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Leader’s Guide

Spring2016

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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)


Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only. © 2015 Cokesbury.

Spring2016

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…Lent and Easter1 March 6 Session 1: Sharing Communion7 March 13 Session 2: Suffering13 March 20 Session 3: Death19 March 27 Session 4: Resurrection

UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into…the Easter Season25 April 3 Session 5: Overcoming Doubt31 April 10 Session 6: Encountering Jesus37 April 17 Session 7: Proclaiming43 April 24 Session 8: Waiting

UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into…the Book of Acts49 May 1 Session 9: The Holy Spirit55 May 8 Session 10: Sharing61 May 15 Session 11: Courage67 May 22 Session 12: Welcoming All73 May 29 Session 13: Working Together

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ii submerge • Leader’s Guide


ii submerge • Leader’s Guide

Submerge Components

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.


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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 half size), 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.


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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 bins

q cones

q plates

q forks

q spoons

q knives

q cups

q napkins

q posterboards

q permanent markers

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q 8 cones

q beach ball

q dry-erase board set

q cardstock (various colors)

q glue sticks

Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q cones

q strands of LED lights

q glow stick necklaces (2 colors)

q glow-in-the-dark soccer ball

q flashlight (optional)

q craft metal wire

q craft wire cutters

q craft metal pliers

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q cones

q masking tape

q tennis balls

q soccer balls


q treats (cookies)

q soft drinks

q cups & napkins

q polished river stones

q paint markers

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q index cards

q small baskets

q water glass

q pitcher of water

q cardstock

q copy paper

q ribbon

q staplers, scissors

q paper punches

q permanent markers

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q masking tape

q safety goggles

q blankets

q tennis balls

q cinnamon rolls

q napkins

q driftwood

q craft metal wire

q craft wire cutters

q craft metal pliers


Spring 2016 DeepBlueKids.com vii


Session 7 Session 8 Session 9 Session 10

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q paper

q permanent marker

q adhesive (for walls)

q index cards


q large piece of nylon fabric

q fabric glue

q fabric paint

q paintbrushes

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q cones

q masking tape

q beach ball

q drill

q plastic funnel

q scissors

q surgical tubing

q safety goggles

q water balloons

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q Hula Hoops®

q masking tape

q red paper

q permanent markers


q banner paper

q posterboards

q red art supplies

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q masking tape

q cones

q 2 beach balls

q banner paper

q leftover art supplies

Session 11 Session 12 Session 13

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q masking tape

q table tennis balls

q safety goggles

q plastic cups

q painter’s tape (various colors)

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q tables

q masking tape

q cones

q tennis balls


q tablet device with wifi

q pens

q pencils

q colored pencils

q cones

q masking tape

q Wiffle® balls

q foam pool noodles

q craft knife


q safety goggles

q hammers

q nails

q large piece of plywood


viii submerge • Leader’s Guide


Student Worship HelpsSession 1 Session 2 Session 3

SAY: He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many so that their sins may be forgiven.” (Matthew 26:27-28)

PRAY: God of generosity, thank you for the gift of Communion. May we remember Jesus when we share this meal. Help us experience your presence each day. Amen.

SAY: Pilate said, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Crucify him!” (Matthew 27:22)

PRAY: God of presence, thank you for being with us when we are hurting. Give us the courage to stand by others when they are going through tough times. Amen.

SAY: At about three Jesus cried out with a loud shout, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani,” which means, “My God, my God, why have you left me?” (Matthew 27:46)

PRAY: God of life, thank you for sharing Jesus with us. We know that Jesus’ death isn’t the end of the story. Help us know that you are always with us. Amen.

Session 4

SAY: Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn’t here, because he’s been raised from the dead, just as he said. (Matthew 28:5-6a)

PRAY: God of miracles, thank you for the empty tomb. Help us know that we have new and eternal life through Jesus. Let us celebrate by shouting “Hallelujah!” Amen.


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Student Worship HelpsSession 5 Session 6 Session 7

SAY: My Lord and my God! (John 20:28)

PRAY: Faithful God, thank you for sending Jesus into the world. May we place our trust in you so that we may overcome our doubt and live as disciples of Jesus. Amen.

SAY: Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” (John 21:12a)

PRAY: Loving God, thank you for your presence with us in our daily lives. May we encounter the risen Jesus in our everyday interactions with others. Amen.

SAY: God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life. (John 3:16)

PRAY: Awesome God, thank you for sending Jesus to teach us about your love. Be with us as we proclaim the good news of Jesus to others. Amen.

Session 8

SAY: Galileans, why are you standing here, looking toward heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you saw him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11)

PRAY: Caring God, thank you for revealing yourself to us. May we trust your presence in our lives. Help us place our trust in you at all times. Amen.


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Session 9 Session 10 Session 11

SAY: They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:3-4)

PRAY: God of wonder, thank you for the Holy Spirit. May the Holy Spirit fill our hearts so that we can share Jesus’ message of love with everyone. Amen.

SAY: God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. (2 Corinthians 9:8a)

PRAY: God of abundance, thank you for this loving and supportive church. Help us live like the early believers, sharing what we have with those in need. Amen.

SAY: But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the entire message would be preached through me. (2 Timothy 4:17a)

PRAY: God of strength, thank you for the witness of Stephen. May we have the courage to share our faith in Jesus. Help us be mindful that the Holy Spirit is with us. Amen.

Session 12 Session 13

SAY: So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you, for God’s glory. (Romans 15:7)

PRAY: God of welcome, thank you for accepting us into your community of love. May we show grace when we welcome others into the body of Christ. Amen.

SAY: Try to work toward being the best at building up the church. (1 Corinthians 14:12b)

PRAY: God of community, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit that guides our life together. May we work as one body to share the gospel with others. Amen.

Student Worship Helps


Spring 2016 • Session 1 DeepBlueKids.com 1


Sharing CommunionBible Verse

He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many so that their sins may be forgiven.” (Matthew 26:27-28)

Did You Know?

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem took place in the days leading up to the Passover. The disciples asked Jesus where they would celebrate the Passover meal together. Jesus

instructed his disciples to find a certain man in the city and to say to him that Jesus and his disciples would celebrate the Passover in the man’s house. The disciples did as Jesus instructed, and Jesus gathered with his friends in the evening to share the meal together.

While eating, Jesus blessed and broke the bread. He shared it with the disciples, saying, “Take and eat. This is my body.” Then Jesus shared the cup, saying, “Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant.” With this, Jesus instituted the Communion meal that is celebrated by most Christians today. Each church or denomination has its own interpretation of what happens at Communion. Nearly all agree that it is a means of grace that symbolizes God’s love for us.

Spend time with your students discussing what it means to share Communion as a member of the body of Christ. Invite them to reflect on their own experience of Communion within your church and the ways that it helps them experience God’s presence. Consider inviting a pastor or authorized church leader to speak to your group about the meaning of Communion within your tradition and to lead your students in a short Communion celebration.

Exploration Points• Jesus instituted the Communion celebration at the Passover meal.

• Communion is one way we experience God’s presence in our lives.

Session 1March 6

Bible StoryMatthew 26:17-35

Compass Point We share Communion together as the body of Christ.

Requires preparation.

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2 March 6 submerge • Leader’s Guide


SuppliesDiver’s Log, pens, pencils, colored pencils

Suppliesbins, cones, plates, forks, spoons, knives, cups, napkins

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

DI V E R ’S LOG• 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 54 and to write, doodle, or draw their prayer concerns on page 55.

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

SAY: Our Bible reading is about Jesus celebrating a Passover meal with his friends. This is when he initiated the celebration of Communion.

ASK: What are the ways that food is involved in celebrations with family and friends? Who are the people with whom you like to eat when you’re at a restaurant?

GA M E - PL ACE SETTINGS

On one side of your space, place a bin for each team of six players. Inside each bin, place a plate, fork, spoon, knife, cup, and napkin. Place a cone some distance away from each bin.

• Divide your students into teams of six. Assign each team to a cone.

• Inform your students that the game is a relay race.

• Players from each team will take turns running from their cone to their team’s bin to collect one of the items in the bin.

• After grabbing the item, the player must return to their cone and high-five the next player in line so that their teammate can begin the next leg of the race.

• Once all the items have been collected, the teammates must assemble the items into a place setting.

• The first team to finish is the winner.

• Repeat the game as time and interest allow.

SAY: Our game required you to make a place setting. As followers of Jesus, we talk a lot about setting a place for people at the Communion table.

ASK: What do you think it means to set a place at the table for someone? Why is this important?




SuppliesBibles (CEB)

SuppliesLeader’s Guide


SuppliesSubmerge magazine, pens


Suppliesnone

Dive Deeper R EAD THE BI BLE

• Invite your students to look up Matthew 26:17-35 and to take turns reading.

R EAD IN G - AT T H E TA BLE Photocopy page 5, one for each student.

• Assign each of the roles.

• Invite your students to do the reading together.

ASK: Does our celebration of Communion mirror Jesus’ words and actions?

DISCUS S IT - SH A R I N G C OM MU NI O N

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 StrongerSP ORTY 4 0

• 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 things you’ve done during Lent to prepare for Easter?

FO O D F OR T H E S OU L: T H E K I N G ’S KITCHEN• Invite your students to read the article on pages 4-5 and to respond to the prompts.

ASK: How are Chef Jim and Karen Noble using food to transform the lives of others?

E XP ERIEN CE I T - CO MM U N I ON Invite a pastor or church leader to come to your group and talk about Communion within your tradition and lead a short Communion celebration.

• Invite the pastor to talk about Communion and to lead a Communion celebration.




Suppliesposterboards, permanent markers


CR EAT I VE E XPRESSION - THE GREATEST FEAST

Gather the necessary supplies.

SAY: Artists depict the Lord’s Supper and Communion in many ways. Some try to be historically accurate, while others show it as a meal with friends around a table.

• Make posterboards and permanent markers available.

• Invite your students to create their own artistic expressions of the Lord’s Supper or Communion in a way that reflects their understanding of God’s presence.

• Encourage your group to be creative.

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

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.




Reading - At the TableVOICE 1: While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take and eat.

This is my body.” (Matthew 26:26)

VOICE 2: While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” (Mark 14:22)

VOICE 3: After taking the bread and giving thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)

VOICE 4: On the night on which he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread. After giving thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this to remember me.” (1 Corinthians 11:23b-24)

VOICE 1: He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many so that their sins may be forgiven.” (Matthew 26:27-28)

VOICE 2: He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” (Mark 14:23-24)

VOICE 3: In the same way, he took the cup after the meal and said, “This cup is the new covenant by my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20)

VOICE 4: He did the same thing with the cup, after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Every time you drink it, do this to remember me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25)

VOICE 1: I tell you, I won’t drink wine again until that day when I drink it in a new way with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29)

VOICE 2: I assure you that I won’t drink wine again until that day when I drink it in a new way in God’s kingdom.” (Mark 14:25)

VOICE 3: I tell you that from now on I won’t drink from the fruit of the vine until God’s kingdom has come. (Luke 22:18)

VOICE 4: Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you broadcast the death of the Lord until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26)




Discuss It - Sharing CommunionSAY: Jesus shared a special Passover meal with his disciples and friends. Many Bible experts believe that, in addition

to the twelve disciples, Jesus’ other friends and followers took part in the meal. This would have included Mary Magdalene and Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany.

ASK: What do you think it would have been like to share in the Passover meal with Jesus? Who do you imagine was there? When do you celebrate special meals with friends and family? Who do you invite when you have parties and celebrations with your family and friends?

SAY: As part of the special meal, Jesus broke the bread and blessed it. He told the group that the bread and the cup represent his body and blood. After giving thanks, Jesus passed the bread and cup and invited his friends and disciples to share in the meal together.

ASK: Thinking about the times you have shared in Communion, how do we remember Jesus in the words that are spoken? How do we remember Jesus in the actions of blessing, breaking, and sharing the bread and cup? Why do you think the Communion meal is important?

SAY: Different groups of Christians have different understandings of what happens at Communion. Nearly all followers of Jesus agree that sharing Communion brings us closer to God and to one another and that it resembles what will happen when we share together in the heavenly banquet described by Jesus in the parables.

ASK: How often do you participate in the Communion celebration at our church? How does this experience make you feel closer to God? Do you feel changed or different when you receive Communion? How does sharing Communion help you feel closer to other followers of Jesus?

SAY: Along with baptism, Communion is one of the two sacraments established by Jesus and practiced by nearly all Christians. Sacrament is a fancy word that means “a visible sign of God’s grace and love.” Another word for sacrament is ordinance.

ASK: How is Communion a sign of God’s love for us? How does it help us remember Jesus’ sharing and sacrifice? Are there “sacramental” things you see or experience in your everyday life that are signs of God’s grace and love? What are they? Who experiences these things with you?




SufferingBible Verse

Pilate said, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Crucify him!” (Matthew 27:22)

Did You Know?

Following the Passover celebration and post-meal conversation, Jesus prayed in Gethsemane with his disciples. While there, Judas approached with a mob sent by

the religious leaders. Under a previous arrangement, Judas had agreed to turn Jesus over to the temple authorities for money. Judas greeted Jesus with a kiss, and the mob seized Jesus. The disciples fled, and Jesus was taken to the high priest’s house to be questioned by the Sanhedrin, a group of religious leaders.

