A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark.
Chinese proverb
Monthly Archives: June 2006
Poem for Moms and Dads
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my sanity to keep.
For if some peace I do not find,
I’m pretty sure I’ll lose my mind.
I pray I find a little quiet
Far from the daily family riot
May I lie back–not have to think
about what they’re stuffing down the sink,
or who they’re with, or where they’re at
and what they’re doing to the cat.
I pray for time all to myself
(did something just fall off a shelf?)
To cuddle in my nice, soft bed
(Oh no, another goldfish–dead!)
Some silent moments for goodness sake
(Did I just hear a window break?)
And that I need not cook or clean–
(well heck, I’ve got the right to dream)
Yes now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my wits about me keep,
But as I look around I know–
I must have lost them long ago!
Holiday CollectionGames and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.
Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of ideas to help you plan your next New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween or Fall Festival, and Thanksgiving event. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re going to do for all these holidays and how you’re going to do it, this resource is for you.
=> Tell me more about the Holiday Collection
Romans and Christians
Game Description
In this classic simulation game, youth learn what it means to stand up for one’s faith and to totally trust God even in situations where they may face incredible adversity.
Game Materials
None
Optimal Group Size
Minimum of 8 youth, preferrably a larger group. (Depending on the size of the group leaders can take the roles as Romans and Angels)
Game Venue
Large facility with many rooms and lots of room for participants to run around.
Game Preparation
As a pre-game brief, read the following scenario to the youth:
“Everybody close your eyes. You are no longer at camp. You have been transported to the first century A.D., where disciples of Christ are being persecuted. You are a Christian, but you are facing opposition from the government. Anyone who publicly acknowledges that they are a Christian is condemned to be thrown to the lions. Guards wander the streets, interrogating common people in order to eliminate unwanted Christians. It is into this atmosphere that you will find yourself when you step out of this room. Today is not an ordinary day, however. There is a secret gathering of Christians in a yet-to-be-disclosed location. Your goal is to find your way to the secret location and join your brothers and sisters in this secret “underground church” meeting. Along the way you may be approached by one of the guards, who will simply ask you, “Roman or Christian?” If you reply, “Roman,” you will not be held any longer and you will be sent on your way. If you reply, “Christian,” you will be taken to a holding cell to await your fate with the lions. Picture yourself in such a society. What will you do?
WHAT THE KIDS DON’T KNOW (but you do)
- The location of the secret meeting (make sure it’s big enough for everybody)
- Some of the guards (perhaps one out of five) are actually Christians and will not only set you free if you admit you are a Christian, but they will give you a hint as to where the secret meeting is.
- Some of those who stand up for their faith and are sent to the holding cell (early in the game) will be broken free by an amazing work of the Holy Spirit (angels come and hold the guards, allowing the prisoners to go free). Those who are caught much later in the game will not be released and will be told of their untimely demise at the hands of the lions (there were martyrs, you know).
OTHER NOTES:
- There should be at least one guard for every 5 people or so, or nobody will ever get caught.
- The secret meeting place needs to be hidden well enough that everybody won’t find it within five minutes. Once people find the secret church, they MAY NOT LEAVE to bring others in; it is simply too dangerous.
- The larger the playing area, the better.
Game Debrief
This is the most important part of the entire game, and it must be done in a very sensitive way:
- Some kids will have denied their faith and might feel bad about it.
- Others will think it was no big deal to lie about not being a Christian so they could reach their goal.
- Others might be afraid of what might happen to them if they stand up for their faith in real life.
The debrief is an opportunity for you to really reach the kids on what it means to stand up for one’s faith and to totally trust God even in situations where they may face incredible adversity.
Optional Conclusion
In some places, peoples lives are in jeopardy today as Christians. Our lives may not be in jeopardy, but there are still pressures for us to deny our faith. If you admit you are a Christian, friends might ridicule you, You might not get that job promotion. You might be deemed as old fashioned and out of touch with today’s reality. The threats are more subtle and the consequences may seem less severe, but there are still pressures. Are you bold enough to stand up for your faith regardless of the circumstances?
