| For the Week of December, 6 2009
Winter, Lesson 1 Upper Elementary: Fasten Your Seatbelt
Your students will learn how Christ's birth was foretold through many prophecies in the Bible.
Click here to download the lesson » Upper Elementary Resource Links: - Watch this video by Josh McDowell as he shows how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Fasten your seatbelts and turn on your mind because he presents a lot of information and talks very fast.
- To see a list of prophecies that Jesus fulfilled, check out this website.
Middle School: Mission Impossible
Your students will learn to let God take control of their impossible circumstances.
Click here to download the lesson » Middle School Resource Links:
- Watch this video about a little girl who was faced with what seemed to be an impossible situation - either her brother would die or she believed that she would die giving a blood transfusion to her sibling. While she didn't understand that giving a blood transfusion wasn't life-threatening, she was willing to lay down her life for her brother.
High School: Formed in Love
Students will contemplate how God formed them with purpose by reflecting on a story of an operation done on a baby in the womb.
Click here to download the lesson » High School Resource Links:
- On August 19, 1999, a veteran photojournalist, Mr. Clancy, was hired by USA Today to photograph a surgery. The operation was for a child with spina bifida and this specialized surgical procedure was going to be performed on a twenty-one week old unborn baby. The baby, in his mother's womb, was operated on through a small incision. During the surgery, the baby's entire arm thrust out of the incision and then pulled back until just his little hand showed. As the doctor reached over and lifted the baby's hand, the baby squeezed the doctor's finger. Just then, a photograph was taken. This picture later would be seen by millions, referred to by the media as "the hand of a fetus that touched the world." Mr. Clancy calls the photo "the hand of hope"-having no idea that it would change his life forever. The photo and story related to this event can be seen at this website. To see a picture of the boy ten years after the surgery, click here.
Adults: Relationships and God's Plan
Students will discuss how God used the relationship of Naomi and Ruth in His plan of redemption and restoration for the whole world.
Click here to download the lesson » Adult Resource Links: - Since this week's lesson talks about older adults mentoring younger adults, you might want to read this article about how older women can mentor younger women.
- If you feel that the older adults in your church are not being honored and involved in church life as much as they could be, here is a website with multiple resources for senior adult ministries and ideas for a Senior Adult Sunday.
- Another classic Advent hymn is "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" by Charles Wesley. You can hear a beautiful rendition of this hymn performed at this website.
For the Week of November, 29 2009
Fall, Lesson 13 Upper Elementary: Peace Out!
In this lesson, your students will learn about an outstanding individual who pursued the path of peace when it would have been so easy not to. They will also play a couple of games that will help them think of useful ways to handle conflict in their daily lives.
Click here to download the lesson » Upper Elementary Resource Links: - In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era. Before he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, white players played in one league and African-American players played in another. It wasn't easy for him. For a long time, whenever he came to bat, people in the crowd booed him and called him hateful names. Even some of his own teammates didn't want to play with him. He could have gotten angry. He could have fought back. But he didn't. Instead, he played baseball the best he knew how. That first year, he went on to win the league's Rookie of the Year Award. Learn more about Jackie Robinson.
- For a photo gallery showing highlights from Jackie Robinson's life, click here.
Middle School: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Students will consider the benefits of perseverance in everyday tasks and the consequences of giving up.
Click here to download the lesson » High School: Trusting God through the Big Tests
Students will think of times when they have faced tests and trials and begin to incorporate these trying situations into their theology.
Click here to download the lesson » High School Resource Links:
- Have you ever felt that God placed you in a situation that was bigger than you could handle? Maybe you are facing an overwhelming situation right now. How does your faith in God help you through this time? Read the following articles about two families that have trusted the Lord in the midst of very difficult circumstances.
- The Works family lost two daughters in a shooting at New Life Church in Colorado Springs in late 2007. Read the article. David Works speaks about his faith and the aftermath of his daughters' death in this video.
- The Lawrenson family have been through one medical crisis after another including cystic fibrosis, the premature birth of their daughter, a double lung transplant, and cancer,read about that crisis here. Read Nathan Lawrenson's blog that talks about his faith while waiting to see if his wife and daughter will survive childbirth.