When asked if he was the Christ, Jesus indirectly responded that he was the Messiah sent by God. The Sanhedrin beat Jesus and sent him to Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Pilate interrogated Jesus, who did not answer. Pilate offered to release either Jesus or a murderer named Barabbas. The crowd was stirred up by the religious leaders and asked for Barabbas to be released. They then demanded that Jesus be put to death. Jesus was beaten before he was put on the cross to be crucified.

Just as Jesus had predicted, he was abandoned by his friends. One handed Jesus over for money, another denied knowing him, and the rest ran and hid. Jesus was left to experience the suffering alone. Invite your students to think about the times they have experienced suffering or a sense of betrayal in their own friendships. Acknowledge this and let them know that Jesus has a sense of what they are going through. Remind them that God is with them, no matter what they face.

Exploration Points• We sometimes feel alone when we experience tough times.

• We can turn to our faith and to the people in our lives when we’re suffering.

Session 2March 13

Bible StoryMatthew 26:47–27:26

Compass Point Jesus is with us when we are suffering.






Supplies8 cones, beach ball



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



SAY: Our Bible reading is about Jesus being arrested. One of his friends betrays him, while another denies knowing him. The rest of the disciples run away.

ASK: What are the characteristics you look for in a friend?

GA M E - B I G BOX VOLLEYBALL

Use cones to create two large square courts of equal size, about 8 to 10 feet apart from each other.

• Divide your students into two equal-size teams. Assign one team to each court. Give the serving team the beach ball.

• Inform your students that the game is like volleyball. The object is get the ball into the other team’s court in three or fewer hits.

• The serving team must hit the ball into the other team’s court without having it go out of play. The serving team has two chances to do this.

• If the serve is not successful, the other team gets to serve.

• If the serve is successful, the team returning the ball has three touches to get the ball back to the serving team’s court.

• Play continues until one team cannot return the ball to the other team’s court. This includes failing to hit the ball or hitting it out of bounds.

• Only the serving team can score a point. One point is awarded to the serving team if the non-serving team fails to return the ball.

• If the serving team is unsuccessful, the non-serving team gains possession.

• The first team to score 10 points is the winner.

SAY: You had to work together with your teammates to be successful. In our everyday lives, we rely on our friends for support and they rely on us.

ASK: How do your friends help you out when you’re feeling down? Who are the other people you turn to when you’re in a tough situation?







SuppliesSubmerge magazine

Suppliesdry-erase board set


• Invite your students to look up Matthew 26:47–27:26 and to take turns reading.

R EAD IN G - A R R EST ED DE V ELO PM E NTS Photocopy page 11, one for each student.



ASK: Why do you think the crowd was so easily persuaded to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be crucified?

DISCUS S IT - SU F FE R I NG






Grow StrongerNOT S ITTING I T O U T

• Give each student their copy of the Submerge magazine.

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

SAY: We know that God is with us when we’re suffering.

ASK: How does your faith help you when you’re feeling down? How do you experience God’s presence when you’re going through a tough situation?

G RO UP TIME - H U RT A ND H E A L ING• Invite your students to speak about support they have received from others when

they went through a tough time.

• Encourage them to use a dry-erase board to write down ideas about ways to support their friends and family members when someone is feeling down.




Suppliescardstock (various colors), glue sticks


CR EAT I VE E XPRESSION - TORN COLLAGE


SAY: Each of us experiences situations that cause us to feel hurt. We know that God is there with us to bring healing and wholeness from this brokenness.

• Make cardstock of various colors and glue sticks available.

• Invite your students to tear pieces off of various colors of cardstock while thinking about any hurt or pain they are experiencing in their lives.

• Encourage them to use these pieces to create a collage that represents how they experience God’s presence in their lives during these situations.


Worship







Reading - Arrested DevelopmentsNARRATOR: There’s a lot going on in the story of Jesus’ arrest and trial. Here’s a quick rundown. First, Judas betrays Jesus

and turns him over to the religious leaders.

JUDAS: Arrest the man I kiss and greet as my teacher.

JESUS: Friend, do what you came to do.

NARRATOR: Jesus is arrested and taken before the religious leaders. They demand to know whether Jesus is God’s Son.

JESUS: You said it. But from now on you’ll see the Human One sitting on the right side of the Almighty and coming on the heavenly clouds.

HIGH PRIEST: That’s blasphemy! We don’t need any more proof. He deserves to die!

NARRATOR: Meanwhile, Peter is sitting outside and watching all this happen. All the other disciples had run away. Three times Peter is asked if he knows Jesus, and three times he denies it.

WOMAN: You are with Jesus. You know him. You have a Galilean accent.

PETER: I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t know the man. I’m not with him.

NARRATOR: The chief priest and religious leaders decide to send Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea.

HIGH PRIEST: Let’s recommend that he be put to death.

ELDER: Send him to Pilate to be crucified.

NARRATOR: Jesus is brought before the governor, who questions Jesus about the accusations.

PILATE: Are you the king of the Jewish people?

JESUS: Those are the charges against me.

NARRATOR: Pilate finds no reason to condemn Jesus to death. There was a holiday tradition of releasing a prisoner chosen by the gathered crowd.

PILATE: Who should I release, Barabbas or Jesus?

CROWD: Barabbas! Barabbas!

NARRATOR: Pilate asks the crowd again. The religious leaders provoke them to ask for the release of Barabbas.

PILATE: Then what should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?

CROWD: Crucify him! Crucify him!




Discuss It - SufferingSAY: Peter was told by Jesus that he would deny Jesus three times before a rooster crowed. As Peter waited in the

courtyard of the high priest’s house, he was asked three times if he was a follower of Jesus. Peter denied Jesus each time and then cried when he realized what he had done.

ASK: How do you think Peter felt after he denied Jesus? How would you have felt if this had happened to you? What would you have done if you were in Peter’s situation and were asked if you were a disciple of Jesus? Has there ever been a time when you denied being a friend of someone? Why?

SAY: First, Jesus went before the religious leaders, including the high priest and chief priests and important religious advisors. Next, he was sent to Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Each time Jesus refused to defend himself, even when he was insulted, mocked, and beaten.

ASK: Why do you think Jesus didn’t defend himself in these situations? Why do you think Jesus didn’t directly say that he was God’s Son or perform any miracles? How do you think Jesus felt when he was being mistreated by people when he had been sent to share God’s love with people?

SAY: There was a tradition of the governor releasing a prisoner during the celebration of Passover. When Pilate tried to release Jesus, the crowd was encouraged by the religious leaders to demand that Barabbas be released. When Pilate asked what should be done to Jesus, the crowd demanded that Jesus be crucified.

ASK: Why do you think the crowd was so adamant that Jesus be crucified? How much do you think they were influenced by the religious leaders who didn’t like Jesus? Have you ever seen one group of people treat someone badly because of the influence of another group of people?

SAY: Jesus experienced a lot of suffering during his arrest and trial. One of Jesus’ disciples betrayed him. Another denied knowing him. Jesus was bullied, beaten, and made fun of before being sentenced to death. This doesn’t include what happened to him after he was sentenced to death and was put on the cross.

ASK: What things cause you to suffer or hurt? Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? How does the bullying that happens today compare with the bullying experienced by Jesus? What helps you get through a tough situation?




DeathBible Verse

At about three Jesus cried out with a loud shout, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani,” which means, “My God, my God, why have you left me?” (Matthew 27:46)

Did You Know?

The biblical narrative picks up where it left off last week. Jesus was condemned to death by Pilate and was led away by a company of Roman soldiers. They mocked

Jesus by dressing him in a military coat and by placing a crown of thorns on his head. He was repeatedly beaten before being led to Golgotha, which means Skull Place or The Skull. The soldiers placed Jesus on the cross and put a sign above his head that read “This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.” A crowd gathered to insult Jesus.

Darkness covered the earth from noon until three in the afternoon. At this time, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you left me?” Jesus cried out again and then died. The earth shook, and the curtain that separated the inner sanctuary (the Holy of Holies) from the rest of the temple was torn in half. The bodies of many people who had died were raised from the dead. A Roman soldier who had witnessed these events proclaimed, “This was certainly God’s Son.”

Death can be an uncomfortable topic. Acknowledging this, and our natural human anxieties about death, may prompt your students to share their own experiences of losing a loved one. Remind them that we remember Jesus’ death while knowing that this isn’t the end of the story. As followers of Jesus, we live with the hope of new and eternal life that is possible because of the Resurrection, which will be celebrated on Easter Sunday.

Exploration Points• Jesus’ death shows us the way of love and new life.

• We pause to reflect on Jesus’ death while looking forward to the Resurrection.

Session 3March 20


Compass Point Through death, Jesus shows us the way to eternal life.






Suppliescones, strands of LED lights, glow stick necklaces (2 colors), glow-in-the-dark soccer ball, flashlight (optional)






SAY: Our Bible reading is about Jesus’ death. Talking about death can make us more thankful for the friends and family members in our lives.

ASK: What are some ways that you show your appreciation for friends and family members? Why do you think this is important?

GA M E - G LOW-IN-THE-DARK SOCCER

On opposite sides of your space, use cones to create goals and to designate the boundaries of your playing area. Place strands of LED lights around each cone. If possible, procure a glow-in-the-dark soccer ball for the game.

• Divide your students into two equal-size teams, and assign each a goal to defend.

• Give each player a glow stick necklace. Make sure the players on each team are wearing the same color glow stick, but that it is different from the other team.

• Inform your students that the game is glow-in-the-dark soccer. If a glow-in-the-dark soccer ball is not available, shine a flashlight on the ball during game play.

• Following the kickoff, each team will attempt to defend their goal and score in the other team’s goal without using their hands or arms to move the ball.

• Play without goalkeepers in order to increase scoring.

• If the ball goes out of bounds anywhere on the field, the other team receives the ball at the spot where it went out of bounds.

• Play for a specified amount of time or until one team scores a certain number of goals.

SAY: The Bible says that darkness covered the earth when Jesus died. Playing our game in the dark allowed us to experience the game in a new way.

ASK: How might reading about Jesus’ death now help us experience Holy Week and Easter in a new way?








SuppliesBible (CEB)



R EAD IN G - ON T H E C R O S S Photocopy page 17, one for each student.



ASK: Before today, were you aware of the detail in the Gospel of Matthew about people being raised from the dead and coming out of graves when Jesus died?

DISCUS S IT - DE AT H






Grow Stronger5 RUL ES OF T H E R OA D T R I P


• Invite them to read the article on pages 8-9 and to respond to the prompts.

ASK: Do you think it’s necessary to appreciate the road trip, or should we just focus on arriving? Why or why not? How does this compare to Holy Week and Easter?

E XP ERIEN CE I T - LE CT I O D I V I N ASAY: Lectio Divina is an ancient prayer tradition that involves reading scripture and meditating on its meaning. We’re going to try it now.

• Invite your students to sit comfortably while listening to the reading.

• Read Matthew 27:46 and 27:50 slowly and deliberately. Allow time for silent reflection.

• Repeat the scripture readings twice more, each time allowing for silent reflection.




Suppliescraft metal wire, craft wire cutters, craft metal pliers


CR EAT I VE E XPRESSION - SHAPED BY FAITH


SAY: The Roman soldiers made a crown out of thorns and placed it on Jesus’ head. Now, the crown serves as a symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice and love for us. We’re going to create our own symbols of faith that will remind us of our friendship with Jesus.

• Make craft metal wire, craft wire cutters, and craft metal pliers available.

• Invite your students to create symbols or sculpture pieces that remind them of Jesus’ love for us.



Worship







Reading - On the CrossVOICE 1: A whole company of Roman soldiers gathered around Jesus.

VOICE 2: The soldiers placed a red military coat on him, like a king would wear.

VOICE 3: They twisted together a crown of thorns and placed it on his head.

VOICE 4: They put a stick in his hand to serve as an imaginary royal scepter.

VOICE 1: The Roman soldiers bowed in front of Jesus as they laughed at him.

VOICE 2: They said, “Hey, look! It’s the king of the Jewish people!”

VOICE 3: They spit on Jesus and used the stick to beat him.

VOICE 4: When they were finished, they took off the coat and led Jesus away to be crucified.

VOICE 1: The Roman soldiers made Simon of Cyrene carry the cross for Jesus.

VOICE 2: Jesus was placed on the cross at Golgotha, which means Skull Place or The Skull.

VOICE 3: The soldiers gambled to see who would get to keep Jesus’ clothes.

VOICE 4: They placed a sign above Jesus’ head that said “This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.”

VOICE 1: Two criminals were crucified with Jesus. They made fun of him.

VOICE 2: The religious leaders who condemned Jesus insulted him as he hung on the cross.

VOICE 3: A crowd gathered to watch Jesus die. They mocked him.

VOICE 4: Everyone—the religious leaders, the crowd, even the criminals—made fun of Jesus.

VOICE 1: From noon until three in the afternoon the earth was dark.

VOICE 2: At about three o’clock, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you left me?”

VOICE 3: Some people thought that Jesus was calling for Elijah.

VOICE 4: Jesus cried out again with a loud shout. Then he died.

VOICE 1: The curtain in the temple sanctuary ripped in half.

VOICE 2: A great earthquake shook the ground and split the rocks.

VOICE 3: Many people were raised from the dead and appeared to people in Jerusalem.

VOICE 4: A Roman soldier and others who saw this said, “This was certainly God’s Son.”




Discuss It - DeathSAY: After Jesus was sentenced to death, a group of about 600 soldiers gathered to bully him. They dressed Jesus as a

king by placing a military coat on him, giving him a stick scepter, and then placing a crown of thorns on his head. They made fun of “King Jesus” by spitting on him and then repeatedly beating him with the stick.

