Leader’s Guidestorage.cloversites.com/beecreekunitedmethodistchurch/documents... · a new video series for Submerge! • Thirteen brief, engaging video segments reinforce each lesson’s

Leader’s Guide

Summer2016

www.deepbluekids.com

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800.672.1789 | Cokesbury.com | Call your local Community Resource Consultant

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Take the plunge in Fall 2016 with a new video series for Submerge!

• Thirteen brief, engaging video segments reinforce each lesson’s theme and off er real-life application for students

• Set in dynamic locations that will resonate with preteens• Helps deepen faith commitment while exploring issues

important to this age level• Hosted by renowned pastor Blake Bergstrom, formerly

of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN

More information to come!

Take the plunge in Fall 2016 with Submerge!

DeepBlueAd_ND_CurrciSubmrSum15.indd 1 10/27/15 9:24 AM

Scope and Sequence 2015–16

Summer2016

Spring2016

Winter2015–16

Fall2015

UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into…Advent and ChristmasSession 1: Faith (Isaiah’s Prophecy)

Session 2: Waiting (Elizabeth and Zechariah)

Session 3: Courage (Mary and Joseph)

Session 4: Incarnation (Jesus Is Born)

UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into…Christmas and EpiphanySession 5: Worshipping (The Magi)

Session 6: God’s Grace (The Baptism of Jesus)

Session 7: Being Called (Jesus Calls the Twelve)

Session 8: How to Treat Others (The Sermon on the Mount)

Session 9: Having a Healing Faith (Jesus Heals Many People)

UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into…the Life of JesusSession 10: Sharing (Jesus Feeds 5,000 People)

Session 11: Knowing Jesus (The Transfiguration)

Session 12: Praising Jesus (The Entry Into Jerusalem)

Session 13: Justice (The Cleansing of the Temple)

UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into…GenesisSession 1: Caring for Creation (Creation)

Session 2: Avoiding Jealousy (Cain and Abel)

Session 3: Resolving Conflicts (Abraham and Lot Separate)

Session 4: Confronting Rivalries (Jacob and Esau)

UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into…Exodus and the JudgesSession 5: Using Our Talents (Joseph Interprets Dreams)

Session 6: Calling (God Calls Moses)

Session 7: Courage (Moses Sends the Spies)

Session 8: Trusting God (Deborah, Barak, and Jael)

UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into…Samuel and the KingsSession 9: Listening to God (God Speaks to Samuel)

Session 10: Following God’s Will (Saul Disobeys God)

Session 11: Seeking God’s Help (Solomon’s Wisdom)

Session 12: Choosing Our Actions (The Divided Kingdom)

Session 13: God’s Promise (Jeremiah’s Prophecy)

UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into…Lent and EasterSession 1: Sharing Communion (The Last Supper)

Session 2: Suffering (Jesus’ Betrayal, Arrest, and Trial)

Session 3: Death (Jesus’ Death)

Session 4: Resurrection (Jesus’ Resurrection)

UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into…the Easter SeasonSession 5: Overcoming Doubt (Thomas and the Disciples)

Session 6: Encountering Jesus (The Disciples on the Beach)

Session 7: Proclaiming (The Great Commission)

Session 8: Waiting (The Ascension)

UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into…the Book of ActsSession 9: The Holy Spirit (Pentecost)

Session 10: Sharing (Forming Communities)

Session 11: Courage (The Martyrdom of Stephen)

Session 12: Welcoming All (Peter and Cornelius)

Session 13: Working Together (The Jerusalem Council)

UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into…Stories of Faithful WomenSession 1: Cleverness (Miriam Looks After Moses)

Session 2: Friendship (Ruth and Naomi)

Session 3: Covenant (Hannah Dedicates Samuel)

Session 4: Selflessness (Esther, Mordecai, and Haman)

UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into…Signs in John’s GospelSession 5: Hospitality (The Wedding at Cana)

Session 6: Faith (Jesus Heals the Royal Official’s Son)

Session 7: Compassion (Jesus Heals the Man at Bethsaida)

Session 8: Authentic Discipleship (Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind)

Session 9: Empathy (The Raising of Lazarus)

UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into…Advice From PaulSession 10: Faithful Living (Paul on Faithful Living)

Session 11: Working Together (Paul on Working Together)

Session 12: Christian Love (Paul on Christian Love)

Session 13: Avoiding Conflict (Paul on Avoiding Conflict)

Vol. 1 • No. 4 • SUMMER 2016

Editorial / dEsign tEamNathan Tenney ..........................................................Editor/WriterHeidi Hewitt ...................................................... Production EditorKellie Green ..........................................................................Designer

administrativE tEamNeil M. Alexander .............................................................PublisherMarjorie M. Pon ...................................Associate Publisher and

Editor of Church School Publications Mary M. Johannes .............................................. Design ManagerLeeDell B. Stickler ......Senior Editor, Children’s Resources

Submerge: Ages 11+, Leader’s Guide: An official resource for The United Methodist Church approved by Discipleship Ministries (General Board of Discipleship) and published quarterly by Cokesbury, a division of The United Methodist Publishing House, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988. Price: $10.99. Copyright © 2016 Cokesbury. All rights reserved. Send address changes to Submerge: Ages 11+, Leader’s Guide, Subscription Services, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988 or call 800-672-1789. Printed in the United States of America.

To order copies of this publication, call toll free: 800-672-1789. You may fax your order to 800-445-8189. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/Telex Telephone: 800-227-4091. Or order online at cokesbury.com. Use your Cokesbury account, American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard.For information concerning permission to reproduce any material in this publication, write to Rights and Permissions, The United Methodist Publishing House,

2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988. You may fax your request to 615-749-6128. Or e-mail [email protected].

Scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 by the Common English Bible. All rights reserved. Used by permission. www.CommonEnglishBible.com

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25— 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

PACP10001433-01

If you have questions or comments, call toll free: 800-672-1789. Or e-mail [email protected].


Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2016 Cokesbury.

Summer2016

Cover Credits: Cover design by Kellie Green; logo design by Keitha Vincent; background by Shutterstock®

ContentsWritten by Nathan Tenney

ii Submerge Componentsiii Before You Beginiv Faith Development for Studentsvi Suppliesviii Student Worship Helps

UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into…Stories of Faithful Women1 June 5 Session 1: Cleverness7 June 12 Session 2: Friendship13 June 19 Session 3: Covenant19 June 26 Session 4: Selflessness

UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into…Signs in John’s Gospel25 July 3 Session 5: Hospitality31 July 10 Session 6: Faith37 July 17 Session 7: Compassion43 July 24 Session 8: Authentic Discipleship49 July 31 Session 9: Empathy

UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into…Advice From Paul55 August 7 Session 10: Faithful Living61 August 14 Session 11: Working Together67 August 21 Session 12: Christian Love73 August 28 Session 13: Avoiding Conflict

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ii submerge • Leader’s Guide


ii submerge • Leader’s Guide

Submerge Components

Summer 2016 • Session 8

DeepBlueKids.com 43


Authentic Discipleship

Bible Verse

The man said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshipped Jesus. (John 9:38)

Did You Know?

Theodicy is the theological term for the question that asks why a merciful God

allows suffering in the world. The account of Jesus healing the man born blind

brings up questions about the relationship between sin, suffering, and the will of God.

Seeing a man who had been born blind, the disciples asked Jesus who had sinned to

cause the man to suffer so much. In Jesus’ times, many Jewish people believed that

misfortune was attached to sin, either the victim’s or a direct ancestor’s.

Jesus responded that neither the man nor his parents had sinned. Rather, the man

had been born blind so that God could be at work through the faithful witness of the

man born blind. After Jesus healed the man, a dispute arose between the religious

authorities, who refused to believe that the man had been blind. When called before

the synagogue, the man persisted in explaining that he had been healed by Jesus.

When Jesus asked the man if he believed, the man responded by proclaiming his faith

in Jesus.

As Jesus stated, God’s mighty work is manifested through the man born blind. This is

made evident not only in the healing, but in the man’s confession of faith and worship

of Jesus. Invite your students to think about what it means to say “I believe in Jesus.”

Encourage them to consider how their faith affects their everyday interactions with

others. Remind them that authentic faith empowers us to live a live of holiness in

service to God and to those around us who are in need.

Exploration Points

• We experience healing and wholeness through our friendship with Jesus.

• We are called to a life of discipleship when we proclaim our faith in Jesus.

Session 8

July 24

Bible Story

John 9:1-38

Compass Point

Jesus shows us how

to experience God’s

presence in new ways.

Requires

preparation.

Leader’s Guide

A quarterly resource that contains instructions for each session. Leaders are encouraged to choose activities that best suit the needs of their students.

Submerge Magazine

A quarterly resource that contains articles that connect to the lives of students. Many articles include individual reflection prompts, so each student is encouraged to have her or his own copy.

Diver’s Log

An annual resource that encourages students to engage in creative thought and to write, doodle, or draw prayer concerns. Each student is encouraged to have his or her own copy.


Summer 2016 DeepBlueKids.com iii


Before You BeginEach session is organized according to the following rhythm:

Jump In

These are activities that help move your students into your space and introduce the session theme. It is recommended that the Diver’s Log be made available to students as they arrive, allowing them to work independently at their own pace. The game is intended to facilitate participation in a fun and active manner.

Dive Deeper

These are activities centered around the Bible story. Each session includes a short reproducible reading based on the scripture that is intended to reinforce the Bible story. Where appropriate, humor and pop culture references are used. The discussion questions use the Bible story as a jumping-off point to help students think about ways to connect scripture to their everyday lives.

Grow Stronger

These are activities that further encourage students to make the connection between what they are discussing and their everyday lives. The articles in the Submerge Magazine focus on practical faith application. Whenever possible, service opportunities are written into the session. The creative expression activity invites students to reflect on the session theme through art and discovery.

Worship

Each session closes with a short devotion. Students are encouraged to be active in leading worship. Reproducible “Student Worship Helps” are provided on pages viii-x so that students are adequately equipped to lead the devotion.

What You Should Know About…Games

Core supplies are used repeatedly throughout the 2015–16 curriculum year. A fully stocked game closet should include the following:

bandanas, beach balls, bins, blindfolds, cones, dry-erase board set, flying discs, foam pool noodles (full and cut in half), Hula Hoops®, kitchen brooms, masking tape, plastic cups, plastic pitchers, safety goggles, soccer balls, table tennis balls, tennis balls, yardstick

Discussion Questions

You may have concerns about your students’ ability and willingness to reflect on their faith with their peers. The more they practice this spiritual

discipline, and the stronger their relationships with one another become throughout your time together, the greater their participation will become. Consider arranging permanent small groups and assigning an adult leader to lead each one so that your students get to know better those with whom they are sharing. Or arrange your time so that students are having these conversations while engaged in another activity, such as the session’s creative expression project.

Creative Expression

All attempts have been made to keep supply costs to a minimum; however, some projects and activities may require the purchase of unique supplies.


iv submerge • Leader’s Guide


iv submerge • Leader’s Guide

Faith Development for StudentsYour students are constantly connecting with

others. Between school, family, friends, sports and other extracurricular activities, they interact with a number of people in their everyday lives. Even during down time, they remain connected through texting, social and gaming networks, and the use of digital devices.

In spite of all these opportunities for social connection and interaction, maintaining and nurturing friendships in adolescence can be challenging. Feeling connected to their peers is a priority for students, especially as they establish their own identities and develop their own interests, independent from their families.

Keep this in mind as you journey together with your students. Programs for your students should be as relational as possible. Develop and coordinate opportunities for your students to interact with one another. This will help them develop faithful and faith-filled friendships as they transition into teenagers.

This focus on relationships extends beyond your students’ friendships with one another. While they desire independence, students also seek out attention from others. Most enjoy connecting with adults who can listen, mentor, and guide them as they mature. Get to know your students as you help them get to know one another.

The greatest gift you can give your students is the opportunity to grow in their understanding of scripture and their relationship with God. Being familiar with the people and events of the Bible, and connecting these stories to their experiences, can help your students better integrate their faith into their everyday lives.

Most of all, invite your students to find unique, fun, and new ways to grow in their relationship with God. Introduce your students to various prayer and worship practices, and allow them to discover and nurture their gifts and talents in service to God and the community. This will help strengthen their faith as they enter their teenage years.

The chart on the following page shows the central learning concepts that undergird the Submerge program. Each session emphasizes one or more of the objectives presented in each of the four categories. It is our hope that you will find in Submerge a program that allows your students to explore together as they deepen in biblical understanding and faith commitment.


Summer 2016 DeepBlueKids.com v


Developing Faith Foundations Engaging Faith Traditions

• To be guided in developing and practicing critical thinking skills

• To develop a sense of belonging to the faith community

• To meaningfully participate in the worship, mission, and life of the congregation

• To develop faithful friendships with church members of various age levels

• To be able to affirm one’s self as belonging to God

• To identify gifts, talents, and passions that can be used in service to the faith community

• To learn the organization and structure of the Bible

• To know the various types of writings in the Bible

• To explore the Bible stories in historical context

• To learn how to use study tools such as a concordance, atlas, and so forth

• To increase and use vocabulary related to the Christian faith

• To learn about the history and teaching of the church

Relating to God and the Church Relating Faith to Life

• To be guided in understanding the meaning of church membership

• To have a sense of belonging to both the local church and the larger faith community

• To verbalize experiences and questions about God and faith, including doubts

• To find guidance for disciplines of prayer and Bible reading

• To see Christian growth as a lifelong process

• To learn the importance of responsibility in the covenant relationship with God

• To discover ways that others have lived out their faith in various circumstances

• To identify and discuss the ways that they can live out their faith in their everyday lives

• To be guided and assisted in practicing spiritual disciplines

• To clarify their sense of right and wrong in light of Christian faith

• To identify and respond to issues of fairness and justice

• To serve with others in the community and world


vi submerge • Leader’s Guide


SuppliesOn these two pages are checklists of all of the supplies you will need for each session. Some supplies, such as pens, pencils, and colored pencils, are used each session. Many of the game supplies, such as bins, cones, and tennis balls, are used most sessions. Some of the art supplies are used only once or twice a quarter.

vi submerge • Leader’s Guide

Session 1 Session 2

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q masking tape

q carpet squares or towels

q ceramic tiles

q paint markers

q clear varnish spray

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q masking tape

q bandanas

q treats

q juice

q cups

q napkins

q duct tape of various colors and patterns

q scissors

q rulers

Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q masking tape

q foam pool noodles (cut in half)

q Wiffle ball

q dry-erase board set

q macramé or hemp cord

q clay beads

q scissors

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q cones

q preschool tricycles (or bicycles)


q cardstock

q charcoal pencils

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q masking tape

q 2 tennis balls


q tablet or laptop with PowerPoint (optional)

q banner paper and permanent markers (optional)

q 5-by-8 index cards

q water color paints

q paintbrushes

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q masking tape

q 4 cones

q Hula Hoops

q Wiffle balls

q safety goggles


q banner paper and markers (optional)

q modeling clay

q paper towels


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Session 7 Session 8 Session 9 Session 10

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q Hula Hoops

q blindfolds (optional)



q drop cloth

q undecorated, natural fiber door mats

q stencils, acrylic paint and paintbrushes

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q masking tape

q cones

q blindfolds

q beach balls



q cardstock

q compasses, rulers, protractors

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q masking tape

q cones

q Hula Hoops


q large piece of plywood

q small river stones

q mosaic adhesive

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q 4 cones

q masking tape


q beach balls

q large trash bin

q foam football

q wood blocks OR 2x4 scraps, wood craft paint and paintbrushes

q paper towels

Session 11 Session 12 Session 13

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q 4 cones

q masking tape


q beach balls

q laptop OR tablet device

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q rectangular tables

q masking tape

q table tennis balls

q sweet rolls

q lemonade

q cups

q napkins

q posterboard

q oil pastels OR chalk

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q masking tape

q cones


q beach balls

q treats (cookies), soft drinks, cups, napkins

q 2x4 lumber (uncut)

q paint markers

q large bucket

q playground sand


viii submerge • Leader’s Guide


Student Worship HelpsSession 1 Session 2 Session 3

SAY: I brought you up out of the land of Egypt; I redeemed you from the house of slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam before you. (Micah 6:4)

PRAY: Amazing God, thank you for giving us the ability to think and reason. May we always use these gifts to help and serve those in need. Amen.