Adults: Hope for the Future
Students will discuss the hope we have in Christ's return and how that hope affects the life we live right now.
Click here to download the lesson » Adult Resource Links: - Since this is the first Sunday of Advent, you may want to watch this video of the classic Advent hymn, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel".
- The debate about when Christ will return has centered on the Book of Revelation. Over the centuries four historic positions have developed based on what Revelation tells us about Jesus' return. This article explains those four positions.
- If you have read any of the popular Left Behind series of books, be sure to look at this article by Carl Olsen on the dispensational theology behind that series (and behind most other best-selling prophecy books).
For the Week of November, 22 2009
Fall, Lesson 12 Upper Elementary: Never Get Lost Again!
Almost everyone has been lost at one time or another. In this lesson, students will contemplate how, with God by their side, they need never feel lost again.
Click here to download the lesson » Upper Elementary Resource Links: - According to a recent study, the city that is easiest to get lost in is London, where one in ten people said they find it impossible to get around. Not only are you more likely to be lost in London, you're more likely to get bad directions. That's because one in three Londoners admitted they've actually given someone the wrong directions - not accidentally, but on purpose. For more information about getting lost in London and other places, click here.
Middle School: "Michael Oher and the Mousetraps"
Students will have an opportunity to experience how hard it can be to trust someone in the midst of a stressful and difficult situation. They will also be encouraged to trust God as they learn about Abraham's faith.
Click here to download the lesson » Middle School Resource Links:
- The Blind Side is a movie that depicts the remarkable true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teenager, whose world is turned upside down one day when he's spotted on the street by Leigh Anne Tuohy (played by Sandra Bullock). Upon learning that the young man is one of her daughter's classmates at Briarcrest Christian School, Leigh Anne insists that Michael - wearing shorts and a t-shirt in the dead of winter - come in out of the cold. Without a moment's hesitation, she invites him to stay at the Tuohy home for the night. What starts out as a gesture of kindness turns into something more as Michael becomes part of the Tuohy family despite the differences in their backgrounds. To find more information about this story and the movie that will be released on Nov. 20th, go to the following websites.
High School: Prayer Always Perseveres
Students will discern between self-centered and God-centered prayers as they study the model of Abraham.
Click here to download the lesson » High School Resource Links:
- Prayer. Ancient mystics loved it, orthodox believers practice it, and authors love to write about it. Its methods have been interpreted by pagans, eastern religions, mainstream denominations, and followers of Jesus Christ. It's not surprising that teenagers-especially those without a strong biblical background-can be confused by prayer and all its variations. Is it an insurance policy? A back-up plan? A comforting bit of fluff in times of stress? Or is it something else entirely? Check out a few of the cartoons at that portray some of the different ways that people treat prayer here.
Adults: Life and Godliness
Students will think about what it means to live a godly life like Peter describes.
Click here to download the lesson » Adult Resource Links: - Since we are starting a study of 2 Peter this week, an overview of the book can be found by clicking here.
- This is the Sunday before Thanksgiving. If your class wants to discuss what it means to be truly thankful, check out these articles from the Christianity Today web site:
- If you would like to celebrate Thanksgiving with a song, here are some videos you can listen to or sing along with:
For the Week of November, 15 2009
Fall, Lesson 11 Upper Elementary: Patience is a Virtue
Your students will learn why it's important to wait for things to happen in God's time and will talk about ways to help make that waiting easier.
Click here to download the lesson » Upper Elementary Resource Links: - In 2006, a high school football player in California named Ben Faber suffered a broken hand. He was supposed to wear a cast for a few weeks. Instead of waiting for his hand to heal, however, he cut off his cast so he could go back to playing football. Shortly after Ben returned to playing football, he injured his hand again. He ended up missing the rest of the season-his last season in high school. To read more about Ben's story, click here.
- Some people use Advent calendars to help them prepare for Christmas. Unlike wall calendars, which mark the 365 days of the year, Advent calendars have 24 little flaps or windows to mark the days of Advent. Inside each window is a Bible verse telling part of the story of Christ's birth. Each day from December 1 until Christmas Eve, a window is opened and the Bible verse is read. To view a collection of historical Advent calendars, check out the Online Advent Calendar Museum here.
