Creative Bible Study Unit - mennoniteeducation.org with God/Seventh … · charades, rebus puzzle or any other means of acting out the characteristic. ... Searching. Distribute the

the vision of faith

BACKGROUND

The beginnings of faith are experienced as an inner journey. We make choic-es about whom we will follow, and how we will live lives of faithfulness. This verti-cal relationship with God is essential. But alone this inner journey is incomplete; itis only half the story. An authentic biblical faith expresses the fruits of the inwardjourney in horizontal relationships with people. The vision of an authentic faith isthat of a caring community of Christ-followers who act to bring about healing andhope in their world. James views the caring community as an essential resourcefor bringing the message of freedom available in Christ. The true faith we are calledto involves a life of discipleship and service. It challenges the status quo of a socie-ty that too quickly values things over people, power over justice, and wealth overcompassion. The vision of faith is that we will act as instruments of God’s love andmercy in the world.

A caring community brings healing into the world when it accepts theanointing of the Spirit to be bearers of Good News. Nowhere do we have a betterpicture of the powerful results of this anointing then from the words of Jesus. Inthe gospel of Luke, he declares that he has been anointed to bring Good News tothe poor, release for the prisoners and captives, recovery of sight to the blind, andrestoration and rest for the land. As “faith-full” followers of Christ we are the com-munity called to bring about this vision of healing. Middle school students areentering a place of maturity where they can understand the needs of the worldaround them. We can empower them to be active members of a caring communitybearing “good news.”

Authentic faith also envisions a caring community that brings hope into thelives of the hopeless. Throughout the book of James we are given examples of OldTestament prophets who did not despair because of the circumstances aroundthem. They remained patient in hope. The word patience comes from the Latinmeaning “to suffer.” These women and men of God continued to suffer with hope.This is a great mystery of faith—that we can persevere in the hope of thingsunseen (Hebrews 11: 1-3). Faith gives us vision beyond the current circumstancesto a reality that yet awaits us. As people of hope, we are called to invite others tolive with confidence in the promises of God.

The Vision of Faith: Biblical Background

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the vision of faith

LESSON 16: CREATING COMMUNITIES OF CARE

Objective

Students will understand the characteristics of caring communities.

Key Concepts

• As followers of Jesus Christ, our faith is developed and strengthened by the community of faith.

• Faith communities are characterized by actions that support personal spiritual growth, develop gifts for ministry, and offer healing and hope to the world.

Estimated Lesson Time: 50 minutes

Materials

• “Caring Community Cards” (pg.195)• Transparency: “Vision Statement” (pg.194)• Handout: “Taking Note - The Vision of Faith” (pg.198) • Crossword Puzzle: “Characteristics of Caring Communities” (pg.196)• Handout or Overhead: “Choral Reading, James 5:13-18” (pg.200)

Teacher Preparation

1. Copy “Caring Community Cards” (pg.195) on heavy paper or cardstock and cutapart.

2. Make a transparency of “Vision Statement” (pg.198) and “Choral Reading,James 5:13-18” (pg.200).

3. Make copies for each student of the handout: “Taking Note - The Vision ofFaith” (pg.198) and the crossword puzzle: “Characteristics of Caring Communities”(pg.196).

INTRODUCING THE LESSON

Demonstrations. Divide students into groups of 3-4 students and distribute oneCaring Community Card to each group. Instruct students to keep their character-istics secret from the other groups. Allow 3-5 mins. for students to plan a way todemonstrate their “caring” characteristic, without speaking. They can do a mime,charades, rebus puzzle or any other means of acting out the characteristic. Theywill have one minute for their presentation.

Have the groups present the characteristics and record each characteristic on theboard as it is guessed or revealed. When the presentations are completed, reviewthe list and discuss the characteristics. Provide clarification of the differences orsimilarities between characteristics as needed. Ask students where they mightfind these characteristics displayed.

(in a family, a church community, a school community, among friends, a work environment, etc.)

The Vision of Faith: Creating Communities of Care

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Ask students which of the characteristics were hardest to show. Solicit some con-crete examples of those characteristics.

Read together James 5:13-20. Point out to students that James concludes hismessage with instruction to his listeners about the importance of faith communi-ties for healing and hope. Inform students that verses 13-18 will be the finalmemory passage for this unit.

LESSON STEPS

1. Communities of Faith. Discuss Communities of Faith. Have students takenotes on the “Taking Note - The Vision of Faith” handout. Students will need tokeep this handout for all the lessons in this strand.

