the political sphere over the past several decades while voting for “Christian” presidential candidates to protect them from loss of personal peace and affluence (per Francis Schaeffer).  Today Christians are seeing the great need and becoming more involved on many governmental fronts. There is still a great void yet to be filled. You and I can take the initiative to fill that void by: educating ourselves in the workings of government; running for local office; helping others achieve elected office or by participating in various local and state meetings.

2)   As a father of nine children, having homeschooled for 16 years, I have come to the conclusion that there are a few things that parents must relentlessly focus on while raising their children:
a)  A parent must restrain sinful and disobedient behavior while children are young and growing into adulthood. Just like training a horse with bridle, bit and spur, parents must control a child’s natural behavior and direct him onto the path of righteousness. 
b)  Parents are to disciple, teach and transfer proper knowledge to their child in a protective manner while looking to that child’s future. 
c)  Parents must share the gospel and bring their child to the foot of the cross – acknowledgment of sin and salvation in Christ, that they may cry out to God for salvation while yet very young.
d)  Parents must lovingly discipline and teach their children to be governed from within by a clear conscience and the leading of the Holy Spirit. In the moments of temptation or need, children must be taught to continually cry out to God for grace (power over temptation and sin, and the desire to do God’s will) and wisdom from above (seeing life from God’s perspective and His solutions to dilemma).

As parents practice these things themselves, and instill in their children these crucial disciplines, we will raise up Spirit-led soldiers of Christ.
Let's Hear From the Legislative Liaison!

Having just been appointed to an advisory level status as ENOCH’s Legislative Liaison, I thought it might be helpful to readers of ENOCH’s newsletter to introduce myself.  I also thought that a description of what a Legislative Liaison is might be helpful, since prior to about a month ago I did not even know such a position existed on ENOCH’s Board of Officers.

According to ENOCH’s bylaws, the "Legislative Liaison Shall track and review all introduced bills; shall identify bills that affect home educators; shall investigate bills introduced by getting a copy of the bill; calling the sponsor to get firsthand information and shall do follow-up work concerning the bill; shall report to the President or his designate to determine action.”  So in a nutshell, the Legislative Liaison’s job is to keep track of any political action, especially in the form of bills, which might affect homeschooling in New Jersey.   The reason you read “advisory level” before my new title – is to indicate that this is a six to twelve month trial period where both ENOCH’s Board and I can evaluate whether I would be a good fit for the job and organization.

As far as who I am, my wife Sue and I live in Medford, New Jersey – which is a suburb of Philadelphia near Cherry Hill.  Our only son, Jack is 11 years old and has been homeschooled all his life. We are leaders in our local church based homeschool support group, Sovereign Grace Homeschoolers.  I am also the President of the Tricounty Home Educators Association, which is an umbrella organization assisting the local Christian support groups in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties.  The thing that most qualifies me for this position at this time, is that I am also part of the Task Force of State homeschool leaders that has been meeting, strategizing and advising the homeschool community regarding the recent Assembly bills, A4033 and A1918.  The biggest hole in my resume for this position is that prior to A4033 I have had no direct experience with political action.  Being aware of that, I am trying to take a Scriptural stand by seeking many advisors.  Proverbs 15:22 – “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.”  I am also trusting that the Holy Spirit will help me in this area of weakness if I approach it as obedient service.  I Corinthians 1: 26 – 27 – “For consider your calling brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things that are strong.” 

I had the privilege this past month to present the work of this Task Force to the leaders who attended ENOCH’s annual Support Group Leaders Conference.  It was encouraging to me to see leaders from around the entire State eagerly listen to what has happened so far in this fight, and just as eagerly look for things that could take home to the homeschoolers they represent so that they could join the fight.  Ray Stoever and I plan to present this same information and any updates at the yearly ENOCH Homeschool Convention in June.  June seems a long way off, so look for an article in next month’s newsletter from me – outlining some of the things you can be doing now to support our current fight against A1918.  If you have had some ideas about strategy – please be one of my counselors and send me an email with your thoughts.