SAY: Friends love all the time. (Proverbs 17:17a)

PRAY: Caring God, thank you for friendships. May we do everything we can to care for and support our friends. May we experience your presence in our friendships. Amen.

SAY: I will fulfill my promises to you, God. I will present thanksgiving offerings to you. (Psalm 56:12)

PRAY: Patient God, thank you for your presence in our lives. Help us remember your promise to be with us at all times. May we come to you with our concerns. Amen.

Session 4

SAY: Hope in the Lord! Be strong! Let your heart take courage! Hope in the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)

PRAY: Gracious God,thank you for sending Jesus to show us how to love others. Help us put the needs of others ahead of our own desires. Amen.


Summer 2016 DeepBlueKids.com ix


Student Worship HelpsSession 5 Session 6 Session 7

SAY: This was the first miraculous sign that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11)

PRAY: Welcoming God, thank you for showing us what it means to be generous with others. Help us show hospitality toward all people we encounter. Amen.

SAY: Then the father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son lives.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. (John 4:53)

PRAY: Faithful God, thank you for being present with us during our times of need. May we be mindful of your care and comfort so that our faith may remain strong. Amen.

SAY: Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” (John 5:8)

PRAY: Merciful God, thank you for sending Jesus to show us what it means to be compassionate. Help us share your love with others each and every day. Amen.

Session 8 Session 9

SAY: The man said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshipped Jesus. (John 9:38)

PRAY: Loving God, thank you sending Jesus to bring us into relationship with you. Help us share our faith through our every word and action. Amen.

SAY: Jesus shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43)

PRAY: Healing God, thank you for the gift of Jesus, who experienced the full range of human emotions. May we remember his empathy and love each day. Amen.


x submerge • Leader’s Guide


Session 10 Session 11 Session 12

SAY: So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. (Romans 14:19)

PRAY: Grace-filled God, thank you for showing us how to live as faithful disciples. Help us uplift and support one another in all that we do. Amen.

SAY: Christ is just like the human body—a body is a unit and has many parts; and all the parts of the body are one body, even though there are many. (1 Corinthians 12:12)

PRAY: Relational God, thank you for making us members of the body of Christ. Remind us of the importance of working together in order to serve you. Amen.

SAY: Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:7)

PRAY: Loving God, thank you for the love of your Son, Jesus. May we model Christian love in each relationship with our family, friends, and others. Amen.

Session 13

SAY: Run away from adolescent cravings. Instead, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace together with those who confess the Lord with a clean heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)

PRAY: Peaceful God, thank you for sending Jesus to show us how to get along with others. Grant us the courage to be peacemakers in our daily lives. Amen.

Student Worship Helps


Summer 2016 • Session 1 DeepBlueKids.com 1


ClevernessBible Verse

I brought you up out of the land of Egypt; I redeemed you from the house of slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam before you. (Micah 6:4)

Did You Know?

Exodus tells the story of how God led the Israelites into the Promised Land. The first chapter recounts that, long after Joseph’s family migrated to Egypt, the Egyptian

leaders believed that the Israelite population had become too large. Fearing that the Israelites might rule Egypt, the Egyptian king enslaved God’s people and ordered all males born to Israelite mothers be killed.

An Israelite woman gave birth to a baby boy. Fearing that the baby would be killed, she placed him in a basket in the Nile River. The baby’s sister watched over the basket, which was discovered by the daughter of the Egyptian king. The baby’s sister approached the king’s daughter and cleverly offered to find a nurse for the baby. This allowed her and the baby’s mother to care for the infant in his childhood. That baby was Moses, and his clever sister was Miriam.

Miriam’s quick thinking allowed Moses to be raised by his mother and family before he was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter. It also allowed her mother to receive a salary and escape the fate of the other Israelites, who were forced to endure hard labor for no wages. Invite your students to think about ways they can use their gifts of reason and intelligence to serve others and to look after those in need. Remind them that cleverness comes in many forms and can be used in many different ways.

Exploration Points• We can use our gifts of intelligence and reason to serve God.

• God invites us to look after those who are in need.

Session 1June 5

Bible StoryExodus 1:8–2:10

Compass Point Our ability to reason is a gift from God.

Requires preparation.

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2 June 5 submerge • Leader’s Guide


SuppliesDiver’s Log, pens, pencils, colored pencils

Jump InChoose from the following activities those that best suit your group.

Di V E r ’S Lo g• Make pens, pencils, and colored pencils available.

• Give each student their copy of the Diver’s Log. If you have new students this quarter, give each one a Diver’s Log and ask them to write their name on the back.

• Encourage them to respond to the prompt on page 80 and to write, doodle, or draw their prayer concerns on page 81.

• After some amount of time, invite your students to share their responses as they are comfortable.

SAY: The Quick Challenge required you to think quickly. Our Bible reading is about Miriam. Her cleverness prevented the separation of her mom and her brother.

ASK: When have you seen someone’s quick thinking save the day?

gA m E - St E PPing StonES Use masking tape to create lines on opposite sides of your space.

• Divide your students into teams of four to six.

• Give each team two carpet squares (or towels). Invite each team to line up on one side of the space.

• Inform the students that the game is a group-building activity that requires them to get across the room while adhering to certain parameters.

• The object is to use the carpet squares (or towels) as stepping stones in order to get across the river to the opposite bank.

• Every player must reach the other side safely, using only the stepping stones.

• Only two players can be standing on a stone at any one time.

• Players must keep both feet on a stone unless stepping from one stone to another.

• Carrying or piggybacking a teammate is not allowed.

• Set a time limit in which to successfully complete the activity. Any team that finishes within the time frame wins.

SAY: Our game required you to creatively work together to find a solution.

ASK: When have you had to solve a problem with a group of people? What are the challenges of working together on a project? What are the drawbacks?

tiP: If students have difficulty, suggest that the solution is to go back and forth across the stones in pairs, taking turns to “retrieve” a teammate.

Suppliesmasking tape, carpet squares or towels




SuppliesBibles (CEB)

SuppliesLeader’s Guide


SuppliesSubmerge magazine, pens


Dive Deeperr EAD thE Bi BLE

• Invite your students to look up Exodus 1:8–2:10 and to take turns reading.

r EAD in g - BA BY BAS K Et BoAt Photocopy page 5, one for each student.

• Assign each of the roles.

• Invite your students to do the reading together.

ASK: How do you think Pharaoh reacted when his daughter adopted an Israelite baby boy? What do you think Pharaoh said when his daughter brought Moses home?

DiSCuS S it - CLE V Er n ESS Photocopy page 6, one for each adult discussion leader.

• Divide your students into groups of four to six.

• Assign each group an adult discussion leader.

• Invite your leaders and students to spend time discussing the questions.

tiP: If your group is small, consider discussing the questions as one group.

Grow StrongerJ un E B Loom: Br oA DE n Yo u r h o rizonS

• Give each student a copy of the Submerge magazine. Invite them to write their name on the back. This will be their magazine to use each week throughout the quarter.

• Encourage them to read the article on page 3.

ASK: What are some new activities you’d like to try this summer? How can you use the gifts and talents God has given you to explore these hobbies?

FL Ex Your h EA D: Fu n WAYS to u SE Your BrAin• Invite your students to read the article on pages 4-5 and to respond to the prompt.

ASK: What are the ways you use your God-given intelligence each day? How can you apply these reasoning skills in service to people in need?





Cr EAt i V E E xPrESSion - DYnAmiC CErAmiC Gather the necessary supplies.

• Make ceramic tiles and paint markers available.

• Invite your students to create individual works of art that represent their gifts and talents.

• Encourage your group to be creative.

• Invite your students to share their creations.

• When the paint has dried, apply clear varnish to protect the surface of the tile.

tiP: Make sure you apply the clear varnish spray in a well-ventilated area.

Worship Photocopy page viii, one for each worship volunteer.

• Invite one student to read today’s Bible verse.

• Invite a second student to read the prayer.

Suppliesceramic tiles, paint markers, clear varnish spray




Reading - Baby Basket BoatnArrAtor: Jacob’s descendants, the Israelites, moved to Egypt when Joseph was put in charge of Pharaoh’s kingdom.

Things were great for a while, until a new pharaoh came to power who didn’t know the Israelites.

PhArAoh: What are we going to do? Our country is full of Israelites. What happens if they unite with our enemies against us? It would ruin Egypt, I tell you, ruin it!

ADViSEr: I agree, Your Excellency. There’s no need to tell me twice. What wicked plan can we concoct to fix this?

PhArAoh: We’ve got to stop them from having so many babies. That’s it! I’ll order that all Israelite babies be killed. Actually, that’s too evil, even for me. Let’s flip a coin—heads, the baby boys are killed; tails, the baby girls die.

ADViSEr: It’s heads, Sire! That means the boys gotta go! Bye-bye, baby boys!

nArrAtor: Umm…the Bible doesn’t say how Pharaoh decided to kill only the boys. But after the Israelite nurses ignored his order to do this evil deed, Pharaoh told his people to throw the Israelite baby boys into the Nile River.

PhArAoh: Throw the baby boys born to the Israelites into the river! If the baby’s a girl, she can live.

nArrAtor: A short time later, there was a family from the tribe of Levi that had a son. The baby’s mother had done everything she could to hide him from the Egyptians.

BABY’S mom: My beautiful baby boy! I don’t want to do this, but I’ve got to keep you safe. I’ll make a boat out of a basket and place you in the plants along the riverbed. That will keep you from facing danger.

nArrAtor: The mother built a little, floating baby basket boat that was sealed up with black tar. Then she put the baby in it and placed it on the riverbank. You know, babies have to go #2 a lot. I hope this boat had a poop deck. Get it?

PhArAoh: I don’t get it.

nArrAtor: Pharaoh, you can’t talk! Your part in the story is done. Anyway, the baby’s older sister, whom we later learn is named Miriam, stood nearby and watched as Pharaoh’s daughter and her servants approach the river.

PhArAoh’S DAughtEr: What a precious baby! He must be an Israelite. Aren’t you so cute?

nArrAtor: Miriam, the baby’s older sister, approached Pharaoh’s daughter.

miriAm: My mom’s a very good nanny, who can take care of the baby for you while he’s nursing. Do you want me to ask her to take care of the baby for you?

PhArAoh’S DAughtEr: Yes, do that. Take the baby home to your mother, and I’ll pay her for the work.

nArrAtor: Miriam’s quick thinking allowed her brother to stay with the family and allowed Miriam’s mom to be paid for taking care of her own baby. Good job, Miriam! The baby went to live with Pharaoh’s daughter when he got older.

PhArAoh’S DAughtEr: Hello, little child! I’m going to call you Moses, because I pulled you out of the water.

nArrAtor: Wasn’t it actually a baby basket boat that she pulled him from? I’m just saying…




Discuss It - ClevernessSAY: A new pharaoh came to power in Egypt. This pharaoh didn’t know Joseph or his family and felt threatened by the

Israelites. Pharaoh said that there were too many Israelites and that they might join Egypt’s enemies if a war broke out. Pharaoh made the Israelites into slaves in order to prevent them from gaining power.

ASK: Do you think this pharaoh knew the story of how Joseph had saved Egypt from starvation? Why do you think Pharaoh thought the Israelites might side with Egypt’s enemies? How do you think the ordinary Egyptian people felt about the Israelites? Do you think they wanted to enslave the Israelites, or did they just do what the king wanted?

SAY: Pharaoh told two Israelite nurses who helped women give birth that they should kill the baby boys. The women refused to do this and told Pharaoh that the Israelite women were so strong that they gave birth before the nurses arrived. After this, Pharaoh told the Egyptians to throw baby boys born to Israelites into the Nile River.

ASK: How did the two Israelite nurses show their cleverness in their refusal to obey Pharaoh’s order? How would you have reacted if you were one of the nurses and were ordered by the king to murder innocent infants? Why do you think Pharaoh let the Israelite baby girls live but not the boys?

SAY: An Israelite woman placed her baby in a floating basket next to the Nile River in order to hide him. The baby’s sister, whom we later learn is Miriam, watched as Pharaoh’s daughter found the basket. Miriam then suggested that she could find a nanny for the baby. Pharaoh’s daughter agreed, allowing Miriam’s mother to be paid for caring for her infant son.

ASK: Do you think Moses’ mom thought that someone would find the basket, or do you think she was trying to hide him? How did Miriam display quick thinking in allowing her brother to be cared for by their mom? Why do you think Pharaoh’s daughter was so kind as to offer to pay for a nanny when the Israelites were slaves to the Egyptians?

SAY: The two nurses and Miriam displayed quick thinking in order to do what was right and to look after someone who was in need. Each of us has received the gifts of reason and intelligence from God, which we can use to help others and to promote justice.

ASK: What are some needs that you see in our community? What clever and creative ways do you have for addressing these needs? Are there larger issues that contribute to the issues around us? How can we use our God-given gifts of intelligence and reason to address these issues?




FriendshipBible Verse

Friends love all the time. (Proverbs 17:17a)

Did You Know?

The Book of Ruth is set during the time when Israel was ruled by the judges. Naomi and Elimelech, her husband, were from Bethlehem in the region of Judah. Due

to a famine, they moved with their two sons to the territory of Moab. Naomi’s sons married Moabite women. Eventually, Elimelech died, as did both of Naomi’s sons. This left Naomi and her daughters-in-law without any way to provide for themselves. Upon hearing that Judah was prospering, Naomi decided to travel home.

Ruth and Orpah, Naomi’s daughters-in-law, set out with Naomi on the journey back to Judah. Wanting the best for Ruth and Orpah, Naomi insisted several times that her daughters-in-law return to Moab. Eventually, Orpah gave in to Naomi’s demand. After a tearful goodbye, Orpah started the journey back to Moab. Determined to stay at Naomi’s side, Ruth traveled with her all the way to Bethlehem. The whole town greeted them with excitement when they arrived.

The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of the great examples of friendship in the Bible. Ruth supported her friend, even though it meant leaving her home and traveling to a new land. Invite your students to think about the support they offer to, and receive from, their friends. Encourage your students to consider the ways they experience friendships as a gift from God. Help them understand that friendships enrich our experience of God’s divine presence in our lives.

Exploration Points• We experience God’s presence in and through our friendships with others.

• Friends provide spiritual support and comfort to one another.

Session 2June 12

Bible StoryRuth 1:1-22

Compass Point Friendships are a gift from God.






Di V er ’S Lo g• Make pens, pencils, and colored pencils available.

• Give each student their copy of the Diver’s Log.



SAY: Our Bible reading is about how two friends, Naomi and Ruth, support and look after each other in a time of need.

ASK: Who are the friends who have meant the most to you in your life? What are the ways you show your friends how much they mean to you?

gA me - F i V e-LeggeD rACe

Use masking tape to create a line on one side of your space.

• Divide your students into teams of three.

• Give each team two bandanas.

• Invite all the players on each team to use the bandanas to tie their legs together as they would in a three-legged race.

• Inform the students that the game is a like a three-legged race, but there are three players per team instead of two.

• The object is to be the first team to touch the opposite wall and return to cross to the starting / finish line.

• Repeat the race as time and interest allow.

• Consider these or any other variations on the traditional three-legged race: walking backward, skipping, or zigzagging through a “slalom” course of cones.

SAY: The game required you to cooperate and work together in order to be successful. Compromise and teamwork are signs of a healthy friendship.

ASK: When have you had to work together with a friend in order to accomplish something? How do you show compromise in your friendships? Why is this give and take important in friendships?


Suppliesmasking tape, bandanas




Dive Deeper r eAD The Bi BLe

• Invite your students to look up Ruth 1:1-22 and to take turns reading.

r eADiNg - STA ND BY me Photocopy page 11, one for each student.



ASK: What do you imagine happened when Orpah went back to Moab?

DiSCuSS iT - Fr i eNDSh i P

Photocopy page 12, one for each adult discussion leader.




TiP: If your group is small, consider discussing the questions as one group.

Grow StrongerFrieNDShiP 5: Some T h i NgS To T rY wiTh Your FrieNDS

• Give each student their copy of the Submerge magazine.

• Invite them to read the article on pages 6-7.

ASK: How do you like to spend time with your friends? How does doing things together help build your friendships?

FeL LowSh i P T i me - Fr i eNDSh iP FeAST

Make (or buy) treats and bring juice, cups, and napkins.