Project the “Vision Statement”. Ask students if they can define a vision statement (a statement by a group of people identifying who they are, what they striveto do, and the outcome of those actions).

Read the statement aloud. With student input, identify the elements of a visionstatement:

The group of people: followers of Jesus ChristWhat they strive to do: grow as communities of grace, joy, and peaceOutcomes of those actions: be instruments or tools of God’s healing and

hope to the world

Tell students that a vision statement almost always has a list of goals for achiev-ing the desired outcomes. These are listed after the statement. This vision state-ment has three basic components and closely corresponds to James message inchapter 5:13-20.

Personally following Jesus Christ: committing time and resources to developing and deepening our relationship with God. In verses 5:13-18, James calls his listeners to pray and worship; to offer their gifts of leader-ship (elders, Elijah’s example), faith (prayers), and resources (anointing oil) to God for the good of the community.

To follow Jesus Christ more faithfully, we are called to: prayer, worship, and study of the Scriptures; offer ourselves and our resources to God

Creating communities of care: establishing a safe, supportive, and respectful environment that enables people to grow, and helps them develop and exercise their gifts. James 5: 13-18 calls on the community of believers to practice the openness of confession, offer forgiveness, and establish the ministry gifts of its members.

To grow as communities of grace, joy, & peace, we are called to:nurture people for ministry in our world; practice love, forgiveness, and hospitality

Offering healing and hope: taking action to bring about the physical and spiritual betterment of others. James 5:13-20 appeals to the early Church to seek healing and hope for the physical and spiritual needs of the community through prayer and action.

To offer healing and hope, we are called to: invite others to faith in Jesus Christ; seek God’s peace in our homes, neighborhoods, and


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The Vision of Faith: Creating Communities of Car

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the world2. Searching. Distribute the crossword puzzle “Characteristics of CaringCommunities” for students to complete in class.

3. Memory Work. End the lesson by projecting the choral reading of James 5:13-18, the memory passage. Have students participate in the reading.

ExTEND THE LESSON

(This activity will extend the lesson to longer than 55 minutes.)

• Teamwork. Have youth work together to complete the worksheet “Teamwork:The Church as a Caring Community” (pg.201).

• Everybody Needs Somebody. Download the following lesson from the J. PaulGetty Museum Education Center (www.getty.edu/education/for_teachers/curricula/expressing_emotions/expressing_emotions_lesson02.html).

Students will study works of art that depict people caring for each other and howthe artist uses elements of art to convey a sense of caring relationships. Encouragestudents to especially look for the characteristics of caring communities identifiedin this lesson. Then, distribute materials for students to create their own artworkdepicting people in caring relationships.

The Vision of Faith: Creating Communities of Car

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As followers of Jesus Christ,

empowered by the Holy Spirit,

God calls us to grow as communities of grace,

joy and peace, so that

God's healing and hopeflow through us

to the world.

Vision StatementAdapted from Vision: Healing and Hope, 1995 Mennonite Church USA


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Community Caring Cards

Prayer & Worship Showing Hospitality

Forgiving Building Relationships

Showing Responsibilty for

People and Possessions

Listening

Resolving Conflicts &

Building Peace

Confronting Injustice


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Characteristics

of Caring Communities

SOLUTIONS

Across

3. the state of being morally and ethically

accountable to God and othersRESPONSIBILITY

4. undeserved assistance given to people

from God for their transformation

and blessingGRACE

6. a state of harmony in personal relationships,between conflicting

groups, or governmentsPEACE

9. a group of people with common characteristics, history, beliefs, or

interestsCOMMUNITY

11. extending help, kindness,and generosity to others

HOSPITALITY

12. to expect with confidenceHOPE

13. when people are treated with fairness,

honesty, and integrityJUSTICE

14. restoring to wholenessHEALING

Down

1. to grant pardon, mercy, and release for offenses committed

FORGIVENESS

2. unselfish, loyal, and compassionate feelings and concern for others

LOVE

5. the connections, bonds, or associations between two or more people

RELATIONSHIPS

6. communication with God in word or thought

PRAYER

7. showing devotion, love, adoration, and respect for God

WORSHIP

8. to help the moral or spiritual growth or development of someone

NURTURE

10. firm in one's loyalty to someone or something

FAITHFUL

13. a state of happiness or delightJOY


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COMMUNITIES OF FAITH:

HEALING AND HOPE FOR THE

WORLD

As followers of ___________________________,

empowered by_____________________________,

God calls us ______________________________

____________________________________________

so that _____________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

To follow Jesus Christ more faithfully, we are called to:

To grow as communities of grace, joy, andpeace, we are called to:

To offer healing and hope, we are called to:

TAKING NOTE

The Vision of FaithName: ___________________________________

A COMMUNITY ANOINTED FOR HEALING

Freedom from structures of economic oppression

Freedom from the structures of physical oppression

Freedom from structures of environmental oppression

A CARING COMMUNITY AS

SOWERS OF HOPE

The faith of a caring community sows seeds of hope by


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COMMUNITIES OF FAITH:

HEALING AND HOPE FOR THE

WORLD

As followers of ____Jesus Christ____________,

empowered by______Holy Spirit_____________,

God calls us ___to grow as communities of

grace, joy and peace_____________________

so that __God’s healing and hope flow

through us to the world. _______

To follow Jesus Christ more faithfully, we are called to:

prayer, worship and study of scripture

offer ourselves and our resources to God

To grow as communities of grace, joy, andpeace, we are called to:

nurture people for ministry in our world

practice love, forgiveness and hospitality

To offer healing and hope, we are called to:

invite others to faith in Jesus Christ

seek God’s peace in our homes,

neighborhoods and the world

TAKING NOTE

The Vision of FaithName: ____ANSWER KEY___

A COMMUNITY ANOINTED FOR HEALING

Freedom from structures of economic oppression

poverty, injustice, exploitation

Freedom from the structures of physical oppression

incarceration, blindness, slavery

Freedom from structures of environmental oppression

abuse, depletion and destruction of the

land and its resources

A CARING COMMUNITY AS

SOWERS OF HOPE

The faith of a caring community sows seeds of hope by

seeing the world as it is—

not as we wish it to be

honoring the dignity of every

person without judgment or blame

loving others, even when it’s not required

or expected


200

Group A: Are any among you suffering?

Group B: They should pray.

Group A: Are any cheerful?

Group B: They should sing songs of praise.

Group A: Are any among you sick?

Group B: They should call for the elders of the church.

Groups A & B: and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.

Group A: The prayer of faith will save the sick,

Group B: and the Lord will raise them up;

Group A: and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.

Group B: Therefore confess your sins to one another,

Group A: and pray for one another,

Group B: so that you may be healed.

Groups A & B: The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.

Choral Reading

James 5:13-18


201

1. What makes a good team?

2. What are the qualities of a team player?

3. How does a church work like a team?

4. In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he identifies the gifts and characteristics ofthe church.

Read 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11.

List the gifts church members might bring to the “team.”

TeamworkThe Church as a Caring Community

Directions: Use your Bibles and what you learned about caring communities to respond to the following questions.

5. Paul continues in 1 Corinthians to comparethe church to a body with many parts, each having its own function.

Read 1Corinthians 12: 12-26.

Identify each body part in Paul’s analogy and cite the reference.

6. Identify the “problem” referred to in 1Corinthians 12:25 and give an example of it in the church.

7. Explain how a team member should respond to other believers according to 1 Corinthians 12:26.

8. Read James 5:13-16.

Explain what a “team” member does for a fellow believer according to this passage. Cite the references.


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1. What makes a good team?Answers will vary but might include:

people work well together, people are

willing to do their part and not try to

steal all the glory for themselves,

people encourage others in their

roles, etc.

2. What are the qualities of a team player?Answers will vary but might include:

players are committed, caring for all

members of the team and not just

themselves, patient, assertive rather

than aggressively offensive, etc.

3. How does a church work like a team?Answers will vary but might include

that there are many positions to be

filled and one person can’t do it all.

All the people need to work together.

People need to have patience with

each other as they may see problems

differently and as they try to solve

problems.

4. In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he identifies the gifts and characteristics ofthe church.

Read 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11.

List the gifts church members might bring to the “team.”

Wisdom

knowledge

faith

healing

miracles

prophecy

discernment

speaking in tongues

interpretation of tongues

TeamworkThe Church as a Caring Community

ANSWER KEY

5. Paul continues in 1 Corinthians to comparethe church to a body with many parts, each having its own function.

Read 1Corinthians 12: 12-26.

Identify each body part in Paul’s analogy and cite the reference.