Middle School: Know, Believe, Trust
Students will participate in a trust activity in order to better understand the relationship between knowledge, belief and trust.
Click here to download the lesson » High School: Full Speed Ahead?
Your class will discover that waiting for God's plan brings about the best in each of their lives.
Click here to download the lesson » High School Resource Links:
- Could you pass the "Marshmallow test? Watch this humorous video about young kids who try to resist the temptation to eat the marshmallows that are set before them.
Adults: No Pain, No Gain
Students will discuss how to respond to personal suffering in a way that causes them to grow and mature spiritually.
Click here to download the lesson » Adult Resource Links: - Are the bones of the apostle Peter buried beneath St. Peter's Church in Rome, as the Roman Catholic Church has claimed for centuries? These three Web sites explore both sides of that issue. Included is a video of the ancient Roman cemetery that has been excavated directly beneath the main altar of St. Peter's.
For the Week of November, 08 2009
Fall, Lesson 10 Upper Elementary: Provision Through Prayer
Your students will empathize with children who have heart conditions preventing them from having normal lives, most having short life expectancies. Through the prayers, support, and resources of Children's Heart Project, children from other countries overcome obstacles for a new chance at life.
Click here to download the lesson » Upper Elementary Resource Links: - The Children's Heart Project is an organization that saves the lives of children with life-threatening heart problems. They bring children from other countries that don't have the medical care or resources to provide these children a new chance at life. Doctors and hospitals in North America volunteer to give these children life-saving operations. Watch a video about the project here.
- Read a story about a 12-year old girl whose prayers were answered through the Children's Heart Project. Click here for the full article.
Middle School: Learning to Honor God with Our Possessions
Students will be challenged to think about how they can use their possessions to honor God. They will learn from the real-life examples of two Colorado families, as well as discover how Abraham honored God with his wealth of belongings.
Click here to download the lesson » Middle School Resource Links:
- Recently, in the news, the nation was captivated by the story of a little boy who was believed to have flown off inside the large helium-filled balloon his father had been building in the backyard. Later on, it was determined that the whole story was a hoax. To watch a couple video clips about this story, see the following websites.
- On Feb. 24th, sparks from a passing train caught Margery Kusulas's property on fire and eventually burned her house to the ground. However, Margery didn't allow the tragedy to get her down. Instead of simply rebuilding with the money she received from the Union Pacific Railroad, she decided to build a church. Read more about this story here.
High School: Who Wants To Be A Multimillionaire?
Students will look at the role money plays in their lives and contemplate if they are trusting God or trusting money.
Click here to download the lesson » High School Resource Links:
- A recent poll conducted by Northwestern Mutual asked young adults how much they think they'll need before they can retire. See the results here.
Adults: Poised for Growth
How and why do we need to grow up in our faith? We'll look at ways to grow spiritually, as well as make a commitment to more spiritual growth in our lives.
Click here to download the lesson » Adult Resource Links: - Both Jesus and Muhammad claimed to be the "cornerstone"-that is, the one sure foundation of life and faith. A discussion of the differences in the two men and what they claimed can be found at this website.
- William Barclay has an intriguing analysis at this Web page of the Book of 1 Peter, including what he says are nine pictures that Peter used in his letter to show who Jesus is.
For the Week of November, 01 2009
Fall, Lesson 9 Upper Elementary: Recipe for Life
This lesson will help students understand the importance of following directions by watching a trial-and-error cooking demonstration.
Click here to download the lesson » Middle School: Hit the Road, Jack!
Students will think about the leap of faith that Abram had to make when God told him to take his family and his possessions and leave his home. They will also consider ways in which God is calling them to obey and how they want to respond.
Click here to download the lesson » Middle School Resource Links:
- According to a recent article in Newsweek magazine, fewer Americans are relocating than at any time since 1962. For more information on relocation trends in America, click here.
High School: God's Word: The Ultimate GPS System
Students will learn how God guides them in an adventure of faith.
Click here to download the lesson » High School Resource Links:
- View the following short video clips about two teenagers who conquered extraordinary adventures at a young age. One is a 17 year-old that was the youngest to ever circumnavigate the globe alone in a sailboat, and the other shows the youngest American woman ever-at age 18-conquering the summit of Mt. Everest.
