leader’s guide - quake event

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LEADER’SGUIDE

VIRTUAL QUAKE 2021

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CONTENTS

EVENT DETAILS……………………………………………….…………..……3

WHOVA……………………………………………………………...................4

FRIDAY NIGHT KICKOFF……………………………………………......…6

WORKSHOPS………………………………………………………….…......…7

PRE- QUAKE BIBLE STUDY………………………………………..………8

FAMILY TIME GUIDES…………………………………………………....…15

KICKOFF FAMILY TIME (OPTIONAL)………………………...…....…18

OPENING CELEBRATION FAMILY TIME………………..……....…19

BREAK FAMILY TIME (OPTIONAL)………………………….…..……20

CLOSING CELEBRATION FAMILY TIME………………….…....…22

WRAP-UP FAMILY TIME (OPTIONAL)…………………….……..…23

POST-QUAKE BIBLE STUDY…………………………………….………25

If you have any questions or concerns please email [email protected], visit QuakeEvent.com or call 920.738.5588.

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WESTERN MOUNTAIN CENTRAL EASTERN

9:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm

Opening Celebration

Workshops*

Improv Comedy Games

Virtual Escape Room

Social Activities

Closing Celebration

3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm** 6:00 pm

*There will be three workshop times in the schedule. Each group will have the opportunity to attend two workshops, and during the “off” time have the opportunity for a lunch/snack break and/or optional Break Family Time discussion.

**There is an optional Wrap-Up Family Time some groups may choose to do after Quake ends.

WHOVA

This is the platform Virtual Quake will be located on. Whova can be accessed on a computer or mobile device. Each participant should download the app to enjoy the interactive components of Virtual Quake. See page 4 for more information.

KAHOOT

During Virtual Quake, we will be playing some Kahoot games. Each participant should download the Kahoot app prior to Virtual Quake. These games will allow everyone to participate and a chance to win prizes (sent out after Quake).

EVENT DETAILS

SCHEDULE

Here are the order of events and when Virtual Quake will start and end on February 27, based on your group’s time zone. Stay updated on the schedule on Whova prior to and during Virtual Quake.

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WHOVA

Whova is the platform Virtual Quake will be located on. You can access Whova on a computer or mobile device. Alongside watching the event live, Whova allows users and groups to interact with speakers during the event, participate in contests and share their unique voice with polls and surveys.

HOW TO SIGN-IN ON YOUR COMPUTER

1. You’ll be getting an email from us with a link to Virtual Quake (this will be sent to the email you used to register for the event). Make sure to check your spam folder, please email [email protected] if you do not receive it.

2. Click the link, which will lead to the sign-up page.

3. Click on “Sign-Up Here” and sign-up using the same email you used to register for the event.

HOW TO SIGN-IN ON YOUR PHONE

1. Download the Whova app in the app store and sign-up using the email you used to register for the event.

2. Once you’ve created your account, you may fill out your profile. Add what church you’re from, a photo of your group, and a short bio/welcome message!

3. It should take you to Virtual Quake immediately, but in the chance it doesn’t, click “Find My Event” to search for Virtual Quake 2021. Once you’ve found it, click on “Virtual Quake,” then press “Join.”

4. You will be prompted to enter an event invitation code. Each member of your group that is registered for Virtual Quake will receive a unique code for their device. If any member of your group has not received their code, make sure they check their spam folder. If they still haven’t received a code, please email [email protected].

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN SESSIONS

1. If you are watching Virtual Quake as a group, we recommend using the web app and casting or connecting your computer to a larger screen. You may also watch the event on your mobile app if you so choose.

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2. During these sessions, individual users may use their phone app to interact with speakers, answer polls, participate in contests and much more.

3. On the home page, click the “Agenda” tab on the left side of the screen. This will allow you to see the schedule of the event, broken down by sessions.

4. Click on a live session to view, the content should begin playing immediately. You can use the chat tab to talk to other attendees or use the “Session Q&A” tab to ask questions directly to the speaker.

HOW TO ADJUST YOUR NOTIFICATION SETTINGS

1. In Whova, click on your profile in the upper left corner of the screen. Click “Settings,” then click “Notification Settings,” here you may choose which items you would like to get notified about.

2. We recommend keeping notifications on, as it allows us to keep you updated during Virtual Quake with announcements, contest results, and when sessions go live.