• Make treats, juice, cups, and napkins available.

• Invite your students to spend time getting to know one another better while enjoying fellowship time together.

TiP: Be aware of any food allergies your students have.




SuppliesSubmerge magazine

Suppliestreats, juice, cups, napkins




Cr eAT i Ve e xPreSSioN - we’re STuCK TogeTher

Gather the necessary supplies.

• Make duct tape of various colors and patterns, scissors, and rulers available.

• Invite your students to follow these instructions to create a simple duct tape wallet that they can give to a friend.

1. Cut a 9-inch-long strip of duct tape and place it on the table, with the sticky up. Cut another 9-inch strip. With the sticky side facing up, place it so that it overlaps the first piece about one-half inch. Cut and add 3 more strips of duct tape.

2. Make another 5-strip sheet of duct tape. Turn the duct tape sheet in your hands so that the sticky side is facing down. Then, starting at the top, carefully stick this sheet to the sticky side of the first sheet.

3. Cut off any excess tape so that the duct tape rectangle has clean, even edges.

4. Fold the rectangle in half so that it forms a long, rectangular pouch.

5. Use short strips of duct tape to tape the short edges together so that there is an open pocket on the long side. It should look like an open wallet.

6. Fold the short sides together so that it becomes a wallet that can fit in a pocket.

7. Customize or decorate the outside of the wallet.


• After some amount of time, invite your students to share their creations.

TiP: Invite your students to use their phones to find more intricate duct tape wallet designs.

Worship

Photocopy page viii, one for each worship volunteer.




Suppliesduct tape of various colors and patterns, scissors, rulers




Reading - Stand by MeNArrATor: During the time before Israel had a king, there was a woman named Naomi. She lived in Bethlehem with her

husband, Elimelech. For our drama today, we’ll call him Mel. There was a famine in Naomi and Mel’s hometown.

NAomi: Mel, what are we going to do? There are no crops for food. We’re going to starve if we don’t figure something out.

meL: I hear there’s food in Moab. As much as I hate the thought of it, we’ve gotta leave our little town of Bethlehem.

NArrATor: Get it? Never mind. There were two towns called Bethlehem in Bible times: Bethlehem of Judah, near Jerusalem, where Jesus was later born; and Bethlehem in Zebulun, which is mentioned only once in the Bible.

NAomi: You call the moving company, and I’ll call the real estate agent. I hope the schools are good in Moab.

NArrATor: Naomi and Mel moved to Moab with their two sons. The boys eventually grew up and married Moabite women. Fast forward many years—Mel and the two sons are dead. Naomi is left with her two daughters-in-law.

meL: Wait, I’m dead? But I had only one line in the whole drama.

NArrATor: I’m sorry, Mel. That’s the way it is. And it’s better than no lines in the drama. Anyway, Naomi decided to return to her home in Judah. She told her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, about her plans.

NAomi: I’ve enjoyed knowing both of you. But I’ve got no way to take care of myself here in Moab. I’m going back to Judah.

NArrATor: Both Ruth and Orpah followed Naomi as she began her journey. Naomi insisted that they return home.

NAomi: There’s nothing for you in Judah. Turn back, both of you, and return to Moab. Your families will take care of you.

NArrATor: Naomi kissed her daughters-in-law goodbye, but they insisted on staying with her.

ruTh: I’m going with you, Naomi!

orPAh: Me, too. We’ll do this together.

NAomi: Please, go back to Moab. I cannot promise that there will be anyone who can help provide food and shelter. I’d rather stay together, but your best chance of having a good life is to go back to Moab.

orPAh: Okay, Naomi. If that’s what you want, I’ll go back to Moab.

NArrATor: Orpah said goodbye to her mother-in-law, but Ruth was adamant about staying with Naomi.

NAomi: Look, your sister-in-law is doing the smart thing. Turn around and go back to your family.

ruTh: Stop asking me to abandon you. You are my family and my friend. Your people will become my people, and I will worship the God of Israel. Please, don’t ask me to leave you again.

NArrATor: Ruth and Naomi arrived together in Bethlehem. The whole town was excited to see them. As for Orpah, she is not mentioned again in the Bible. Although rumor has it that she started her own TV talk show. Get it? Never mind.




Discuss It - FriendshipSAY: Elimelech and Naomi left Bethlehem in order to escape a famine and make a better life for themselves. They

traveled to Moab with their two sons. Think about your own experience with moving or changing schools and then imagine what it would have been like for them to move away.

ASK: What do you think it was like for Elimelech and Naomi’s sons to leave their friends in Bethlehem? How do you think they felt? How would you have felt if you were in their place? What would you miss most about our town if you moved away? What would excite you the most about leaving?

SAY: Elimelech and Naomi didn’t just move to a different town; they went to a different country with its own language, religion, and customs. It would be like if you moved to Mexico, Germany, or South Korea. Think about the people you know who have immigrated and/or imagine what it would be like if you moved to a different country.

ASK: Have you, or any of your friends or family members, moved to a different country for any reason? What do you think it would be like to move to a place where you had to learn a new language and customs? Has there ever been a time when you couldn’t communicate with someone because he or she spoke a different language? What was it like?

SAY: Naomi knew that it was a major sacrifice for Ruth and Orpah to move with her to Bethlehem. At first, both of Naomi’s daughters-in-law insisted on staying with her. After Naomi protested a second time, Orpah followed Naomi’s instructions but Ruth stayed with Naomi.

ASK: What would you have told Ruth and Orpah if you had been in Naomi’s situation? If you had to choose between Orpah’s decision to return home or Ruth’s decision to go with Naomi, what would you have done? Has a friend ever tried to talk you out of doing something ? Did you listen? Why or why not?

SAY: Ruth showed that her care for Naomi was more than that of a daughter-in-law for a mother-in-law. They truly were friends. Ruth supported Naomi, even when it meant leaving her own home and moving to a new place. Think about your own friendships.

ASK: What are the ways your friends help you when you’re in need? How do you support your friends when they need help? Have you ever thought about how you experience God’s presence in and through your friendships with others? What is one way you experience God’s presence through friendships?




CovenantBible Verse

I will fulfill my promises to you, God. I will present thanksgiving offerings to you. (Psalm 56:12)

Did You Know?

The Israelites worshipped God in the dwelling tent, which held the covenant chest during their time in the wilderness and while settling Canaan. During the period

that the judges ruled Israel, the dwelling tent was permanently placed in Shiloh. The Israelites traveled to Shiloh in order to make sacrifices and to offer prayer. David brought the chest to Jerusalem, with plans to build a permanent worship structure. It wasn’t until Solomon became king that a permanent temple was constructed.

Hannah lived during the time when the Israelites worshipped at Shiloh. Hannah went to the entrance of the meeting tent to pray near the covenant chest. Teased because she had no children, Hannah promised that if God gave her a son, she would make sure the child served God. After giving birth, Hannah dedicated Samuel and raised him according to the unique Nazirite customs. When Samuel was older, Hannah took him to Shiloh to serve God under Eli the priest.

Hannah showed great faith in placing her trust in God and in following through on the holy promise she had made. Invite your students to consider the many ways they live out the covenant, or holy promise, to follow Jesus in their everyday lives. Encourage them to think about the many ways they can live as disciples in their interactions and encounters with others. Consider developing a covenant your students can live out together throughout the coming weeks.

Exploration Points• A covenant is a holy promise made between God and God’s people.

• There are many ways to use our gifts and talents to serve God.

Session 3June 19

Bible Story1 Samuel 1:1–2:11

Compass Point We dedicate ourselves to serving God.










SAY: Our Bible reading is about a promise made with God.

ASK: What promises are easier to keep? Which promises are harder to keep?

gA me - FAC e-oFF FrenzY

Use masking tape to create lines on opposite sides of your space and an X in the middle. Make sure the foam pool noodles are cut in half.

• Divide your students into two equal-size teams. Assign each team a line, and ask them to stand behind it.

• Give each team a half-size foam pool noodle.

• Inform your students that the game is like a one-on-one field hockey face-off. The object is to win possession of the ball and hit it across their team’s line.

• Players take turns, one at a time from each team, facing off against the other team. The two players stand at the X, facing each other and their team line.

• Place the Wiffle® ball on the X, step away, and call “Go.”

• Each player must use a noodle as a stick to move the ball across their line.

• The players in the face-off may move the ball only with their stick, not with their hands or feet. No other player may touch the ball until it crosses the line.

• If a player purposely uses their feet, or if anyone not involved in the face-off touches the ball, the non-offending team wins one point and the round is restarted.

• One point is earned for the team whose player hit the ball across their line.

• A round is complete when each player has had a turn to face off.

• Use a dry-erase board to keep score.

SAY: Just like any game, our game today had rules. When involved in games and sports, players make a direct or indirect promise to one another to follow the rules.

ASK: Why is it important for players to make that promise to one another?


Suppliesmasking tape, foam pool noodles (cut in half), Wiffle ball, dry-erase board set





• Invite your students to look up 1 Samuel 1:1–2:11 and to take turns reading.

r eADing - Pr omi SeS, Pr omi Se S Photocopy page 17, one for each student.



ASK: Instead of growing your hair, how can you show your faith in your daily life?

DiSCuSS iT - CoV enA nT






Grow StrongerC heC K ouT…A PPA LACh i A SerV i C e ProjeCT



ASK: How are participants in ASP living out Jesus’ message through acts of service?

g ro uP Time - ou r Pr omi Se To o ne AnoTherSAY: Covenant is a fancy Bible word for a promise between God and God’s people. It also is a promise among God’s people, especially as it relates to discipleship.

• Invite your students to think about some ways they can live out their faith in God and support one another through spiritual practices or acts of service.

• Encourage them to use a dry-erase board to write down ideas about ways to be in covenant together.

• When brainstorming is done, have your group work together to create their own covenant. Consider writing or posting it where your students will be reminded of it.





Suppliesdry-erase board set




Cr eAT i Ve e xPreSSion - PromiSe roPeS


SAY: Many followers of Jesus around the world use ropes as a tool to pray. We’re going to make something from rope as a way to help us remember to live out our faith through acts of prayer, devotion, kindness, and service.

• Make macramé or hemp cord, clay beads, and scissors available.

• Invite your students to create a bracelet, necklace, or key chain that can remind them to incorporate acts of prayer, devotion, kindness, and service into their day.



Worship





Suppliesmacramé or hemp cord, clay beads, scissors




Reading - Promises, PromisesnArrATor: Have you ever been teased because someone else had something that you didn’t? You know, like a new

phone or the latest video game system. Well, something like that happened to Hannah because she had no children.

PennY: Look at my beautiful children, Hannah! Don’t you wish you were a mom? Do you feel like you’re missing out?

hAnnAh: Come on, Penny! You know that I wish I was a mom. Just because you have many children with Elkanah doesn’t mean you have to rub it in my face. Why do you always do this to me?

nArrATor: Penny’s real name is Peninnah, but Penny’s easier to say. She and Hannah were both married to a man named Elkanah. It may seem unusual, but in Bible times some men were married to multiple women at once.

eLKAnAh: All right, everybody, we’re leaving tomorrow for our big family trip to Shiloh. Get your bags packed.

PennY: I don’t understand why the sacrifices can’t be made here. What’s the point of having a movable meeting tent if we’ve always got to travel to Shiloh? It’s like having a motor home and parking it in one spot forever.

nArrATor: Well, this isn’t in the Bible, but Penny does have a point. Elkanah, Penny, their children, and Hannah traveled to Shiloh to make offerings to God, even though the meeting tent was movable.

eLKAnAh: Here you go, Eli. This big portion of the sacrifice is for my wife Penny and all of our children. The smaller portion is for my wife Hannah.

PennY: Ha ha! Look, that sacrifice is practically nothing! Hannah, see what happens when you don’t have children?

nArrATor: Penny’s constant teasing made Hannah upset. One time while in Shiloh, Hannah went to the entrance of the meeting tent and prayed quietly. Eli the priest was sitting nearby, but he couldn’t hear what Hannah said.

hAnnAh: Loving God, please remember me. If you give me a son, I promise to dedicate him to you. He’ll be raised as a Nazirite. I’ll never cut his hair.

nArrATor: In Bible times, a Nazirite was a person who followed special rules in order to serve God. Nazirites could not cut their hair. Eli saw Hannah and thought she was talking to herself because she was drunk.

eLi: Are you standing at the entrance to God’s house while you’re drunk? Sober up!

hAnnAh: No, sir, I’m not drunk! I’m just very sad. I’ve been pouring my heart out to the Lord. I’m not a good-for-nothing woman. The whole time I’ve been standing here I’ve been praying about something that troubles me greatly.

eLi: Very well. Go in peace, and may God give you what you’ve asked.

nArrATor: Some time later, Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to Samuel, which means “I asked the Lord for him.”

hAnnAh: I will take Samuel to Eli when he is a little older. He will be dedicated to God and will be a Nazirite forever.

nArrATor: That’s what Hannah did. While Samuel was still a young boy, Hannah brought him to Shiloh to serve God. She said a special prayer and left Samuel with Eli. The Bible doesn’t say how Penny reacted. We can only imagine.




Discuss It - CovenantSAY: Peninnah made fun of Hannah because Peninnah had many children, while Hannah had no children. In Bible times,

the size of someone’s family was used as a status symbol. In today’s times, we tend to use the amount of money or stuff that someone has as a status symbol.

ASK: Have you ever been teased or ridiculed by someone because they had something you didn’t? Have you ever done this to someone else? What was the object or thing someone was holding over you or that you were holding over someone else? What items are used as status symbols among your group of friends?

SAY: Hannah became so upset by Peninnah’s teasing that she would cry and not eat any food. Hannah’s husband didn’t understand why the teasing was so hurtful. One time, while in Shiloh, Hannah went to the entrance of the meeting tent where the people worshipped to ask for God’s help.

ASK: How do you feel when other people make fun of you? Have you ever made fun of someone so much that it caused that person to cry? How did that feel? Why do you think Hannah’s husband dismissed her feelings? How do you think he should have responded? Where do you go to feel closer to God?

SAY: Hannah promised that if God gave her a son, she would raise the boy to love and serve God. She even promised that the boy would be dedicated as a Nazirite, which was someone who followed special rules in order to serve God. Eli the priest didn’t understand what Hannah was doing and thought she was drunk on wine.

ASK: How do you think Hannah felt when Eli accused her of having too much to drink? How would you have felt? Have you ever been doing something and someone else thought you were up to no good? How did you react? Can you remember the last time you made a promise to someone? Have you kept your promise?

SAY: Hannah kept the promise to God when she sent Samuel at a young age to live and study with Eli the priest. The fancy name for a promise made with God or between two or more people who follow God is called a covenant. A covenant can be between God and a person, between two people, or among a whole group.

ASK: What are the covenants we make with one another as followers of Jesus within our church congregation? What about the promises we make with other followers of Jesus around the world? Have you ever made a special promise to God? To whom can you turn to help you keep this promise?




SelflessnessBible Verse

Hope in the Lord! Be strong! Let your heart take courage! Hope in the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)

Did You Know?

The kingdom of Judah was captured by the Babylonians in 587 b.c., and God’s people were deported to Babylon. Some fifty years after the exile, the Persian ruler Cyrus

the Great defeated the Babylonians. While some of the Jewish people were allowed to return to Jerusalem, much of the population remained in Persia. The events of the Book of Esther take place within this context. When the king of Persia launched an empire-wide search for a wife, Esther became queen.

Haman was a chief officer to King Ahasuerus. He was boastful and conceited. Haman became upset when he thought that Esther’s older cousin and adopted father, Mordecai, disrespected him. Viewing Mordecai as a threat to his own importance, Haman enacted a plan to have Mordecai put to death and destroy the entire Jewish community in Persia. Instead, through the brave actions of Queen Esther, it was Haman who was killed and Mordecai who was honored.

Esther twice stopped Haman from enacting a plan that imperiled others. In saving Mordecai’s life, and overturning the law that put the Jewish people at risk, Esther demonstrated great courage and faith. Invite your students to consider the ways they can act selflessly in their interactions with family members and friends. Encourage them to think about the ways, both large and small, they can help others in their everyday lives.

Exploration Points• God is present with us when we face difficult situations.

• We can help others in our everyday lives.

Session 4June 26

Bible StoryEsther 3:1–8:17

Compass Point Our faith calls us to act with courage to help others.