ASK: Why do you think the soldiers felt the need to be so cruel to Jesus? What do you think Jesus was thinking and feeling as he went through all of this? Does reading about what Jesus went through make you more sympathetic when you witness or hear about bullying?

SAY: Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry Jesus’ cross to Skull Place. It would have weighed several hundred pounds. The soldiers gave Jesus a mixture of wine and vinegar to drink. The vinegar would have made the wine taste bad. This might have served as a painkiller so that Jesus wouldn’t pass out and would suffer longer on the cross.

ASK: What do you think it was like for Simon to carry Jesus’ cross? What if you were the one chosen to carry Jesus’ cross to Skull Place? Why do you think the soldiers gave Jesus the terrible tasting mixture of wine and vinegar to drink? What do you think Jesus’ disciples were doing as Jesus was being taken to be crucified?

SAY: A crowd gathered to watch Jesus be crucified with two criminals. People insulted Jesus and made fun of him as he hung on the cross. The religious leaders and the criminals being crucified also made fun of Jesus, saying that if he were God’s Son, he would get down off the cross.

ASK: Why do you think everyone—the crowd, the religious leaders, and even the criminals—mocked Jesus? Have you ever made fun of someone facing a difficult situation? Have you ever been teased while going through a tough time? In each case, how did teasing add to the suffering you or the other person was experiencing?

SAY: Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1 when he cried out in a loud voice, ”My God, my God, why have you left me?” When Jesus died, the earth shook and the curtain in the temple was torn in two. Bible experts say that the tearing of the curtain shows us that everyone has access to God’s presence because of Jesus’ act of love.

ASK: What do you think Jesus meant in quoting the Bible verse? How do you think people reacted when the earth shook? Do you think the tearing of the curtain hints at the good news of Easter? How? What are the ways you experience God’s presence in your everyday life?




ResurrectionBible Verse

Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn’t here, because he’s been raised from the dead, just as he said. (Matthew 28:5-6a)

Did You Know?

Hallelujah! Jesus is risen! The solemnity of Holy Week now gives way to the joy and festivity of Easter as the church celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. On this day,

we reflect on the meaning of the empty tomb and give thanks for the new life God has given us through our relationship with Jesus. It also is a time for us to reflect on the ways that we can share the hope of the Resurrection with those we encounter in our everyday lives.

After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and another Mary visited the tomb where Jesus’ body had been laid. An angel appeared to them and rolled away the stone covering the tomb’s entrance. The angel told the women that Jesus had been raised from the dead and that they must share this news with all the disciples. As the two Marys ran to tell the disciples this news, Jesus appeared to them and said that the disciples should meet him in Galilee.

Spend time with your students celebrating the Resurrection together. Encourage them to offer thanks and praise for Jesus’ victory over death. Acknowledge that some will experience the empty tomb full of excitement and joy. Others may have questions about what exactly happened and how. No matter if your students are full of understanding or brimming with questions, you can all shout praises of “Hallelujah!” together.

Exploration Points• Easter is a time of celebration.

• The events of Easter show us the new life that God has given to each of us.

Session 4March 27

Bible StoryMatthew 27:57–28:10

Compass Point Hallelujah! Jesus is risen!






Suppliescones, masking tape, tennis balls, soccer balls, dry-erase board set






SAY: Our Bible reading is about Jesus’ friends finding the empty tomb. They are excited to discover that Jesus has been raised from the dead.

ASK: What are some amazing things you’ve seen in person? Was anyone there to witness it with you?

GA M E - T E A M BOWLING

Place cones on one side of your space, one for each team of four to six students. Place a tennis ball on each cone. Tape a bowling line on the floor some distance away from each cone.

• Divide your students into teams of four to six. Assign each team to a cone.

• Give each team a soccer ball.

• Inform your students that the game is like bowling. The object is to roll the soccer ball so that it hits the cone and knocks the tennis ball off.

• A ball that knocks the tennis ball off is worth three points, while just hitting the cone is worth one point.

• A round is complete when each player on every team has completed their turn.

• Play for a certain number of rounds or until one team reaches a designated point total.

• Use a dry-erase board to keep score. Repeat as time and interest allow.

SAY: In our game, you had to roll the ball in order to knock the tennis ball off the cone. In our Bible story, an angel rolls away the stone to reveal the empty tomb.

ASK: What images or phrases come to mind that describe or symbolize Easter?








Suppliestreats (such as cookies), soft drinks, cups, napkins


• Invite your students to look up Matthew 27:57–28:10 and to take turns reading.

R EAD IN G - AT T H E TOM B Photocopy page 23, one for each student.



ASK: Why do you think Jesus told his friends to meet him in the region of Galilee instead of in Jerusalem where they were staying?

DISCUS S IT - R ESU R R E CT I O N






Grow StrongerI N B LOOM : V I SI T A CH E R RY B LO SSOM FESTIVAL



ASK: What signs of new life do you see outside right now? What are some ways you can connect with God by enjoying the spring weather?

FEL LOWS H I P T I ME - E AST ER C E L E BRATION

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 arrival of Easter and to enjoy fellowship time together.

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




Suppliespolished river stones, paint markers


CR EAT I VE E XPRESSION - RESURRECTION STONES


• Make polished river stones and paint markers available.

• Invite your students to paint symbols or words on the stones that remind them of the new life we receive through Jesus.



Worship







Reading - At the TombVOICE 1: Joseph of Arimathea was a disciple of Jesus.

VOICE 2: He asked Pilate for permission to bury Jesus’ body.

VOICE 3: Joseph had Jesus buried in a new cave tomb.

VOICE 4: A large stone was placed in front of the tomb entrance.

VOICE 1: The religious leaders asked Pilate to have Jesus’ tomb sealed.

VOICE 2: They remembered what Jesus had said about being raised from the dead.

VOICE 3: The religious leaders said that the disciples might try to steal Jesus’ body.

VOICE 4: Pilate gave permission for soldiers to stand guard at the tomb entrance.

VOICE 1: After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and another Mary visited Jesus’ tomb.

VOICE 2: As the women stood there, a great earthquake shook the ground.

VOICE 3: An angel came down from heaven, all covered in light.

VOICE 4: He rolled away the stone covering the tomb.

VOICE 1: The soldiers standing guard froze in terror.

VOICE 2: The angel spoke to the two Marys.

VOICE 3: Don’t be afraid. I know that you’re looking for Jesus, but he isn’t here.

VOICE 4: See the place where they put Jesus’ body. It’s empty.

VOICE 1: Jesus has been raised from the dead, just as Jesus had said he would.

VOICE 2: Jesus will meet you in Galilee. You’ll get to see him there.

VOICE 3: Filled with fear and excitement, the two Marys left the tomb.

VOICE 4: They ran to tell the disciples what they had seen and heard.

VOICE 1: As they were running, Jesus came and visited them.

VOICE 2: The two Marys fell at Jesus’ feet and worshipped him. He spoke to them.

VOICE 3: Don’t be afraid. Go and tell the others that I am going to Galilee.

VOICE 4: They will see me there.




Discuss It - ResurrectionSAY: Mary Magdalene and another of Jesus’ friends named Mary visited Jesus’ tomb on the first day of the week. As they

stood there, a great earthquake shook the ground. An angel came down from heaven and rolled away the stone covering the tomb. The soldiers froze in terror. The angel spoke to the two friends of Jesus.

ASK: How do you think the two Marys felt when they saw this? How would you have reacted if you had been there? Why do you think the guards froze in terror, but Jesus’ friends did not? Do you think the two friends said anything to each other as they watched this happen? What do you think they might have said?

SAY: The angel told Jesus’ friends that they shouldn’t be afraid. Then the angel told them that Jesus’ body wasn’t in the tomb, because Jesus had been raised from the dead. The angel instructed the women to tell the disciples that Jesus would meet them in the region of Galilee, which is where he had spent most of his time preaching and healing.

ASK: How do you think the two Marys felt when they heard that Jesus was not dead? How would you have felt if you had been among the first group to learn this news? Do you think Mary and Mary asked the angel any questions about what they were told? What questions would you have asked the angel?

SAY: The two Marys were filled with excitement as they left the tomb. They hurried off to tell the other disciples about what they had learned from the angel. As they were going, they were met by Jesus. Mary and Mary fell down and worshipped him. Jesus instructed them that they must tell the disciples to meet him in Galilee.

ASK: How do you think the two Marys felt when they saw Jesus? How would you have reacted if you had met him on the road? Do you think they said anything to Jesus? What questions do you think they asked him? Why do you think Jesus visited the two Marys and gave them the same instructions that the angel had shared?

SAY: Easter is a time when we celebrate the good news of our faith in Jesus. Jesus died and was raised from the dead so that we may have new and eternal life. This is why we shout and proclaim “Hallelujah” on Easter, which means “God be praised.”

ASK: What are the special ways our church celebrates Easter? How is Easter like our other big church celebrations? How is it different? What can we do to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with others? How can we give thanks to God for the new life we receive through Jesus?




Overcoming DoubtBible Verse

My Lord and my God! (John 20:28)

Did You Know?

The Gospels contain many accounts of Jesus’ post-Resurrection appearances. The Gospel of John includes two such extended narratives: the visit to the disciples in

the absence of Thomas and the appearance on the lake in Galilee. After encountering Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, Jesus appeared to the disciples. Jesus showed the disciples the wounds on his hands and side and told them of their mission. Thomas was not present with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them.

When informed that the others had been visited by Jesus, Thomas replied that he would not believe it unless he was able to touch Jesus’ wounds. Eight days after the first visit, Jesus appeared to the disciples again. This time, Thomas was with the others. Jesus invited Thomas to touch his wounds and told him to have belief. Thomas responded with faith, calling Jesus “My Lord and my God!” Jesus responded that those who believe without seeing are happy.

Share with your students the truth of the saying “The opposite of faith isn’t doubt; the opposite of faith is certainty.” Inform your students that doubt is a normal, healthy part of our everyday life of faith. Doubt helps us deepen our commitment to Jesus and strengthen our faith by inviting us to ask thoughtful and challenging questions about our beliefs. Spend time with your students reflecting on how their faith helps them overcome doubts that arise in other areas of their life.

Exploration Points• Doubt is a normal part of a healthy life of faith.

• Our faith helps us overcome doubts that we feel about ourselves and others.

Session 5April 3

Bible StoryJohn 20:19-31

Compass Point Our faith helps us overcome doubt.



26 April 3 submerge • Leader’s Guide



Suppliesindex cards, pens, small baskets






SAY: Our Bible reading is about Jesus appearing to many of his friends. Thomas, one of the disciples, doubts the others when he is told that they had seen Jesus.

ASK: What are some situations that have caused you to have doubts, either in another person or in yourself? How do you get through these situations?

GA M E - T W O TRUTHS AND A WISH• Inform your students that they will play a game that is a variation of Two Truths

and a Lie.

• Divide your students into groups of eight to ten. Give each group a small basket.

• Give each student an index card and a pen.

• Invite each student to write two factual statements about themselves that others may not know. For example, “I have been to Europe” or “I can play a Bach cello suite.”

• Instead of a lie, each student will write an “I wish…” statement about something they wish was true. For example, “I wish I could fly” or “I wish I lived on the beach.”

• When finished, invite each student to place their card in the basket.

• Students in each group will take turns drawing a card from the basket and reading the three statements. (A player may draw her or his own card.)

• The players in each group must work together to figure out who among them is responsible for the card.

• Once the group has a consensus guess, they must tell the person holding the card the name of the person they believe is responsible for the card.

• After declaring the guess, the player responsible for the card reveals her or his identity.

SAY: Our game required you to think about how well you know one another. You can imagine how Thomas felt when he was told by his friends that they had seen Jesus.

ASK: Has a friend ever told you something that you doubted was true? What was it?








Supplieswater glass, pitcher of water, index cards


• Invite your students to look up John 20:19-31 and to take turns reading.

R EAD IN G - FA I T H F U L T H O MAS Photocopy page 29, one for each student.



ASK: Thomas often is called “Doubting Thomas.” Do you think this nickname is fair?

DISCUS S IT - OV E R CO MI NG DO UBT






Grow StrongerR ID IN G WIT H P U R PO S E: P R O S KAT ER BRIAN SUMNER



ASK: What helped Brian overcome his initial doubts about faith?

E XP ERIEN CE I T - H E L D U P

Gather the necessary supplies. Practice turning over a glass of water.

ASK: Who thinks that I can turn over a glass of water and use nothing but this index card to keep the water from spilling?

• Fill the glass to the top with water, and place an index card over it.

• Hold the glass with one hand while using your other hand to hold the index card. Quickly turn the glass upside down.

• Remove your hand from the card. It will look like the water is held up by the card.

SAY: The air pressure keeps the water in place, just as our faith lift us up.




Suppliescardstock, copy paper, ribbon, staplers, paper punches, scissors, permanent markers


CR EAT I VE E XPRESSION - CHAPBOOK


SAY: Keeping a journal where we can write, doodle, or draw our thoughts about faith and life is an important spiritual practice. We’re going to make a style of journal called a chapbook right now.

• Make cardstock, copy paper, ribbon, staplers, paper punches, scissors, and permanent markers available.

• Invite each student to fold a piece of cardstock and four individual sheets of copy paper in half.

• Have them place the pieces of folded copy paper within the piece of cardstock and then punch two holes along the folded side.

