Activities that Teach

Lent and Love A Litany of Lent … What to Give up • Begin by asking youth what their understanding of lent is. See if they feel lent is an easy thing to respond to or something that is difficult. • Hand out the below list. Give up complaining … ___________________________________ Give up gossiping … ___________________________________ Give up jealousy … ____________________________________ Give up pessimism … ____________________________________ Give up harsh judgments … ____________________________________ Give up discouragement … ____________________________________ Give up bitterness … ____________________________________ Give up negativism … ____________________________________ Give up anger … ____________________________________ Give up worry … ____________________________________ Give up pettiness … ____________________________________ Give up “I can’t do” … ____________________________________ • Have youth pick three or four of the above which they feel are most needed for them to overcome this year. • Record them and see what choices the group made. Which of the above were most frequently chosen? Briefly discuss why these choices were made. • Sing the hymn “Here I am Lord”. Point out that we need to be ready and open to hear God’s word and guidance as we continue our discussion. • Hand out the next list and ask your youth to match these items with the things above to give up for Lent. Do not take a lot of time. Note that although there are answers, which I have listed below, different youth may view these match-ups differently. That is all right and will lead to good discussion. Give no more than two or three minutes to complete. Focus on my talents Pray for Trust Trust God to guide Be filled with Hope Focus on Gratitude Focus on being positive Be more patient Be a good listener Focus on being open-minded Become an optimist (God is with you) Think kindly thoughts Turn to forgiveness • Show the youth the chart below and discuss why these choices were made. Allow as much discussion as is needed. See the accompanying figure of the chart I made to discuss these matters. The Bible verse references will be discussed a little later. A Reflection on Lent … what to give up Give up complaining … Focus on Gratitude Give up gossiping … Be a good listener Give up jealousy … Pray for Trust Give up pessimism … Become an optimist (God is with you) Give up harsh judgments …Think kindly thoughts Give up discouragement …Be filled with Hope Give up bitterness … Turn to forgiveness Give up negativism … Focus on being positive Give up anger … Be more patient Give up worry … Trust God to guide Give up pettiness … Focus on being open-minded Give up “I can’t do” … Focus on my talents • Now let’s look at the scriptures listed below. These definitions of love tell us a little more about the things we should be doing to, in a positive way, “give up” those things in the left hand column above. • Read the scriptures, I Corinthians 13: 4-8; I John 4: 18-21; Micah 6: 8 then identify each as shown below. Give up complaining … love mercy, walk humbly (Micah 6:8) Give up gossiping … walk humbly (Micah 6:8) Give up jealousy … love envieth not (I Corinthians 13) Give up pessimism … love believes all things (I Corinthians 13) Give up harsh judgments … love is kind (I Corinthians 13) Give up discouragement … love hopes all things (I Corinthians 13) Give up bitterness … love is not easily provoked (I Corinthians 13) Give up negativism … love believes all things (I Corinthians 13) Give up anger … love is patient (I Corinthians 13) Give up worry … there is no fear in love (I John 4) Give up pettiness … love seeks not its own (I Corinthians 13) Give up “I can’t do” … love believes all things (I Corinthians 13) • Conclude by pointing out that Godly love fulfills all of the things that the writer of this litany wanted to give up. • Pray that God will fill each of us with His love so that Lent will no longer be so mysterious. • Sing the gospel hymn “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” and point out that as we walk close to our Lord, we become more and more filled with his love. .

I Believe... for every drop of rain that falls ... do you remember the song? One of the Christians Under the Stairs young people sent to this web site a new version of "I Believe" Thanks, Michelle. I Believe... I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do. I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change. I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life. I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them. I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't. I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you. I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score. I believe - That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time. I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up. I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated. I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief. I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. I believe - That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever. I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you. I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help. I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

** Retreat 2008 Pictures ..... See Activities page for description of Retreat events. Scroll down this page to Newsletter Excerpts to read the Top Ten Events of the Retreat. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound ........ Studying the Stories: Lemming Condition, Small Fry, The Day Justice Died, The King and the Abbott, What is the Value of Prayer,and The King's Cathedral Fun at the Lake Finding Truth :the Candle Prayer< Lean on Me: the Christians Under the Stairs