Serving Homeschoolers for Christ,
Mark August
Legislative_Liaison@enochnj.org

14th Annual Homeschool Convention Notes      

This Year's Convention Speakers . . .
    * Susan Wise Bauer - Speaks on Classical Homeschooling
                 Author of "The Well Trained Mind" and  "The Well Educated Mind"
    * Monte Swan - Author & Speaker
                 Author of "Romancing Your Child's Heart"
    * Rev. David Virkler - Dedication Evangelism
                Speaker on "The Word and the World" Radio Program

Online Registration is Now Available!
You can now register online for ENOCH of NJ's Annual Convention by going to the Convention Web page and clicking on "Registration".  You can pay pay online by credit card [using PayPal] or simply register and pay by personal check.  Be sure to register before May 16th to receive the Early Bird discount - save 40% when you register early.

The Convention Registration Brochures are in the mail.  People on our mailing list should receive their copy within two weeks or so.  We ordered 800 extra copies to be mailed directly from the ENOCH Office to those requesting them through our website or by phone.  If you would like extra copies, for your support group, co-op or event, please contact our Office Manager at Office@ENOCHnj.org.

Volunteers - It is Time to Step Forward
In order to meet the needs of the homeschoolers who will be attending our 14th Convention, we will need over one hundred volunteers; without the volunteers, the convention would not be possible.  We have already begun to receive emails from individuals who have volunteered in the past and are looking forward to being a part of the team again this year.  Thanks for your generous spirit! 

There are many different positions available; I would be happy to work with you to find a job that you would feel comfortable doing.  We all know that the Lord is the one who really blesses us when we serve others, but ENOCH would also like to thank its volunteers.  ENOCH offers either one hour of Early Bird Shopping in Used Curriculum [Saturday only] or  ENOCH Bucks which can be used toward the purchase of workshop tapes, meals at the convention facility and in Used Curriculum as compensation.

Convention brochures have been mailed out - you should be receiving them soon.  If you would like to volunteer, simply check off the box for “Volunteers” when you register, either by mail or online.  Once registered, I will contact you right away [by phone or email], so we can work out the details.  If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact me at either (201) 475-1000 or at Volunteer@enochnj.org.

Serving homeschoolers in NJ,
Janice Kerswell
Volunteer Coordinator

 Events, Classes & Opportunities

If your support group is sponsoring an event, some classes or even a club that you would like to see opened to the homeschool community, contact your ENOCH Regional Representative.   We would be willing to post it on our website as long as it is consistent with ENOCH's mission statement.   Just send us the basic information and we will forward it to our Webmaster.  Check our website to see what information is needed.

The New Jersey Historical Society Education Programs

We welcome homeschool groups to register for a hands-on, interactive education program in our award-winning exhibitions!!

WHEN: Tuesday-Saturday from 10:am-5:00 pm.
WHERE: The New Jersey Historical Society, 53 Park Place Newark, NJ 07102
FEE: $2.00 per child per program.  Advance payment is required.  Chaperones admitted at no charge.
WHAT: Museum Education Programs adapted to the age and developmental needs of the students.  A variety of programs are available including:

A Changing City: Students are able to explore the exhibition City on Display: A Newark Photographer and His Clients, 1890s-1940s for examples of the way one photographer documented the transformation and growth of a New Jersey city and compare it to life in present day urban centers.  Through writing, sketching, role-playing and other hands-on activities, students will explore photographs and objects related to transportation, housing, stores, workers, and leisure time activities and learn how a photographer makes choices about what he or she sees through the lens and how that influences our views of any American city, past and present.

Once Upon a Building: Explore the inside and outside of The New Jersey Historical Society’s building, once a gentleman’s club, now a museum and library.  From identifying shapes and building elements, to locating pattern and design, to solving an architectural space problem through a hands-on activity, students understand the importance and complexity of architecture and its effect on the people that use the space.

Resource-Full New Jersey: Students investigate how creative people transformed the natural resources of New Jersey to build and change the state’s industrial heritage.  Through focused looking and hands-on activities in the exhibition Resource-Full New Jersey, students will use critical thinking skills to understand the importance and impact of natural resources on the state’s economy, geography, and history.