• Instruct your students to line up the punched holes and then use a stapler to bind the copy paper within the cardstock cover.

• Invite your students to thread ribbon through the holes and to tie it to create a decorative element on the cover.

• Encourage your group to be creative in decorating the covers of their chapbooks.


Worship

Photocopy page ix, one for each worship volunteer.






Reading - Faithful ThomasNARRATOR: Have you ever done something that resulted in a nickname? You know, like Stinky Feet Felicity because of

those sweaty sandals you wore at camp or Meltdown Mike because of how you reacted after losing the big game?

THOMAS: Those names aren’t so bad. At least you haven’t gone down in history as Doubting Thomas.

NARRATOR: Ah, yes, Doubting Thomas. It all started after the Resurrection, when Jesus appeared to his disciples. Most of them were gathered in Jerusalem, hiding together behind a locked door. Suddenly, Jesus appeared to them.

JESUS: My friends, God’s peace be with you.

DISCIPLE 1: Jesus, is it really you? Mary Magdalene told us she’d seen you, but we weren’t sure.

JESUS: Of course it’s me. Come here, look at my hands where they hung me on the cross.

DISCIPLE 2: Jesus, you’re alive! We were so afraid.

JESUS: Peace be with you. Just as God sent me into the world, I am sending you out to share the good news with others.

NARRATOR: All of this happened while one of the disciples, Thomas, wasn’t around. As soon as Thomas returned, the other disciples told him what had happened.

THOMAS: Sorry I’m late, guys. Did I miss anything exciting?

DISCIPLE 1: We’ve seen the Lord! Jesus appeared behind closed doors and stood here with us.

DISCIPLE 2: He showed us the wounds on his hands and side. It was amazing! Jesus is alive!

THOMAS: There’s no way this happened. I don’t believe you. I couldn’t believe you unless I was able to touch the wounds from the cross myself.

NARRATOR: Eight days later, the disciples were gathered together in a locked house. This time, Thomas was present. Jesus appeared before the group.

JESUS: God’s peace be with you, my friends! Thomas, why don’t you come over here and look at my hands? Touch the place where the spear stabbed me. I want you to believe.

THOMAS: Jesus! My Lord and my God!

NARRATOR: With these words of faith, Thomas believed like the others. Church tradition says that Thomas traveled east to teach others about Jesus in Syria, Iran, and India, where he died for his faith.

THOMAS: No one knows that part. They just remember the whole Doubting Thomas thing. Can’t we just retire that nickname?

NARRATOR: I think we can do that, Thomas. What do you think?




Discuss It - Overcoming DoubtSAY: Many of Jesus’ disciples and friends were hiding in a room together when Jesus came and visited them. The Bible

says that they were afraid of the religious authorities who had put Jesus to death. At this point, the disciples had already been told by Mary Magdalene that Jesus had been raised from the dead.

ASK: Why do you think the disciples were hiding from the religious authorities? How do you think they felt as they hid out in the locked room together? What do you think they talked about? Would you have still been afraid after finding out that Jesus had been raised from the dead? Why or why not?

SAY: Jesus appeared to his followers and said,“Peace be with you.” He then showed the disciples the wounds on his hands and side from being nailed to the cross and pierced with a spear. The disciples were filled with joy. Before leaving, Jesus told the disciples that he would be sending them out on a mission.

ASK: Which followers of Jesus do you think were present when he visited? Do you think it was only ten of the Twelve, or do you think other friends of Jesus were there? What do you think the disciples said to Jesus when they saw him? What would you have said to Jesus if you had been there?

SAY: Thomas was not present when Jesus visited the disciples in the locked room. When told by the other disciples that they had seen Jesus, Thomas refused to believe it. Eight days later, Jesus appeared to the disciples while Thomas was present. Thomas called Jesus “My Lord and my God!”

ASK: Why do you think Thomas refused to believe the other disciples about Jesus’ appearance? What do you think the other disciples said to Thomas to try to convince him? Would you have believed the disciples if you’d been in Thomas’ position? How did Thomas overcome his doubt when he saw Jesus?

SAY: Doubt is a part of our faith life. It can challenge us and help us grow as followers of Jesus. Our faith helps us overcome doubt, allowing us to trust God even when we don’t have everything figured out. As Hebrews 11:1 says: “Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see.”

ASK: Has questioning different parts of your faith made you a better follower of Jesus? How so? How does your faith help you overcome self-doubt? How does it help you overcome your doubts about other people? Who do you turn to when you’re struggling with big questions?




Encountering JesusBible Verse

Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” (John 21:12a)

Did You Know?

Jesus’ appearance by the lake is the second extended post-resurrection narrative in the Gospel of John. The Doubting Thomas appearances presumably took place in the

upper room in Jerusalem. The lakeside appearance by the Sea of Tiberius (also called the Galilee Sea) moves the story back to Jesus’ home region of Galilee. In this way, the first and last miraculous signs in John (transforming water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana and the large catch of fish, respectively) both take place in Galilee.

Simon Peter and six other disciples set out in a boat to go fishing. Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not recognize him. When Jesus asked if they had caught anything, the disciples responded that they had not. Jesus told them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. They followed Jesus’ instructions and caught so many fish that they had trouble hauling in the net. It was at this time that the disciples recognized Jesus. They then shared breakfast with Jesus on the beach.

Jesus met the disciples when they least expected it. In the same way, we encounter Jesus in places and situations that are both ordinary and extraordinary. Invite your students to reflect on their encounters with the risen Jesus. Remind them that God meets us in the most unexpected places and at the most unexpected times. Spend time discussing spiritual practices such as prayer, worship, and service that help us encounter the risen Jesus.

Exploration Points• Jesus is with us even when we least expect it.

• We can encounter Jesus through practices such as prayer, worship, and service.

Session 6April 10

Bible StoryJohn 21:1-19

Compass Point We are invited to spend time with Jesus.






Suppliesmasking tape, safety goggles, blankets, tennis balls, dry-erase board set






SAY: Our Bible reading is about the disciples encountering the risen Jesus on the beach. Jesus cooks breakfast for the disciples after they spend the evening fishing.

ASK: Have you ever eaten breakfast on a beach? Where were you? What did you eat?

GA M E - N E T CATCH

Make masking-tape lines on opposite sides of your space.

• Divide your students into teams of four. Give each player a pair of safety goggles.

• Have two players from each team stand on one tape line, and the other two players on each team stand on the line opposite their teammates.

• Give each pair one blanket. Give each pair lined up along one line a tennis ball.

• Inform your students that the game is like catch. The object is to use the blanket like a net to launch and to catch the tennis ball.

• Teams can launch the ball by having the players from each pair hold the corners of the blanket loosely before quickly pulling it taut.

• Each player must be holding onto the blanket at all times.

• The ball must be launched from the masking-tape line, but pairs can move anywhere in order to attempt a catch.

• A team scores a point each time one of the pairs successfully catches the ball.

• Play until one team reaches a designated point total.


SAY: Our game required teamwork as you used the blanket like a net to launch and to catch the ball. In our story, Jesus’ disciples work together to fish while using nets.

ASK: What are some everyday activities that require you to work with others? Do you like being part of a team? Why or why not?








Suppliescinnamon rolls, napkins


• Invite your students to look up John 21:1-19 and to take turns reading.

R EAD IN G - NI GH T F I S H I N G Photocopy page 35, one for each student.



ASK: Why do you think the Bible is so specific about the number of fish the disciples caught in their net? What’s the greatest number of fish you’ve ever caught?

DISCUS S IT - EN C OU NT E R I NG J E SU S






Grow StrongerLAK E EF F E CT: F U N T I M ES O N T H E WATER



ASK: Do you connect with God when you’re outdoors? Where are the places you’re most likely to feel God’s presence?

FEL LOWS H I P T I ME - B R E A K FAST TOGETHERMake (or buy) cinnamon rolls and bring napkins.

SAY: Jesus cooked breakfast for the disciples, and they enjoyed fellowship time together. We’re going to enjoy fellowship time as we share breakfast together.

• Make cinnamon rolls and napkins available.

• Invite your students to enjoy breakfast fellowship together.

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




Suppliesdriftwood, craft metal wire, craft wire cutters, craft metal pliers


CR EAT I VE E XPRESSION - DRIFTWOOD CROSSES


• Make driftwood, craft metal wire, craft wire cutters, and craft metal pliers available.

• Invite your students to create driftwood crosses as a reminder of the ways we encounter Jesus through our life of faith.



Worship







Reading - Night FishingSIMON PETER: I remember that morning. Jesus had already appeared to us twice in the upper room: once when Thomas

wasn’t there, and then again when Thomas was there.

THOMAS: Yeah, don’t remind me. It’s how I got stuck with the nickname Doubting Thomas. Why did I have to go down in history with this nickname?

JAMES: Like Simon Peter was saying, it was after Jesus had appeared to us in the upper room in Jerusalem. We went back to Galilee, and a group of us went fishing one night.

JOHN: Let’s see, there were seven of us. It was Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael (who also is called Bartholomew), my brother James and me, and two other disciples.

SIMON PETER: We set out in a boat in the evening, but we didn’t catch anything all night. Can you believe that? We fished for hours without anything to show for it.

THOMAS: We were fishing close to the shore, and early in the morning we saw someone standing there. It was still kind of dark, and we couldn’t see who it was.

JAMES: The man on the shore called out to us, “Have you caught anything yet?” We told him that we hadn’t. The man told us to throw our nets on the right side of the boat. He said we’d catch some fish there.

JOHN: We figured, hey, why not? So we did it. When we tried to pull in the net, it was filled with so many fish that the net almost burst. There were 153 fish, to be exact—we counted.

SIMON PETER: One of us shouted to the others, “It is the Lord!” I was wearing what you might today call a bathing suit. So I put on my robe and jumped into the water to swim the 100 yards to the shore.

THOMAS: Good explanation. On second thought, I’d rather be called Doubting Thomas than have people think I was fishing naked. Anyway, the rest of us hauled the fish to shore.

JAMES: When we landed, there was already a fire with fish cooking on it. Simon Peter pulled the net onto the shore, and we were able to present some fish to Jesus as an offering.

JOHN: Jesus invited us to eat breakfast with him. None of us asked him his name. We were too embarrassed that we hadn’t recognized Jesus when he was standing on the shore as we fished.

SIMON PETER: Jesus passed around the bread and fish, and we shared a meal together.

THOMAS: This was the third time Jesus had appeared to us after being raised from the dead.

JAMES: After this, Jesus and Simon Peter had a conversation together while the rest of us took care of the fish.

JOHN: It was an amazing morning. I guess you never know when or where you’ll encounter Jesus.




Discuss It - Encountering JesusSAY: Jesus appeared to a group of seven of the disciples while they were fishing in the Sea of Tiberius (also called the

Galilee Sea) in their home region of Galilee. Prior to this, Jesus had twice appeared to the group of disciples while they hid behind locked doors. The other Gospels tell us that these appearances occurred in Jerusalem.

ASK: Why do you think the disciples left Jerusalem and returned to Galilee? Do you think they had gone back to their old jobs as fishermen, or were they just waiting for Jesus to appear to them again? What do you think the other disciples who are not mentioned in the story were doing?

SAY: The seven disciples fished all night without catching anything. In the early morning, an unknown person standing on the shore said that they should throw their nets on the right side of the boat. When the disciples followed this advice, their nets were bursting with fish.

ASK: How do you think the disciples felt after not catching anything all evening? How would you feel? How would you have reacted if someone standing on the shore told you that you should cast your nets in a different area? Would you have followed his advice? How do you think the disciples felt when the nets were bursting with fish?

SAY: As the disciples hauled in all of the fish, they recognized that the man on the shore who had helped them was Jesus. Peter was so excited that he didn’t wait to row the boat back to shore. He jumped out of the boat and swam the 100 yards to meet Jesus.

ASK: What do you think Peter said to Jesus as he reached the shore? How would you have reacted if you had been in the boat with the disciples? Would you have swum with Peter? When have you been so excited to see someone that you ran to meet him or her? Who were you excited to see?

SAY: Jesus cooked breakfast for the seven disciples, and they shared a meal together on the beach. They had a special encounter with the resurrected Jesus in the act of eating together. Jesus shows us the importance of serving others and spending time nurturing our friendships.

ASK: What are the ways you are most likely to experience the presence of Jesus in your everyday life? Where are the places you feel closest to Jesus? How do you encounter Jesus in your interactions with your friends? How do you encounter Jesus through acts of kindness and service?




ProclaimingBible Verse

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Did You Know?

The Gospels include numerous accounts of Jesus appearing to his friends after the Resurrection. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus instructs his followers to leave Jerusalem

and return to Galilee. The disciples gather on a mountaintop to worship, though some continue to have doubts. Jesus proclaims that the disciples have been given the same authority in heaven and on earth that he had been given by God. Jesus then invites his friends and followers to continue his ministry of proclaiming the good news.

The instructions in the Great Commission are threefold: model, welcome, and teach. First is to “go and make disciples of all nations.” The disciples are called to model discipleship in word and action. Second is “baptize them.” The disciples are instructed to welcome new disciples into the community of Christ. Third is to “teach them” everything they received from Jesus. The disciples are called to help equip new followers to go out and themselves make disciples.

Help your students understand that the same call Jesus gave his disciples applies to them. As followers of Jesus, they can model discipleship through their words and actions (especially when they show compassion), stand up for what is right, and model justice. The second and third instructions also apply. They can welcome others and teach them about the faith. Invite your students to think of ways they can show hospitality to others and use their gifts for sharing the faith.

