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Christian Essay 2008

PURPOSE: Written communication has always been an important means of teaching and admonishing Christians. From the time inspired authors gave instruction until the modern journals and publications of today, clear ideas presented skillfully have made lasting impressions on the hearts and minds of those who wish to learn the meaning of God's will.

This event challenges individuals to use the written word to communicate God's message. Their writing content, style, and message should reflect a respect for the importance and value of communicating God's message in written form.

PROCESS: Each participant will:

• Write an essay reflecting some aspect of the current year's LTC theme.
• Make the essay length 250-500 words.
• Mail the following to the Event Director
  • Four copies of the essay and one cover sheet
  • A stamped postcard with the Church Coordinator's mailing address if receipt confirmation is requested.

THE PACKAGE MUST BE POSTMARKED BY MONDAY, February 25, 2008

The Event Director will:

• Send a confirmation of receipt to the Church Coordinator if a stamped postcard included.
• Organize the essays for judging.
• Return judging and critique sheets to the Pre-Convention Director with all award recommendations. Judges may use the copies submitted for critiquing. If so, these copies will also be returned to the participant.
• Provide a copy of each essay to be displayed at the convention.

RULES:

1. The essay length is to be 250 to 500 words. Essays over or under this amount will receive a 5 point penalty.
2. In the beginning of the paper, the current year's LTC theme should be introduced. The thesis statement should be clearly stated and supported by three to five points in the body of the paper. The essay should be ended by reaching a reasonable conclusion sustained by the previous points.
3. The essay must be typewritten and double spaced. For participants sixth grade or younger, handwritten work is admissible. It must be, in the minds of judges, legible and neatly presented.
4. Copies of an oratory speech will not be accepted as an essay.
5. Adult assistance should be limited to discussing the theme and its application to today's lifestyles.
6. Submit the one cover sheet with the four copies of the essay. The format for the cover sheet is under paragraph 1 of "Submission".
7. Each higher grade should demonstrate more effective use of the written word.

SUBMISSION OF ESSAYS:

1. Typed cover sheet must follow this format:
   Name
   Grade
   Congregation
   Congregation Address
   Congregation Phone Number
   Name of Church Coordinator
   Church Coordinator Phone Number
   Title of Composition
2. Essays are to be sent to the Christian Essay Director at the address listed above.
3. All materials that are submitted for judging become the property of LTC-SW. It is understood that LTC-SW reserves the right to use materials for promotion, instruction, or any other manner deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.

AWARDS:

1. Each participant will be rated by the following scale:
   Gold = 95-100 points,   Silver = 86-94 points,   Bronze = 70-84 points;   No Award = 0-69 points
2. Participants who receive a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Rating will receive the appropriate colored engraved plate for the individual's award plaque.

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