Scan this QR code to access the Whova Attendee User Guide which includes picture explanations and a six minute Whova User Guide video.

WHOVA TRAINING EVENT

Join us on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 4:00 pm CST for a Whova Training Event. If you are attending Virtual Quake and/or the Friday Night Kickoff, we suggest you attend this training to learn how to use Whova. During the training, Quake staff will be able to answer any questions you have. If you are unable to attend the training, the video will be available on Whova afterward.

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FRIDAY NIGHT KICKOFF

For those who would like extend their Quake experience beyond the day of Virtual Quake, we are offering an optional Friday Night Kickoff. Content will be available on-demand beginning Friday, February 26 through the Virtual Quake platform, Whova. All of this content is pre-recorded so you can program the night to run however you would like. These program pieces are stand-alones, which means that if you do not choose to do them as the Friday Night Kickoff prior to Virtual Quake, you will not miss any content for Saturday.

Here are our recommended program pieces for Friday Night Kickoff:

• Ice Breaker Games – play a few games to get the group warmed up

• Pre-Quake Bible Study – (see page 8) if you choose to do this as part of the Kickoff, we recommend doing this prior to Celebration

• Celebration with Bob Lenz and Bread of Stone (approximately 75 minutes)

• Campfire with Todd Miller from The Junker Georges (approximately 35 minutes)

• Kickoff Family Time – see page 15, if you choose to do this as part of the Kickoff, we recommend doing this after the Celebration or Campfire

• Pizza Party or Snack Break – end the night with pizza (if you are unable to meet together for this time, you could order pizza to be delivered to your youth’s houses at a specific time so everyone can enjoy pizza together)

If you choose to complete all of the Friday Night Kickoff program pieces (above), we recommend scheduling 3 hours. Games and discussion times may vary, based on the size of the group and the conversation.

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WORKSHOPS

There will be three workshop times in the Virtual Quake schedule. Each group will have the opportunity to attend two workshops, and during the “off” time have the opportunity for a lunch/snack break and/or optional Break Family Time discussion.

TOPICS

• BELONG Workshop

• Live Q&A with Bread of Stone

• Divine Motivation Workshop

• Racism Awareness Workshop

• Vocation Workshop with Terrence Talley

• Parenting Generation Screen Workshop (specifically geared toward adults)

• Dignity Revolution Workshop

• Destiny Rescue Workshop on Human Trafficking

A complete list of topics, descriptions and leader information will be available on Whova the week prior to Virtual Quake.

ON-DEMAND

Are there workshops your interested in but didn’t get a chance to watch? Purchase on-demand access for 6 months after Virtual Quake to revisit all pre-recorded workshops.

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PRE-QUAKE BIBLE STUDY

VIRTUAL QUAKE 2021

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present

nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be

able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:38-39

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LEADER NOTES

INTRODUCTION

God’s word is the foundation for Quake. The music, messages, and activities are all Bible-based and designed to have God’s word enter our hearts and minds. This study will help you get ready for Quake and feel comfortable sharing God’s word. This study includes an “Additional Exploration” section (outlined in box). This section is optional and can be used if your group is ready to dive deeper into faith discussions.

TEXT DESIGNATIONS

Plain Text (not bold or italicized) indicates instruction for you as the leader. These sections are transitional ideas to help you facilitate discussion or provide background information. They do not need to be shared with the group, unless you feel it is appropriate.

Bold Text indicates information that should be shared with the group. Feel free to use your own words or read the text as it is written.

Bold Text & Italicized indicates a prayer or Bible verse that may be read by the leader or another participant.

GOALS

• Provide insight to the Quake theme

• Prepare your group for the Holy Spirit to work in each person

• Strengthen your group as they explore the depth of God’s word

• Build anticipation and calm fears about Quake

PREPARATION

Supplies (if you are meeting virtually, please let your youth know ahead of time):

• Bibles

• Paper and pen/pencil for each person in the group

• Large sheet of paper and marker

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Before you begin, assign individuals to read these verses during the appropriate times:

• John 6:37

• Luke 19:1-10

• Mark 1:40-42

• John 14:1-3, Luke 23:39-43, Matthew 28:20 (Additional Exploration)

• Acts 16:22-33 (Additional Exploration)

OPENING (5-10 minutes)

Ask a volunteer to open with a prayer or read the following:

Gracious God, You are the one who invites and welcomes us not just to an event or series of events, but You invite us into a relationship where we are part of Your family. At times we feel disconnected, neglected and even rejected by many in our lives. Your invitation to us now is unconditional and has no expiration date. Fearing past isolations and recognizing our own unworthiness to be in Your family, we are sometimes hesitant, even resistant, to enjoy the welcome You offer. Open our eyes and our hearts to see your love for each and every one of us, so that we might live confidently in Your family. All this we pray in the Your name, Jesus. Amen.