Exploration Points• Jesus shows us what it means to live as a disciple.

• We can live out the Great Commission in our daily lives.

Session 7April 17


Compass Point We are invited to share the gospel with others.






Suppliespaper, permanent marker, adhesive (for walls), index cards, pencils






SAY: Our Bible reading comes from the very end of the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus tells his followers to share their faith with everyone they can.

ASK: Does faith ever come up in your conversations with friends or teammates? What do you tell your friends about your faith?

GA M E - G REAT COMMISSION TEAM PUZZLE

Write out the fifteen letters that spell GREAT COMMISSION on individual sheets of paper. Include a number in the bottom corner that corresponds to the letter’s placement in order (G=1, R=2, E=3, and so forth). Hang the fifteen sheets of paper around your church campus.

• Divide your students into teams of four to six. Give each team an index card and a pencil.

• Inform your students that the game is a puzzle message scavenger hunt. The object is to be the first team to decipher the message.

• Instruct your students that they must find the fifteen letter signs that are placed around the church campus.

• Inform them that each letter sign includes a corresponding number for the letter’s placement in the two-word, fifteen-letter puzzle.

• Invite them to write the clues they discover on the index card.

• Send the teams out at the same time.

• The first team to return with the decoded message is the winner.

SAY: Our game involved sharing messages across great distances. Jesus asked his friends to travel around to make disciples of every nation. This is called the Great Commission.

ASK: Have you ever traveled anywhere nearby or far away to take part in a mission or service trip?








Suppliesdry-erase board set



R EAD IN G - DEPU T I Z ED DI SCI PLE S Photocopy page 41, one for each student.



ASK: What other important biblical events took place on a mountain?

DISCUS S IT - PR OCLA I M I N G






Grow StrongerA L B ERT P U J OLS : B I G BAT, B I G FA I T H



ASK: How does Albert Pujols live out Jesus’ instructions by serving as a role model?

G RO UP TIME - MW T (M ODE L , WE LC OME, TEACH)SAY: The Great Commission has three directions. The first is to model discipleship by showing others what it means to follow Jesus. The second is to welcome others into the church. The third is to teach others about Jesus.

• Invite your students to consider ways they can live out the Great Commission. Model - showing others what it means to follow Jesus in your daily life Welcome - inviting and welcoming others to church Teach - teaching friends, teammates, and others about Jesus’ love

• Encourage them to use a dry-erase board to write down ideas for each category.




Supplieslarge piece of nylon fabric, fabric glue, fabric paint, paintbrushes


CR EAT I VE E XPRESSION - GREAT COMMISSION BANNER

Gather the necessary supplies. Use fabric glue to seal the edges of the large piece of nylon fabric.

• Make a large piece of nylon fabric, fabric paint, and paintbrushes available.

• Invite your students to create a Great Commission banner.


• Display the banner somewhere prominent in your church.

Worship







Reading - Deputized DisciplesVOICE 1: Jesus asked his friends to gather on a mountain in Galilee.

VOICE 2: So they left Jerusalem and went to the place where Jesus had said to go.

VOICE 3: When the disciples saw Jesus, they worshipped him.

VOICE 4: But some of them were still confused about the meaning of the Resurrection.

VOICE 1: Jesus told the disciples that God had handed all things to him.

VOICE 2: This means that instructions Jesus shared had come from God.

VOICE 3: Then Jesus deputized them to go out into the world.

VOICE 4: He told the disciples to share the good news with all people.

VOICE 1: Jesus asked his friends to go and make disciples of all nations.

VOICE 2: This means modeling discipleship through words and actions.

VOICE 3: It means sharing kindness and practicing justice with everyone we meet.

VOICE 4: It requires us to live as everyday disciples.

VOICE 1: Jesus asked his friends to baptize others in the name of the Holy Trinity.

VOICE 2: This means welcoming others into the body of Christ.

VOICE 3: It means showing hospitality and inviting others into our community.

VOICE 4: It requires us to help people make the church their home.

VOICE 1: Jesus asked his friends to teach others about God’s kingdom.

VOICE 2: This means knowing enough about our faith to share it.

VOICE 3: It means being familiar with our Christian beliefs and practices.

VOICE 4: It requires us to be open to sharing our faith with others.

VOICE 1: This is the Great Commission.

VOICE 2: To go and model discipleship.

VOICE 3: To baptize and welcome.

VOICE 4: To teach about the faith.




Discuss It - ProclaimingSAY: According to Matthew’s gospel, Jesus instructed the disciples to travel from Jerusalem to a mountaintop in Galilee.

The disciples were told that Jesus would meet up with them once they arrived in Galilee. Imagine if you were with the disciples as they traveled the 70 miles from Jerusalem to Galilee.

ASK: What do you think the disciples talked about as they walked from Jerusalem to the mountaintop in Galilee? What do you think they were feeling? What questions do you think they might have had about what would happen when they met up with Jesus?

SAY: When the disciples saw the resurrected Jesus, they worshipped him. Some of the disciples were still filled with doubt and unsure about everything that had happened. Think about a time when it was hard for you to understand something that you had seen.

ASK: What was the event you witnessed? Was there anyone there to see the event with you? Why do you think some of the disciples still doubted even as they saw the resurrected Jesus in front of them? What does this tell us about the importance of keeping up our faith practices even when we experience doubt?

SAY: Jesus gives three instructions at the Great Commission: to go out in the world and show others what it means to be a disciple through words and actions, to show hospitality and to welcome others into the church community, and to share Jesus’ teachings with others.

ASK: What are the ways you can live out the Great Commission in your everyday life? How can you show others what it means to be a follower of Jesus? How can you welcome people and show hospitality? What are the ways you can teach other people about Jesus?

SAY: In the last line of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus promises to be with his followers each day from now until the end of time. We know that Jesus is with us always, through every up and down, every joy and every hardship that we experience.

ASK: When have you experienced Jesus’ presence? How has Jesus’ presence helped you through a tough situation or troubling time? Was there anything that helped you know that Jesus was with you? How can we be the presence of Jesus to someone else when we see that person is facing a tough situation?




WaitingBible Verse

Galileans, why are you standing here, looking toward heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you saw him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11)

Did You Know?

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke both include accounts of the Great Commission, Jesus’ instructions to the disciples to share his teachings with others. Mark and

Luke both recount Jesus’ ascension to heaven after appearing to his followers. These two events, the Great Commission and the Ascension, are retold in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. This serves to connect Jesus’ life and ministry to the establishment of the church and the receiving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Like the Gospel of Luke, the Book of Acts is addressed to Theophilus. Scholars have determined that both books are the products of the same author. The author of Acts tells Theophilus that Jesus appeared to the disciples over a period of forty days, teaching about God’s kingdom. Jesus offered final instructions to his followers, that they must wait for the Holy Spirit before he is taken up to heaven. After the Ascension, the disciples selected a replacement for Judas.

Jesus was with his friends for forty days between the time of the Resurrection and the Ascension. The Holy Spirit arrived on Pentecost, ten days after Jesus was taken up to heaven. We can imagine that this interim period required patience and trust on the part of the disciples. Jesus was not present with them, and they had to wait for the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit. Invite your students to think about situations that require patience and trust.

Exploration Points• Jesus ascended to heaven forty days after Easter and ten days before Pentecost.

• We trust that all things happen according to God’s time.

Session 8April 24

Bible StoryActs 1:1-26

Compass Point Our faith gives us patience.






Suppliescones, masking tape, beach ball






SAY: Our Bible reading is about Jesus ascending to heaven. The disciples waited ten days from the time Jesus left until the Holy Spirit arrived at Pentecost.

ASK: What are the things you wait for in your everyday life?

GA M E - F O OT VOLLEY

Use cones to create a large rectangular court. Use masking tape to divide the court in half. Place cones where the outer boundaries intersect the half line.

• Divide your students into two equal-size teams. Assign one team to each side of the court. Give the serving team the beach ball.

• Inform your students that the game is like volleyball mashed with soccer. The object is get the ball into the other team’s court in three or fewer kicks.

• The serving team must dropkick the ball into the other team’s side without having it go out of play. The serving team has two chances to do this.

• If the serve is not successful, the other team takes a turn serving.

• If the serve is successful, the team returning the ball is allowed a maximum of three soccer-style volleys to get the ball back to the serving team’s side.

• Play continues until one team cannot return the ball to the other team’s side. This includes failing to hit the ball or hitting it out of bounds.

• Only the serving team can score a point. One point is awarded to the serving team if the non-serving team fails to return the ball.

• If the serving team is unsuccessful, the non-serving team gains possession.

• The first team to score 10 points is the winner.

SAY: In our game, you had to keep your eye on the ball and react. When Jesus went up to heaven, the disciples just stared until two angels asked what they were doing.

ASK: When is the last time that you were caught staring at something? What were you watching?








Suppliesdrill, plastic funnel, scissors, surgical tubing, safety goggles, water balloons


• Invite your students to look up Acts 1:1-26 and to take turns reading.

R EAD IN G - WA I T F OR I T Photocopy page 47, one for each student.



ASK: Why do you think Matthias is never mentioned again in the Bible?

DISCUS S IT - WA I T I N G






Grow StrongerC OUN TD O WN TO SU M ME R



ASK: What are some ways you can serve this summer?

E XP ERIEN CE I T - AS C ENSI O N P R AYERS

Gather the necessary supplies. Drill two holes in a funnel, one on each side. Cut two equal lengths of surgical tubing and tie them in a knot around the holes. Fill balloons with water.

SAY: After Jesus ascended to heaven, his followers cast lots and prayed to see who would replace Judas. We’re going to use our own unique prayer process right now.

• Go outside. Invite your students to take turns using the funnel sling to launch water balloons while naming their prayer requests. Make sure they wear safety goggles.




Suppliesnone


CR EAT I VE E XPRESSION - REIMAGINED• Invite your students to use their phones to look up artwork depicting the

Ascension.

• Have them work together in small groups to reenact the Ascension scene and to photograph it with their phones.

• Encourage your group to be creative and to use any props, costumes, or furniture that is immediately available.

• After some amount of time, invite your students to share their photographs with the other groups.

Worship







Reading - Wait For ItLUKE: Hey! My name is Luke. I’m starting another letter to my friend Theophilus. The first letter I sent was about the life

of Jesus. You may know it as the Gospel of Luke. This one is about the early church. Now where did I leave off?

JESUS: My brothers and sisters, God’s kingdom is like…

LUKE: Oh, yes. Before going up to heaven, Jesus taught his friends for forty days. Jesus showed them that he really had risen from the dead and helped them understand God’s community of love. He also promised to send a special gift.

JESUS: John the Baptist used water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

DISCIPLE: When will the kingdom of Israel be restored? Will it happen now?

JESUS: Only God knows when that will happen. But when you receive the Holy Spirit, you’ll be able to share the good news across the whole world.

LUKE: After this, Jesus was lifted up to the sky, and a cloud took him out of sight. This happened forty days after Easter. The disciples couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Two men in dazzling white robes suddenly stood nearby.

ROBE GUY: Hey, what is everyone looking at?

DISCIPLE: We’re looking for Jesus. He just went up in the sky.

ROBE GUY: But why are you just standing there? Jesus gave you special instructions.

LUKE: They returned to the upstairs room where they had shared the Last Supper and where Jesus had appeared after his resurrection. All of Jesus’ friends and followers gathered together.

DISCIPLE: Dear God, help us have faith while we wait for the Holy Spirit. Give us the strength to share Jesus’ message with others once we receive the power of the Holy Spirit.

LUKE: The group of about 120 followers of Jesus prayed and waited for the Holy Spirit to arrive. While waiting, they decided to choose an apostle to replace Judas among the Twelve.

PETER: Brothers and sisters, the person we select must have been a follower of Jesus since the beginning, from the time when Jesus was baptized. This person also must have witnessed Jesus’ resurrection.

LUKE: Two people were nominated: Joseph Barsabbas (known as Justus) and Matthias. The group prayed and cast lots, which is like drawing straws. Matthias was selected. This is the only time he’s mentioned in the New Testament.

PETER: Dear God, let us follow your will for us as we wait for the Holy Spirit.

LUKE: The group waited and prayed some more. Ten days after Jesus’ ascension, and fifty days after Easter, the Festival of Pentecost arrived. But I think that’s a story for a different time. My hand is getting tired, and I’ve got 28 chapters to write. Unlike Theophilus, you don’t have to wait. Read all about it in the Book of Acts.




Discuss It - WaitingSAY: After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples over a period of forty days. During this time, Jesus taught

his friends and followers about God’s kingdom. Jesus instructed them that they must be baptized by the Holy Spirit before sharing the gospel with others.

ASK: What questions do you think the disciples asked Jesus during this period of forty days? What questions would you have asked Jesus? Do you think the disciples’ understanding of who Jesus is and why Jesus came to live among us changed during this time? How and why do you think it changed?

SAY: Jesus was lifted up to heaven after he said these things. While the group of followers stood looking at the sky, two men in white robes appeared and asked why everyone was looking toward heaven. The two men said that Jesus would return the same way that he had ascended.

ASK: How do you think the group reacted when they saw Jesus ascend? How would you have reacted? Do you think the disciples said any last words to Jesus as he ascended? What would you have said to Jesus? What questions would you have asked the men in white robes?