Application
What is one situation that if you face this week, you will commit to take a stand for Christ?
Scripture
Mark 13:9-13, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 1 Corinthians 16:13,
MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”
200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.
Children Are Like Kites
You spend years trying to get them off the ground. You run with them until you are both breathless. They crash … they hit the roof … you patch, comfort and assure them that someday they will fly.
Finally, they are airborne. They need more string, and you keep letting it out. They tug, and with each twist of the twine, there is sadness that goes with joy.
The kite becomes more distant, and you know it won’t be long before that beautiful creature will snap the lifeline that binds you together and will soar as meant to soar … free and alone.
Only then do you know that you have done your job.
Author Unknown, Source Unknown
MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”
200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.
At the Mercy of Others?
“All of us at times find ourselves and our futures seemingly in the hands of other people. Their decisions or their actions determine whether we get a good grade or a poor one, whether we arepromoted or fired, whether our careers blossom or fold. I am not overlooking our own responsibility in these situations, but all of us know that even when we have, so to speak, done our best, we are still dependent upon the favor or frown of that teacher or boss or commanding officer. We are, from a human point of view, often at the mercy of other people and their decisions or actions…
Can we trust God that He can and will work in the heart of that individual to bring about His plan for us? Or consider the instance when someone is out to harm us, to ruin our reputation, or jeopardize our career: Can we trust God to intervene in the heart of that person so that he does not carry out his evil intent? According to the Bible, the answer in both instances is yes. We can trust God.”
Source: Jerry Bridges, “Trusting God” (NavPress)
MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”
200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.
Falling Leaf
Game Description
In this group builder, youth will learn to trust one another.
Game Materials
Blindfold (optional)
Optimal Group Size
8-12 youth. For large groups, break the group up into smaller ones of 8-12 people.
Game Venue
Open area large enough for the groups to form two lines facing each other.
Game Preparation
Preclude this game with a reminder that there should be no funny business in this game. Each person must be able to trust the group explicitely. Everything said and done must be towrd building this trust.
Game Play
- A group of 8-12 youth line up in two lines facing each other about a body’s width apart.
- A blindfolded volunteer lies face-up on the floor between the two lines. (Alternatively you can ask the person simply to keep thier eyes shut.)
- The two lines then lean over and placing their hands palms up, carefully position them beneath the volunteer. Hands should be gently placed from head to foot in order to fully support the person’s body.
- Slowly and gently raise the volunteer off the floor while gently rocking back and forth lengthwise. Imagine a “falling leaf” gently rocking back and forth as it falls from a tree.
- The group continues to raise and rock the volunteer until he/she is lifted above their heads and then proceed to lower them back to the floor in the same manner. Repeat the activity with each member of the group.
Optional Debrief
- How did it feel as you were lifted and lowered back to the ground?
- How did you feel, placing yourself under the control of the group?
- Did you have doubts, when you began?
- What things allowed you to trust the group?
- Is trust important in a youth group?
- What are some areas that you have difficulty trusting others?
Optional Conclusion
Life is full of opportunities requiring trust. We don’t have to face life alone. Unfortunately certain experiences in our past may make it difficult to trust people. We keenly remember when trust was violated and may find it difficult to trust again. Yet, when we are in a group where we feel loveand trust, it empowers us to take risks and push ourselves beyond our comfort zone. When we know we can count on the support of others, we can try new things and test our abilities. It is this support group that is one of the most important aspects of church life. With the support of the group we can “rise to greater heights than we could on our own.”
Application
Choose one way you can be more supportive of others in the youth group this week.
Scripture
Ephesians 4:1-3; Galatians 6:2
Icebreakers Ahead: Take It To the Next Level
This 170 page resource not only provides 52 of the world’s most popular group icebreaker activities and games, but also includes lesson ideas and discussion questions to smoothly transition into conversations about the issues common to most groups.
Click here to find out how to get your hands on this incredible resource!
The True Front
On the true front each must fight against himself, and only through the decisions of this battle is he given full power for other decisions. He is the man of whom it is said that he has weakened the strength of the battle; but in fact he keeps alive the truth of the battle.