Distribute paper and pen/pencil to each person in the group. Ask everyone to write down their answers to the following:

• Why do many teens join cults, gangs, and other associations that are not healthy or holy?

• When do you most feel like you belong to something or someone? (In other words, what needs to happen for you to feel like you are welcomed and valued?)

• Does the church make you feel welcomed and valued at this stage of your life?

• How can your church, youth ministry and Christian friends help teens and pre-teens see and enjoy the invitation and welcome that Jesus offers to them?

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EXPANDING OUR UNDERSTANDING (15-20 minutes)

Our theme for Quake this year is Belong, based on Romans 8:38-39.

Read the theme verses and then discuss the following:

• Paul begins by saying he is “convinced” of God’s undying commitment to us. What does this say about what he wants us to believe? What does this say about how he lives his life?

• Paul is trying to persuade us to believe in this undying commitment of Jesus. How would our lives look if we, too, were convinced of this?

• Why does Paul list ten things he says won’t come between Jesus’ and His love for us?

Many relationships change, decay, fall apart or even evaporate. Jesus’ promise is that the welcome He offers us is always real, fresh and alive.

Ask a volunteer to read John 6:37 and then discuss the following:

• Jesus suffered from broken relationships. What did Peter do to Him? What did Judas do?

• Jesus never broke off a relationship with anyone in the Gospels. What does that say to you?

Jesus loves the unlovely and unlovable.

Ask a volunteer to read Luke 19:1-10 and then discuss the following:

Tax collectors were often hated because they were cheats and worked for the Romans.

• Why did Jesus go to the tree and talk to Zacchaeus?

• What does Jesus direct Zacchaeus to do?

• Why does Jesus want to go to his house and eat with him?

• Why does Zacchaeus respond the way he does?

• Does Jesus care about you like this?

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Ask a volunteer to read Mark 1:40-42 and then discuss the following:

Leprosy is an awful disease that was misunderstood, incurable and alienating. People who had it were forced to live outside the community, be seen as outcasts and were left untouched.

• What does the man do when he comes to Jesus?

• Even today in Mideastern culture one prays on their knees. What does this man’s actions say about who he thinks Jesus is?

• Notice what Jesus says AND DOES! Did Jesus have to touch the man for the healing to happen? Why does Jesus do this then?

• Does this suggest Jesus is willing to touch our messes?

ADDITIONAL EXPLORATION (10-15 minutes)

Ask a volunteer to read John 14:1-3, Luke 23:39-43, and Matthew 28:20 and then discuss the following:

• The common word Jesus uses in these verses is the word “with.” Jesus wants to give us “with-ness” throughout our lives, what does this mean?

• When did Jesus promise to be with the person or persons with whom He is talking?

• Why is each one of these things important to us today?

• When do you most feel you are with Jesus?

• When is it hardest to feel the presence of Jesus?

• Many years ago, a humble man named Brother Lawrence helped fellow Christians grow deeper in their faith by having them practice being in the presence of Jesus. This has become a book that has lasted over three hundred years. What are some good ways you and others can practice being in the presence of Jesus?

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Ask a volunteer to read Acts 16:22-33 and then discuss the following:

• Paul and Silas are beaten, stripped and thrown into prison. (Paul had cast a demon out of a slave-girl who was a fortune-teller, the owners were mad at losing their income from her, so they had Paul and Silas arrested.) These men were put in the inner part of the jail and even were shackled into stocks where they couldn’t move. Notice what Paul and Silas are doing in the prison. How could they do this?

• When the earthquake happens and the doors are opened, why didn’t the men escape?

• What happens to the jailer and his family?

• How can this give you confidence in life?

COVENANT (5-10 minutes)

To assure healthy relationships and a healthy community, it is important for all participants to pledge their desire and hope for a safe and fun Quake in a covenant with one another.