Christmas Symbols: A Story A friend shared this short story with me that she received from a friend. So thank you to Alba and to Sherrie for this story of Christmas. (I have abridged and paraphrased the story slightly for this web site) Just a week before Christmas a stranger knocked on our door. He looked friendly and we were immediately at ease. He asked if my mother had a moment to spend…. I could see he had tears in his eyes … then he said, “Teach the children”. I was puzzled. What did he mean? … then he said “Teach them the old meaning of Christmas…” My mother started to say, “How can I?” when he reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant shining star. “Teach the children the star was the heavenly sign of promise long ages ago. God promised a savior for the world and the star was a sign of fulfillment of that promise. The countless shining stars at night – one for each man and woman – now show the burning hope of all mankind.” Our friend laid the star upon our fireplace mantle and took from his bag a glittering red tree ornament. “Teach the children red is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by faithful people to remind them of the blood which was shed for all people by the savior. Christ gave His life and shed His blood so that we all might have God’s gift of eternal life. Red is deep, intense, vivid … it is the symbol of the gift of God.” “Teach the children”, he continued as he dislodged a small Christmas tree from the depths of his bag. He placed the red ornament in front of it. The deep green of the tree was a perfect background for the ornament, the second color of Christmas. “The pure green color of a stately fir tree remains green all year round,” he said. “This depicts the everlasting hope of mankind. Green is the youthful, hopeful color of nature. All the needles point heavenward – symbols of man’s best friend. It has sheltered him, warmed him, made beauty for him.” Suddenly I could hear a soft tingling sound. “Teach the children that the lost sheep are found by the sound of a bell. It rings calling us all back to the fold – it means guidance … and signifies that all are precious in the eyes of God.” He then took a candle from his bag and placed it on the mantle next to the star. Lighting it, I noted a glow brightening the darkened room. “Teach the children”, he now whispered, “that the candle is a mirror of starlight. Years ago candles were placed on trees and resembled the stars of the sky glowing amidst the dark green branches.” He then bent down picking a wrapped gift from the tree. Pointing to a large bow upon it, our new friend said,” A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of brotherhood. We remember that the bow holds the present together as men and women should be joined together with bonds of good will towards each other… Reaching for a candy cane, hanging on our tree, he presented it to mom- “Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd’s crook, which brings back the sheep who have strayed. The candy cane symbolizes the helping hand we are called by God to extend to one another”. Then one last time he reached for his bag, assuring mom this was the last thing to be shown. Somehow I didn’t want him to end. There must be more in that bag, I thought. Pulling out a small wreath he stated, “Teach the children that the wreath represents the eternal nature of love; it never ceases, stops or ends. It is one continuous round of affection… Please, please teach the children”. As suddenly as he had arrived, he bid his farewell. “I have others to visit” were the last words he said as I saw him wander down the street. My mother never knew that I had seen it all from the top of the stairwell that Christmas Eve in 1954. And to the best of my knowledge neither she nor any member of our family ever saw the stranger again. And mom never really “taught we children” the lessons the stranger related that night but she didn’t have to – I heard it all from the top of the stairs on a chilly Christmas Eve night over fifty years ago. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Were You There? Bianca: Antonius … have you heard the stories that are spreading throughout the city ? One of those men crucified on Friday is said to be alive today. Antonius: I have heard of them and I am not sure what to believe. Which of the men has been said to have awoken from death? Bianca: It is the one called Jesus. Antonius: Was he the one crucified on the left or in the middle. I am familiar with the criminal on the right and I assure you he was dead. I, myself, inspected his body. Bianca: The one in the middle. Some call him Jesus, the Nazarene. Antonius: Yes, I have heard of him. He was said to raise a young girl of our friend Jairus from the dead a year or so ago. I found that difficult to believe but this is more incredible. How could a dead man raise himself from the dead? Bianca: I don’t know. There are many stories about that man that make me wonder. Antonius: Didn’t one of your slaves meet him at one time? Bianca: Yes. Antonius: Is she someone we can trust to give an honest account of her interactions? Bianca: Absolutely … she is one of my most trusted servants. Antonius: Call her in. (Bianca leaves then returns with Ariel.) Bianca: Antonius, this is Ariel. Antonius: Hello, Ariel. My wife speaks most highly of you. Ariel: Thank you, sir; it is an honor to be called into your presence. Antonius: My wife has reminded me that you once had an encounter with this man Jesus, the Nazarene. Would you share that experience with us. Ariel: Oh, that was so long ago. It was when I was a young girl and the encounter was not with Jesus but with his father Joseph. Jesus was only a young baby at the time. Scene changes. Joseph is standing next to a well with an innkeeper and a Roman guard. Roman: Move along, there are many people waiting for water. Joseph: Please, sir, give me a bit more time. Last night my wife gave birth and she is warm with a fever. I must get enough water to cool her forehead and to cleanse the baby. Roman: Well all right but don’t be long. (Joseph pumps additional water. As he is pumping the innkeeper speaks.) Inn keeper: So, my dear friend, were you and your wife comfortable last night? Joseph: Yes, we were; it was a fairly quick yet difficult birth. My wife, Mary, was