Adults: Loving Holiness
Students will discuss how holiness and love should characterize their everyday actions and their relationships with others.
Click here to download the lesson »
For the Week of October, 25 2009
Fall, Lesson 8 Upper Elementary: Survivor: Mt. Ararat Edition
This lesson will help students think about God's promise to save and how that promise of salvation is freely given even though we don't deserve it.
Click here to download the lesson » Middle School: God vs. Pride
Students will discuss the temptation of pride and ways to overcome it by honoring God with the gifts He's given them.
Click here to download the lesson » Middle School Resource Links:
- Eric Liddell was a famous runner from Scotland who was selected to compete in the 1924 Olympics. People thought he'd probably win the gold medal in the 100-meter race. There was just one problem: Eric was a strong Christian, and the 100-meter was being held on a Sunday. He believed it was wrong to race on the Lord's Day, so he decided not to compete. God honored that choice. In the 400-meter, held on a different day, Eric wasn't supposed to be as good. However, he set a world record and took home the gold! Read about Eric Liddell's amazing story as an Olympic gold medalist and as a missionary to China at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Liddell
High School: Evil In Overdrive
This lesson will encourage students to look beyond the things that are wrong with the world and focus on their merciful Creator!
Click here to download the lesson » Adults: One Thing You Lack
Students will come to understand that Jesus calls us to find our treasure in heaven and not on earth.
Click here to download the lesson » Adult Resource Links: - For more discussion on the rich young ruler and how the Bible views our possessions, see this website.
- This scene from the Jesus of Nazareth film illustrates what Jesus' encounter with the ruler might have looked like. Click here to watch the video.
- This video to the Derek Webb song, "Rich Young Ruler," reminds us of how much we in the Western world have in relation to the rest of the world. Click here to watch the video.
For the Week of October, 18 2009
Fall, Lesson 7 Upper Elementary: Gotta Obey
Students will create their own unique animal and reflect on why God cares for the creatures He created, and why He saved Noah from the flood.
Click here to download the lesson » Upper Elementary Resource Links: - Check out a museum website which lets users mix-and-match different animal parts to create their own unique animal. You can find it at this website.
Middle School: Believable or Unbelievable?
Students will discuss some believable and unbelievable statements and think about what it's like to trust God, even if something sounds unbelievable.
Click here to download the lesson » Middle School Resource Links:
- If someone told you that if you eat too much candy, you'd grow up to be a criminal, would you believe him/her? Well, it turns out that maybe you should. Read a recent study by the British Journal of Psychology at this website.
High School: Ruined Brownies, Reconciled Lives
This lesson will point out the seriousness of sin and show how Jesus solves this problem.
Click here to download the lesson » High School Resource Links:
- Read a story about one father's attempt to teach his teenagers that sin should not be taken lightly. His lesson involves brownies made with a very unique ingredient. The story is called Dad's Brownies and can be found at this website.
- Watch a video clip from Les Miserables that represents God's grace and forgiveness towards us. You can find the video clip here.
Adults: Perseverance Pays Off
Students will discuss what it means to have relentless faith and how they can exhibit this type of faith in their lives.
Click here to download the lesson » Adult Resource Links: - The apostles came back to Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon) after Jesus' resurrection to preach the Gospel and start churches, so the church there has a very long history, as this website points out.
- Some interesting commentary on Jesus' visit with the Phoenician woman is at this website.
For the Week of October, 11 2009
Fall, Lesson 6 Upper Elementary: Wrong + Repentant Heart = Right
Your students will discuss ways to respond to correction in a positive way.
Click here to download the lesson » Upper Elementary Resource Links: - Denver Broncos' receiver Brandon Marshall was suspended from his football team until September 5th for a bad attitude. He displayed his bad attitude on the field during practice by walking while the team ran, punting the ball instead of handing it to the ball boy, and swatting a pass that was thrown to him. Even after being warned by his coaches, he didn't correct his attitude which led to a temporarily suspension for failing to be a team player. For the complete article on Marshall's suspension, click here.