Ask the group what they believe is important for the group to commit to in order to make the event go well (i.e. be on time, attend all sessions, respect one another, no pranks, listen to one another, no gossiping, pray for one another and for the event, etc.) Write these items on a large sheet of paper.

Remind the group that this covenant is a binding agreement and anyone who feels they cannot uphold some part of this covenant should speak up now.

Discuss with everyone what they feel should be consequences if someone breaks the covenant. At the end, ask all youth and adult leaders to sign the covenant and commit these promises to the group. Save this paper and have it visible during the event.

If your group isn’t able to meet in person to do this activity, ask each participant to do this individually on a piece of paper and keep it visible during the event.

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CLOSING

Share a brief story of someone you know who felt unloved and unwanted, and how they later came to feel welcomed. Ask everyone to consider a person they know right now who is feeling lonely, left out, abandoned, and/or unloved. Then close with the prayer found below, encouraging everyone to say out loud the person they were thinking was the outcast. If they are not comfortable sharing this out loud, they can pray silently in their hearts.

Savior Jesus, You love all those who feel unlovely and unwelcome. Thank You for always welcoming us. Now show Your invitation and welcome each and every name shared... (pause to give everyone a chance to share a name). All this we pray in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

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FAMILY TIME GUIDES

VIRTUAL QUAKE 2021




Romans 8:38-39

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LEADER NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Family Time is devotional and discussion time youth groups spend together at Quake. This year, Family Time may be in person or virtual. These gatherings with your group members are some of the most powerful times during Quake and the days beyond. It is here where groups can catch their collective breath, reflect, react, rejoice and find renewal in considering the worship, faith-building activities and friendship-making experienced during Quake. These Family Time Guides offer some Scripture reading, study and discussion to help guide you to reflect on your time together. We pray it is a blessing to you as we all are drawn closer to Jesus.

Included:

• Kickoff Family Time (optional)

• Opening Celebration Family Time

• Break Family Time (optional)

• Closing Celebration Family Time

• Wrap-Up Family Time (optional)

TEXT DESIGNATIONS



Bold Text & Italicized indicates a prayer or Bible verse that may be read by the leader or another participant.

GOALS

• To be in touch with one another and to share one another’s experiences and thoughts of the day

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• To examine, express, and explore how God’s presence, power, and promise have been around since the beginning of time and how He still offers them to His people

• To be assured God’s plan of redeeming us by Jesus’ love through His sacrifice, death and resurrection does indeed offer salvation and restoration to all who believe

• To see, rejoice in and enjoy the fellowship of believers around us in our group

PREPARATION


• Bibles



Opening Celebration Family Time

• Romans 8:38-39

• 1 Peter 2:9-10

• Titus 2:11-14

Break Family Time (optional)

• Isaiah 7:14

Closing Celebration Family Time

• Matthew 11:28-30

Wrap-Up Family Time (optional)

• Galatians 6:9-10

• Luke 19:1-10

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KICKOFF FAMILY TIME (OPTIONAL)

This optional Family Time can be done prior to Virtual Quake. We suggest to complete during Friday Night Kickoff or Saturday morning before Virtual Quake. (Approximately 15-20 minutes)

OPENING


Lord God, we thank You for the opportunity to gather together to participate in Virtual Quake. Although it may not be how we had envisioned it, we know that You work in all things and in all ways. Open our hearts to hear Your word and guide us as we learn more about what it means to belong to You, as one of your children. All this we pray in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

Ask everyone to answer the following and discuss:

• My “high” for this week was… Why?

• My “low” for this week was… Why?

Distribute paper and pen/pencil to each person in the group. Ask everyone to write down their answer to the following and discuss:

• Why are you a participant at this Quake?

(i.e. friends are here, want to grow closer to God, nothing else to do, parents made me come, want to meet more Christians, strengthen my faith, didn’t want to feel left out, I come every year, etc.)

CLOSING

Ask a volunteer to close in prayer or read the following:

Heavenly God, thank You for this time together. Help each of us gain a deeper feeling of belonging to this youth group family. Teach us to listen for ways in which You welcome us and include us into Your family. All this we pray in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

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OPENING CELEBRATION FAMILY TIME

This Family Time takes place during Saturday’s Opening Celebration of Virtual Quake. There is built-in time to complete this after Terrence’s first talk.