in such discomfort. She still now suffers from a warmness of her body. It is why I have come for water. (Rachelle, Arindan and young Ariel, dressed as shepherds, approach the well.)We were fortunate to have some shepherds visit us last night and one remains with her now. Roman: (To Rachelle, Arindan and young Ariel) You will have to wait your turn as, after this good man; I have been ordered to draw water for the magistrate. (They step aside.) (Joseph completes his task and begins to leave with a pot of water. The three approach him. ) Arindan: Sir, I couldn’t avoid hearing that you speak of a shepherd who visited you last evening and is staying with your wife at this time . Our father left us as we were going to bed and stated that he would return shortly but has not come home. His name is Esas. Is he with you? Joseph: I am not sure. A shepherd came with two friends and they all stayed several hours. Two left early this morning but this one man stated he would stay as he was aware of my wife’s fever. Rachelle: He must be our father as last night he left with two of our cousins after the angels appeared. The cousins have returned. Inn keeper: Did you say Angels? Rachelle: Oh, yes … they were there. There were many of them. Arindam, how many do you think there were? Arindan: Oh many, many of them. Ariel was the one who went up the hill. What do you think, Ariel? Young Ariel: I went up to the top of Notch Hill. Inn keeper: The hill with the crevice on the side? Ariel: Yes, Inn keeper: That is a dangerous hike, especially at night when it is dark. Young Ariel: Yes, I know. But last night with the star and all the angels, it was almost like day light when I was climbing. Inn keeper: You said … the star. Which star? Arindan: Oh, she means the star that is in the west. The bright one that has been shining all week long. Somehow, it seemed to shine brighter last night. Inn keeper: I retired early last night; I will stay up tonight to see this star. Rachelle: Ariel, please tell us what you saw. Young Ariel: When I got to the top of the hill and looked over, it was an unbelievable sight. There were twice as many angels in the sky that we could see from the tent. I’d say fifty or more. Rachelle: Fifty … I could only see ten, maybe fifteen from the tent and I really couldn’t understand what they were saying. Arindan: That’s why Dad said he had to leave with David and Petras to see what was going on. Did anyone talk to David or Petras this morning? Young Ariel: I saw them this morning but I didn’t want to wake them as they were sleeping but let me tell you what I heard. Joseph: I must leave as my wife needs me and I would like to send your father back to you. I, too, heard something in the sky last night and sometime I would like to hear more of your story, Ariel, but I must go now. Arindam: Please wish your wife and baby our best. What name are you giving the baby? Joseph: Oh, not an extraordinary name, even though I believe he is an extraordinary baby. We will call him Jesus. (Joseph leaves.) (Scene shifts to Bianca, Antonius and Ariel.) Antonius: Jesus? … my dear Ariel, could this have been the same Jesus, who was crucified two days ago. Ariel: I … I don’t know though I suspect they are one and the same. Certainly their ages match. What I can say for certain is that it was an extraordinary night in Bethlehem the night he was born. I never saw or heard anything like it again and I lived in Bethlehem for ten more years after the baby’s birth. (Scene shifts to shepherd children and inn keeper.) Inn keeper: Ariel, tell us some more.Rachelle: Yes, please do. Young Ariel: Well, I was very excited and I ran almost all of the way. The sky kept getting brighter and brighter as I got nearer to the notch at the top of the hill. I remember thinking how surprised I was that I was not tiring out. When I got to the top … well, the sight was overwhelming. I will never, ever forget it and I wish you could have all been there. The angels … they were off to the left right over the inn at the bottom of the other side of the hill. Inn keeper: That’s my inn you are speaking of. Young Ariel: Yes, and for a brief moment I could see Father and Petras and David descending the hill towards the angels and the inn. Inn keeper: I wonder why I couldn’t hear them. Ariel: I can’t imagine that you didn’t. They were not really loud but there were so many of them and they spoke perfectly together. “Glory to God in the highest and peace has now come to earth.” Something like that. Rachelle: Wow, I wish I had followed you to Notch Hill. Arindan: Me too. Young Ariel: I wish you had too. I know for certain that God was doing something special last night and it looks like it had to do with the baby that was born. What did his father say his name was? Inn keeper: Jesus, I believe … you know, I had better go check on that family. They are not in my inn but they are residing at the barn in the back. Thank you for telling me the story … all of you and I will stay up this evening to look for that star. Maybe the angels will come back. (Scene shifts.) Bianca: Ariel, did the angels return? Ariel: I never saw them again. Antonius: And what about the star? My astrologer was in Rome at the time and stated that he had heard of an omen in the eastern sky some thirty or so years ago. Ariel: I remember my whole family except for Petras, who stayed behind to watch the sheep, walking to the top of Notch Hill the next night. We could still see the star, high in the sky but did not see any angels. Antonius: How long did the star remain? Ariel: I am not sure. I was only twelve at the time. I would say it began to fade away after about a week. Bianca: You said you only saw the father not the mother or the baby. Did you ever see him again? Ariel: No … but I will never forget that night and that morning. I know there is a God that cares about all of us and, at this one special time, he let us know by sending his angels. Antonius: And he did Bianca and I a favor by sending you, Ariel, to us … to tell us this story. I must tell my physician friend, Luke, of this special story you have told. Would you share it with him? Ariel: Of course. [Have someone read Luke’s story of the birth of Jesus Christ from Luke chapter two.] Note: abbreviated version with different pictures at bottom of this page.