SAY: At this time, the group of Jesus’ friends and followers numbered about 120 people. The group decided that they must choose a replacement for the disciple Judas Iscariot. It came down to two candidates: Joseph Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias, who was the one chosen.

ASK: Why do you think it was important to find a replacement for Judas? Why do you think that, after Jesus’ years of teaching and performing miracles, only 120 people had become believers? What does this say about the followers’ willingness to trust Jesus?

SAY: Jesus ascended to heaven forty days after Easter. The Holy Spirit didn’t arrive until the Day of Pentecost, which is fifty days after Easter. This means that Jesus’ followers had to wait ten days between the time that Jesus left them and the time that the Holy Spirit arrived.

ASK: Other than pray and select a replacement for Judas, what do you think Jesus’ friends and followers did during this time? What do you think it was like for them to wait for the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised to send? How would you have reacted if you were one of Jesus’ followers during this time?




The Holy SpiritBible Verse

They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:3-4)

Did You Know?

The Day of Pentecost arrived, and Jesus’ followers were gathered to celebrate this Jewish festival of thanksgiving. Ten days prior to this, Jesus had ascended to

heaven. The group of disciples, numbering 120 people, were awaiting the arrival of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus. Suddenly, a sound of rushing wind entered the place where everyone was gathered. Individual flames of fire fell on each of Jesus’ followers, and each person was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ disciples received the ability to teach and to preach in different languages, which allowed them to share Jesus’ message with others. In the span of several weeks, Jesus’ followers went from hiding behind locked doors to proclaiming their faith. The Holy Spirit worked through Peter and the disciples so that about three thousand people were baptized as a result of their preaching. Because of the arrival of the Holy Spirit and the expansion of the community of followers, Pentecost is celebrated as the birthday of the church.

We know that the Holy Spirit has blessed each of us with unique gifts for sharing the good news with others. Invite your students to spend time reflecting on the gifts and talents for ministry that they possess. Encourage them to think about how they can use these gifts and talents in service to others. Pentecost will be celebrated two weeks from today. Exploring the story now will prepare your students to take part in your church’s Pentecost celebration. Consider planning a party or celebration event for your church community on Pentecost.

Exploration Points• The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to the church.

• Each of us receives gifts and talents for ministry that we can share.

Session 9May 1


Compass Point Each of us has received gifts from the Holy Spirit.



50 May 1 submerge • Leader’s Guide



SuppliesHula Hoops®, masking tape, red paper, permanent markers, dry-erase board set






SAY: Our Bible reading is about Pentecost, which is when Jesus’ followers received the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is celebrated as the church’s birthday.

ASK: How did you celebrate your last birthday? How do you plan on celebrating your next birthday?

GA M E - O N THE MARK

On one side of your space, place Hula Hoops® on the ground, one for each team of four to six students. Tape a throwing line on the floor some distance away from each Hula Hoop.

• Divide your students into teams of four to six. Assign one team to each Hula Hoop.

• Make red paper and permanent markers available. Invite each student to create a paper airplane and to mark it with their name.

• Inform your students that the game is a paper airplane flying contest. The object is to fly the airplane so that it lands inside the Hula Hoop target.

• Players will take turns. Paper airplanes will be retrieved at the end of each round.

• A round is complete when each player has thrown their plane. Any airplane that is in the Hula Hoop goal is worth 3 points for the team.

• Play for a determined number of rounds or until one team reaches a designated point total.


SAY: Our game required you to fly your red plane into the goal. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended from heaven. It is described as being like small flames.

ASK: What are some symbols of the Holy Spirit that you’ve seen? What do you know about the Pentecost story?











R EAD IN G - CATC H I N G FI R E Photocopy page 53, one for each student.



ASK: What’s the greatest number of baptisms you’ve seen done at one time at our church? How long do you think it took to baptize three thousand people?

DISCUS S IT - T H E H O LY SPI R I T






Grow StrongerW ITH THE WI ND


• Invite them to read the article on pages 20-21 and to respond to the prompt.

ASK: What are some fun activities that require wind power? Do you experience God’s presence when the wind blows?

A L L AB OARD: T H E J OH N W ESLE Y MEDICAL BOAT• Invite your students to read the article on pages 30-31.

• Decide as a group how you want to collect funds to support the John Wesley Medical Boat throughout the month of May.




Suppliesbanner paper, posterboards, red art supplies


CR EAT I VE E XPRESSION - SEEING RED


• Make banner paper, posterboards, and red art supplies available.

• Invite your students to make Pentecost banners that can be displayed on Pentecost Sunday.



Worship

Photocopy page x, one for each worship volunteer.






Reading - Catching FireVOICE 1: The Day of Pentecost arrived ten days after Jesus ascended to heaven. All of Jesus’ friends and followers were

gathered together. The group numbered about 120 people.

VOICE 2: Suddenly, they heard a sound from heaven like a fierce wind. Everyone in the group looked up and saw what seemed like individual flames of fire falling on each of them.

VOICE 3: Everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in different languages so that others could understand what they were saying about Jesus.

VOICE 4: A crowd gathered around. They were amazed that the disciples from Galilee could preach in so many different languages. Some of the people were filled with wonder. Others said that the disciples were drunk.

VOICE 1: Peter and the eleven apostles stood up to speak to the large crowd. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter invited the crowd to listen as he shared the good news of Jesus.

VOICE 2: Listen to my words! The prophet Joel wrote that in the last days, God would pour out the Spirit on all people. Some will be prophets. Others will have visions.

VOICE 3: Men and women, young and old, will receive the Holy Spirit. There will be signs and wonders that point to the arrival of the Lord. Everyone who believes will be saved.

VOICE 4: Sisters and brothers, the words from the prophet Joel are about Jesus. He taught among us, was betrayed, and was killed on the cross. But God has raised Jesus from the dead. God has freed us from death!

VOICE 1: Peter continued addressing the large crowd. He quoted several of the Psalms that tradition says were written by King David. He then connected these Psalms to Jesus.

VOICE 2: Brothers and sisters, we don’t tend to think of David as a prophet. But David knew that God promised to make one of his descendants the king of Israel. He’s talking about Jesus.

VOICE 3: David mentions resurrection in the Psalms, even though he died. This resurrection is about Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. We have all seen it. Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit, and you have seen it at work today.

VOICE 4: One more thing about David. He didn’t ascend to heaven, but he wrote “sit at my right side.” This is about Jesus, whom you wanted crucified. Jesus is Lord and Christ!

VOICE 1: The crowd was troubled. They asked Peter and the apostles what they should do.

VOICE 2: Peter invited the people to change their hearts and lives. He invited them to be baptized.

VOICE 3: Repent and be baptized. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit. This is God’s promise to everyone.

VOICE 4: About three thousand people accepted Peter’s message and were baptized. It was the beginning of the church.




Discuss It - The Holy SpiritSAY: Jesus ascended to heaven forty days after the Resurrection. Pentecost did not occur until ten days later, on the

fiftieth day after the Resurrection. At the time of the Ascension, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit and told the disciples to wait until they received this “heavenly power.”

ASK: How do you think the disciples felt in the time between when Jesus left them and when they received the Holy Spirit? How would you have felt? What do you think the disciples did during this time? What would you have done as you waited for the Holy Spirit?

SAY: The disciples and all the followers of Jesus were gathered together when suddenly they heard the sound of howling wind and saw what looked like individual flames of fire descending on each of them. Everyone had the ability to preach and to speak in different languages.

ASK: How do you think Jesus’ followers and friends felt when this happened? Do you think the disciples felt different after they received the Holy Spirit? How would you have felt if this happened to you? What do you imagine the individual flames looked like as they descended? What languages would you have wanted to speak?

SAY: Peter preached to a group of people who weren’t sure about Jesus and his followers. The Holy Spirit gave Peter the courage to stand up and share his faith with the crowd. The Holy Spirit worked through Peter so that he was able to convince many people to follow Jesus.

ASK: Have you ever felt that God gave you the courage to do something that was hard for you? What are some ways the Holy Spirit is with you and helps you during tough times? How does the Holy Spirit support and lead you as you live out your faith?

SAY: The Holy Spirit is something the church experiences as a community, rather than alone as individuals. The followers of Jesus received the gift of the Holy Spirit together as a group. They used this gift to share Jesus’ love with others, instead of keeping it to themselves. This reminds us that we should do the same.

ASK: What are some ways you experience the presence of the Holy Spirit in your church community? How do you experience the Holy Spirit in your interactions with friends, family members, and classmates? What gifts and talents have you received from the Holy Spirit? How can you share them with others?




SharingBible Verse

God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. (2 Corinthians 9:8a)

Did You Know?

The Book of Acts details the expansion of the church after Pentecost beyond Jerusalem, Judea, and Galilee to the capital city of Rome. The book is filled with

stories of preaching and persecution, miracles and martyrdom, and God’s grace and goodness. Above all, Acts is about building and nurturing Christian community. The early followers of Jesus welcome new members into the body of Christ and invite them to share in the fellowship of the Christian life.

Acts 2 describes the sense of awe that comes over the community after Pentecost. All the believers are united in a common mission and share their possessions with one another. Those with property sell it so that they can share their wealth with others. The believers redistribute food and belongings so that no one is in need. They share everything with gladness, adopting a common life of prayer, simplicity, and joy. Acts 4 includes a nearly identical account of these believers sharing everything in common.

These readings from Acts paint a beautiful description of how the early followers of Jesus organized their shared life together and looked after the needs of one another. Spend time with your students discussing the practices of the early church. Invite them to think about the ways your church community embraces a common life and reaches out to those in need. Encourage your students to consider the ways they can use their gifts and talents to nurture one another and care for the needs of others.

Exploration Points• The early church shared a common life together.

• We can demonstrate God’s goodness by caring for those in need.

Session 10May 8

Bible StoryActs 2:42-47 and 4:32-37

Compass Point The early church models how we can share with one another.






Suppliesmasking tape, cones, 2 beach balls






SAY: Our Bible reading is from the Book of Acts. It talks about how the early followers of Jesus formed communities and helped one another.

ASK: What are the different groups you’re part of? How do the people in each of these groups help support you? How do you support them?

GA M E - J U M P BALL

On one side of your space, use masking tape to make a throwing line. Use cones to designate a catching area some distance away from the throwing line.

• Divide your students into two equal-size teams.

• Give each team a beach ball.

• Inform your students that the game is like a football pass mashed up with a basketball jump ball. The object is to get the ball into the hands of teammates.

• One player from each team will stand at the throwing line and take turns throwing or hitting the beach ball to the opposite side of the room.

• Players will rotate two at a time, one from each team, as they take turns throwing.

• All other players from both teams will be in the designated catching area.

• Players may move around the catching area as they attempt a catch.

• Players in the catching area may bat the ball away from someone on the other team. Pushing and shoving is not allowed.

• One point is awarded to the team for each successful catch.

• Play until one team reaches a designated point total.

SAY: Our game required you to compete against the other team, even though you were trying to accomplish the same thing. Imagine if you’d all worked together.

ASK: What are some situations in your everyday life where people would be more successful if they worked together?










• Invite your students to look up Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-37 and to take turns reading.

R EAD IN G - YOU CA N H AV E I T Photocopy page 59, one for each student.



ASK: Why do you think sharing everything together is mentioned twice in the span of three chapters in the Book of Acts?

DISCUS S IT - SH A R I N G






Grow StrongerC OM E TOGET H ER : F U N FE L LOW SH I P OPPORTUNITIES


• Invite them to read the article on pages 22-23 and to respond to the prompt.

ASK: Which of these fellowship activities sounds most interesting? When could we get together as a group for fun and fellowship?

A L L AB OARD: T H E J OH N W ESLE Y MEDICAL BOAT• Invite your students to read the article on pages 30-31 (if you haven’t already

done so).

• Work on posters, worship slides, or any other publicity to share the mission project with your congregation.

• Collect any offering money that was brought in.




Suppliesbanner paper, leftover art supplies


CR EAT I VE E XPRESSION - COMMON GROUND


SAY: The early church worked together and shared what they had in order to create an awesome community. We’re going to work together and share some leftover art supplies so that we can create a visual reminder of how the early church lived.

• Make banner paper and any leftover art supplies available.

• Invite your students to share what they have and to work together to create something that reflects their understanding of the biblical reading.


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

Worship







Reading - You Can Have ItVOICE 1: All the believers were united and shared everything.

VOICE 2: They would sell their stuff and share the money.

VOICE 3: There were no persons in need among them.

GROUP: As the church, we support one another.

VOICE 1: They met together in one another’s homes.

VOICE 2: They shared simple meals together with gladness.

VOICE 3: They showed God’s goodness to everyone.

GROUP: As the church, we fellowship with one another.

VOICE 1: The early church shared what they had with one another.

VOICE 2: Everything was community property.

VOICE 3: Extra money was used to care for those in need.

GROUP: As the church, we care for one another.

VOICE 1: We are called to live like the early church.

VOICE 2: We can share our time and our money.

VOICE 3: We can share our gifts and our talents .

GROUP: As the church, we share with one another.

VOICE 1: We are called to serve like the early church.

VOICE 2: We can provide food for the hungry.

VOICE 3: We can provide shelter for the homeless.

GROUP: As the church, we serve one another.

VOICE 1: May we follow the example of the early church.

VOICE 2: Let us share what we have with those in need.

VOICE 3: Let us be generous with all that we have.

GROUP: As the church, let us be one in heart and mind. Amen.