Foot – verses 15, 21

Hand – verses 15, 21

Ear/hearing – verses 16, 17

Eye – verses 16, 17, 21

Nose (implied) – verse 17

6. Identify the “problem” referred to in 1Corinthians 12:25 and give an example of it in the church.

Problem – dissention

Examples will vary

7. Explain how a team member should respond to other believers according to 1 Corinthians 12:26.

Members should have

compassion (“suffer with”) for

members who suffer and honor

one another.

8. Read James 5:13-16.

Explain what a “team” member does for a fellow believer according to this passage. Cite the references.

Verse 13 - pray for those

suffering; sing praises with

those who are cheerful

Verse 14 – pray and anoint

those who are sick

Verse 16 – confess sins to one

another; pray for one another

the vision of faith

LESSON 17: A COMMUNITY ANOINTED FOR HEALING

Objective

Students will apply knowledge about oppressive structures to develop potential solutions.

Key Concepts

• An active, lived-out faith is like the anointing oil that brings healing to the world.• We are anointed by the Spirit of God to take the healing love of Christ out into the

world


Materials

• “Powerless Pepper” experiment items (a medium sized bowl, water, pepper, small amount of oil, and a toothpick)

• Student Bibles• Handout: “Taking Note: Vision of Faith” from lesson 16• Assignment: “The Anointed Community” (pgs.206-207)

Teacher Preparation

1. Gather “Powerless Pepper” experiment materials and fill the bowl with water.

2. Make copies of the 2-sided assignment “The Anointed Community” (pgs. 206-207) for students.


Experimenting. Gather students in a circle around the table where the “PowerlessPepper” experiment is set up. As students are watching, sprinkle pepper across thetop of the water. Ask students to watch very closely as you touch the surface of thewater with the toothpick. Dip the toothpick into the oil, then touch the water nearthe center of the bowl (the pepper will rapidly disburse to the sides of the bowl).

Invite students to explain what happened and why.(Because oil and water don’t mix, the drop of oil spreads quickly across the surface of the water without resistance, displacing the pepper equally in all directions until it hits the edge of the bowl).

Ask students how they think this experiment relates to living out our faith. Acceptall reasonable answers, then explain to students that our faith is like the oil on thesurface of the water: it has the power to spread healing, displacing the brokenness(represented by the pepper) in the world.

The Vision of Faith: A Community Anointed for Healing

203

LESSON STEPS

1. Anointing. Discuss the responsibility of a caring community to work towardending physical, economic, and environmental structures of oppression. Studentsshould record information on “Taking Note: Vision of Faith” handout.

Read Luke 4: 14-21. Discuss the meaning of the following words:anoint: to apply oil; to smear, or rub with oil; to choose by divine election; to dedicate for a special purpose

Ask students to find the results of Jesus’ anointing.(freedom, release, recovery, restoration…).

From v. 18a, ask students: Who are the “poor” in society?

(those who are materially poor; those “poor” in opportunity for a better life)What would be “Good News” for them?

(materially poor - having food, shelter, & economic resources; poverty of opportunity - having access to education, jobs, justice, equality, …)

From v. 18b, ask students:Who are “captive” or “prisoners” in society?

(prison inmates; “prisoners” to wealth and possessions)What would “release” be for them?

(prison inmates— receiving restoration & rehabilitation to return to society;“prisoners” to wealth & possessions— freedom from the worry and need to protect wealth and possessions at all costs, including resorting to violence)

From v 18c, ask students:Who are the “blind” in society?

(physically blind; “blindness” to racism, prejudice, or ethnically based injustice)

What would “recovered sight” be for them? (physical blindness—restoration or improvement of physical sight; “blindness” to racism, prejudice, ethnic injustice—establishing friendships with others of a different race than one’s own, and questioning structures that keep racism and prejudice in positions of power)

Explain the context of v. 19: Proclaiming the “year of the Lord’s favor’ was a refer-ence to the “year of Jubilee” (Lev 25:8-25). Its purpose was to prevent:

Economic exploitation by returning property to the original ownersHuman exploitation by freeing slavesEnvironmental exploitation by allowing the land to “rest”

Help students to see that this verse can be seen as a summary of the power of Jesus’ anointing to address the structures of economic, physical, and environ-mental oppression. As followers of Jesus, we too, are anointed to use the power ofthe Spirit to bring healing to people wounded by the structures of oppression inthe world.