Activities in Malaysia These ideas of what youth groups in Malaysia do has been submitted by Jullian Victor. Last month, on the 23rd, we had a Youth Concert. It was a the first time though. We have always had concerts, at least about 3 or 4 times a year, but they were always held in our church, therefore, small crowds. But last month was the first time we did it in an auditorium that we rented. It was great! I was also one of the 5 worship leaders. We had a Pastor from the USA who shared the word, and we had other activities like a short drama and also dances and other presentations. We are planning a bigger one next year, with better publicity this time. Being a Muslim country, open-air Christian concerts and activities are a no-no, and its hard to do proper publicity. We even do various social works for the lost souls, like monthly groceries for the lost and poor families, and also recently had a carnival where we had food, activities, clothing, seminars and many more for free. Its amazing how God provided for the concert and everything else. We would also like to be in correspondence with youths of other nations too, so i cant wait to get started. While its good that they NOW know of the existance of Christians in this unfamiliar country, I believe its also important that we maintain a close rapport if you like, and to encourage, enlighten and bless each other in any way possible. Editor's note: We in the USA also wish to share and our young people have been doing so with young people from Uganda. Please have your youth tell us about your youth program - what they like about it and what they have learned from it. We all look forward to hearing from them.

The Duck & the Devil This is a story about forgiveness sent to me by one of our youth group memebers, Michelle. It is a story that describes the devil just a little differently. It made me think and I trust it will do the same for each of you. Thank you, Michelle. There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved! In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing. After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes. Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally just smiled and said, "Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help. After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you." Thought for the day and every day thereafter? Whatever is in your past,whatever you have done... And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.)...whatever it is...You need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you. The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets. It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved. Go ahead and make the difference in someone's life today. Share this with a friend and always remember: God is at the window! When Jesus died onthe cross; he was thinking of you!

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The Three Pens Game In this game the leader sits behind a table which is bare except for three pens. The pens are randomly set in a design by the youth leader. The youth leader rests one or two hands on the table along side the three arranged pens. While doing this one or more fingers are pointed on the table. The group is asked to determine what number is represented on the table. It usually takes several attempts for at least one or two youth to discover the solution to the puzzle which is determined by the number of fingers pointing on the table and not by the arrangement of the pens. Of course one should take time before each guess to rearrange the pens carefully to leave the impression that you are diligently trying to get the formation of pens just right. The leader should alternate displays of fingers, using one or two hands with varied numbers of fingers pointing, after each rearrangement of the pens. The longer it takes for everyone to guess how to solve the riddle (count the revealed fingers), the more fun it is especially for the youth who have already figured out the answer and who usually cannot contain their disbelief that everyone does not get it. Make sure everyone 'gets it' sometime,even if you have to pound two hands with five extended fingers on the table and call out ìtenî for those who continue to struggle As simple as this game appears it has a very important message for the youth group year. Remind youth that the correct answer is obtained when they look at the entire table, the 'whole picture', not just the obvious (the pens). Similarly when we study things of faith, we need to look at them from various segments of scripture. Paul's views of faith and those of James are different yet the understanding of each gives us a more complete knowledge of how our faith helps us move forward in all the tasks of our lives.