Discuss It - SharingSAY: The Book of Acts tells us that the early Christians in Jerusalem were serious about following the teachings of the

apostles. The believers gathered together to worship, pray, and share meals. A sense of awe filled the community, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs through the power of the Holy Spirit.

ASK: What do you think it means that “a sense of awe” filled the community? What do you think it would have been like to experience this? Why do you think the author of Acts doesn’t say what miraculous signs were performed? Do you experience a sense of awe or excitement when our church gathers for worship or fellowship? Why or why not?

SAY: The followers of Jesus in the Book of Acts shared everything they had with one another. They sold their houses, furniture, and other things so that the money could be distributed to people in need within the church community. Imagine if we tried doing this today.

ASK: What would it be like to give up all of your stuff to help someone in need? How would you feel? What would be the hardest thing for you to live without? Would you be willing to sell everything you own in order to share it with the people in our church? Why or why not?

SAY: The early Christians met together for worship in the temple and then went to one another’s homes to share a meal and to celebrate Communion. The Book of Acts says that these believers did this every day. They are described as being filled with gladness.

ASK: Why do you think the early followers of Jesus enjoyed spending so much time together? How do you feel when you spend extended amounts of time with the same people? What do you think it would be like if our church met together every day for worship and fellowship? Do you think it would work? Why or why not?

SAY: Our lives today are busier and our church communities are larger, so meeting every day for worship and selling everything we have probably isn’t possible. But the early followers of Jesus show us a lot about what it means to be a follower of Jesus and how to share what we have with those in need.

ASK: What could our church do to be more like the church described in the Book of Acts? Is there anything that we could do to strengthen our church community and our faith friendships with one another? What can we do to help people in need within our church and the local community?




CourageBible Verse

But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the entire message would be preached through me. (2 Timothy 4:17a)

Did You Know?

With the growth of the church, a division arose in the Israelite community between those who practiced traditional Judaism and those who followed Jesus. This

conflict led to the persecution of the early Christians at the hands of the religious leaders. The apostles were imprisoned by the Jerusalem Council, the ruling body that oversaw Jewish religious affairs in the first century. The apostles were beaten and harassed for proclaiming their faith in Jesus.

The persecution escalated as the followers of Jesus continued to share the good news. Stephen, one of the seven selected to serve as a deacon, was arrested and brought before the Jerusalem Council. Stephen delivered a long speech chronicling Israel’s relationship with God and the people’s long history of rejecting prophets. This angered the crowd. When Stephen proclaimed that Jesus occupied an exalted position at God’s right side, he was stoned to death by an enraged crowd.

Stephen demonstrated great courage by proclaiming his faith in the face of danger. Being a disciple does not require us to become martyrs like Stephen. Yet we are invited to proclaim boldly our faith in the face of hostility and indifference. Invite your students to think about how they can be a witness in their everyday life. Remind them that the Holy Spirit is present at all times to offer courage and support. Encourage your students to think about the situations they face that require faith.

Exploration Points• The Holy Spirit is present with us and allows us to share our faith with others.

• Our faith guides us through difficult situations.

Session 11May 15

Bible StoryActs 6:8–8:1a

Compass Point Our faith gives us the courage to share the gospel.






Suppliesmasking tape, table tennis balls, safety goggles, plastic cups






SAY: Our Bible reading is about Stephen, who shared his faith with others at a time when being a Christian was unpopular.

ASK: Do you think being a follower of Jesus today is popular or unpopular? Why?

GA M E - F E D ORA FLING

Use masking tape to make two lines on the floor that are about 10 feet apart.

• Divide your students into teams of two.

• Give one player in each pair a table tennis ball and the other player in each pair a plastic cup and a pair of safety goggles.

• Invite all the players with safety goggles and a plastic cup to line up on one of the masking-tape lines. These players are the Targets.

• Have the players with a table tennis ball line up on the other line opposite their teammate. These players are the Throwers.

• Inform your students that the game is like a carnival throwing contest that requires them to knock the cup off their teammate’s head.

• The Targets will place the cup on their head like a hat and then place their hands at their sides.

• The Throwers will toss the table tennis ball at their Target and try to knock the cup off the Target’s head.

• The Target must stand still and cannot move or bend over.

• After some amount of time, switch so that the Throwers become Targets and vice versa.

SAY: Our game required courage. You had to stand still as a ball was thrown at your head. Even though it’s only a table tennis ball, our first instinct is to duck or run.

ASK: What do you think it means to have courage? When have you shown courage in your everyday life?










• Invite your students to look up Acts 6:8–8:1a and to take turns reading.

R EAD IN G - ST E P H EN T H E M A RTYR Photocopy page 65, one for each student.



ASK: Did you know that Paul the apostle persecuted Christians before his conversion?

DISCUS S IT - CO U R AG E






Grow StrongerG O F O R IT



ASK: What are some new activities you’d like to try? Who are the people who encourage and support you when you try new hobbies?


done so).






Suppliespainter’s tape (various colors)


CR EAT I VE E XPRESSION - SPELL IT OUT


• Make painter’s tape of various colors available.

• Invite your students to use the painter’s tape to create, images, symbols, or words on the floor or wall that represent how their faith gives them courage.



Worship







Reading - Stephen the MartyrNARRATOR: Being first at something sounds great, right? First place in the tournament. First to get that new gaming

system. First Christian to die for your faith? That sounds a little scary. But that’s what happened to Stephen.

STEPHEN: Have you heard about Jesus of Nazareth? He is God’s Son, the Messiah promised to our ancestors.

NARRATOR: Stephen and all the early disciples were Israelites. They were teaching other Jewish people about Jesus. This caused a conflict between those who practiced traditional Judaism and those who followed Jesus.

PROTESTOR: Stephen is talking a lot of crazy nonsense. I’m tired of it. Let’s get him in trouble. Let’s make up some lies and tell the religious leaders that he insulted God.

NARRATOR: Stephen was dragged before the Jerusalem Council. This was a powerful group of religious leaders that were led by the high priest. The council could have the Israelite people in Jerusalem punished.

HIGH PRIEST: Tell us, Stephen, is it true that you said Jesus will destroy the temple?

STEPHEN: Let me say a few things. God appeared to our ancestor Abraham when he lived far away from this land where we stand. Once Abraham got here, God didn’t give him the land. God said his ancestors would receive the land.

PROTESTOR: What’s he talking about?

NARRATOR: Stephen is making a point about how God works with his people in places beyond Israel and the people’s pattern of turning away from God.

STEPHEN: Joseph’s brothers were jealous, so they sold him into slavery. Soon all of our ancestors were slaves in Egypt. God called Moses to lead our ancestors to freedom, but they refused to listen to Moses.

PROTESTOR: Get to the point.

STEPHEN: After rejecting Moses, the people built a golden calf and worshipped it. So God gave Moses instructions about building the tabernacle tent. But then our ancestors insisted on building a permanent temple. God doesn’t live here!

PROTESTOR: I’ve had enough of this!

STEPHEN: You foolish people. Like our ancestors, you’ve turned away from God and the prophets God sent. Jesus was the Messiah, and you murdered him!

NARRATOR: The high priest and others were angry. But it’s what Stephen said next that sent them over the edge. Looking toward heaven, Stephen saw Jesus standing at God’s right side.

STEPHEN: Look! I can see heaven on display! Jesus, the Human One, is standing at the right side of God!

HIGH PRIEST: That is outrageous! Seize him!

NARRATOR: The mob of protestors dragged Steven away and began to bash him with large stones. Saul, whom we know as Paul the apostle, was part of this group. Stephen was the first Christian martyr to die for his faith.




Discuss It - CourageSAY: Stephen and the early followers of Jesus were all Israelites. This led to a division between those who practiced

traditional Judaism and those who believed Jesus was the Messiah. Some of the Israelites who opposed Stephen started rumors about him in order to get him in trouble with the religious leaders.

ASK: Have you ever been part of a group of friends or teammates who split up because of disagreements? What caused the split? Was it ever resolved? Have you ever been the victim of rumors that led to you getting in trouble? How did it make you feel? What happened to the person who started the rumors?

SAY: Stephen was arrested and offered a chance to defend himself. Rather than address the accusations, he made a long speech where he told the religious leaders and others that by rejecting Jesus they were following a long pattern of turning away from God and betraying their faith. This angered the religious leaders.

ASK: Why do you think Stephen didn’t try to defend himself in order to be set free? What do you think inspired Stephen to say such things to the religious leaders who would decide what happened to him? What would you have done or said if you were in Stephen’s situation?

SAY: The final straw for the religious leaders was when Stephen told the crowd that he could see heaven and that Jesus was standing next to God. A crowd of people led Stephen away and began to hit him with large stones. Just before he died, Stephen asked God to accept his life and to forgive the people who had done this to him.

ASK: Do you think anyone tried to stop the group that attacked Stephen? Where do you think the other followers of Jesus were when this was happening? Why do you think Stephen asked God to forgive the people who had attacked him? Do you think you’d be able to offer forgiveness if you were in Stephen’s situation?

SAY: Stephen showed great courage in proclaiming his faith so boldly in the face of such hostility. Just as the Holy Spirit was with Stephen, God’s presence guides us as we try to share the good news of Jesus with others. The Holy Spirit also gives us courage to face the challenging situations we encounter in our everyday lives.

ASK: How do you experience God’s presence when you face challenging situations? How does your faith give you courage to stand up for what is right? What are the ways you experience God’s presence in your everyday life? How can you share your faith in your everyday encounters with other people?




Welcoming AllBible Verse

So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you, for God’s glory. (Romans 15:7)

Did You Know?

Following the death of Stephen, the disciples scattered throughout Judea, Samaria, and Galilee in response to persecution. The followers of Jesus continued to preach

in these locations. While the original disciples were all Israelites, the apostles soon began to share the message of Jesus with non-Jewish people. This more diverse group of followers included the Samaritans and an Ethiopian eunuch (both mentioned in Acts 8), as well as Roman Gentiles.

Among the latter group was Cornelius, a non-Jewish worshipper of God. He received a visit from an angel, who instructed him to send servants to find Simon Peter. Meanwhile, God revealed to Peter that followers of Jesus are not required to adhere to the dietary rules in the Law of Moses. The Holy Spirit then instructed Peter to go with the servants summoning him. Peter and Cornelius shared the accounts of their visions with each other. At this time, the Holy Spirit descended on Cornelius and the Gentiles.

Witnessing this, Peter welcomed Cornelius and the members of his household into the church. Invite your students to think about what this story teaches us about welcoming others into the church. Encourage them to think about the barriers that we might inadvertently put up that keep people from making a commitment to Jesus. Challenge them to consider different ways to reach out to people outside of your congregation.

Exploration Points• All people are invited to follow Jesus and to commit to serving him.

• We show hospitality to others and welcome them into the body of Christ.

Session 12May 22


Compass Point We welcome all people who wish to follow Jesus.






Suppliestables, masking tape, cones, tennis balls, dry-erase board set






SAY: Our Bible reading is about the apostle Peter welcoming non-Jewish Gentiles into the church. Before this, all the disciples were Jewish.

ASK: When have you joined a new team, group, or community? Was anybody there to welcome you?

GA M E - R E ACH YOUR GOAL

On one side of your space, place tables against a wall to serve as goals, one for each team of four to six students. Tape a kicking line on the floor some distance away from each goal. Place two cones in front of each goal to serve as obstacles.

• Divide your students into teams of four to six. Assign each team to a goal.

• Give each player a tennis ball.

• Inform your students that the game is like a soccer drill. The object is to kick the ball into the goal while avoiding the obstacles.

• Players will take turns kicking.

• A round is complete when each player on a team has attempted a goal.

• Each goal is worth one point.

• Use a dry-erase board to keep score.

• The team with the most goals after a determined number of rounds is the winner.

• Repeat the game as time and interest allow.

SAY: Our game required you to reach your goal by avoiding obstacles. In our story, Peter sees that there are obstacles to sharing the message of Jesus with others.

ASK: Do you face obstacles when trying to make new friends? Do you think there are obstacles that keep people from wanting to follow Jesus?











R EAD IN G - V I SI O N S A N D T H E VO I C E Photocopy page 71, one for each student.



ASK: Is there anywhere special where you go to pray? How do you experience God’s presence?

DISCUS S IT - W ELCO MI NG A LL






Grow StrongerC OM PL ETE A H OSPI TA L I T Y AU D I T



ASK: How well is our church doing at making a good first impression? What are some ways we can improve our hospitality?


done so).






Suppliestablet device with wifi


CR EAT I VE E XPRESSION - FIRST IMPRESSIONS


SAY: You probably don’t spend time on our church website and Facebook page. But these are the first places many people go to check out a new church. Let’s take some photos that represent our church community that we can share with others.

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

• Encourage them to take photos that represent your church community.

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

• Invite them to share the photos with the entire group.

• Use a tablet device with wifi to send the photos to the staff person or ministry team that oversees the website and communications.

TIP: Make sure to secure photo releases from parents or guardians for any photos that depict people under age 18.

Worship







Reading - Visions and the VoiceNARRATOR: The earliest followers of Jesus were Jewish. But soon the church spread, and non-Jewish people (called

Gentiles) began to join. These Gentile Christians did not follow the same customs as the Jewish Christians.

CORNELIUS: It’s three in the afternoon. I better go pray.

NARRATOR: Cornelius was a Roman military commander, who worshipped God and kept the Jewish customs, including praying at certain times. One day, while Cornelius was praying, he had a vision of an angel.