204

2. Community. Distribute copies of “The Anointed Community” and give stu-dents time to complete the assignment.

3. Memory Work. As a class, spend some time going over the memory verse(James 5:13-18).

ExTEND THE LESSON


• Journaling. James is not alone in emphasizing the impact of an active faith bya caring community. Have students read the following scriptures from the epistlesof Paul:

Galatians 6:1-2Colossians 3:12-15Romans 12:9-21

(Note: v. 20. To “heap burning coals on their heads” was a act of tremendous generosity.Coals could be placed in a container and carried on the head for transportation from one location to another. Sharing coals with someone was giving a gift of life – an ability to stay warm and cook food.)

Invite students to summarize, in their own words, the message of the three passages.

• Oil, Oil Everywhere. Distribute copies of “Oil, Oil Everywhere” (pg.208), andallow students to work in small groups to complete the assignment. They’ll needtheir student Bibles to complete the assignment.


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Oil, Oil EverywhereAnswer Key

8. (F) Numbers 4:16

9. (E) Deuteronomy 12:17

10. (D) 1 Samuel 10:1

11. (B) Matthew 25:3

12. (C) James 5:14

13. (A) Numbers 15:4-10

14. (E) Proverbs 21:17

15. (F) 1 Chronicles 9:30

16. (C) Isaiah 1:6

17. (D) 1 Kings 19:16

18. (C) Luke 10:34

19. (D) Psalms 104:15

20. (D) Luke 7:46

1. (E) 1 Kings 17:12

2. (D) Psalms 23:5

3. (D) Exodus 29:7

4. (C) Mark 6:13

5. (A) Leviticus 7:10

6. (A) Hosea 2:5-8

7. (B) Exodus 25:6

Uses:A. Worship (of God or idols)B. Fuel for lampsC. Anointing the sick, healingD. Anointing a person for serviceE. FoodF. Sacred temple/tabernacle practices


206

Economic

Oppression

example

example

action

action

action

action

Assignment: Anointed Communities Essay

In this assignment you will write a five paragraph essay about the three types ofstructural oppresion: economic, physical, and environmental.

For each structure of oppression, give two examples and some practical actions that acaring community of faith could do “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor”.

You may use your notes to give you ideas.

example

example

action

action

action

action


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example

example

action

action

action

action

Physical

Oppression

Environmental

Oppression


208

_____ 1. 1 Kings 17:12

_____ 2. Psalms 23:5

_____ 3. Exodus 29:7

_____ 4. Mark 6:13

_____ 5. Leviticus 7:10

_____ 6. Hosea 2:5-8

_____ 7. Exodus 25:6

_____ 8. Numbers 4:16

_____ 9. Deuteronomy 12:17

_____ 10. 1 Samuel 10:1

_____ 11. Matthew 25:3

_____ 12. James 5:14

_____ 13. Numbers 15:4-10

_____ 14. Proverbs 21:17

_____ 15. 1 Chronicles 9:30

_____ 16. Isaiah 1:6

_____ 17. 1 Kings 19:16

_____ 18. Luke 10:34

_____ 19. Psalms 104:15

_____ 20. Luke 7:46

Oil, Oil EverywhereUse your Bibles to look up each reference to oil

found in scripture. Match the reference with the corresponding use

by writing the letter on the space provided.

UsesA. Worship (of God or idols)B. Fuel for lampsC. Anointing the sick, healingD. Anointing a person for serviceE. FoodF. Sacred temple/tabernacle practices

_____ 1. 1 Kings 17:12

_____ 2. Psalms 23:5

_____ 3. Exodus 29:7

_____ 4. Mark 6:13

_____ 5. Leviticus 7:10

_____ 6. Hosea 2:5-8

_____ 7. Exodus 25:6

_____ 8. Numbers 4:16

_____ 9. Deuteronomy 12:17

_____ 10. 1 Samuel 10:1

_____ 11. Matthew 25:3

_____ 12. James 5:14

_____ 13. Numbers 15:4-10

_____ 14. Proverbs 21:17

_____ 15. 1 Chronicles 9:30

_____ 16. Isaiah 1:6

_____ 17. 1 Kings 19:16

_____ 18. Luke 10:34

_____ 19. Psalms 104:15

_____ 20. Luke 7:46

Oil, Oil EverywhereUse your Bibles to look up each reference to oil

found in scripture. Match the reference with the corresponding use

by writing the letter on the space provided.