Blessings for the Faithful The following two segments are separate yet related. One is a story of God’s blessings for the faithful. The second is an exercise to encourage youth to examine themselves and how their faith has actively guided them. * Arthlyn Ferguson memory The Story A short time ago my mother, who had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for many years, fell and broke her hip. She was in significant pain so surgery had to be done. Though she survived what was deemed to be successful hip surgery, she was never the same thereafter. Her eighty-four year old body was worn down. It soon became obvious that she has a week or two to live. We placed her in a wonderful hospice facility and I brought a CD of old time hymns that many years before she had played while accompanying on piano the congregation of a fledgling church. The CD brought peace to my mom and all of us as we visited her during the last days of her life. The staff at the hospice agreed to play the tape for her after tending to her needs. The day she passed away my wife and I were on the way to see when we received the call that she has passed away. Advising that I wished to see her one last time (she was donating her body to science for research so there would be no viewing), the staff agreed to leave her untouched, as she was at death, until we arrived. A short time later my wife and I entered her room of the past five days and mom looked comfortable and at peace. I asked if the staff had put the music on that day and they said they had done so twice but were not sure that it was on when she died as the actual time of death was uncertain. The nurse asked if we would like to hear the hymns during these last minutes with mom. I said, “Certainly” and the nurse went to turn the CD player on. The player started and was clearly spinning but no sound could be heard. The nurse was surprised. She had successfully taken the same action several times that week including twice that very day. I looked at the device and saw it spinning and recording that it was now on track three. Still no sound even when the volume was turned up. My wife then spoke, “It’s not playing because she is no longer here to hear it.” Of course, why didn’t we consider this? Mom now had a heavenly choir to sing to her. I then spent about a half hour with mom, spoke to the staff for a while and left. On the way home we took the disk, which had been soundless in mom’s room a short time before, and placed it in our car stereo system. Instantly it played beautifully, loud and clear. But, I am sure, not as beautifully as the heavenly choir mom was hearing. Mom has passed to the heavenly choir but she leaves behind more than memories. Throughout this web site is my mother's art work, pencil drawings of "faith" and "trust", seen below on this page as well as drawings of the words "Fun" and "hope" elsewhere. Thank you, Arthlyn Ferguson (1923 - 2007).