SAY: Our Bible reading is about Esther, who acted bravely to help others.

ASK: How do you care for other people in your everyday life? What are the ways that you care for God’s creation?

gA me - T ri Ke (or BiKe) reLAY rACe

Place cones around your space to create an oval-shaped track. Use masking tape to create a start/finish line. Line up preschool trikes (or bikes) along the line.


• Assign each team to a trike/bike. Invite each team to line up together at a designated “pit” area near the start/finish line.

• Inform your students that the game is a rally race on a miniature trike (or bike).

• Each team member will complete two laps around the designated track on the mini trike (or bike).

• After passing the start/finish line for the second time, the participant will dismount and hand off the trike (or bike) to a teammate.

• The first team to have each member complete two laps around the track is the winner.

• Repeat the game as time and interest allow.

TiP: If your group is small, consider organizing the game as a single “time trial,” where the participants must complete the relay within a certain amount of time.

SAY: Our game wasn’t an individual race. It didn’t matter if one person was fastest or slowest. What mattered is how everyone on a team did together overall.

ASK: How did you support your teammates during the race? What are some everyday situations that require people to work together and help others?


Suppliescones, masking tape, preschool tricycles (or bicycles)





• Invite your students to look up Esther 3:1–8:17 and to take turns reading.

r eADiNg - r oYA L PA i N Photocopy page 23, one for each student.



ASK: Do you think Haman’s friends contributed to his hateful attitude? How are you influenced by the words and actions of your friends?

DiSCuSS iT - SeLfLeSSNeSS






Grow StrongerA L L ouT: hi gh -oCTA Ne fA i T h


• Invite them to read the article on pages 10-11 and to respond to the prompts.

ASK: How can our group serve others in need in our community? How can you help others in your everyday life?

g ro uP Time - gi fT S To Sh A r e• Invite your students to think about their God-given gifts and talents.

• Encourage them to use a dry-erase board to write down ideas for how they can help or serve others while using these gifts and talents.

• Help your students get connected to some of the various service ministries in which your congregation is involved that can make use of their gifts and talents.





Suppliesdry-erase board set




Cr eAT i Ve e xPreSSioN - SeLf, SeLfLeSS


• Make cardstock and charcoal pencils available.

• Invite your students to create a self-portrait on one side of the cardstock.

• On the reverse side, invite them to write, doodle, or draw the ways they show compassion to others.



Worship





Suppliescardstock, charcoal pencils




Reading - Royal PainNArrATor: All right, here’s the short version of how Queen Esther saved her people.

hAmAN: Bow to me! I’m the second-most powerful person in Persia after the king! Bow to me!

morDeCAi: I’m sorry, but I bow only to the God of Israel.

hAmAN: I will get that Mordecai! And I’ll destroy the entire Jewish population in the Persian kingdom.

NArrATor: Haman began to enact his plan. He went to the see the king.

hAmAN: Sire, there are people in Persia who don’t obey your laws. They’re no good. If you wish, I can take care of it.

NArrATor: Haman declared that all Jewish people in Persia would be killed. Mordecai sent word to Queen Esther.

morDeCAi: You must do something to stop this. Go visit the king and ask for his kindness.

eSTher: I can’t just visit the king without an invitation. The punishment is death, even for the queen.

morDeCAi: Being the queen won’t save you when Haman has all the Jewish people killed. You must act!

NArrATor: A short time later, Queen Esther went to see the king.

eSTher: My king, if it pleases you, I have a two-day feast prepared for you and Haman.

NArrATor: After the first day of the feast, Haman’s friends said that Mordecai must be killed. Haman went to the king.

KiNg: Haman, great feast today. I need your advice. How should I show appreciation for someone I wish to honor?

NArrATor: The king was talking about Mordecai, who had saved his life. Haman thought the king wanted to honor him.

hAmAN: Sire, you should give the person you want to honor a royal robe and horse.

KiNg: Good idea! I want you to do this for Mordecai.

NArrATor: Haman returned home, enraged and ashamed. Shortly after this, he went to the second day of the feast.

KiNg: Queen Esther, this feast is wonderful! Why have you given such a banquet? What can I do to say thank you?

eSTher: Good king, please let me and all my people live. Please put a stop to the plan to destroy us!

KiNg: What plan? Who’s the person who’s done such a thing?

eSTher: It’s your adviser Haman. He had you sign the law to kill all Jewish people. He did it to get back at Mordecai.

KiNg: Haman! Do you see what you’ve done to the queen? Impale him on the pole he built for Mordecai!

NArrATor: Queen Esther made sure that a new law was written and that all the Jewish people in Persia were saved.




Discuss It - SelflessnessSAY: Haman was the chief official to the Persian king. He became upset when Mordecai, a Jewish royal official, didn’t bow

to him. Haman hatched a plan to have Mordecai and all the Jewish people in Persia killed. Haman bragged to all his friends about how important he was. Haman’s friends suggested that Mordecai be impaled.

ASK: Do you know people who like to brag about how important or special they are? How do you react when you’re around them? What would you have said to Haman if he told you he was upset just because someone didn’t bow to him? Why do you think Haman’s friends were so cruel?

SAY: Mordecai had saved the life of the Persian king, but had never been honored. The king asked Haman’s advice about what should be done for a person the king wished to honor. Haman thought the king was taking about honoring him, so he planned something elaborate.

ASK: How do you think Haman felt when he believed that he would receive an award from the king? How do you think he felt when he lost out to Mordecai? Has there ever been a time when you thought you would win a game, contest, or award but lost to someone else? How did it make you feel?

SAY: The Jewish Queen Esther was married to the Persian king. She planned a banquet for the king and Haman when she found out about Haman’s plan to have all the Jewish people killed. When the king asked what she wanted, Esther said that she wanted her people to be saved. Haman’s plan was revealed, so it was Haman who was impaled.

ASK: How do you think Haman felt as he feasted with the king? How do you think he felt as he was led away to the impaling pole that he had built for Mordecai? How did Queen Esther use her wit and intelligence to save Mordecai and the Jewish people? If you were the king, what would you have done with Haman?

SAY: Esther showed a lot of courage in her actions. Even as the queen, she couldn’t just visit the king unless she was invited to see him. The punishment for just showing up without an invitation to see the king was death, even for Queen Esther. She risked her own life when she told the king about Haman’s plans.

ASK: How do you think Esther felt as she waited in the courtyard to see the king? How would you have felt? Would you have risked your life like Esther did to save others? When have you shown bravery in order to help someone in need? When has someone else shown courage in helping you?




HospitalityBible Verse

This was the first miraculous sign that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11)

Did You Know?

The Gospel of John is unique among the four books that explore the ministry of Jesus. One of the many ways John is different from the Synoptic Gospels is that

John includes only eight accounts of Jesus’ miraculous acts, many fewer than in the other three Gospels. The Gospel of John even provides a distinct label for these miracles: signs. Rather than offering a complete list of Jesus’ miracles, the author of John intentionally presents the eight signs to help others understand the person and work of Jesus. This is alluded to in the Gospel epilogue (John 20:30-31).

The first of the signs included in the Gospel of John is the transformation of water into wine at a wedding in Cana. Jesus attended a celebration shortly after calling the disciples. Jesus was told by his mother that the wine had run out. After initially balking, Jesus turned the water into wine. Upon tasting it, the headwaiter remarked that the wine was even better tasting than that which had been served first. The practice was to start with the higher quality wine and then to serve the second-rate wine.

Biblical scholars generally recognize the transformation of the water into wine as the first miracle of Jesus. Some have tried to interpret it allegorically, linking it to Jesus’ role as the last prophet. Others have said that it is an antitype of Moses turning the water of the Nile into blood. The plainest understanding is the importance of showing hospitality in our everyday lives. Invite your students to consider ways they can welcome and serve others.

Exploration Points• Jesus shows us what it means to show hospitality to others.

• Our faith invites us to welcome and serve others in our everyday lives.

Session 5July 3

Bible StoryJohn 2:1-12

Compass Point Jesus invites us to welcome others and to share what we have.



26 July 3 submerge • Leader’s Guide



Di V e r ’S Lo g• Make pens, pencils, and colored pencils available.




SAY: In our reading, Jesus shows hospitality by turning water into wine at a wedding.

ASK: Have you ever attended a wedding or a large party? What food was served?

gA m e - g rAB ‘N’ go

Use masking tape to create lines on opposite sides of your space and an X in the middle of the space.

• Divide your students into two equal-size teams. Assign each player a number.

• Assign each team a line, and have each team line up in numerical order along the full length of their assigned line. Invite the teams to face toward each other.

• Before game play begins, have players of corresponding numbers from each team line up across from each other. Place two tennis balls on the X.

• Inform your students that the object is to win possession of one or both tennis balls and to make it back behind their team line.

• Once a number is called, the player from each team with that number will run to the X and attempt to collect one or both of the tennis balls.

• If either player selects only one ball, then each player receives safe passage back to their line. Each team receives one point.

• If one of the players attempts to retrieve both tennis balls, that player must make it back behind their line with both tennis balls in hand without being tagged.

• A player crossing their line without being tagged earns two points for their team.

• A player who is tagged while holding both balls earns two points for the other team.


SAY: You had to decide whether to share the points or to try to earn both points. One way to show hospitality is to share resources with others.

ASK: How does our church show hospitality to people in our community?


Suppliesmasking tape, 2 tennis balls, dry-erase board set





• Invite your students to look up John 2:1-12 and to take turns reading.

r eAD iN g - T h e Fi r ST S i g N Photocopy page 29, one for each student.



ASK: What are you most likely to run out of at a party or celebration?

DiSCuS S iT - h oSPi TA L i T Y






Grow StrongerSuPer AweSom e PA rT Y T i me



• Consider organizing a time when your group can gather and make homemade root beer together.

ASK: What are some things you like to do when you gather together with friends?

BuCK eT B ri gA De : u m C or C L eA Ni Ng BuCKeTS• Invite your students to read the article on pages 30-31.

• Decide as a group how you want to publicize this service project in your church. Consider making banners or creating PowerPoint® pre-worship announcements.

• Use a tablet or laptop to begin working on PowerPoint announcements, or use permanent markers and banner paper to begin designing banners.





SuppliesSubmerge magazine, tablet or laptop with PowerPoint (optional), banner paper and permanent markers (optional)




Cr eAT i Ve e xPreSSioN - miNi wATerCoLorS


SAY: Jesus showed hospitality by turning water into wine. We’re going to use watercolor paint to think about the ways we can show kindness and welcome.

• Make 5-by-8 index cards, watercolor paints, and paintbrushes available.

• Invite your students to reflect on the ways they can demonstrate hospitality in their daily lives.

• After some amount of time, invite your students to share their creations as they are comfortable.

• Allow the artwork to dry.

Worship

Photocopy page ix, one for each worship volunteer.




Supplies5-by-8 index cards, watercolor paints, paintbrushes




Reading - The First SignDiSCiPLe 1: We had been followers of John the Baptist.

DiSCiPLe 2: Until John told us that Jesus was the Messiah.

DiSCiPLe 3: That’s when we became followers of Jesus.

DiSCiPLe 4: We invited others we knew to become disciples.

DiSCiPLe 1: Two days later, we went with Jesus to a wedding.

DiSCiPLe 2: It was in Cana, in the region of Galilee.

DiSCiPLe 3: Jesus’ mother and brothers were at the wedding.

DiSCiPLe 4: Jesus’ mother came to Jesus and said there was no more wine.

DiSCiPLe 1: Jesus said that this wasn’t their problem to solve.

DiSCiPLe 2: That it was something for the bride and groom to work out.

DiSCiPLe 3: Jesus said that it wasn’t his time to act.

DiSCiPLe 4: This meant that this wouldn’t be Jesus’ greatest miracle.

DiSCiPLe 1: Mary knew that Jesus wasn’t refusing to act.

DiSCiPLe 2: She told the servants to follow his instructions.

DiSCiPLe 3: Jesus told them to fill six jars with water.

DiSCiPLe 4: And to take a sample to the headwaiter to taste.

DiSCiPLe 1: The headwaiter said that it was good wine.

DiSCiPLe 2: And he complimented the groom for serving the best wine last.

DiSCiPLe 3: The headwaiter did not know that Jesus had turned water into wine.

DiSCiPLe 4: This was the first miraculous sign performed by Jesus.




Discuss It - HospitalitySAY: Only a couple days after becoming disciples, Jesus’ group of followers traveled to Cana to attend a wedding

celebration. The Gospel of John says that Jesus’ mom, Mary, was at the wedding. John also implies that Jesus’ brothers were in attendance. Imagine if you’d been with the disciples and Jesus at this time.

ASK: What do you think might have been different about wedding parties in Jesus’ time? What do you think was the same? What do you think it was like for the disciples to meet Jesus’ family? What questions do you think they might have wanted to ask? What questions would you have asked Jesus’ family?

SAY: Mary told Jesus that the party has run out of wine. Jesus responded by saying, “Woman, what does that have to do with me? My time hasn’t come yet.” Jesus told Mary that this wouldn’t be his greatest miracle. Mary understood that Jesus wasn’t refusing to help, so she told the servants to follow Jesus’ instructions.

ASK: Why do you think Mary came to Jesus for help? Do you think Mary had an idea of what Jesus would do in order to help solve the problem? What do you think Jesus’ new disciples were thinking as they watched all of this happen? How do you think they reacted when Jesus turned the water into wine?

SAY: The headwaiter didn’t know the source of the new batch of wine. Thinking that the groom had been holding onto it, the headwaiter complimented the groom for saving the best wine for the end of the celebration, when most people would have served it first. The Bible doesn’t say how or if the groom responded to the headwaiter.

ASK: Why do you think the servants didn’t tell the headwaiter where the wine had come from? Would you have told the headwaiter? Why or why not? Why do you think the headwaiter was impressed that the best wine was saved for last? How do you think the groom responded? What do you imagine Jesus was doing during this time?

SAY: Many Bible experts say that the significance of the miracle at Cana is the importance of hospitality and sharing with others. If the wedding party had run out of wine, it would have affected the joyous occasion. By turning the water into wine, Jesus helped keep the festive celebration going.

ASK: How can you show hospitality in your everyday life? What are some small ways that you can show generosity to your family and friends? How can you help bring joy to those in your community who are in need? How does our church show hospitality to newcomers and people in need?




FaithBible Verse

Then the father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son lives.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. (John 4:53)

Did You Know?

The Gospel of John includes only eight accounts of miracles performed by Jesus. The second sign in John’s Gospel is the second to occur in Cana, where Jesus had turned

water into wine. A royal official approached Jesus and asked that his son be healed. We are not told the official’s exact position, nor for whom he served. The official could have been a military officer or government official who worked for King Herod or the Roman emperor. We are not even told if the official was Jewish or Gentile.

The official approached Jesus and asked if Jesus would heal his son. Jesus asked if the official’s belief was dependent on a miracle. The official implored Jesus to visit before his son died. Jesus informed the man that his son lived. Believing Jesus, the official returned home. On the way, the official’s servants reported that his son was alive. Learning that his son was healed at the same time Jesus said, “Your son lives,” the official and his family believed in Jesus.

The account of the royal official’s son shows us how faith works as a divine dialogue. The royal official reached out to Jesus because of Jesus’ reputation as a teacher and healer. Jesus responded to the official’s initial faith by healing his son. As a result, the faith of the royal official and of his family was strengthened. Invite your students to consider how they experience faith as a holy conversation. Encourage them to think about the various ways faith brings healing and wholeness to their lives.

Exploration Points• Our faith brings wholeness and healing to our lives.

• God’s grace is at work in us to help strengthen our faith.

Session 6July 10


Compass Point Jesus invites us to have faith in him.










SAY: Our Bible reading is about a father who asks Jesus to heal his ill child.

ASK: Who helps you when you’re sick or ill?

gA me - ST riKe Zone

Use masking tape to create a throwing line on one side of your space. Place four cones perpendicular to the middle of the masking-tape line, forming a T.

• Divide your students into teams of four. Give each team a Hula Hoop® and a Whiffle® ball. Give each player safety goggles.

• Inform your students that the game is like team target practice. The object is to be the first team to throw the Whiffle ball through the Hula Hoop at each distance.

• On each team of four, one player will start as the Pitcher, one will be the Pitcher in Waiting, one will be the Hula Hoop Holder, and one will be the Ball Retriever.