UsesA. Worship (of God or idols)B. Fuel for lampsC. Anointing the sick, healingD. Anointing a person for serviceE. FoodF. Sacred temple/tabernacle practices

The Vision of Faith: A Caring Community as Sowers of Hope

209

the vision of faith

LESSON 18: A CARING COMMUNITY AS SOWERS OF HOPE

Objective

Students will compare the hidden plant embryo to the hope that exists inside the “seed” offaith.

Key Concept

• The faith of a caring community sows seeds of hope in the world through acknowledging the needs of the world, offering compassionate care, and extending the unconditional love of Christ.


Materials

• Small bag of medium sized dried beans (pinto, kidney, lima, red…)• Bowl with water• Strainer• Paper towels or napkins• Handout: “Taking Note: The Vision of Faith” – from lessons 16 and 17• Handout: word puzzle— “The Vision: Healing and Hope” (pg.212)

Teacher Preparation

1. Soak a quantity of beans in water— enough for each student to have two or three beans.Drain the beans before use in the lesson. NOTE: Do this a day ahead, as beans need sever-al hours to soak- preferably overnight

2. Make copies of the handout “The Vision: Healing and Hope” (pg.212) for each student.


Beans. Distribute a few dried beans to each student. Have students carefully observe theirbeans and describe the characteristics they find.

(color, shape, texture, odor, hardness…) Then, ask students to explain what the beans in this state could be used for.

(students may come up with some interesting ideas as it is difficult to identify any practical uses for the beans in this state. Using them in cooking or planting, for example, would require adding water to them or changing their environment, so thatis altering their state)

Help students to see that without putting the seeds in another environment, their potentialto become anything else is severely limited.

Distribute paper towels or napkins. Give each student two or three of the soaked beans toclosely examine. Direct students to carefully remove the seed coat and split the seed inhalf. Ask students to describe what they see.

(the embryo, or small plant containing leaves, stems and root stalk).

Explain the basic parts of the seed and their functions.(embryo- the developing plant; seed coat- protects the

developing plant; cotyledons- stored food for the developing plant).

Ask students to describe the environment that enables aseed to germinate, grow, and fulfill its potential to bear fruit.Explain to students that the faith of a caring community islike a seed. It has the power of hope inside it. We are calledto sow these seeds of faith so that hope may blossom and grow in the world.

LESSON STEPS1. Sowing. Describe how the faith of a caring community sows seeds of hope inthe world. Students should record appropriate information on their “Taking Note:The Vision of Faith” handout.

Read Matthew 25:31-40. The context of this parable is not so much about thejudgment of an individual’s actions, but more about a community’s responsibilityto live out the Kingdom principles of love and compassion for the world.

The faith of a caring community sows seeds of hope through: Seeing the world as it is: A caring community doesn’t alienate or ignore the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick, and the prisoner

Honoring the dignity of every person: A caring community doesn’t assignblame to the victims or judge them. It simply offers compassionate care by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick, and visiting the prisoner

Loving others even when it is not required or expected: The response inthe Matthew passage of those who did these acts of charity was surprise because they did not see that they were extending love to Christ himself. A caring community sows seeds of hope when they simply respond out of love, as if they are loving Christ in those they are serving.

2. The Vision. Distribute the word puzzle “The Vision: Healing and Hope”, andhave students solve the puzzle in class. As students complete the handout, theymay practice the memory verse (James 5:13-18) in preparation for testing.


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The Vision: Healing and Hope

Answer Key

To follow Jesus more faithfully, we are called to:enrich our prayer, worship, and study of the Scriptures;

offer all that we are and have to God

To grow as communities of grace, joy and peace, we want to:call and nurture leaders for ministry; practice love, forgiveness,

and hospitality that affirm our diversity and heal our brokenness

To live as people of healing and hope we care committed to:invite others to faith in Jesus Christ; seek God’s peace in our homes,

work, neighborhoods, and the world

3. Review. Give students time to review and ask questions about the final assess-ment for the unit.

ExTEND THE LESSON


• Summing It All Up. Have students complete this project which reviews theideas in the book of James. Use the handout “Final James Project” (pg.213) forguidance.

• Popcorn Party. Celebrate the end of the unit with a popcorn party. Ask studentto notice the kernels of unpopped corn and reflect on what makes popcorn pop.

(the moisture trapped inside the kernel expands when it is heated and popsthe kernel).

-Explain to students that if the hull of the kernel is cracked, or the corn has oth-erwise become too dry, it will not pop, or only pop partially. Invite students tomake the analogy to faith—we must keep it alive and active, not allowing it tobecome “dry”. Before celebrating with popcorn, say a prayer of thanks for the les-sons from James that help to keep our faith vibrant and alive.