- Do you have a hard time apologizing to people? Do you feel like you don't know what to say? Learn how to make good apologies by clicking here.
Middle School: Harsh or Fair Consequences?
Students will look at a current news story, discuss consequences and fairness, and integrate these concepts into today's lesson.
Click here to download the lesson » Middle School Resource Links:
- Plaxico Burress, the former Giants receiver, was sentenced to two years in prison and taken into custody. In court he apologized to his family—his wife, unborn daughter and three-year old son as well as to his fans (through his attorney). His sentence was a part of a plea agreement where Burress pleaded guilty to one count of attempted criminal possession of a weapon. Ten months prior, Burress had taken a concealed gun to a Manhattan nightclub and had accidentally shot himself in his own leg; no one else was injured. Do you think Plaxico Burress' punishment fit his crime? To find out more about this story, go here.
High School: The Biggest Loser
Students will discuss how carrying sin slows them down spiritually.
Click here to download the lesson » High School Resource Links:
- In the hit show The Biggest Loser, (http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/) contestants lose up to a hundred pounds over a period of time. They exercise. They eat healthier. They tackle tough challenges that once seemed impossible. Last season the final contestants were asked to complete a race-with a twist. They had to put the weight back on! Several weighted pieces were placed on their arms, legs, and torso. It hurt their back. It pulled on their shoulders. Even though they once carried that weight every day, they realized how much harder it made breathing, how much stress it put on their joints, and how it slowed them down. How is sin like a weight? How does it slow us down? Read the lesson this week and find out.
Adults: The Touch of Jesus
Students will talk about the difference between human measures of help and the wholeness God brings to lives, and they will bring their needs for wholeness to God.
Click here to download the lesson »
For the Week of October, 04 2009
Fall, Lesson 5 Upper Elementary: 20/20 Vision
This lesson helps students think about what it's like to be able to see after years of blindness. This dawning light is similar to having someone lovingly correct our mistakes—when understanding dawns, it's as if we suddenly see something for the first time.
Click here to download the lesson » Upper Elementary Resource Links: - Nine years ago Kay Thornton had a very rare reaction to some medication she was taking. It caused the outer layer of her skin to blister and shed. It even killed the cells on the surface of her eyes. This scarred her corneas and made her blind. She has been blind ever since. This year, doctors said they had figured out a way to help her. They were going to take a tooth from her own mouth, put a specially made lens in it, and implant that in her eye. This operation would definitely make her look different than anyone else, but it was the only way she would be able to see again. A video about her experience is found here.
- For more information about Thornton's surgery, click here.
Middle School: Kanye, Food Coloring, and Christ
Students will recognize sin in the world and sin in their own lives. They will get an opportunity to visually see how Christ takes away our sin and gives us the gift of salvation!
Click here to download the lesson » Middle School Resource Links:
- At MTV's Video Music Awards show last month, Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift as she was receiving her award for "Best Female Video". If this would have happened to you, how would you have responded? Check out the video »
- This past spring, a 23-year-old man in Nebraska named Jonathan Thomas wanted to change his name to "Sinner Lawrence Bilskirnir". Why would Jonathan want to be called "Sinner"? Find out the reason here.
High School: World's Biggest Failure
Today's lesson is about the original—and ultimate—human failure. Adam and Eve decided to reject God's loving authority and become their own authority. Ever since, every human born has duplicated the same failure. Because of this, all of creation has been messed up.
Click here to download the lesson » High School Resource Links:
- Take a lighthearted look at failure by checking out this website. Some of the site's laughable gaffes are fairly straightforward, while others rely heavily on irony. Also, the blog is generally clean, but it never hurts to screen in advance for dicey content.
Adults: Finding Jesus
Students will talk about why people still seek Jesus.
Click here to download the lesson » Adult Resource Links: - Watch these videos of Capernaum, the town where Jesus did much of His ministry and where Jesus was staying when He "left [Peter's] house and went off to a solitary place" to pray (Mark 1:35):
- More information on this Scripture passage and on leprosy can be found at these Web pages:
For the Week of September, 27 2009
Fall, Lesson 4 Upper Elementary: With Love, From God
By seeing and sampling a wide variety of the things God has created for our enjoyment, students will begin to understand the love with which God created the world.