EXAMINING THE THEME

Our theme for Quake this year is Belong, based on Romans 8:38-39.

Ask all participants to find the verses in their Bibles. Ask a volunteer to read Romans 8:38-39 and then discuss the following:

• What are some of the things you are absolutely convinced of right now?

• Certainly, life and death can separate us from some things. Why does Paul say we belong to God whether we’re alive in this world or not? What does this say about God’s power and presence? What does this say about us?

• The Bible says there are both angels and demons and they are stronger than us. Why is it a great comfort to know that neither angels nor demons can separate us from God’s love?

Belonging to another can take on different shapes and forms.

Give examples for different shapes and forms of belonging.

Together: peanut butter and jelly sandwich

Fuse: tea bag in hot water

Influence: dough with yeast

Rely: fire and wood

• How does Jesus want us to belong to Him?

Ask a volunteer to read I Peter 2:9-10 and then discuss the following:

• What are the four things Peter says we as Christians are?

• When did we become these things? How did it happen?

• What does that mean for us now? How can we apply these things to our lives today?

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Ask a volunteer to read Titus 2:11-14 and then discuss the following:

• What does grace mean?

• Who gets this grace?

• What does it teach us to do?

• What does this mean in our daily lives?

• What did Jesus do to make us His own?

• Why does He want us to be His own?

• How do we best say thanks?

BREAK FAMILY TIME (OPTIONAL)

This optional Family Time can be done during your meal break on Saturday afternoon of Virtual Quake.

OPENING


Lord Jesus Christ, You became one of us to die for all of us. Your death and resurrection on our behalf has broken down the barriers between us and our Heavenly Father and has brought us into Your eternal Kingdom. We belong because You supremely desired for us to belong to You, to Your family, to Your Kingdom forever and ever. Amen.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Read the following statements. Have each person hold up the number of fingers on one hand to show their response, 1 = totally disagree and 5 = totally agree. Give everyone an option to share the reason for their response and discuss:

I often feel left out of things in my family.

It’s hard for me to make friends.

I keep most of my deep thoughts and feelings hidden.

Belonging to Jesus gives me courage and strength.

I feel like I belong to a number of different groups.

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People seek me to hang out more than I seek them.

I’d rather stay in the shadows.

• How do you think Jesus would feel if you told him these things? Do you think you belong to Him?

DISCUSSION

There is a difference between being lonely and being alone. Sometimes we all need “alone time.” But even when we’re alone it’s important to know we belong to a family, a group, a people or a tribe.

• Why is it important to know even when we’re alone, that we do belong?

• Why is it comforting to know Jesus’ love is always with us?

• Why is it sometimes hard to believe?

Ask a volunteer to read Isaiah 7:14 and then discuss the following:

This is one of the great Old Testament prophecies about the coming Savior, the Messiah. This promised baby is called “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us.” We Christians believe Jesus is both fully God, as well as fully human, except He never sinned.

• Do you find comfort in knowing Jesus felt the pain, turmoil, frustrations, etc. humans feel?

• Do you feel God is “with” you now? If not, do you want to feel Him closer? If you feel He’s with you, how close are you with Him?

• What fears do people have of God being to close to them? Do you have any of those fears? It’s been said when someone messes up who doesn’t know Jesus they say,“Don’t tell my dad!” But when a follower of Jesus messes up they say, “I gotta tell my Dad!” What do each of these phrases say about how we view life?

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CLOSING CELEBRATION FAMILY TIME

This Family Time takes place during Saturday’s Closing Celebration of Virtual Quake. There is built-in time to complete this after Terrence’s last talk.

DISCUSSION

• A big fear people often feel today is known as F.O.M.O., the fear of missing out. Why is this such a real fear for so many?

• Another fear is F.O.B.L.O., the fear of being left out. What is the difference between these two fears things? Why is F.O.B.L.O. worse?

• Jesus dying for you on the cross assures you He will never make you feel F.O.B.L.O. Why does what Jesus did on the cross assure us of this? How do we keep the cross of Jesus central in our lives?

Ask a volunteer to read Matthew 11:28-30 and then discuss the following:

There is a deeper fatigue than just physical or body tiredness. Emotionally, socially, spiritually and intellectually we can feel exhausted. Sometimes these exhaustions are deeper than just wanting to close our eyes and rest our body. Jesus is inviting us to come to Him regardless of what kind of tired we are. Jesus offers us rest because He wants to handle all our issues, dilemmas and problems.