Tools of the Historian: Students search for clues to New Jersey’s history in primary sources, employing methods and materials used by historians.  As they explore photographs, letters, and newspaper articles from the Historical Society’s archives, students learn how to extract information about a topic and explore this topic’s impact on New Jersey.  There is a choice to view primary sources from the Civil War, Works Progress Administration, or Maps of New Jersey.

CONTACT: NJHS at 973.596.8500 and ask for the Education Department.  Ask about other programs available or for more information, please visit our website at NJHistorySociety

HERSHEY PARK First Annual  HOMESCHOOL DAY!!!

Thank you for the incredible response to our recent survey.   With your help and the help of over 2,000 homeschool families, we are pleased to offer the First Homeschool Day at HERSHEYPARK!

Homeschool Day will be held on Wednesday, May 26, and will feature a variety of educational opportunities for your family/group.  The #1 thing that you asked for on the survey was programming from ZOOAMERICA.  The staff at ZOOAMERICA have put together a terrific lineup including presentations on Birds of Prey, Reptiles and Endangered Species - just for our Homeschool Families!

Plus, a variety of animal encounters will be featured at the Zoo all day long, so make sure to include a visit to the Zoo in your plans for the day!  ZOOAMERICA is FREE with your HERSHEYPARK admission.

In addition, Mr. Kent Bachman, "The Engineer" at HERSHEYPARK will explain the SCIENCE behind our rides, as well as some interesting facts about what's new for 2004!

Dr. Geno Torri, Educational Consultant to HERSHEYPARK will also be on hand to demonstrate data-collections materials such as accelerometers.  He will have a limited number available for loan.

We hope that you will join us for our First Annual Homeschool Day at HERSHEYPARK!  To download the Official Homeschool Day, visit us online at: HersheyParkGroups

Visit us online at HersheyPark for updates on times, locations, and events offered on HERSHEYPARK Homeschool Day!    Or, call us toll-free at 1-800-242-4236.

Copyright 2004 Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company.  Web Marketing Department, 100 West  Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033.  All Rights Reserved.
Homeschool Choir Concert

The Princeton Area Homeschool Choir will present its annual spring performance on Sunday, May 2, at 3:30pm.  The concert, entitled "A Jubilant Song," will feature 140 choristers in 5 divisions singing songs from various cultures and style periods.  German, Hebrew, Latin, English and African texts will be presented.  The concert will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Morrisville, 711 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Morrisville, PA, 19067.  Adult tickets are $5; children 18 and under are free.  For further information, contact homeschoolchoir@aol.com.


Looking for a Few Good Bees

Is your support group planning on hosting a Geography Bee or Spelling Bee?  Would you be willing to open it up to a few more homeschoolers?

In order for a support group to compete at the National level of the Geography or Spelling bees, the support group must have a minimum number of participants.  Often, there is interest within a support group, but there isn't enough students registered to meet that minimum requirement.  By opening up your bee to other homeschoolers in your area, you might enable both them & you to compete in a qualified event.  Plus, you may get to make some new friends.

If you let ENOCH know of your planned Geography Bee or Spelling Bee, we will be glad to post your event on our web site for other homeschoolers to see.  Just send the pertinent information (date, time, place, etc.) to webmaster@enochnj.org. Looking forward to hearing from you.


e-Newsletter Editor Needed

ENOCH is once again in the need for a volunteer to serve as Editor of our monthly e-Newsletter. This position would not be a Board position but would require time and effort through out the school year. A good knowledge of word processing software and some basic Internet skills would be necessary. Most of the information in our newsletter is passed onto us from outside organizations. The rest is provided by the Board members and sometimes support group leaders. The Editor-in-Chief would not be solely responsible for the content. If you are interested in serving homeschoolers in the state, please contact JIm Abrams, our webmaster, at webmaster@enochnj.org.

 Subscribe to ENOCH's e-Newsletter

Encourage your members to subscribe to the ENOCH Email list!   If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter, you can subscribe now!.   We use our subscription list to notify the home schooling community of changes to our website, of important news, and of our monthly newsletter.   If you would like to receive the e-Newsletter directly to your "mailbox' each month, then click here.

Until Next Month!
ENOCH of NJ
Box 308
Atlantic Highlands NJ 07716
phone:  732.291.7800
email: Office@ENOCHnj.org
web address: http://www.enochnj.org