• Each Pitcher stands on the masking-tape line. The Pitcher in Waiting stands behind the Pitcher. The Holder stands parallel to the first cone and across from the Pitcher and holds the Hula Hoop overhead. The Ball Retriever stands behind the Holder.

• The Pitcher tries to throw the ball through the Hula Hoop.

• The players on each team switch once the ball has been thrown through the hoop, with the new Hula Hoop Holder moving back to stand parallel to the second cone.

• The Pitcher in Waiting moves to Pitcher, the Pitcher to Holder, the Holder to Retriever, and the Retriever to Pitcher in Waiting.

• Repeat until one player on each team has thrown the ball through the Hula Hoop held overhead at each of the four cones.

• The first team to finish is the winner.

SAY: Our game required you to work together as you tried more difficult throws.

ASK: How does your faith help you through different experiences? How does your experience of God’s presence in tough situations help strengthen your faith?


Suppliesmasking tape, 4 cones, Hula Hoops, Whiffle balls, safety goggles






r eADing - FA i T h Fu L FoLLower Photocopy page 35, one for each student.



ASK: Why do you think more isn’t said about the royal official and his job?

DiSCuSS iT - FA i T h






Grow StrongerFAiTh in Th e gA P: T r AV eLi ng wi T h oLiViA hAwKinS



SAY: Olivia showed a lot of faith in traveling around the world to help others. This experience of sharing her faith also helped her faith grow stronger.

ASK: What are the service projects and activities in which you’re involved because of your faith? How does participating in these activities strengthen your faith?

BuCKeT B ri gA De: u mCor CLeA ni ng BuCKeTS• Invite your students to read the article on pages 30-31 (if you haven’t already

done so).

• Collect any cleaning bucket supplies that were brought in.

• Use a tablet device or laptop to continue working on PowerPoint® announcements, or use permanent markers and banner paper to continue designing banners.









Cr eAT i Ve e xPreSSion - ShAPeD AnD reShAPeD


SAY: Our faith is like clay being molded in an artist’s hands. Our faith shapes and molds our experiences, and our experiences help shape and mold our faith.

• Make modeling clay and paper towels available.

• Invite your students to sculpt something that represents the way they are shaped and reshaped by faith.



Worship





Suppliesmodeling clay, paper towels




Reading - Faithful FollowernArrATor: Jesus and his friends, the disciples, were walking through Cana in Galilee. This was the same place where

Jesus had turned water into wine. Jesus and the disciples had just returned from Jerusalem and Judea.

DiSCiPLe 1: Wow, that was a memorable trip! Did you see how the merchants reacted when Jesus drove them and all of the animals out of the temple courtyard?

DiSCiPLe 2: What about the religious leaders at the temple? They looked like their heads would pop off! I mean, it was right in the middle of the Passover celebration. They were mad.

nArrATor: The Gospel of John says that Jesus threw the sellers and traders out of the temple early on in his ministry, in between time spent teaching and healing in Galilee. Anyway, while Jesus was walking through Cana, a man approached Jesus.

roYAL oFFiCiAL: Jesus, please help me. I’ve heard about the things you’ve done in Jerusalem. I traveled all the way from Capernaum to see you. My son is sick. Please come and help me!

nArrATor: The Gospel of John says that the man was a royal official. But it doesn’t say what he did and whether the man worked for King Herod, who ruled over Galilee, or the Roman emperor, who ruled over the entire Roman Empire.

JeSuS: So you’ve heard things. Are you looking for proof about what you heard happened in Jerusalem? Will you have faith only if I perform a miracle?

nArrATor: Jesus was suspicious of the people in Galilee, because it seemed like they had shallow faith. Many would believe in him only if they saw a miracle.

roYAL oFFiCiAL: It’s not like that, Jesus. Please, come with me to Capernaum and see for yourself. My son has a terrible fever. Come before he dies.

JeSuS: Go home. You’ll see that your son lives.

nArrATor: The royal official knew that Jesus spoke the truth, so he began to travel back to Capernaum. While the royal official was on his way home, he was met by two of his servants..

SerVAnT 1: Sir, come quick. Your son is alive! It’s a miracle. One minute he was super sick, and the next minute he was better and asking to see you.

roYAL oFFiCiAL: When did this happen? What time?

SerVAnT 2: It was yesterday at one o’clock in the afternoon. That’s when he started to get better. It was amazing. Why is it that you ask, sir?

roYAL oFFiCiAL: Because that was the exact time when I spoke to Jesus. It was at one o’clock that Jesus said to me, “Your son lives.”

nArrATor: After this, the royal official and everyone in his household believed in Jesus. Nothing else is mentioned in the Bible about the royal official and his family, but we can imagine that they became faithful followers of Jesus.




Discuss It - FaithSAY: Just before our Bible story, Jesus and his disciples had traveled through Jerusalem and Judea during the Passover.

Many of the people in Jesus’ home region of Galilee had seen what Jesus had done and had listened to him preach, as they had been in Jerusalem during the festival. Many anticipated what Jesus would do when he returned home.

ASK: What do you think the people of Galilee expected of Jesus when he returned to his home region? How do you think they reacted as they saw him approach? What do you think it was like for Jesus to go home with all of these expectations placed on him? How do you think Jesus felt in this situation?

SAY: A man described as a royal official approached Jesus and asked for Jesus’ help. The royal official told Jesus that his son was close to death and asked if Jesus would heal his son. Jesus asked if the royal official would have faith only if he witnessed a miracle. The royal official pleaded for Jesus’ help before his son died.

ASK: How do you think the royal official felt as he approached Jesus to ask for Jesus’ help? Do you think he was surprised by Jesus’ reaction? How would you have felt if you’d asked for Jesus’ help and Jesus responded by asking if your faith would be strengthened only by a miracle?

SAY: Jesus told the royal official that his son had been healed. Believing Jesus, the royal official began his journey home. While traveling, he was met by two of his servants, who told him that his son was alive and well. The royal official discovered that his son began improving at the same time that Jesus said, “Your son lives.”

ASK: What do you think the royal official said to Jesus when told that his son would be okay? What would you have said or done to thank Jesus? Do you think the lives of the royal official and his family changed after they believed and became followers of Jesus? How so?

SAY: The story shows us how faith is a dialogue between us and God. The royal official had faith, so he asked for Jesus’ help. Jesus responded by healing the royal official’s son. As a result, the faith of the royal official and of his family was further strengthened.

ASK: How do you experience faith as a back-and-forth conversation in your life? When are you most likely to seek God’s help in your everyday life? What experiences have helped strengthen your faith? How does your faith bring healing and wholeness to your everyday life?




CompassionBible Verse

Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” (John 5:8)

Did You Know?

Bible experts categorize the miracles of Jesus according to four types: control over nature, exorcism, resurrection of the dead, and healing. Jesus’ power over nature

is evident in his turning water into wine, walking on water, and many other narratives. Exorcism accounts include expelling the Gersasene demoniac into a herd of pigs and the boy who threw himself into fire. The Gospels also include three accounts of Jesus raising the dead: the daughter of Jairus, the young man from Nain, and Lazarus.

The largest number of miracles can be categorized as healings. The account of the paralyzed man at Bethsaida falls into this category. While walking past a natural pool celebrated for its healing powers, Jesus asked the man if he wished to be healed. The man explained that he didn’t have anyone to carry his mat into the water. Jesus invited the man to pick up his own mat. Immediately, the paralyzed man was well and able to walk. The healed man proclaimed Jesus as the one who had made him well.

The account of the man who was healed at Bethsaida is humorous and poignant. It is humorous in that Jesus instructed the paralyzed man to move his own mat. It is poignant in that after being healed, the man was filled with gratitude and proclaimed Jesus’ name to others. Invite your students to consider what it means to have compassion. Encourage them to think about the ways they can show compassion in their everyday interactions with others.

Exploration Points• Jesus shows us how to act with compassion toward others.

• We can share compassion in large and small ways.

Session 7July 17


Compass Point Jesus shows us what it means to care for others.










SAY: Our Bible reading is about Jesus having compassion on a paralyzed man who can’t walk.

ASK: How do you define compassion? How is compassion like kindness? How is compassion different from kindness?

gA me - Hu L A HooP CHALLenge


• Divide your students into teams of six. Invite each team to line up and hold hands.

• Inform your students that the game requires them to pass the Hula Hoop® from the beginning of the line to the end without letting go of one another’s hands.

• Begin by placing a Hula Hoop on the outstretched arm of the player at the beginning of the line on each team. They must wait for you to tell them to start.

• Players must work together in order to move their arms and torsos to push the Hula Hoop from one player to the next until it reaches the last player.

• The first group to get the Hula Hoop to the outstretched arm of the last player on their team is the winner.

• Variations include having teams form a circle after the Hula Hoop is placed on the arm of the first player, or attempting the exercise while everyone is blindfolded.


SAY: Our game required you to work together in order to overcome the challenge. This was easier for some of us and more difficult for others of us.

ASK: Are you now more or less likely to have compassion for someone who struggles to do something that you can accomplish? What makes you feel this way?


SuppliesHula Hoops, blindfolds (optional)




Dive Deeper r eAD tHe Bi BLe


r eADing - W H i r LPooL Photocopy page 41, one for each student.



ASK: How do you think the Bethsaida pool was different from today’s pools?

DiSCuSS it - ComPASSi on





tiP: If your group is small, consider discussing the questions as one group.

Grow Strongermore tHAn mASCot S



SAY: Being a follower of Jesus means acting on our compassion and getting involved in helping people around us who are in need.

ASK: What are some ministries that our church does to help people in need? How can we as a group support these ministries?

BuCKet Br i gA De: u mCor CLeAni ng BuCKetS• Invite your students to read the article on pages 30-31 (if you haven’t already

done so).











Cr eAt i V e e xPreSSion - WeLCome mAt

Gather the necessary supplies. Place a drop cloth in a well-ventilated area.

SAY: Jesus showed compassion by healing the paralyzed man so that he could pick up his mat and walk. We’re going to design welcome mats that will remind us to show compassion for others.

• Make undecorated, natural-fiber door mats; stencils; acrylic paint and paintbrushes available.

• Invite your students to work together to design welcome mats that can be used in your space or around your church as a reminder to show compassion to others.



Worship





Suppliesdrop cloth; undecorated, natural-fiber door mats; stencils; acrylic paint and paintbrushes




Reading - WhirlpoolnArrAtor: Jesus and the disciples traveled to Jerusalem for a religious festival. Near one of the entrances to the city,

they passed a natural pool called Bethsaida. A crowd of sick, blind, and paralyzed people sat near the pool.

SiCK PerSon 1: Do you think the water will become like a whirlpool today? We’re about due for another healing.

SiCK PerSon 2: I sure hope so. I’ve been waiting forever to be healed. I hope the angel comes today and that I can be first to jump in!

nArrAtor: The people waited for an angel to come down from heaven and stir up the water in the pool. The first person who got into the water after this happened was healed of their sickness. Jesus approached a man lying on a mat.

JeSuS: Do you want to get well?

mAn on tHe mAt: I do, but I don’t have anyone to put me in the water after the angel has stirred it like a whirlpool. Every time I try to get in, someone has beaten me to it. I’ve been waiting 38 years to get better.

JeSuS: You don’t need anyone to carry your mat. Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.

nArrAtor: Immediately, the man was well. He picked up his mat and walked away. This happened on the day of the Jewish Sabbath. Some religious leaders saw the man carrying his mat and stopped to criticize him.

reLigiouS LeADer 1: Today is the Sabbath. You know you aren’t supposed to do any work, and tradition says carrying your mat is work.

reLigiouS LeADer 2: Who told you that you could carry your mat?

mAn on tHe mAt: The man who healed me said to me, “Pick up your mat and walk.” I don’t know where he went. He was just here.

nArrAtor: Jesus had slipped away from the crowd that had gathered around the man on the mat who had been healed. Later, Jesus found the man at the temple and spoke to him.

JeSuS: Look! You’ve been made well. But this doesn’t mean that you can go and do anything you want. Live a good life and don’t sin. There’s something much worse than not being able to walk, and that’s being separated from God.

mAn on tHe mAt: Thank you, Jesus! I’m going to live the life God wants me to live. And I’m going to tell everyone what you did for me today!

nArrAtor: The man told the religious leaders about Jesus’ ability to heal. The leaders approached Jesus and began to harass him.

reLigiouS LeADer 1: You know that it goes against the Law of Moses to work on the Sabbath. That includes healing.

reLigiouS LeADer 2: Who told you that you could heal on the Sabbath?

JeSuS: God, my Father, is always at work in people’s lives. And for this reason I am working, too.




Discuss It - CompassionSAY: The pool at Bethsaida was said to have healing powers. People who were sick, blind, or paralyzed would sit next to

the pool and wait for the waters to be stirred up by an angel. John 5:4, which isn’t included in some Bible translations, says that the first person to get into the water after it had been touched by an angel would be cured.

ASK: What do you think it was like for those who waited to be healed to sit around and wait for the angel to touch the water? How would you have felt if you had been in that situation? How do you think the people could tell that the water had been stirred up? Do you think there was competition to be the first person in the water to be healed?

SAY: Jesus saw a man lying on a mat who was unable to walk for 38 years. Jesus asked the man if he wanted to get well. The man thought that Jesus was asking why he hadn’t been healed by the water. When the man said that he had no one to pick up his mat, Jesus told the man to pick up his own mat and walk. The man was healed immediately.

ASK: How do you think the man who was paralyzed felt when Jesus asked why he hadn’t been healed? How would you have responded if Jesus had asked you this question? Why do you think Jesus chose to heal the man who was paralyzed out of all the people who were sitting next to the pool? Do you think Jesus also healed the others?

SAY: Some religious leaders were upset when they saw the man carrying his mat. They asked why he would do this on the Sabbath day, which wasn’t allowed. The same religious leaders questioned Jesus about why he had broken some other religious rules by healing on the Sabbath. Jesus replied, “My father is still working, and I am working too” (John 5:17).

ASK: Why do you think carrying a mat was considered work? How would you have reacted if you had been questioned about carrying a mat on the Sabbath? What do you think Jesus meant when he said that God is still working and that he is working too? How do you experience God working in your life?

SAY: Many of the healing stories in the Gospels tell us that Jesus healed the people because he felt compassion for them. This isn’t stated in our Bible story today, but we can be pretty sure that is why Jesus decided to heal the man. Jesus wanted the man to know that God cared for him and loved him.

ASK: What are the ways you experience God’s love through relationships with your family and friends? When have you felt compassion for a person in need? What are the ways you can express compassion for other people? What are the service and mission ministries of our church that best live out the compassion Jesus modeled?




Authentic DiscipleshipBible Verse

The man said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshipped Jesus. (John 9:38)

Did You Know?

Theodicy is the theological term for the question that asks why a merciful God allows suffering in the world. The account of Jesus healing the man born blind

brings up questions about the relationship between sin, suffering, and the will of God. Seeing a man who had been born blind, the disciples asked Jesus who had sinned to cause the man to suffer so much. In Jesus’ times, many Jewish people believed that misfortune was attached to sin, either the victim’s or a direct ancestor’s.

Jesus responded that neither the man nor his parents had sinned. Rather, the man had been born blind so that God could be at work through the faithful witness of the man born blind. After Jesus healed the man, a dispute arose between the religious authorities, who refused to believe that the man had been blind. When called before the synagogue, the man persisted in explaining that he had been healed by Jesus. When Jesus asked the man if he believed, the man responded by proclaiming his faith in Jesus.

As Jesus stated, God’s mighty work is manifested through the man born blind. This is made evident not only in the healing, but in the man’s confession of faith and worship of Jesus. Invite your students to think about what it means to say “I believe in Jesus.” Encourage them to consider how their faith affects their everyday interactions with others. Remind them that authentic faith empowers us to live a life of holiness in service to God and to those around us who are in need.

Exploration Points• We experience healing and wholeness through our friendship with Jesus.

• We are called to a life of discipleship when we proclaim our faith in Jesus.

Session 8July 24


Compass Point Jesus shows us how to experience God’s presence in new ways.










SAY: Our Bible reading is about a man born blind who is healed by Jesus. We can imagine that his life was changed after being able to see for the first time.