• What things in your life are most exhausting you right now?

• To take Jesus’ yoke means to become a disciple (student) of Jesus. Why does He want to teach us that He can give us rest? Will you let Him teach you?

• When a person is tired or burdened, they don’t need someone shouting at them, pushing or pulling on them or bossing them about. Jesus says He is gentle and humble of heart and gives rest to the soul. What does this kind of rest feel like? Is this a common feeling? What’s keeping you from getting that kind of rest right now?

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WRAP-UP FAMILY TIME (OPTIONAL)

This optional Family Time can be done after Virtual Quake.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Not every activity, song, message or study can hugely deepen your faith or make you think bigger thoughts. Each person shouldn’t just expect to be given this amazement, entertainment or enlightenment, but each person has a responsibility to get something out of that which is offered.

• What are you taking away from today? Did you feel or sense the presence of God’s Spirit in this Quake? What helped that happen or what kept that from happening?

Ask everyone to answer the following and discuss:

• My “high” for today was… Why?

• My “low” for today was… Why?

Ask a volunteer to read Galatians 6:9-10 and then discuss the following:

These verses encourage us to not become weary in doing good, but also not to neglect the family of believers. Who would want to be part of a family that didn’t take care of their own?

Distribute paper and pen/pencil to each person in the group or allow everyone a chance to grab paper and pen/pencil. Ask them to draw a line down the center of the page. On the left-hand side ask them to list groups they belong to (i.e. family, band, soccer team, etc.). On the right-hand side ask them to list how they can live out their Christian faith in each group (i.e. serve others, share faith, offer kindness, etc.)

Read the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 or tell in your own words, the story of Zacchaeus in the tree and Jesus going to him.

Remind everyone that Zacchaeus was a hated man in his community because as a tax collector, he stole from all the people. Tell how Jesus welcomed Zacchaeus into a relationship and Zacchaeus’ response. This is the same Jesus who loves, accepts and welcomes us every day, forever!

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Jesus invites even those who we would see as the worst “sinners” (in the eyes of God, no sin is better or worse than another; however, we have a hard time understanding this) to belong to His family.

• Who can you think of in your life that needs to know they belong to a loving God?

• As you move past this Quake, what do you most want to remember from it? What will you most want to tell others about it?

• How can you best tell others that Jesus wants them to know they belong to Him and His family, too?

CLOSING

Ask a few participants to share how they know they belong to this group. Talk about why our self-satisfaction is helped or destroyed by our feelings of belonging or being excluded. Then ask a volunteer to close in prayer or read the following:

Loving Lord Jesus, You know what it feels like to be abandoned and you know what it feels like to belong to someone or someones. Help us to help others feel like they belong to You and to Your family. All this we pray in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

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POST-QUAKE BIBLE STUDY

VIRTUAL QUAKE 2021




Romans 8:38-39

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LEADER NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Never before has our world needed to know the truth of God wanting to be with us, and that He has gone to incredible lengths so we can belong to Him. This study reminds us whose we are, which in turn helps us remember, who we are. Although this study is primarily for those who attended, others who do this study will easily follow, understand, and be blessed in it as well. This study includes an “Additional Exploration” section (outlined in box). This section is optional and can be used if your group is ready to dive deeper into faith discussions.

TEXT DESIGNATIONS



Italicized & Bold Text indicates a prayer or Bible verse that may be read by the leader or another participant.

PREPARATION


• Bibles



• Joshua 1:1-9

• 2 Peter 3:8-9

• 2 Peter 3:18 (Additional Exploration)

• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (Additional Exploration)

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OPENING (10 minutes)


Lord Jesus, God of all, God of our hearts, there are many in this world who pick and choose who are to be loved, who are to be valued. We don’t always fit into the popular and prestigious, the accepted and acknowledged. We have felt caved in and left out. But you choose us. You choose us to be Your beloved. We belong to You. Strengthen our faith as Your Beloved and Belonging. All this we pray in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

The theme for Quake this year was Belong, based on Romans 8:38-39.

Begin the discussion by asking everyone what they think people need to feel before they consider themselves to belong to a person or group.