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Directions: Complete the following word puzzle by placing the letters below the columns into thecorrect boxes. Hint: Your Taking Note: Vision of Faith handout will give you clues.

The Vision: Healing and Hope


213

1. Random Acts of Kindness

--Read the rap song Random Acts of Kindness (see handout from teacher).-- Explain at least three themes present in the rap that reflect themes on the book of James. Discussand use biblical references from James for each theme presented. Your response should be 600 words or more.

2. From Junk to Treasure

--Create and invent three items that would help a Christian live out three themes in the book of James.-- Each object needs to be invented from a combination of various materials. Don’t just use one object and explain how it could be used. Creatively put an object together from separate objects.--Label, explain, and demonstrate how each of your items helps a person live out that theme from James. Include references from the book of James and describe how your item supports that verse.

3. In the News

--Assume the role of a TV newscaster reporting on three themes in the book of James that are evidenced in the world.--Prepare a presentation before the class including props.--Your presentation must be energetic and well rehearsed so that it is easily heard and understood by your “audience.”

4. Sermon

--Write and present a sermon based on three themes form the book of James.--Sermon length should be a minimum of 5 mins.--Scripture references for each theme must include references from James, and one additional reference from outside of the book of James.--Prepare your material well enough ahead that you are comfortable with its content and are notsimply reading your sermon. You may use notes for reference.

--Be personal and interactive with your audience, encouraging and challenging them in their faith.

5. Drama Team

--With a partner, write and perform a drama depicting three themes from James in one story, OR write three short plays that each separately cover a theme from James.--Use costumes and props, and memorize your performance so that no scripts are used.--Your performance should include: a narration of the content from James before, during, or after each theme; and the application to life each theme expresses.

FINAL JAMES PROJECT

Directions:

In this project you will reflect on the major themes in the book of James by selecting one of the projects described below.

Your project must include the following:

1. Show at least three themes from James.2. Cite biblical references from James.3. Evidence of care, time, and attention to detail in your project.


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Handout for Project Idea #1

Random Acts of Kindness

By Rick Kelley

1st Verse:

It starts like this, it's really quite simplethe world's getting crowded, getting crammedwith peopleall struggling each day to just get by,if we're gonna get together we've got to all tryto look beyond ourselves, and help each othertreat everyone you meet like a sister or a brotherand give out the love, give out the peace,you'll find that giving is a sweet releasefrom stress, and pain and struggle and strainand all those troubles that we all shareyou'll find the cure is to care

2nd Verse:

You know contagious, like when you've got acold and you're sneezing and coughing, got arunny nose and before you know it, your whole family'sgot it before you know it, all your friends got it before you know it, your whole school's got it before you know it, ….I think you've got thepoint imagine that kind of multiplication with something real positive sweeping thenation We just do it, that's the best way to start doesn't cost anything when it comes from theheart It could happen, it all begins with you What are you willing to do?

All rights reserved. Permission is granted to freely use this information fornonprofit (noncommercial), educational purposes only. Copyright must be acknowledged on all copies.

© Copyright 2005 Learning to Give

Handout for Project Idea #1

Random Acts of Kindness

By Rick Kelley

1st Verse:

It starts like this, it's really quite simplethe world's getting crowded, getting crammedwith peopleall struggling each day to just get by,if we're gonna get together we've got to all tryto look beyond ourselves, and help each othertreat everyone you meet like a sister or a brotherand give out the love, give out the peace,you'll find that giving is a sweet releasefrom stress, and pain and struggle and strainand all those troubles that we all shareyou'll find the cure is to care

2nd Verse:

You know contagious, like when you've got acold and you're sneezing and coughing, got arunny nose and before you know it, your whole family'sgot it before you know it, all your friends got it before you know it, your whole school's got it before you know it, ….I think you've got thepoint imagine that kind of multiplication with something real positive sweeping thenation We just do it, that's the best way to start doesn't cost anything when it comes from theheart It could happen, it all begins with you What are you willing to do?

All rights reserved. Permission is granted to freely use this information fornonprofit (noncommercial), educational purposes only. Copyright must be acknowledged on all copies.

© Copyright 2005 Learning to Give

The Vision of Faith: Assessment

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Assessment 5 The Vision of Faith

Name:

MULTIPLE CHOICE: Circle the best answer.

FILL IN THE BLANK: Complete this statement using the words provided.