Faith Stories of Youth The Lesson I am sharing the above story at this time because it is important to find ways to share real life stories with our young people. A week after mom’s passing we held the following meeting which could be termed faith stories, but in a different sense than people would anticipate. We had our young people share every day stories of their lives which were used to demonstrate the essence of spiritual growth through faith. There are five segments to this lesson: • Bring two Bibles in. One should be old, worn and well used. We used my mom’s Bible she had received some seventy or so years earlier, copyright 1919. The second Bible should be new, perhaps with commentary, indexes and the like. I used The New Interpreters Study Bible which provides much reference material for my work. Now – ask the young people – which of these Bibles has the greatest value. The one that is falling apart, with much of it underlined and a listing of favorite verses on its cover or the Bible that is barely worn with wonderful reference material and maps. Our youth came up with differing opinions and it took about five minutes of discussion before someone said – the Bible that’s been most used is the most valuable. We then pointed out that there is nothing that will hasten youth along their faith journey than putting their Bibles into use by reading them regularly. And underlining them and leaving notes in the margin does not take away value from their Bible: it adds to its value. • Ask the young people to share a story of the earliest event in their life they can remember. As they share their memories, look for memories of joy, of loving acts by family members, and of expressed faith. One young lady spoke of remembering finding an filled Easter basket and the joy of the event. Others described moments of parents stepping forward to relieve a fearful situation. After all young people share their stories, read Luke 18:17. Point out that we must have faith in God similar to the faith a young child has in his/her caretakers. Challenge the young people to think about their early experiences of trust in those caring for them. This will give them insight in what trust in God consists of. • Ask the young people to share a time that they had a stranger or someone unexpectedly appear at their door. What was their family’s and their own reaction? Were they welcoming or were they cold and not accepting. We heard a variety of stories from that of salesmen and proselytizers appearing to old forgotten family friends arriving. As the leader make sure you can think of an occasion that you warmly received the unexpected guest and a time you were more rejecting. After hearing the stories discuss the dynamics behind the stories of acceptance of the guest and the times the guest was rejected. Why were the responses different? Point out that we, due to circumstances, are unlikely to treat everyone the same. Certainly the long forgotten friend, after the moment of surprise wears off, is likely to be warmly received while the salesman peddling exactly what the family does not need is not. Now read Revelation 3:20, “I stand at the door and knock”. Ask the young people how they respond to Jesus at their doorstep. Do they treat him like the long lost friend or the unwanted salesman. Take some time to discuss the persistence in which God pursues us to respond positively to himself and the word of God. Challenge the youth to open the door of their hearts and to let him come in. • Ask the young people to describe a moment when they or a member of their family did a good deed for another person with nothing to be gained for doing so. Take time to discuss why the deed was done and what was the effect on the recipient. Would the young person repeat the same actions if the opportunity came again? Since our youth group is involved in a number of local mission activities, this provided a good source of good deeds done. Now display a list of the fruits of the spirit: faithfulness, goodness, humility, joy, kindness, love, patience, peace and self-control. Take time to discuss which of these were present during the youth’s good deed. If time allows, ask the youth which of these fruits of the spirit are hardest to attain. Our young people cited patience and self control as the most difficult. Reinforce the fact that when we openly let the Spirit of God into our hearts, we find these fruits of the spirit growing within us. Take a moment to expand on one of these fruits: love. Our youth described this as the most important and basic of all the fruits. Point out that the Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13 agrees when he states there are “faith, hope and love, these three but the greatest of these is love.” Read the earlier verses in the chapter that describe love as patient and kind, not conceited, jealous or proud and happy with the truth. These definitions of love are very similar to the fruits of the spirit. The wrap up for the evening will be different for each youth group involved. Take time to reinforce the part of the discussion that you had the most participation from the youth. Our group spent a lot of time discussing reactions to the stranger at the door. Therefore, our wrap up stressed the Revelation 3:20 verse – how are we receiving Christ … with open arms as some of our youth reached out to the unanticipated visitor or do we respond coldly like we often do to the individual selling things or those looking for charitable donations. Often after a detailed discussion such as the one above, I will review it at a later date and what sometimes happens is that when the essence of the program is reviewed youth will respond differently than the first time the program’s events were done. You may find the young people focusing on completely different parts of the program. This is actually good – it gives we youth leaders an opportunity to expand the faith of our youth. Try this program and write to me at TimFerguson@Christianyouthgroup.org and let me know how it went. May God continue to bless all efforts being made on behalf of Christian Youth.

A Service of Connections at the Beach Easter Dawn at the Beach Below are excerpts from an Easter dawn service held on Long Island but remembering Christian friends from around the world. Leader: Paul wrote in Philippians 3:10, 'All I want is to know Christ and the power of His resurrection'. All: Early on Easter morning, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away. She went running to Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved and told them, 'They have taken the Lord from the tomb and we donít know where they have put him'. Leader: Then Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb. The two of them were running but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. All: (to the tune of Morning is Broken) Early on Easter, Mary approaches An empty tomb; wonders where could he be? Peter and John ask, that very question Run for the answers, like you and me. Leader: The answer to the empty tomb, what could it be? All: Certainly it means that Jesus Christ is alive today. But we want to know more. Like Paul, we want to know about the power of the resurrection. Leader: Is not the power of the resurrection displayed in the power of Christís message? How else could it be that so many, around the world, follow the teachings of this man Jesus? Look all around you. To the east we have China where the orphan we support lives. To the southeast we have Uganda where our newfound Christian friends reside. To the southwest is El Salvador where many of our church will be going on a missionary medical trip soon. Pick a spot around the world to someone you would like to be with this Easter. Reach out towards them and say the following prayer. My family and friends around the world Bring us together in the power of this Easter morning Let the hope of Jesus' calling Bring us together as one. All: How can we truly be brought together as One? Leader: Later on the evening of his resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples. They were filled with joy at seeing him. Jesus then said, 'Peace be unto you. As the Father sent me so I send you.' Then He breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'. All: So this is the power of the resurrection - the presence of the Holy Spirit!. Leader: The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians explained this nicely. He wrote, 'Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace which binds us together. There is one body and one Spirit just as there is one hope to which God has called you'. All: Let us all pledge to commit ourselves to that one hope.. Leader: May Godís spirit connect us together as one, whether we live in the USA, All: Let us remember the promises of Easter and the power of the resurrection every day of our lives.