Read each statement in the list below. After each statement, ask students to respond by giving a thumbs up if they believe the statement is true for them, a thumbs down if they believe the statement is false for them or a closed fist if they are neutral. Ask students to share why they answered the way they did.

• I’m feeling close to Jesus, but I could grow closer.

• Sometimes I worry my faults/sins will keep Jesus from loving me.

• I feel if I show I believe in/love Jesus too much, others will exclude me.

• I bounce between feeling close to God and then later wondering where He is.

• I feel like I belong to God, but only because He has to love me.

EXPANDING OUR UNDERSTANDING (15 minutes)

Ask a volunteer to read Joshua 1:1-9 and then discuss the following:

• What is the promise God gives Joshua in verse 5? Why is this of utmost importance?

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• In verses 6-9, three times God says to “be strong and courageous.” Where is Joshua supposed to get the power to do this? From himself or others or…?

• In verse 9, God tells Joshua to do two things and not to do two things. What are all these things? Again, God says why! What does this say about the power of a person when they belong to God?

Ask a volunteer to read 2 Peter 3:8-9 and then discuss the following:

• Why is God patient with His people? How important do you think this is to Him?

• Is it comforting or distressing to know that God was here before you were born and will be here even after your life is over?

• Does God want everyone to belong to Him?

• What does it mean to come to repentance?

• Did Jesus die for everyone?

• How does repentance connect us to what Jesus did on the cross?

ADDITIONAL EXPLORATION

MEDITATION (20-30 minutes)

Make sure every person has a piece of paper and a pen/pencil. On the front side of the piece of paper, ask each person to draw two vertical lines from the top to the bottom which will separate the sheet into three equal vertical columns. Ask each person to label the columns as followed:

At the top of the first column write: “Groups I belong to” (i.e. family, 9th grade, drama club, band, etc.).

At the top of the middle column write: “People I belong with” (i.e. parents/family, best friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, gamer group, neighborhood kids, etc.).

At the top of the third column write: “Things I do/can do to make other people know they belong to me” (i.e. make effort to do extra chores

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around home, don’t just wait for others to text/call me first, send hand-written notes, spend time with them, etc.) Give just a few minutes for everyone to fill-in the columns.

Ask everyone to share the groups and people they belong to/with and then discuss the following:

• What are your favorite groups or people to whom you belong?

• Are there hard groups or people to be involved with?

• What makes a group or person a favorite of yours?

• How does it feel to fit in with Jesus?

• When is this uncomfortable or painful?

• How does remembering Jesus’ sacrifice for us help us understand that we belong to Him?

• How can you show others you belong to Jesus?

Ask a volunteer to read 2 Peter 3:18 and then discuss the following:

• What is the grace in which we are to grow?

• How is this different from the knowledge of Jesus?

• Why should we grow in both? How hard is this?

• What are some ways we can grow in grace and knowledge?

• What are some ways we can help others grow in grace and

knowledge?

• How will this growing help us feel more confident in belonging to Jesus, His family and His kingdom?

• How long should this growing last? Why?

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EXPLORATION (10 minutes)

Ask a volunteer to read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and then discuss the following:

• Notice where Paul gets his authority to talk about the Lord’s Supper. Why is this important? Who gets to set the rules for what the Lord’s Supper is?

• Notice how Paul marks the time when Jesus gave this gift, “On the night He was betrayed.” All of the disciples “betrayed” Jesus, either by selling Him out, denying Him or abandoning Him. Are you inclined to give a great gift to someone you know will betray you? What does this say about Jesus’ love?

• The Lord’s Supper is also known as Holy Communion: communion with God and communion with other believers. What does it mean to be “in communion” with someone? Why did Jesus give this gift? What does being in communion with God and with each other do for us? Does this help us feel like we belong to God and to other brothers and sisters in faith?

CLOSING

Ask everyone to get comfortable. Try to make sure that everyone has a clear line of sight to every other person. Go around the group and ask everyone to share one thing they need to be supported in by the group and by God (i.e. making the basketball team, an upcoming solo performance, praying for parents’ relationship, helping a sick relative, etc.). Then ask a volunteer to close in prayer or read the following:

Lord Jesus, You came to be with us, You claim us as Your own. We’re called to belong to Your family and Your kingdom. Help us now support others in their hopes and needs and help us receive the support from others. All this we pray in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

leader’s guide - quake event

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