Click here to download the lesson » Upper Elementary Resource Links: - For just a small example of all the unique things God has created for our enjoyment, watch this video about some of the more unusual kinds of fruit that exist.
- What is your favorite kind of chocolate? For more information about the different varieties of chocolate, click here.
- Did you know that there are many different kinds of honey that can range from pale white to a deep, even ruby color? For more information about the different varieties of honey, visit this website.
Middle School: BFF
Students will grow in their understanding of friendships and learn ways to deepen their relationships with the people around them.
Click here to download the lesson » Middle School Resource Links:
- What are the personal qualities that are most important in a friendship? A recent survey listed the top 23 qualities that many people are looking for in a friend. You can find the list here.
High School: Solid Bonds
Your students will learn that in order to connect with others, they first have to connect with God.
Click here to download the lesson » High School Resource Links:
- This is a humorous music video by Brad Paisley that illustrates what love is not. The video is called I'm going to Miss Her. You can find it here.
- Do you ever feel like you are living as a fake Christian? Watch the following video detailing how important it is to have a real relationship with Christ. http://www.tangle.com.
- Here is a game that will challenge your students' ability to clap in rhythm. Check it out here.
Adults: Our Best Work for Him
The class will discuss the challenge of speaking out when God calls us to and being faithful in our work for God.
Click here to download the lesson » Adult Resource Links: - More information about the Grimke sisters can be found at this Web page.
- In 2007, some archaeologists believed they found one of Nehemiah's walls on the east side of Jerusalem. These Web sites explain what was found and why it was dated to the time of Nehemiah:
- This video is one of a series on the Persian Empire and the kings who established it, including Cyrus the Great and Darius, the kings who reigned before Artaxerxes I. Included are artists' reconstructions of the magnificent Persian capital of Persepolis, where Nehemiah may have served as cup bearer for the king.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCwxJsk14e4
For the Week of September, 20 2009
Fall, Lesson 3 Upper Elementary: What is Your Purpose?
Your students will see an eye-opening video of people being interviewed with the question, "What is your purpose?" They will compare secular and Biblical worldviews concerning purpose for people and the earth. Upper Elementary Resource Links: - "What is your purpose?" How would you answer that question? In the following interview all kinds of people were asked the same question. See how they responded by going to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap0o0pTGvgY&NR=1
Middle School: God Doesn't Make Junk!
Students will watch a video about the oldest known conjoined twins and be encouraged by their message about an individual's purpose on earth. Middle School Resource Links:
- Conjoined twins often share body parts, and sometimes they even share internal organs. Some can be separated by surgeons. Others have no choice but to remain joined together and to learn to live that way. Lori and Reba Schappell are joined at their heads and share about 30% of their brains. They are bright and alert, and both sisters have an incredible attitude about God's purpose for their lives. Watch a video about their story at: http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Story?id=2401005&page=1
High School: Even Me!
By contrasting the empty self-esteem builders of pop culture with the value God places on his creation, students will recognize just how precious they are in God's sight. High School Resource Links:
- In writing essays, texts and blogs, all in the same Palatino and Times New Roman font, everyone's writing looks the same. However, from now on, when you're typing in a computer journal or blogging your thoughts to friends, you can do so in your own unique handwriting. Try this out at: www.fontcapture.com. Let the individuality of your handwriting remind you that God has made you one-of-a-kind.
Adults: Who's to Blame?
Students will examine their attitudes toward personal and corporate sin and God's desire for them to respond to sin with a broken and contrite heart.
For the Week of September, 13 2009
Fall, Lesson 2 Upper Elementary: Creation Matters!
Your students will learn that God showed His mighty wisdom when creating a world that interacts in perfect order and harmony. Middle School: Loved.No Matter What!
Your students will learn that nothing they do will make God love them more, and nothing they do will make Him love them less. Middle School Resource Links:
- What does God thinks about you? Does He judge your actions in the same way your peers do? Discover what God thinks of you by listening to the story about the life of Punchinello. You can see his story, You Are Special, at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Scj3A1cLVzY High School: Designer's Touch
Your class will discover how God, the great Designer, has plans for each of their lives. |