ASK: What place have you not seen in person that you’d most like to visit? What is it about that place that makes you want to see it so much?

gA me - B L i nDfoLDeD BeACh BALL DoDgeBALL

Use masking tape to divide your space in half. Place cones along the masking-tape line.

• Divide your students into two equal-size teams. Give each player a blindfold.

• Assign each team a side of the line.

• Inform your students that the game is blindfolded dodgeball. The object is for each player to avoid being hit by the beach ball and being eliminated from the game.

• Play will begin when the referee determines that all players are wearing blindfolds.

• Teams will throw the beach ball back and forth, attempting to hit a player from the opposing team.

• A player who is hit by a throw from the opposing team is called out by the referee. That player must remove the blindfold and move to the sideline.

• A player who throws a ball that is caught by the opposing team is called out by the referee. That player must remove the blindfold and move to the sideline.

• Play until only one team has players on the court. That team is declared the winner.

• Repeat as time and interest allow.

SAY: Our version of dodgeball offered a different experience than the common version of the game. It required you to adjust and make use of other senses.

ASK: How do people born blind adapt to make better use of other senses?

TiP: Have an extra beach ball or two on hand in case one deflates.


Suppliesmasking tape, cones, blindfolds, beach balls






r eADing - Ser i ou SLY, i T ’S me Photocopy page 47, one for each student.



ASK: Why do you think Jesus used mud made from dirt and his spit to heal the man born blind?

DiSCuSS iT - Au T h enT i C Di SCi PL e ShiP






Grow StrongerSCoPing Th i ngS ou T


• Invite them to read the article on pages 18-19 and to respond to the prompt.

ASK: What are the ways you see God at work through your relationships with friends and family? How do you experience God’s presence in nature?

BuCKeT B ri gA De: u mCor CLeA ni ng BuCKeTS• Invite your students to read the article on pages 30-31 (if you haven’t already

done so).











Cr eAT i Ve e xPreSSion - DiSCiPLeShiP geo-ArT


• Make cardstock, colored pencils, compasses, protractors, and rulers available.

• Invite your students to create artwork that incorporates geometric shapes and lines into images or words that reflect their understanding of discipleship.



Worship





Suppliescardstock, colored pencils, compasses, protractors, rulers




Reading - Seriously, It’s MenArrATor: Jesus was walking with the disciples when they saw a man born blind. The disciples asked about this.

DiSCiPLe: Rabbi, why was this man born blind? Who sinned and caused this to happen? Was it this man or his parents?

nArrATor: In Bible times, many people believed that illness was related to sin committed by someone or their parents.

JeSuS: No one sinned. Not this man nor his parents. This happened so that others would see God’s work through him.

nArrATor: After saying this, Jesus made mud from dirt and his own spit. Then he rubbed it in the man’s eyes.

JeSuS: Go, wash the mud from your eyes in the pool of Siloam.

nArrATor: After the man washed his eyes in the pool, he was able to see. His neighbors couldn’t believe it.

neighBor 1: Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg? How can it be him?

neighBor 2: No, it must be someone who looks like him.

mAn Born BLinD: Seriously, it’s me! Jesus smeared mud in my eyes. Then he told me to go to the pool. Now I can see.

nArrATor: The neighbors took him to see the religious leaders at the synagogue. The leaders also talked to his parents.

PhAriSee 1: This man Jesus isn’t from God. You can’t heal on the Sabbath and be a prophet!

PhAriSee 2: We know that your son was born blind. But how is it that he now is able to see?

nArrATor: The parents knew that Jesus had healed their son. They were afraid and told the leaders to ask their son.

mAn Born BLinD: I told you already. Jesus healed me. I was blind and now I see. Do you want to hear it again?

PhAriSee 1: We don’t know how this man is able to heal or where his power comes from.

mAn Born BLinD: This is crazy. I was born blind, and he healed me. If Jesus isn’t from God, how could he do this?

PhAriSee 2: Jesus isn’t from God. Period. End of discussion. And don’t ever come back to the synagogue again!

nArrATor: Being expelled from the synagogue was a big deal. When Jesus found out, he went to visit the man.

JeSuS: Do you want to believe in the Messiah, the one who is the Son of Man?

mAn Born BLinD: Who is he, sir?

JeSuS: You have seen him. In fact, he is the one speaking to you!

mAn Born BLinD: Lord, I believe!

nArrATor: Then the man who had been born blind worshipped Jesus.




Discuss It - Authentic DiscipleshipSAY: Jesus and the disciples saw a man born blind during their travels. This led the disciples to ask whether it was the

man who had sinned or his parents. In Jesus’ time, many religious people thought that illness and other misfortune happened because people had offended God. This was their way of trying to figure out why bad things happen.

ASK: Do you ever wonder why bad things happen to people for no apparent reason? Have you ever heard someone say that a certain event happened “according to God’s plan” or “because it was God’s will”? Do you agree with this understanding? Why or why not?

SAY: Jesus told the disciples that the man had been born blind so that God’s work would be known by others through the man. Jesus could’ve been talking about the miraculous healing that the man experienced. But it’s more likely that Jesus was referring to the man’s proclamation of faith and testimony to others about Jesus’ ministry.

ASK: How do you experience God’s work and presence in your everyday relationships with family and friends? What about through your interactions with people in need? How do you experience God’s presence and work through nature and the created world? Why is it important to be attuned to God’s presence?

SAY: Some of the man’s neighbors didn’t believe that it was really him when they saw that he had been healed. They took him to the religious leaders, who also questioned him about how Jesus had healed him. They even demanded to speak to the man’s parents to find out how the man born blind had been healed.

ASK: How do you think the man felt at being repeatedly questioned about how he had been healed? How would you have felt? What would you have said to the neighbors and religious leaders? Has anyone ever questioned you repeatedly or demanded proof before believing something that you’d experienced? How did you react?

SAY: After all the questioning and being kicked out of his religious community, the man healed by Jesus stayed true to his convictions. When Jesus revealed that he was the Son of Man, the Messiah, the man who had been healed responded that he believed in Jesus. Then the man who had been healed worshipped Jesus.

ASK: What do you think happened after this to the man who was healed? Do you think he joined the disciples and other followers of Jesus? What do you think it means to say “I believe in Jesus”? How does confessing faith in Jesus affect how you treat people? How does it influence your everyday interactions with others?


Summer 2016• Session 9 DeepBlueKids.com 49


EmpathyBible Verse

Jesus shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43)

Did You Know?

The Gospels include three accounts of Jesus raising the dead: the daughter of Jairus, the young man from Nain, and Lazarus. The story of Jesus bringing the daughter

of Jairus back to life is in each of the three Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The account of Jesus raising the widow’s son in the city of Nain is recounted only in Luke’s Gospel. The most detailed of the resurrection miracles, the story of Jesus raising Lazarus, is only in the Gospel of John.

Jesus was teaching and preaching when he received word from his friends Martha and Mary that their brother Lazarus was ill. Jesus told them that the illness wasn’t fatal and that God would be glorified through Lazarus’ illness. Jesus waited two days before beginning his journey to Bethany in Judea. Upon arrival, Jesus was moved by Mary and Martha’s mourning and cried when he stood at the entrance to the tomb. Jesus then prayed and shouted for Lazarus to come out of the tomb.

Focusing exclusively on the divinity of Jesus at the expense of his humanity can cause us to overlook that Jesus experienced the full range of human emotions. The Gospel of John shows how the sadness of his friends Mary and Martha and the death of his friend Lazarus affected Jesus. Invite your students to think about some of the difficult times they’ve experienced. Encourage them to consider how they experience God’s presence during times of sorrow and grief.

Exploration Points• Jesus experienced the full range of emotions that we experience.

• Our faith helps bring us comfort during difficult times.

Session 9July 31


Compass Point Jesus is with us when we experience grief and sorrow.










SAY: Our reading is about Jesus bringing his friend Lazarus back from the dead. The story tells how Jesus is affected by the sadness of his friends and by his own grief.

ASK: How do you react when your friends are feeling down? How are you affected when your friends are excited or happy?

gA m e - r o LL ThAT STone

Place cones on one side of your space, one for each team. Use masking tape to create two bowling lines some distance away from each cone. (One line should be closer to the cones, and one farther away.)


• Assign each team to a cone, and have them line up at the back bowling line.

• Give each team a Hula Hoop®.

• Inform your students that the game is like bowling or golf. The object is to roll the Hula Hoop so that it hits the cone target.

• Players on each team will take turns rolling the Hula Hoop.

• Each player may choose to roll the Hula Hoop from the forward line or the back line.

• A roll that hits the cone from the forward line is worth one point. A roll that hits the cone from the back line is worth 2 points.



SAY: Our game required you to roll the Hula Hoop and hit the target. In our story, Jesus asks some people to roll away the stone covering the tomb of his friend Lazarus. Then Jesus brings Lazarus back to life.

ASK: Do these details of rolling away a stone and resurrection remind you of a certain story in the Bible?


Suppliesmasking tape, cones, Hula Hoops, dry-erase board set


Summer 2016• Session 9 DeepBlueKids.com 51




r eAD in g - mY F r i e n D L A zA r uS Photocopy page 53, one for each student.



ASK: What do you think happened to Lazarus after all this occurred? Why do you think the Bible doesn’t tell us about his life after being raised from the dead?

DiSCuS S iT - em PAT h Y






Grow StrongerDo wn B uT noT ou T



ASK: What are some things that make you feel better when you’re feeling down? What do you do to support your friends when something is bothering them?

BuCK eT B ri gA De : u m C or C L eA ni ng BuCKeTS• Collect any cleaning bucket supplies that were brought in.

• Pack the supplies into the buckets.

• See the article on pages 30-31 in the Submerge magazine for packing and shipping instructions.









Cr eAT i Ve e xPreSSion - STone moSAiC


• Make a large piece of plywood, small river stones, and mosaic adhesive available to your students.

• Invite your students to work together to create a mosaic that represents how they experience a relationship with Jesus.


• After some amount of time, invite your students to share their creation.

• Consider displaying the mosaic in your space or somewhere else in your church.

Worship





Supplieslarge piece of plywood, small river stones, mosaic adhesive




Reading - My Friend LazarusnArrATor: A man named Lazarus was ill. He was from the village of Bethany near Jerusalem, and his sisters were Mary

and Martha. Lazarus, Mary, and Martha were all good friends of Jesus. The sisters sent a message to Jesus.

mArY: Lazarus, your good friend and our brother, is very ill.

mArThA: Please come to Bethany as soon as possible.

nArrATor: When Jesus received this message, he spoke.

JeSuS: This illness isn’t fatal. God and God’s Son can be glorified through Lazarus and his illness.

nArrATor: Jesus waited two days before he told the disciples that they would be traveling to Bethany near Jerusalem.

JeSuS: Our friend Lazarus is sleeping, but I’m going to wake him up.

DiSCiPLe: Lord, if Lazarus is only sleeping, then he’ll be okay. Don’t worry!

nArrATor: The disciples didn’t understand. They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was in a deep sleep.

JeSuS: Lazarus is dead. Come on, let’s go to Bethany.

nArrATor: When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Martha spoke to Jesus.

mArThA: Lord, if you’d been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. But I know that whatever you ask, God will give you.

JeSuS: Your brother will rise again. I am the resurrection and the life. Everyone who believes in me will never die.

nArrATor: Martha found Mary and told her that Jesus had arrived.

mArY: Lord, if you had been here, Lazarus would still be alive.

nArrATor: When Jesus saw Mary and the other people crying, he became upset.

JeSuS: Where have you placed the body of my friend Lazarus?

nArrATor: A group took Jesus to the tomb of Lazarus. Jesus began to cry.

JeSuS: Remove the stone that is blocking the tomb.

mArThA: But, Lord, the smell will be awful! Lazarus has been dead for four days.

nArrATor: Jesus prayed and then shouted with a loud voice.

JeSuS: Lazarus, come out!

nArrATor: At that, Lazarus came walking out of the tomb, his body still wrapped according to tradition at that time. Because of this, many people came to believe in Jesus.




Discuss It - EmpathySAY: Jesus was in Bethany near the Jordan River when he received news sent from his friends Martha and Mary. The

message said that their brother, Jesus’ friend Lazarus, was ill in the other Bethany near Jerusalem. Jesus told the disciples that the illness wasn’t fatal. He also indicated that the illness would glorify God and God’s Son.

ASK: How do you think Martha and Mary got their message to Jesus? Why do you think Jesus told the disciples that Lazarus’ illness wasn’t fatal, even though it resulted in Lazarus’ death? Do you think the disciples understood what Jesus meant when he said that Lazarus’ illness would glorify God and God’s Son?

SAY: Jesus didn’t leave for the other Bethany until two days after receiving the news about Lazarus being ill. It took another two days for Jesus and the disciples to arrive at Bethany near Jerusalem. Martha and Mary both told Jesus that their brother could have been saved if Jesus had arrived earlier.

ASK: How do you think Martha and Mary felt as they anxiously awaited Jesus’ arrival? How would you have felt if you had been in their situation? What would you have said to Jesus upon seeing him for the first time if you had been Martha or Mary? How do you think Jesus felt when Martha and Mary told him that he could have saved their brother?

SAY: Jesus became emotional three times after he went to Bethany. The first was when Jesus became upset while witnessing Mary and the other mourners crying. The second was when Jesus himself began to cry while walking toward Lazarus’ tomb. The third time was when Jesus stood where Lazarus was buried.

ASK: Why do you think Jesus was so emotional upon arriving in Bethany after telling the disciples that Lazarus’ illness would glorify God? Do you think the disciples saw Jesus become emotional? How do you think they reacted? How do you think Martha, Mary, or the disciples comforted Jesus?

SAY: The Gospels don’t often provide insight into Jesus’ emotions and feelings. That Jesus wept for the death of his friend Lazarus and the pain it caused his friends Martha and Mary reveals how Jesus experienced the full range of emotions in his time on earth. Jesus empathizes with our griefs, sorrows, and disappointments.

ASK: What are some things that cause you to become upset? How do you deal with grief, sorrow, and disappointment in your everyday life? Who do you turn to for comfort? Does it help knowing that Jesus experienced these same emotions? How does your faith help you during tough times?




Faithful LivingBible Verse

So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. (Romans 14:19)

Did You Know?

The epistles are the twenty-one letters that are part of the New Testament. These are formal letters that served a teaching function. They helped clarify points of

doctrine, explained ethic practices, and settled disagreements. Bible scholars divide them into two groups: the Pauline Epistles, which are attributed to Paul the Apostle, and the Catholic (Universal) Epistles, which were written to the general church. Fourteen of the epistles have traditionally been attributed to Paul.

The longest of the Pauline Epistles is Romans, perhaps the most influential of the letters in church history. The influence is evident when Paul advises the disciples in Rome to strive for peace over dissension on matters of disagreement. Paul shows us that followers of Jesus must show mutual respect, grace, and compassion during those times when we disagree with one another. We live this out in our everyday lives when we avoid words or actions that are hurtful. In other words, Paul reminds us to speak before we act.

Invite your students to think about ways they can help affirm one another in their shared life of faith. Encourage them to talk about the stumbling blocks or issues that they confront as they try to live as followers of Jesus, and the ways that the group can offer support. Remind your students that the Holy Spirit dwells in each person, empowering them to uplift and support one another as they live as disciples each and every day.

Exploration Points• The New Testament letters help us understand what it means to live as disciples.

• We are called to be peacemakers in our everyday lives.

Session 10August 7

Bible StoryRomans 14:13-19

Compass Point As followers of Jesus, we support each other in our life of faith.



56 August 7 submerge • Leader’s Guide







SAY: Our Bible reading comes from one of the New Testament letters written by Paul the Apostle. These letters teach us about how to live as disciples of Jesus.

ASK: When’s the last time you sent a handwritten letter to someone? What are some ways that we communicate today instead of writing letters?

gA me - F oA m NooDLe HoCKeY

Place two cones on each side of your space, creating two equal-size goals. Use masking tape to create an X in the middle of the space. Cut foam noodles in half.

• Divide your students into two equal-size teams. Assign each team a goal to defend.

• Give each player a half-size foam pool noodle.

• Inform your students that the game is like hockey. The object is to hit the ball into the cone goals, using the foam noodle as a stick.

• Play begins with a face-off on the center X. One player from each team stands at the X with their back to the goal they are defending.

• The other players will stand behind the player on their team who is participating in the face-off.