ANGEL: Cornelius, God looks kindly on you because of your prayers. Send messengers to the city of Joppa to find Simon Peter. He is staying at the house of Simon the tanner, near the beach.

NARRATOR: Cornelius did as the angel said, sending his servants to find Peter. They arrived in Joppa the next day around noon. Peter was up on the roof praying when he had a vision of all types of animals. Then he heard God’s voice.

VOICE OF GOD: Get up, Peter! Kill these animals and eat them!

PETER: I can’t do that, God. I have always followed the food rules. I’ve never eaten anything that is forbidden.

NARRATOR: The first five book of the Bible, the Books of Moses, have detailed rules about what kinds of animals the Israelites were allowed and not allowed to eat. These teachings had come from God.

VOICE OF GOD: I made all the animals and the rules about worship. Never call anything unclean that God has made pure.

NARRATOR: This happened three times. As Peter was thinking about this, the messengers sent by Cornelius arrived. Again, Peter heard God’s voice.

VOICE OF GOD: There are people downstairs looking for you. Go with them because I have sent them.

NARRATOR: Peter invited them in as guests. The next day, they traveled to the house of Cornelius.

PETER: Normally, a Jewish person isn’t allowed to visit the house of a Gentile. It’s all part of the purity rules in the first five books of the Bible. But I had a vision from God, who sent me here. So, why have you asked me here?

CORNELIUS: Several days ago, I was praying and an angel visited me. He said that I should summon you right away. The angel told me where to find you. We’re in God’s presence now, ready to listen to what God has directed you to say.

PETER: I am learning that God doesn’t favor one group over another. God sent Jesus of Nazareth, who was anointed with the Holy Spirit, to teach and heal and overcome death. Everyone who believes in Jesus receives new life.

NARRATOR: While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on everyone gathered in Cornelius’ house. Everyone spoke different languages and praised God.

PETER: Well, if the Gentiles have received the Holy Spirit like we have, then no one can stop them from being baptized.

NARRATOR: Cornelius and his household were baptized. And from that day forward, the church was open to all people who accepted Jesus.




Discuss It - Welcoming AllSAY: Cornelius was a Roman army officer, who is described in the Bible as a “Gentile God-worshipper.” In Bible times,

non-Jewish people were called Gentiles, and some Gentiles followed the Jewish teachings about worshipping God. Cornelius received a visit from an angel and was told to send messengers to find Simon Peter.

ASK: How do you think Cornelius reacted when the angel appeared to him? How would you have reacted? Do you think Cornelius had any questions for the angel about why he was supposed to summon Simon Peter? What questions would you have asked if you’d been with Cornelius?

SAY: Like Cornelius, Simon Peter had a vision. Despite Peter’s protest, God showed Peter that it was okay for followers of Jesus to eat all types of food. This is important because it meant that non-Jewish people could become followers of Jesus without having to follow the special food rules in the first five books of the Bible.

ASK: How do you think Peter felt when God told him that it was okay to eat different types of animals? What questions do you think Peter might have wanted to ask? Do you think Peter continued to follow the Jewish food rules that are in the Old Testament? Why or why not?

SAY: Cornelius told Peter about his vision and said that God had asked Peter to be there so that everyone could hear what God had directed Peter to say. Peter told Cornelius and everyone gathered about Jesus. As Peter spoke, the Holy Spirit descended on everyone. Peter decided that everyone could be baptized, including Gentiles.

ASK: How do you think Peter felt as he watched the Holy Spirit fall on everyone after having experienced the same thing at Pentecost? How do you think this compared with Pentecost? What do you think it was like for Cornelius and the other Gentiles to receive the Holy Spirit immediately after hearing about Jesus?

SAY: The Holy Spirit showed Peter and the apostles in the early church that anyone who accepts Jesus and wishes to follow him is welcomed into the community of faith. Think about how our church can let people in the community know that they are welcome here.

ASK: What does our church already do to welcome newcomers and visitors? What are the ways that we can reach out to people in the community who have never visited? What are new ideas for welcoming people and letting them know who we are? Why is this important?




Working TogetherBible Verse

Try to work toward being the best at building up the church. (1 Corinthians 14:12b)

Did You Know?

The Book of Acts narrates the growth of the church from a messianic movement centered within Jerusalem’s Jewish community to a diverse body active in the

regions of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. As Gentiles were baptized into the church, an issue soon arose as to what extent non-Jewish followers of Jesus were expected to conform to Jewish purity laws. The Jerusalem church first addressed this issue when the leaders questioned Peter about his fellowship with Cornelius (Acts 11).

The issue was revisited when a major conference was held in Jerusalem to decide whether Paul and Barnabas should continue their mission among the Gentiles (Acts 15). After some debate, the gathered group agreed with James, the brother of Jesus and a key leader in the Jerusalem church, that the Gentiles should follow some of the Law of Moses as it applied to food sacrificed, to idols, and to being chaste. A group of delegates accompanied Paul and Barnabas as they delivered this message.

The Jerusalem Council shows us how we are to work together to resolve differences in order to better share the message of Jesus with others. Invite your students to consider how they can use conflict resolution in their everyday lives. Encourage them to consider how, as followers of Jesus, they can model healthy communication and compromise in their relationships with others, especially as it contributes to building up the body of Christ.

Exploration Points• We work together to resolve disagreements peacefully and cooperatively.

• We try to communicate in healthy and respectful ways.

Session 13May 29


Compass Point We work together to share Jesus’ message with others.






Suppliescones, masking tape, Wiffle® balls, foam pool noodles, craft knife, dry-erase board set






SAY: Our Bible reading is about the early church working together to resolve a disagreement.

ASK: What are the ways that you and your friends settle a disagreement?

GA M E - T E E ING OFF

Place cones against a wall, one for each team of four to six students. Tape two putting lines some distance away from each cone. One line should be closer (front line) and the other should be farther away (back line). Cut foam pool noodles in half.

• Divide your students into teams of four to six. Assign each team to a cone.

• Give each player a Wiffle® ball and half of a foam pool noodle.

• Inform your students that the game is a putting challenge.

• Prior to each shot, a player may decide to shoot from the front line or the back line.

• Each putt that hits the cone from the front line is worth one point. Each putt that hits the cone from the back line is worth two points.

• Players are invited to consult with teammates about strategy in choosing the putting line.

• A round is complete when each player has putted.

• Use a dry-erase board to keep score.

• Play for a determined number of rounds. Repeat as time and interest allow.

SAY: Our game required you to work together to formulate a scoring strategy. We are all presented with everyday opportunities to work together with others.

ASK: What are some situations that require you to work together with others?











R EAD IN G - COU NCI L CO MPR OM ISE Photocopy page 77, one for each student.



ASK: Instead of sending a letter, how do you think the church in Jerusalem would communicate with the church in Antioch today?

DISCUS S IT - W OR K I N G TOGE T HE R






Grow StrongerMEET US IN ST. LOU I S: FU LL I M M E RSION WITH EASTWOOD C HRISTIAN CH U R C H



ASK: How are the Eastwood students working together to serve others? What are some ways that we can work together to share the good news of Jesus?

A L L AB OARD: T H E J OH N W ESLE Y MEDICAL BOAT• Collect any offering money that was brought in.

• Send the money to the address listed in the magazine (page 31), or give the money to the person in charge of sending the money.




Suppliessafety goggles, pencils, hammers, nails, large piece of plywood


CR EAT I VE E XPRESSION - NAILED IT


• Give each student a pair of safety goggles.

• Make pencils, hammers, nails, and a large piece of plywood available.

• Invite your students to work together to create a 3-D mural of a faith image, word, or symbol that is made out of nails.


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

Worship







Reading - Council CompromiseNARRATOR: As more non-Jewish Christians were baptized into the church, a disagreement arose over whether these

Gentile Christians had to follow all of the Jewish purity customs.

PETER: Why are we talking about this again? Don’t you remember my vision from God?

NARRATOR: Peter had received a vision from God that indicated Gentiles were not required to follow the Law of Moses as it related to food purity. But there were other issues that needed to be addressed.

BARNABAS: Paul, why is the group from Judea teaching the Gentile disciples in Antioch that followers of Jesus must obey the Law of Moses? That will make sharing the good news of Jesus so much more difficult.

PAUL: Good question, Barnabas. We’re going to have to sort this out.

NARRATOR: The church in Antioch sent Paul, Barnabas, and several others to meet with the church leaders in Jerusalem.

PAUL: Fellow apostles and elders, by the power of God’s Spirit, Barnabas and I have been successful in sharing the good news of Jesus among the Gentiles whereever we have traveled.

NARRATOR: Everyone was excited to hear about how Paul and Barnabas had shared the gospel everywhere they went. Some still insisted that the Gentiles must follow the Law of Moses. Peter addressed the council of leaders.

PETER: Fellow believers, you know that God chose me to be the first one to share the gospel with the Gentiles. God gave them the Holy Spirit, just as he did us. Why do you want to make it harder for these new disciples to follow Jesus?

NARRATOR: Following Peter’s speech, Paul and Barnabas addressed the council.

PAUL: In Antioch of Pisidia, Barnabas and I preached to Israelites and Gentiles. It was the Gentiles who received our message of Jesus. Our Jewish brothers and sisters wanted no part of it.

BARNABAS: In Antioch of Syria, God opened a door of faith for many Gentiles. We must support them as they grow in faith and commitment.

NARRATOR: James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, proposed a compromise between those who thought the Gentile Christians should follow the Law of Moses and those who didn’t.

JAMES: Fellow believers, Peter reported that God came to the Gentiles to raise up God’s people. The prophet Amos wrote of this. Let us not create problems for Gentile disciples. Instead, I propose a compromise.

NARRATOR: James explained his proposal, which asked the Gentiles to follow a few key parts of the Law of Moses.

JAMES: We will ask the Gentile disciples to avoid contact with the false Roman gods. We will ask them to be pure and moral in their relationships with others. And we will ask them to avoid eating meat that is prepared incorrectly.

NARRATOR: Everyone agreed to this compromise. They decided to send a letter explaining this decision to the church in Antioch of Syria. Paul and Barnabas delivered the letter, and the Gentile Christians were okay with the decision.




Discuss It - Working TogetherSAY: As more Gentiles joined the church, a disagreement arose over whether these new disciples were expected to

follow the practices of the Jewish followers of Jesus. Paul and Barnabas said that the Gentiles shouldn’t have to follow the special rules in the Law of Moses. Others said that the Gentile Christians had to follow these rules.

ASK: Why do you think it was important to the Jewish disciples of Jesus that the Gentiles follow the Jewish customs? How do you think the Gentile Christians felt when they were told that they had to follow customs from another culture? Have you ever been in a situation that required you to adapt to a new culture? When?

SAY: Many of the leading apostles and elders in the early church gathered in Jerusalem to come up with a solution. Paul and Barnabas spoke about their success in sharing the good news of Jesus with the Gentiles. Peter made reference to his meeting with Cornelius, which he had already shared with the Jerusalem church (Acts 11:1-18).

ASK: What questions do you think the apostles and elders had for Paul and Barnabas? Why do you think the members of the council were debating this issue about the Gentiles when they seemed to have resolved it already? When have you worked with a group of people to resolve a conflict?

SAY: James, Jesus’ brother and the leader of the Jerusalem church, proposed a compromise. Instead of following the whole Law of Moses, James recommended that the Gentile Christians avoid contact with false gods, act chaste and live morally in their relationships with others, and avoid eating meat prepared incorrectly.

ASK: What do you think it was like for James to grow up with Jesus? What questions would you have for James about Jesus? Why do you think Jesus did not call James to be one of the twelve disciples? How do you think Paul and Barnabas reacted to the compromise? How would you have reacted in their situation?

SAY: The church in the Book of Acts successfully worked together to resolve an issue that had the potential to split the body of Christ. It shows us the importance of setting aside differences in order to welcome others to follow Jesus.

ASK: How can this serve as a model for how we handle conflict in our everyday lives? What can this show our church leaders about how we should handle disagreements within our church community? How can we come together to share the gospel with other followers of Jesus from different churches or denominations?


Cokesbury.com | 800.672.1789Community Resource Consultants

Designed for ages 11 and up, this sketch & jot journal helps young people actively consider their faith as they write, draw, sketch, and reflect. Includes weekly prompts and Bible topics ideal for use in Bible classes or at home. 9781630885632. $12.99

Designed for ages 11 and up, this sketch & jot journal Designed for ages 11 and up, this sketch & jot journal helps young people actively consider their faith as they helps young people actively consider their faith as they write, draw, sketch, and reflect. Includes weekly prompts write, draw, sketch, and reflect. Includes weekly prompts and Bible topics ideal for use in Bible classes or at home. and Bible topics ideal for use in Bible classes or at home. 9781630885632. $12.999781630885632. $12.99

write, draw, sketch, and reflect on faith

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1 color

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Scope and Sequence 2015–16

Summer2016

Spring2016

Winter2015–16

Fall2015

Vol. 1 • No. 3 • SPRING 2016

EDITORIAL / DESIGN TEAMNathan Tenney ..........................................................Editor/WriterHeidi Hewi� ...................................................... 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 offi cial 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., P.O. Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988. Price: $10.99. Copyright © 2015 Cokesbury. All rights reserved. Send address changes to Submerge: Ages 11+, Leader’s Guide, Subscription Services, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., P.O. 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., P.O. 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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