As followers of __________________________, empowered by (1)

the _________________________, God calls us to grow as(2)

__________________________________ so that (3)

___________________________________ __________________(4) (5)

to the world.

a. communities of grace

b. Jesus Christ

c. God’s healing and hope

d. Holy Spirit

e. flows through us

f. joy and peace

6. Which of the following is an example of economic oppression?

a. Poverty b. Blindnessc. Incarceration d. Pollution

7. Choose the best meaning for the wordanoint in the following passage: “The Spirit ofthe Lord is upon me because he has anointedme...”

a. To be rubbed with oilb. To speak in tonguesc. To be chosen and dedicated for a

special purposed. To be given special favors by God

8. Which of the following is the best exampleof human exploitation?

a. Slavery b. Pollutionc. Prejudice d. Blindness

9. As caring communities of faith we arecalled to...

a. Offer loveb. Extend forgivenessc. Practice hospitalityd. All the above

10. Which of the following is an example ofenvironmental oppression?

a. Incarceration b. Prejudicec. Pollution d. Racism

SHORT ANSWER: Answer with one or two complete sentences.

11. Identify three things Jesus was anointed for from Luke 14:14-21.

12. List three ways we can follow Christ more faithfully.


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ESSAY QUESTIONS: Answer with a four or five complete sentences.

13. Describe what is meant by the phrase “the year of the Lord’s favor”.

14. Identify three ways a caring faith community sows seeds of hope .

15. Give an example of the “poor” in society, and describe what “Good News” might look like forthem.


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Assessment 5 The Vision of Faith

Name: ANSWER KEY

MULTIPLE CHOICE: Circle the best answer.

FILL IN THE BLANK: Complete this statement using the words provided.

As followers of ________Jesus Christ_______, empowered by (1)

the _____Holy Spirit_____________, God calls us to grow as(2)

__communities of grace_____________________ so that (3)

______God’s healing and hope____ _flows through us___(4) (5)

to the world.

a. communities of grace

b. Jesus Christ

c. God’s healing and hope

d. Holy Spirit

e. flows through us

f. joy and peace

6. Which of the following is an example of economic oppression?

a. Poverty b. Blindnessc. Incarceration d. Pollution

7. Choose the best meaning for the wordanoint in the following passage: “The Spirit ofthe Lord is upon me because he has anointedme...”

a. To be rubbed with oilb. To speak in tonguesc. To be chosen and dedicated for a

special purpose

d. To be given special favors by God

8. Which of the following is the best exampleof human exploitation?

a. Slavery b. Pollutionc. Prejudice d. Blindness

9. As caring communities of faith we arecalled to...

a. Offer loveb. Extend forgivenessc. Practice hospitalityd. All the above

10. Which of the following is an example ofenvironmental oppression?

a. Incarceration b. Prejudicec. Pollution d. Racism

SHORT ANSWER: Answer with one or two complete sentences.

11. Identify three things Jesus was anointed for from Luke 14:14-21.

Jesus was anointed to bring good news to the poor, to bring freedom to the captives

and prisioners, and to recover sight to the blind, and proclaim the year of the Lord’s

favor.

12. List three ways we can follow Christ more faithfully.Answers should include three of the following:

Prayer

Worship

Study of the scriptures

Giving our time and resources to God


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ESSAY QUESTIONS: Answer with a four or five complete sentences.

13. Describe what is meant by the phrase “the year of the Lord’s favor”.Answers will vary but should include something of the following:

From the Old Testament reference to the year of Jubilee where property was

returned to the original owners to prevent economic exploitation; declaring

that slaves were free to prevent human exploitation; not tilling the soil and

planting crops to prevent soil depletion.

14. Identify three ways a caring faith community sows seeds of hope .Answers will vary, but should include the following:

Seeing the world as it is by not ignoring or alienating the poor and marginalized

(prisoners, homeless, immigrants, etc.)

Honoring the dignity of every person by not assigning blame or passing

judgment on others

Loving others even when it is not expected or necessary by offering forgiveness,

and building peace

15. Give an example of the “poor” in society, and describe what “Good News” might look like forthem.

Answers will vary, but may include:

Materially poor – having adequate food, shelter, and economic resources

to provide for themselves.

Poverty of opportunity – having access to education, jobs, justice, equality…

Documents

Creative Bible Study Unit - mennoniteeducation.org with God/Seventh … · charades, rebus puzzle or any other means of acting out the characteristic. ... Searching. Distribute the