Expectations and a Declaration During the evening ask youth to share their expectations for the advent season and later compare them to the expectations of the Jewish people at the time of Christ's birth. Begin by advising that the group will sing a ìwelcome to advent' carol, 'O Come All Ye Faithful'. A verse or two will probably do. Then ask youth to verbally share their expectations. Leaders should record them. There will probably be some reference to the singing of Christmas carols or Christmas music. Sing 'I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day' and discuss how the music of Christmas fulfills our expectations of the season. Now refer to the expectations of the Jewish people at the time of Jesus' birth. Two scripture passages are suggested to demonstrate the uncertain expectations the people had for the coming of their Messiah. Daniel 7: 13-14 tells of a human being who, at the direction of God, 'was given authority, honor and royal power, so that the people of all nations, races and languages would serve him. His authority would last forever and his kingdom would never end'. Contrast this to the prediction in Isaiah 42, which reads, 'He will bring justice to every nation. He will not shout or raise his voice, or make loud speeches in the street. He will not break off a bent reed nor put out a flickering lamp. He will bring lasting justice to all'. Now ask the youth to shift gears and share what they imagine the three kings were thinking as they traveled a rather lengthy journey to Bethlehem to meet the expected king. Sing 'We Three Kings of Orient Are'. Take a moment to explore the reactions of the shepherds. What did they anticipate as the angels appeared to make God's declaration about the child to be born. Sing all three verses of 'The First Noel' noting references to both the shepards and the wise men in the lyrics. Now it is time to make comparisons. Read the youth's list of their expectations for the coming Christmas season. What things on the list are similar to those of the wise men and the Jewish people at the time of Christ's birth? Did youth reference peace and justice coming to earth? Did they talk of focusing on the birth of a savior? Take time to point out that, undoubtedly, as the wise men traveled to Jerusalem, their expectations of meeting the expected king must have heightened and, possibly, changed. Do our expectations heighten and change, and in what way, as Christmas Day approaches? Now point out that the Biblical story in Luke presents us with, not expectations, but a declaration by the messengers of God himself - his angels, who make it clear the essence of the coming of Jesus - 'Glory to God in the Highest and on earth, peace, goodwill to men' (Luke 2:14). We ended our session by singing the song ;'Do You Hear What I Hear?' and then pointing out that a response to the season and story of advent is found in the lyrics of the song. Do we hear? Do we see? Do we know him? Do we pray for peace, people everywhere? When we do, the song lyrics conclude, 'He will bring us Goodness and Light'.

Five Kernels of Corn This activity is intended as a prelude to a Thanksgiving dinner for our youth group but it could also be done independent of the dinner. In order to aid youth to understand the severity of life in the Pilgrim colony, before a Thanksgiving dinner with the youth, have them sit around a decorated table void of food. Then bring out a paper plate for each youth member with five kernels of corn on each. Note that these are not ears of corn but kernels of corn. Youth are then advised that when the Pilgrims arrived from England, life was not easy. Months before the first Thanksgiving feast there had been hardship. Most of their attempts to plant crops had failed. The only success was a New World crop, corn, which the local Native Americans had introduced them to. Nevertheless, only so much corn could be raised and stored and near the end of the winter they were running out. Historical records indicate that there was a weeklong period in which food was rationed and the adults of the community, except for the pregnant women, had to live on a ration of five kernels of corn per day. It was the only food the community had as it awaited the early crops of the coming spring, which included wild berries, and the game that would return once the vegetation emerged. Youth are asked to eat the five kernels as if that were their daily allotment of food. Briefly discuss what living like this would be like if this is all people had to eat each day. Then it is time for the prepared dinner. The youth should have a greater appreciation for all that we have in this country after this exercise.

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