• Play begins when you drop the beach ball on the X for the face-off.

• A foul resulting in a turnover will be called against a player for intentionally kicking the ball or purposely hitting another player with a foam noodle.

• Play restarts with a face-off after a goal is scored.

• Play until time is up or until one team scores a certain number of goals.

SAY: Our game required you to work as a team. Paul the Apostle wrote letters to the early churches that mention the importance of supporting one another.

ASK: What are the ways members of our group here support one another?



Supplies4 cones, masking tape, foam pool noodles (cut in half), beach balls




Dive Deeper r eAD THe Bi BLe

• Invite your students to look up Romans 14:13-19 and to take turns reading.

r eADiNg - So LeT ’S ST r i V e Photocopy page 59, one for each student.



ASK: How would you summarize the reading from Romans in five or fewer words?

DiSCuSS iT - FA i T H Fu L Li V i Ng






Grow StrongerFuL L PuL L: ST r i V i Ng To r eACH Your goALS



ASK: How do you help your friends when they are going through tough times?

e xP erieN Ce i T - H i T T i Ng T H e mA rKSAY: Paul the Apostle wrote about the importance of aiming to live a life of peace and joy. We’re not always successful at this, but we never stop trying.

• Take your students to a large outdoor space.

• Place a large turned-over trash bin on one side of the open space.

• Invite your students to take turns throwing the foam football at the trash bin, seeing how many times the group can hit the target.

ASK: How hard is it to share peace and joy in your everyday life? Do you think it’s important to try, even when it’s difficult?





Supplieslarge trash bin, foam football




Cr eAT i Ve e xPreSSioN - BLoCK iT ouT


SAY: Paul the Apostle wrote about avoiding stumbling blocks in our life of faith. We’re going to paint blocks of wood as a way to think about how our faith helps us overcome stumbling blocks.

• Make wood blocks (or 2x4 scraps), wood craft paint and paintbrushes, and paper towels available.

• Invite your students to paint symbols or words that represent how their faith helps them overcome stumbling blocks that they encounter in their life.

• Invite your students to think about the people (friends and family) and faith practices (prayer, worship, and so forth) that uplift and encourage them.



Worship

Photocopy page x, one for each worship volunteer.




Supplieswood blocks OR 2x4 scraps, wood craft paint and paintbrushes, paper towels




Reading - So Let’s StrivereADer 1: The Bible says that we should stop judging each other.

reADer 2: That we should affirm each other as we live as disciples.

grouP: So let’s strive to find the good, Christ-like qualities in each person.

reADer 1: Scripture advises that we should support each other as a community.

reADer 2: That we should strive for the things that build each other up.

grouP: So let’s strive to support each other in our life of faith.

reADer 1: The Bible states that we should be mindful of how our actions affect others.

reADer 2: That we are no longer walking in love when we upset another person.

grouP: So let’s strive to act and speak in ways that are positive and affirming.

reADer 1: Scripture declares that we should not become hung up on trivial things.

reADer 2: That we should be focused on serving God in every way possible.

grouP: So let’s strive to bring peace and refrain from gossip and rumors.

reADer 1: The Bible says that we should remove obstacles to faith for other people.

reADer 2: That we should do everything we can to lead others into relationship with God.

grouP: So let’s welcome others into God’s community of love.

reADer 1: So let’s be peacemakers and bridge builders.

reADer 2: Let’s be generous in offering forgiveness and reconciliation.

grouP: So let’s be filled with God’s grace and love.

reADer 1: So let’s act and speak in ways that make God happy.

reADer 2: Let’s imitate Jesus in the way we interact with others.

grouP: So let’s strive to share the joy of the Holy Spirit in all that we do.

reADer 1: In this way we will reflect Jesus in our words and actions.

reADer 2: We will be an example of Christian love and grace.

grouP: So let’s be the community of faith that Jesus calls us to be.




Discuss It - Faithful LivingSAY: Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, asking that they stop judging one another. He went on to say that Christians

must try to avoid putting obstacles in people’s way to following Jesus. Paul was asking the Christians in Rome to think about others before acting.

ASK: Have you ever judged others unfairly based on how they acted or looked? Has anyone ever done this to you? How did being judged make you feel? Do we, as Christians, ever do or say things that might make someone not follow Jesus? What are these obstacles?

SAY: The early followers of Jesus disagreed about whether Christians needed to follow the Jewish food rules. Paul said that it was okay for Christians to eat any foods, but that sometimes it was best to compromise so as not to upset people. Paul called this “walking in love.”

ASK: When have you ever disagreed with a family member or friend about something? How did you arrive at a compromise? Have you and your friends ever had a disagreement with another group or clique? What was the source of the disagreement? How can you walk in love while disagreeing with others?

SAY: Paul said that God’s kingdom isn’t about eating and drinking, but is about peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Paul was saying that living faithfully means putting aside our different understandings of things in order to share a spirit of love and gladness.

ASK: How do you think the Romans felt when they received Paul’s letter? Do you think they were able to put aside their differences? How can you share a spirit of love and gladness with your family and friends? How can you share it with others you encounter in your everyday life?

SAY: Paul wrote that we serve Jesus and please God when we share a spirit of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. He finished by saying that we should try to do things that bring peace and joy within our groups, and that we should encourage one another at all times.

ASK: How can you be a peacemaker at home? What about being a peacemaker at school and in your after-school activities? What does our church do to help others and to share a spirit of joy? What are other ways that we can share the peace of Jesus with others?




Working TogetherBible Verse

Christ is just like the human body—a body is a unit and has many parts; and all the parts of the body are one body, even though there are many. (1 Corinthians 12:12)

Did You Know?

Of the twenty-one New Testament epistles, or letters, fourteen have traditionally been attributed to Paul. One of these is Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians,

more commonly known as 1 Corinthians. Paul established churches throughout the Mediterranean region. While traveling, he kept in contact through letters. Acts 18 tells us that Paul left Corinth and traveled to Ephesus. After Paul left Corinth, the Christians there began to have disagreements. The letter is an attempt to correct this behavior.

Paul advises the Corinthians to refrain from arguing and engaging in behavior that is divisive. He addresses a number of theological issues, especially as they relate to ethical behavior. Above all, Paul writes about the way that a relationship with Jesus transforms us and the way we interact with one another. Paul uses the analogy of the human body to discuss the way in which the members of the church—the body of Christ—must work together in order to live out a life of discipleship and service.

Invite your students to think about the ways they can work together with others in order to live out Jesus’ Great Commission mandate of making disciples. Encourage them to become active participants in any of the ministries in which your church community is involved. Initiate a conversation about the ways they can use their gifts and talents in service to the church. Consider inviting representatives from the various ministries to speak to your students.

Exploration Points• We are united in fulfilling the mandate of the Great Commission.

• The Holy Spirit gives each of us gifts we can share with others.

Session 11August 14

Bible Story1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Compass Point As followers of Jesus, we work together to support the body of Christ.






Di V er ’S LO g• Make pens, pencils, and colored pencils available.




SAY: Our Bible reading focuses on what it means to work together as followers of Jesus. Paul compares it to the way the human body functions as a system.

ASK: When have you had to work together with a group of people on a project or activity? Was it successful? Why or why not?

gA me - CrA zY LACrOSSe

Place two cones on each side of your space, creating two equal-size goals. Use masking tape to create an X in the middle of the space. Cut the foam noodles in half.

• Divide your students into two equal-size teams. Assign each team a goal to defend.

• Give each player two half-size foam pool noodles.

• Inform your students that the game is like lacrosse, except that each player uses two sticks. The object is to hit the ball into the cone goals with the foam noodles.

• Play begins with a face-off on the center X. One player from each team stands at the X with their back to the goal they are defending.

• Play begins when you bounce the beach ball on the X for the face-off.

• Players must use the two foam noodles to pass and shoot the ball.

• Players can take only four steps before they must pass or shoot for a goal.

• A foul resulting in a turnover will be called against a player for intentionally kicking the ball or purposely hitting another player with a foam noodle.

• Play restarts with a face-off after a goal is scored.

• Play until time is up or until one team scores a certain number of goals.

SAY: Working as a team can be tough, especially when there isn’t a leader.

ASK: When have you served as a leader on a project, team, or specific activity? Did you enjoy leading? Why or why not?



Supplies4 cones, masking tape, foam pool noodles (cut in half), beach balls





• Invite your students to look up 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and to take turns reading.

r eADiNg - W e A r e ONe BODY Photocopy page 65, one for each student.



ASK: What are some other ways to describe how we, as the church, work together?

DiSCuSS iT - W Or Ki Ng TOgeT h e r






Grow StrongerT ri4him : r u NNi Ng, Bi Ki Ng, & SW i mmiNg WiTh FAiTh



ASK: How are the members of the Tri4Him triathlon team using their gifts and talents to work together to share the good news of Jesus?

e xP erieN Ce i T - BACK TO BACKSAY: We’re going to try an activity that requires us to work together. As we do this, let’s try to think about the ways we can work together to help other people.

• Have two students sit back to back with their arms linked.

• Invite them to stand up without unlinking arms or placing their hands on the ground.

• When successful, have another person link up and join the group.

• Invite your students to see how large a group they can have linked together and still succeed at the challenge.





Suppliesnone




Cr eAT i Ve e xPreSSiON - DigiTAL COLLAge


• Send your students around your church campus in groups of four to six with their cell phones.

• Invite them to take photos of the various ministries and projects in which church members work together as the body of Christ.

• Have your students return to your gathering space after some amount of time.

• Invite them to use the laptop or tablet device to create a collage that can be shown to your congregation before or after worship.

Worship





Supplieslaptop OR tablet device




Reading - We Are One BodyVOiCe 1: The church is like the human body.

VOiCe 2: With many parts that work together.

VOiCe 3: To keep us alive and functioning.

VOiCe 4: Though there are many parts, there is only one body.

VOiCe 1: All are baptized into the one body of the church.

VOiCe 2: And all receive the one Spirit at baptism.

VOiCe 3: But not all receive the same gifts for ministry.

VOiCe 4: And not all serve the body of Christ in the same way.

VOiCe 1: The foot is not the hand, and the ear is not the eye.

VOiCe 2: But each is part of the body and has an important role.

VOiCe 3: So the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you.”

VOiCe 4: And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

VOiCe 1: God has put the body together so that each part needs the others.

VOiCe 2: The parts of the body we think are less honorable are most honored.

VOiCe 3: So there is no division in the body and all parts work together.

VOiCe 4: If one part suffers, then the entire body suffers.

VOiCe 1: The same is true of the body of Christ.

VOiCe 2: Each has received different gifts for ministry.

VOiCe 3: Apostles, prophets, teachers, healers, helpers, and those who can share the gospel.

VOiCe 4: Not everyone has the same gifts for ministry.

VOiCe 1: We are one body of Christ.

VOiCe 2: Each of us with different gifts.

VOiCe 3: We work together with one another.

VOiCe 4: To build God’s community of love.




Discuss It - Working TogetherSAY: Paul the Apostle compares the church to the human body in his First Letter to the Corinthians. The human body is

made up of various parts that work together to fulfill their life-giving functions. In the same way, the body of Christ, the church, works together to share the good news of Jesus with other people.

ASK: What issues do you think the Corinthians were dealing with that caused Paul to have to write to them about getting along and working together? Do you think Paul’s analogy of the church being like the human body makes sense? Why or why not? If you had to describe the church to someone, what analogy would you use?

SAY: Paul makes the point that there is no division among the various parts of the human body, just as there shouldn’t be any division in the body of Christ. According to Paul, God has actually made the least honorable body parts the most honorable. After this, Paul seems to rank several of the spiritual gifts and ministry types in order of importance.

ASK: Why do you think Paul ranks the spiritual gifts from most to least important after saying that God honors all parts of the body? Does this seem to imply that there is an order of importance of the various gifts? Why or why not? If you had to make a list of the different spiritual gifts that you see at work in our church, what would they be?

SAY: Paul says that not everyone is called to do the same types of ministry. Not all members of the body of Christ are apostles or leaders. Not everyone has the gift of teaching or preaching. The church requires a variety of ministry gifts in order to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus.

ASK: What gifts and talents do you have? How can you share these gifts and talents with others in the worship and mission ministries of our church? What are some ways you already are connected to some of our church’s ministries and programs? What are some new ways you can serve?

SAY: In writing this section of the First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul shows us the importance of working together as a team in order to live out the good news of Jesus and to share it with others. This isn’t always easy. But as followers of Jesus, we can accomplish amazing things when we work together.

ASK: When has our group here worked together in order to live out our discipleship? What about a time when our entire church worked together? How do we work together with other followers of Jesus in the mission and service projects and organizations in which we are involved?




Christian LoveBible Verse

Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:7)

Did You Know?

After Paul left Corinth, the Christians there began to have disagreements. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians as an attempt to correct this behavior. In the letter, Paul

advises the Corinthians to refrain from arguing and engaging in divisive behavior. He addresses a number of theological issues, especially as they relate to ethical behavior. Above all, Paul tells about the way that a relationship with Jesus transforms us and the way we interact with one another.

Paul addresses the importance of love, as it relates the spiritual gifts granted by the Holy Spirit. First Corinthians 13 is one of the most well-known scripture passages in the epistles, as it is commonly read at weddings. Yet, Paul is not writing about romantic love. Instead, Paul writes about how all spiritual gifts are grounded in love, which is the universal gift. This is agape, or sacrificial, love. This is the same love that Jesus shared with us and that we are called to share with one another.

Remind your students that love is at the core of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Invite them to think about the many ways they can use their gifts and talents to share God’s love with others. Discuss the ways that your students can demonstrate love and compassion in their everyday lives. As with all gifts and talents, having an attitude of love takes practice. Invite your students to think about the ways they can practice showing love to others.

Exploration Points• Practicing Christian love influences how we interact with others.

• The Holy Spirit is with us to help us share love in our daily lives.

Session 12August 21

Bible Story1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Compass Point As followers of Jesus, we share God’s love with one another.










SAY: Our Bible reading focuses on Christian love. Paul wasn’t writing about romantic love, but the love that people experience with family and friends.

ASK: Why do you think people tend to talk about love in terms of the Valentine’s Day and mushy cards type of love?

gA me - TA BLe TenniS HAnDBALL

Place two rectangular tables side by side to create table tennis courts. Use masking tape to divide the courts in half.

• Divide your students into teams of two. Assign two pairs to each of the courts.

• Give the two teams at each court a table tennis ball.

• Inform your students that the game is like table tennis mixed with handball. Players will use their hands, instead of paddles, to hit the ball back and forth.

• All hits, whether a serve or a return hit, must cross over the center dividing line without bouncing on the hitting player’s side.

• When returning a hit, players are allowed to hit it on the fly or on one bounce.

• If the hitting team hit the ball and it misses the receiving team’s side of the table, and the receiving team elects not to return the shot, then it is a foul.

• Regardless of who is serving, points are scored when a team is unable to return a serve, hits the ball on their own side, or hit the ball off the table.

• The first team to earn 10 points wins. Repeat the game as time and interest allow.

SAY: You responded to actions of the opposing team. Acting in Christian love can be difficult, especially when we’re reacting to someone who is hostile or indifferent.

ASK: Are there people with whom you find it difficult to get along? What are the sources of your disagreements?


Suppliesrectangular tables, masking tape, table tennis balls




Dive Deeper r eAD THe Bi BLe

• Invite your students to look up 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 and to take turns reading.

r eADing - A LL You neeD i S LoV e Photocopy page 71, one for each student.



ASK: The group response was taken from a Beatles song. What other song titles or lyrics would work for the refrain?

DiSCuSS iT - CH r i ST i A n LoV e






Grow StrongerSurF SuP: u Fo BoA r D ComPA n Y



ASK: How is the UFO Board Company team sharing their love for God’s creation and community with others? How can you use your gifts and talents to share God’s love?

FeL LowSH i P T i me - LoV e FeAST

Make (or buy) sweet rolls and lemonade, and bring cups and napkins.

SAY: Early Christians gathered for agape meals. A group called Moravians later adapted this into the love feast. It is a sign of Christian fellowship and community.

• Make sweet rolls, lemonade, cups, and napkins available.

• Invite your students to enjoy fellowship time together.






Suppliessweet rolls, lemonade, cups, napkins




Cr eAT i Ve e xPreSSion - mAnDALA

Gather the necessary supplies. Find a mandala on the Internet to show your students.