Author: Martin Buber
Source: “Recollection of a Death” (1929)
The Needs of Youth
(in order of importance)
- Physiological needs are the basic necessities of life.
- Safety needs involve security, stability, protection, order, and freedom from fear.
- Social needs are those involving the need to love and be loved, to feel accepted and to belong and to give and receive affection.
- Esteem needs are those dealing with confidence and competence, self-image, self-respect, and esteem from others.
- Growth needs are those dealing with potential and being all that one can be and become.
Some of youth’s greatest issues associated with these needs are those related to loneliness, poor self-esteem, and discovering self-identity. Other major issues include poor relationships with parents, school problems, prejudice and injustice, vocational decisions, and their desire to discover God’s will in their lives.
Get Help on Your Youth Sermons
Creative Sermon Ideas
This 100 Page e-Book Includes All The Help You Need To Prepare Powerful, Life-Changing Youth Sermons That Will Turn Your Preaching Around And Make Your Youth Sit Up And Listen! Includes 7 Complete Sermons.
–> I want More Youth Sermon Ideas…
10 speed
A man decided that he was going to ride a 10-speed bike from Phoenix to Flagstaff. He got as far as Black Canyon City before the mountains just became too much and he could go no farther.
He stuck his thumb out, but after 3 hours he hadn’t gotten a single person to stop. Finally a guy in a Corvette pulled over and offered him a ride. Of course, the bike wouldn’t fit in the car. The owner of the Corvette found a piece of rope lying by the highway and tied it to his bumper. He tied the other end to the bike and told the man that if he got to going too fast to honk the horn on his bike and he would slow down.
Everything went fine for the first 30 miles. Suddenly, another Corvette blew past them. Not to be outdone, the Corvette pulling the bike took off after the other. A short distance down the road, the Corvettes–both going well over 120 mph–blew through a speed trap. The police officer noted the speeds from his radar gun and radioed to the other officer that he had 2 Corvettes headed his way at over 120 mph. He then relayed, “And you’re not going to believe this, but there’s guy on a 10-speed bike honking to pass”.
Icebreakers Ahead: Take It To the Next Level
This 170 page resource not only provides 52 of the world’s most popular group icebreaker activities and games, but also includes lesson ideas and discussion questions to smoothly transition into conversations about the issues common to most groups.
Click here to find out how to get your hands on this incredible resource!
Everything I ever did
Materials
None
Icebreaker Description
In this icebreaker / crowdbreaker, youth will try to guess the key events in another person’s life.
Preparation
None
Icebreaker Activity
- Have youth pair up with someone they do not know very well.
- In each pair, they will take turns guessing each other’s the most exciting and memorable experiences of another person’s life.
- Allow plenty of freedom for creativity, but tell kids that they are to suggest only positive descriptions of experiences.
- Partners must then explain to each other which guesses were accurate and which were incorrect.
- Allow a few minutes for partners to describe some of the true events in their lives that were not guessed.
- After partners have guessed and responded, have them take turns introducing each other to the entire group.
Optional Debrief
- What were some of the key events that have shaped your life?
- How did these events make you the person you are today?
- What decisions have changed your life?
Conclusion
When Jesus met the woman at the well, he spoke to her. In the conversation he mentioned some key aspects of her life so that when she went back to the village, she told them to come meet the man “who told her everything she ever did.” Wow. Jesus just met her and he knew all about her. Jesus spoke to her with compassion and forgiveness. he answered her questions, but most importantly, his purpose was redemption, for her to begin a new life in Christ.
Application
What things might Jesus identify as key events in your life? Are you living in past mistakes or moving forward to a new future with Christ of forgiveness, grace, and redemption. This week, make it a point to tell at least one person about the difference Jesus has made in your life.
Scripture
John 4 – story of the Woman at the well “Come see a man who told me everything I ever did.” (4:29)
Icebreakers Ahead: Take It To the Next Level
This 170 page resource not only provides 52 of the world’s most popular group icebreaker activities and games, but also includes lesson ideas and discussion questions to smoothly transition into conversations about the issues common to most groups.
Click here to find out how to get your hands on this incredible resource!