SAY: A mandala is a design (usually circular) that contains various geometric shapes that represent the sacred. Mandalas started in India, but now people around the world make mandalas. Some Christians make them as a form of prayer. We’re going to use oil pastels (or chalk) to make a mandala.

• Make a posterboard and oil pastels (or chalk) available.

• Invite your students to work together on creating geometric shapes and patterns that represent Christian love and unity.


• After some amount of time, invite your students to share their creation and the meaning behind their mandala.

Worship





Suppliesposterboard, oil pastels OR chalk




Reading - All You Need Is LoveVoiCe 1: It doesn’t matter if you can speak to angels or have wisdom like a prophet.

VoiCe 2: It doesn’t matter if you have the greatest faith of all time and know the mysteries of life.

VoiCe 3: It doesn’t matter if you have given away everything you own to those who are poor and needy.

VoiCe 4: None of this means anything if you don’t have love in your heart.

grouP: All you need is love.

VoiCe 1: A loving person isn’t jealous or arrogant.

VoiCe 2: A loving person isn’t grouchy or rude.

VoiCe 3: A loving person doesn’t brag or hold grudges.

VoiCe 4: A loving person is patient and kind. A loving person is faithful.


VoiCe 1: A loving person doesn’t settle scores, but instead shows grace.

VoiCe 2: A loving person doesn’t accept injustice, but instead practices justice.

VoiCe 3: A loving person doesn’t lie, but instead reveals the truth.

VoiCe 4: Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, and endures all things.


VoiCe 1: The ability to discern wisely won’t last forever.

VoiCe 2: Knowledge is ever-changing from age to age.

VoiCe 3: And wisdom can be fleeting as we get older.

VoiCe 4: But faith, hope, and love will last. And the greatest of these is love.





Discuss It - Christian LoveSAY: Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in Corinth that all of the gifts and talents in the world mean nothing if you don’t

have a spirit of love. Paul also wrote that belief means nothing without practicing love. This also is true of good works; there is no meaning to them unless they are undertaken with love.

ASK: How do you think the Christians in Corinth reacted to Paul’s letter? How would you have reacted? Do you think it’s important to do everything with a spirit of love? What about when you participate in games, sports, and other competitions? Is it possible to be competitive and loving at the same time?

SAY: Paul offered examples of ways to live out your faith in Jesus: speaking in tongues, which means preaching and teaching; prophecy, which means witnessing to Jesus; and sharing with others. Paul says that you shouldn’t get so focused on these things that you forget to love others.

ASK: Why do you think Paul said it isn’t enough just to serve Jesus? Do you agree with Paul? Do you think our church ever gets so focused on doing things—attending church, studying the Bible, doing mission projects—that we forget about why we’re doing it?

SAY: First Corinthians 13:4-7 often is referred to as the “love verse.” It is one of the most quoted passages in the Bible and is the most popular one to have read at weddings. But these words don’t apply only to married couples. They apply to all relationships with other people.

ASK: How can this passage influence your relationships with family and friends? Is it hard to live out this understanding of love in your everyday life? Why? Do you think what Paul says is realistic? How can God’s love for you help you share love with other people?

SAY: Paul’s words make us think of romantic love or our feelings for our family and friends. But the New Testament was first written in Greek, and the word for love is agape. This means the sacrificial love that God has for us, and looking after other’s well-being.

ASK: What does it mean to have sacrificial love for other Christians? Does this understanding of love affect how we are called to serve others? How can we look after one another’s well-being within our congregation? What about those in our community? How about in the wider world?




Avoiding ConflictBible Verse

Run away from adolescent cravings. Instead, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace together with those who confess the Lord with a clean heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)

Did You Know?

Three of fourteen New Testament epistles that are attributed to Paul are called Pastoral Epistles. These letters, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, are addressed to leaders

rather than to an entire community. Second Timothy purports to be written by Paul while he was imprisoned. As in the other Pastoral Epistles, Paul offers advice about being a good leader and upholding the group of believers in their life of faith. The church at Ephesus apparently had experienced dissension over theological issues that divided the church.

Paul reminds Timothy that he must share the good news, as perhaps Timothy will be able to reach those who have been misdirected by others. Paul advises Timothy to “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace” (2 Timothy 2:22). This advice applies to us as well. As disciples, we should refrain from being argumentative while also adhering to the truth of our convictions with gentle patience. Paul invites us to be peacemakers who work for reconciliation.

Invite your students to think about the ways they can resolve conflicts in their everyday lives at home, at school, and in their extra-curricular activities. Help them understand that avoiding conflict and working for peace involves using tools such as prayer, dialogue, and communication techniques. This allows us to resolve small disagreements before they become larger conflicts. In this way, we can live a life of love, following the example of Jesus.

Exploration Points• Our faith calls us to work as peacemakers and bridge builders.

• We can handle disagreements with faith and respect.

Session 13August 28

Bible Story2 Timothy 2:22-26

Compass Point As followers of Jesus, we handle disagreements with love and respect.










SAY: Our Bible reading focuses on ways to handle disagreements and conflicts. Paul advises us on how to become a peacemaker.

ASK: What does it mean to be a peacemaker? Where are the places in your life where you act as a peacemaker?

gA m e - N o oDLe VoLLeY

Use masking tape to divide your space in half. Place cones along the masking-tape line. Cut the foam pool noodles in half.

• Divide your students into two equal-size teams. Assign each team to one side of the court.

• Give each player a half-size foam pool noodle.

• Inform your students that the game is like volleyball. Players will use the foam noodle to hit the ball.

• Teams will alternate serving. A player must serve from the rear of their half of the court. The served ball must reach the opposite side of the court on a single hit.

• When returning a hit, each team is allowed to strike the ball three times before hitting the ball back on the other side (for a total of four hits).

• Regardless of who is serving, points are scored when a team is unable to return the serve, hits the ball out of bounds, or fails to return the volley.

• The first team to earn 10 points wins. Repeat the game as time and interest allow.

SAY: Working together and avoiding conflict can be challenging, especially when the task is difficult or requires a lot of teamwork.

ASK: What are some ways to work together with others to bring peace and unity in tough situations? Why is this important?



Suppliesmasking tape, cones, foam pool noodles (cut in half), beach balls





• Invite your students to look up 2 Timothy 2:22-26 and to take turns reading.

r eAD iN g - gi V e Pe ACe A C h A N C e Photocopy page 77, one for each student.



ASK: How do you think the world would be different if our default reaction to each situation was peace and kindness instead of aggression and anger?

DiSCuS S iT - AVo i D i N g C oNf L iCT






Grow StrongerSCho o L eD i N r e S oLu T i o N


• Invite them to read the article on pages 28-29 and to respond to the prompt.

ASK: What are some ways that you can put these or other peace-building practices into action at school?

feL LowS h i P T i me - e N D -o f- S um mer CeLeBrATioN

Make (or buy) treats, such as cookies, and bring soft drinks, cups, and napkins.

• Make treats, soft drinks, cups, and napkins available.

• Invite your students to celebrate the end of summer and to enjoy fellowship time together.






Suppliestreats (such as cookies), soft drinks, cups, napkins




Cr eAT i Ve e xPreSSioN - miNi PeACe PoLe


SAY: Since the 1980s, thousands of churches, schools, and community groups have installed peace poles as a reminder that each of us has a role to play in sharing God’s peace with one another.

• Make the uncut 2x4 lumber, paint markers, large bucket, and playground sand available.

• Invite your students to write or draw on all sides of the 2x4 lumber images, symbols, words, or phrases that represent peace.

• Encourage your group to be creative and to leave the bottom 18 inches of the lumber undecorated.

• Have them place the 2x4 in the bucket, with the undecorated section facing down.

• Pour playground sand into the bucket so that the peace pole is able to stand up.

Worship





Supplies2x4 lumber (uncut), paint markers, large bucket, playground sand




Reading - Give Peace a ChanceVoiCe 1: Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace together with those who confess the Lord with a clean heart.

VoiCe 2: This means pursuing peace at home. So let’s give peace a chance by…

grouP: Talking with our parents or guardians, avoiding conflict with our siblings, and respecting everyone who lives at our home.

VoiCe 1: Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace together with those who confess the Lord with a clean heart.

VoiCe 2: This means pursuing peace at school. So let’s give peace a chance by…

grouP: Standing up against bullying, making and renewing friendships, and tolerating all those with whom we don’t get along.


VoiCe 2: This means pursuing peace in our activities. So let’s give peace a chance by…

grouP: Being gracious and sincere; supporting our teammates, bandmates, and fellow cast members; and not being boastful in victory.


VoiCe 2: This means pursuing peace in our church. So let’s give peace a chance by…

grouP: Participating in church activities when our schedule allows, engaging fully in our worship and small groups, praying for one another, and living each day as followers of Jesus.


VoiCe 2: This means pursuing peace in our neighborhood. So let’s give peace a chance by…

grouP: Assisting those in need, comforting those who need to experience God’s love, working to make our community more welcoming, and volunteering with service groups.

VoiCe 1: Amen.

VoiCe 2: Amen.

grouP: Amen!




Discuss It - Avoiding ConflictSAY: Paul wrote his letter to Timothy in order to advise Timothy on some issues affecting the church community in

Ephesus. Paul offered advice on ways to avoid conflict with others. Paul began the passage by stating that Timothy must push away “adolescent cravings” and instead focus on faith, love, and peace.

ASK: What do you think Paul meant by adolescent cravings? How do the things we want lead to conflict? What are the things that cause disagreements between you and others in your everyday life? Why is it hard to focus on faith, love, and peace with others?

SAY: Paul told Timothy to “avoid foolish and thoughtless discussions,” since they only cause conflicts. Some Bible translations say “inane discussion” or “ignorant talk.” Some Bible experts say that Paul was writing about what we today would call gossip and rumors.

ASK: Have you ever been the victim of gossip and rumors? Have you ever participated in spreading gossip and rumors? How did it feel when others spoke unkindly about you? How about when you spoke unkindly about others? Was there conflict in either situation?

SAY: Paul wrote that God’s servants should be kind toward all, showing patience and gentleness in all interactions. Paul went on to say that we must always be open to the possibility that God will change the heart of the person with whom we disagree.

ASK: What do you think of what Paul wrote? Do you think it is realistic? How would your everyday life at home and at school be different if you were able to live this out? Will Paul’s words change how you interact with the people with whom you disagree?

SAY: Paul’s words about getting along with others mirror the words spoken by Jesus in Luke 10:27: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.”

ASK: Why is it hard to show love and kindness to certain people? How does showing love and kindness to others strengthen your relationship with God? How can you show kindness to others at school and in your after-school activities? What about in our community?


800.672.1789 | Cokesbury.com | Call your local Community Resource Consultant

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Take the plunge in Fall 2016 with a new video series for Submerge!

• Thirteen brief, engaging video segments reinforce each lesson’s theme and off er real-life application for students

• Set in dynamic locations that will resonate with preteens• Helps deepen faith commitment while exploring issues

important to this age level• Hosted by renowned pastor Blake Bergstrom, formerly

of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN

More information to come!

Take the plunge in Fall 2016 with Submerge!

DeepBlueAd_ND_CurrciSubmrSum15.indd 1 10/27/15 9:24 AM

Scope and Sequence 2015–16

Summer2016

Spring2016

Winter2015–16

Fall2015

UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into…Advent and ChristmasSession 1: Faith (Isaiah’s Prophecy)

Session 2: Waiting (Elizabeth and Zechariah)

Session 3: Courage (Mary and Joseph)

Session 4: Incarnation (Jesus Is Born)

UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into…Christmas and EpiphanySession 5: Worshipping (The Magi)

Session 6: God’s Grace (The Baptism of Jesus)

Session 7: Being Called (Jesus Calls the Twelve)

Session 8: How to Treat Others (The Sermon on the Mount)

Session 9: Having a Healing Faith (Jesus Heals Many People)

UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into…the Life of JesusSession 10: Sharing (Jesus Feeds 5,000 People)

Session 11: Knowing Jesus (The Transfiguration)

Session 12: Praising Jesus (The Entry Into Jerusalem)

Session 13: Justice (The Cleansing of the Temple)

UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into…GenesisSession 1: Caring for Creation (Creation)

Session 2: Avoiding Jealousy (Cain and Abel)

Session 3: Resolving Conflicts (Abraham and Lot Separate)

Session 4: Confronting Rivalries (Jacob and Esau)

UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into…Exodus and the JudgesSession 5: Using Our Talents (Joseph Interprets Dreams)

Session 6: Calling (God Calls Moses)

Session 7: Courage (Moses Sends the Spies)

Session 8: Trusting God (Deborah, Barak, and Jael)

UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into…Samuel and the KingsSession 9: Listening to God (God Speaks to Samuel)

Session 10: Following God’s Will (Saul Disobeys God)

Session 11: Seeking God’s Help (Solomon’s Wisdom)

Session 12: Choosing Our Actions (The Divided Kingdom)

Session 13: God’s Promise (Jeremiah’s Prophecy)

UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into…Lent and EasterSession 1: Sharing Communion (The Last Supper)

Session 2: Suffering (Jesus’ Betrayal, Arrest, and Trial)

Session 3: Death (Jesus’ Death)

Session 4: Resurrection (Jesus’ Resurrection)

UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into…the Easter SeasonSession 5: Overcoming Doubt (Thomas and the Disciples)

Session 6: Encountering Jesus (The Disciples on the Beach)

Session 7: Proclaiming (The Great Commission)

Session 8: Waiting (The Ascension)

UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into…the Book of ActsSession 9: The Holy Spirit (Pentecost)

Session 10: Sharing (Forming Communities)

Session 11: Courage (The Martyrdom of Stephen)

Session 12: Welcoming All (Peter and Cornelius)

Session 13: Working Together (The Jerusalem Council)

UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into…Stories of Faithful WomenSession 1: Cleverness (Miriam Looks After Moses)

Session 2: Friendship (Ruth and Naomi)

Session 3: Covenant (Hannah Dedicates Samuel)

Session 4: Selflessness (Esther, Mordecai, and Haman)

UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into…Signs in John’s GospelSession 5: Hospitality (The Wedding at Cana)

Session 6: Faith (Jesus Heals the Royal Official’s Son)

Session 7: Compassion (Jesus Heals the Man at Bethsaida)

Session 8: Authentic Discipleship (Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind)

Session 9: Empathy (The Raising of Lazarus)

UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into…Advice From PaulSession 10: Faithful Living (Paul on Faithful Living)

Session 11: Working Together (Paul on Working Together)

Session 12: Christian Love (Paul on Christian Love)

Session 13: Avoiding Conflict (Paul on Avoiding Conflict)

Vol. 1 • No. 4 • SUMMER 2016

Editorial / dEsign tEamNathan Tenney ..........................................................Editor/WriterHeidi Hewitt ...................................................... Production EditorKellie Green ..........................................................................Designer

administrativE tEamNeil M. Alexander .............................................................PublisherMarjorie M. Pon ...................................Associate Publisher and

Editor of Church School Publications Mary M. Johannes .............................................. Design ManagerLeeDell B. Stickler ......Senior Editor, Children’s Resources

Submerge: Ages 11+, Leader’s Guide: An official resource for The United Methodist Church approved by Discipleship Ministries (General Board of Discipleship) and published quarterly by Cokesbury, a division of The United Methodist Publishing House, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988. Price: $10.99. Copyright © 2016 Cokesbury. All rights reserved. Send address changes to Submerge: Ages 11+, Leader’s Guide, Subscription Services, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988 or call 800-672-1789. Printed in the United States of America.

To order copies of this publication, call toll free: 800-672-1789. You may fax your order to 800-445-8189. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/Telex Telephone: 800-227-4091. Or order online at cokesbury.com. Use your Cokesbury account, American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard.For information concerning permission to reproduce any material in this publication, write to Rights and Permissions, The United Methodist Publishing House,

2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988. You may fax your request to 615-749-6128. Or e-mail [email protected].

Scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 by the Common English Bible. All rights reserved. Used by permission. www.CommonEnglishBible.com

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Leader’s Guide

Summer2016

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Documents

Leader’s Guidestorage.cloversites.com/beecreekunitedmethodistchurch/documents... · a new video series for Submerge! • Thirteen brief, engaging video segments reinforce each lesson’s