Summer Leader s Guide.

Transcription

1 Summer 2016 Leader s Guide LG Submerge JJA16 Cover.indd 4-1 1/13/16 9:49 AM

2 Scope and Sequence Fall 2015 Winter UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into Genesis Session 1: Caring for Creation (Creation) Session 2: Avoiding Jealousy (Cain and Abel) Session 3: Resolving Conflicts (Abraham and Lot Separate) Session 4: Confronting Rivalries (Jacob and Esau) UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into Exodus and the Judges Session 5: Using Our Talents (Joseph Interprets Dreams) Session 6: Calling (God Calls Moses) Session 7: Courage (Moses Sends the Spies) Session 8: Trusting God (Deborah, Barak, and Jael) UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into Samuel and the Kings Session 9: Listening to God (God Speaks to Samuel) Session 10: Following God s Will (Saul Disobeys God) Session 11: Seeking God s Help (Solomon s Wisdom) Session 12: Choosing Our Actions (The Divided Kingdom) Session 13: God s Promise (Jeremiah s Prophecy) UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into Advent and Christmas Session 1: Faith (Isaiah s Prophecy) Session 2: Waiting (Elizabeth and Zechariah) Session 3: Courage (Mary and Joseph) Session 4: Incarnation (Jesus Is Born) UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into Christmas and Epiphany Session 5: Worshipping (The Magi) Session 6: God s Grace (The Baptism of Jesus) Session 7: Being Called (Jesus Calls the Twelve) Session 8: How to Treat Others (The Sermon on the Mount) Session 9: Having a Healing Faith (Jesus Heals Many People) UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into the Life of Jesus Session 10: Sharing (Jesus Feeds 5,000 People) Session 11: Knowing Jesus (The Transfiguration) Session 12: Praising Jesus (The Entry Into Jerusalem) Session 13: Justice (The Cleansing of the Temple) Spring 2016 Summer 2016 UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into Lent and Easter Session 1: Sharing Communion (The Last Supper) Session 2: Suffering (Jesus Betrayal, Arrest, and Trial) Session 3: Death (Jesus Death) Session 4: Resurrection (Jesus Resurrection) UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into the Easter Season Session 5: Overcoming Doubt (Thomas and the Disciples) Session 6: Encountering Jesus (The Disciples on the Beach) Session 7: Proclaiming (The Great Commission) Session 8: Waiting (The Ascension) UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into the Book of Acts Session 9: The Holy Spirit (Pentecost) Session 10: Sharing (Forming Communities) Session 11: Courage (The Martyrdom of Stephen) Session 12: Welcoming All (Peter and Cornelius) Session 13: Working Together (The Jerusalem Council) UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into Stories of Faithful Women Session 1: Cleverness (Miriam Looks After Moses) Session 2: Friendship (Ruth and Naomi) Session 3: Covenant (Hannah Dedicates Samuel) Session 4: Selflessness (Esther, Mordecai, and Haman) UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into Signs in John s Gospel Session 5: Hospitality (The Wedding at Cana) Session 6: Faith (Jesus Heals the Royal Official s Son) Session 7: Compassion (Jesus Heals the Man at Bethsaida) Session 8: Authentic Discipleship (Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind) Session 9: Empathy (The Raising of Lazarus) UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into Advice From Paul Session 10: Faithful Living (Paul on Faithful Living) Session 11: Working Together (Paul on Working Together) Session 12: Christian Love (Paul on Christian Love) Session 13: Avoiding Conflict (Paul on Avoiding Conflict)

3 Contents Written by Nathan Tenney ii Submerge Components iii Before You Begin iv Faith Development for Students vi viii Student Worship Helps Summer 2016 UNIT 1: Dive Deeper Into Stories of Faithful Women 1 June 5 Session 1: Cleverness 7 June 12 Session 2: Friendship 13 June 19 Session 3: Covenant 19 June 26 Session 4: Selflessness UNIT 2: Dive Deeper Into Signs in John s Gospel 25 July 3 Session 5: Hospitality 31 July 10 Session 6: Faith 37 July 17 Session 7: Compassion 43 July 24 Session 8: Authentic Discipleship 49 July 31 Session 9: Empathy UNIT 3: Dive Deeper Into Advice From Paul 55 August 7 Session 10: Faithful Living 61 August 14 Session 11: Working Together 67 August 21 Session 12: Christian Love 73 August 28 Session 13: Avoiding Conflict Cover Credits: Cover design by Kellie Green; logo design by Keitha Vincent; background by Shutterstock

4 Submerge Components Session 8 July 24 Authentic Discipleship Bible Verse The man said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Jesus. (John 9:38) Did You Know? T heodicy is the theological term for the question that asks why a merciful God allows suffering in the world. The account of Jesus healing the man born blind brings up questions about the relationship between sin, suffering, and the will of God. Seeing a man who had been born blind, the disciples asked Jesus who had sinned to cause the man to suffer so much. In Jesus times, many Jewish people believed that misfortune was attached to sin, either the victim s or a direct ancestor s. Jesus responded that neither the man nor his parents had sinned. Rather, the man had been born blind so that God could be at work through the faithful witness of the man born blind. After Jesus healed the man, a dispute arose between the religious authorities, who refused to believe that the man had been blind. When called before the synagogue, the man persisted in explaining that he had been healed by Jesus. When Jesus asked the man if he believed, the man responded by proclaiming his faith in Jesus. As Jesus stated, God s mighty work is manifested through the man born blind. This is made evident not only in the healing, but in the man s confession of faith and worship of Jesus. Invite your students to think about what it means to say I believe in Jesus. Encourage them to consider how their faith affects their everyday interactions with others. Remind them that authentic faith empowers us to live a live of holiness in service to God and to those around us who are in need. Exploration Points Bible Story John 9:1-38 Compass Point Jesus shows us how to experience God s presence in new ways. We experience healing and wholeness through our friendship with Jesus. We are called to a life of discipleship when we proclaim our faith in Jesus. Requires preparation. Summer 2016 Session 8 DeepBlueKids.com 43 Leader s Guide A quarterly resource that contains instructions for each session. Leaders are encouraged to choose activities that best suit the needs of their students. Submerge Magazine A quarterly resource that contains articles that connect to the lives of students. Many articles include individual reflection prompts, so each student is encouraged to have her or his own copy. Diver s Log An annual resource that encourages students to engage in creative thought and to write, doodle, or draw prayer concerns. Each student is encouraged to have his or her own copy. ii submerge Leader s Guide

5 Before You Begin Each session is organized according to the following rhythm: Jump In These are activities that help move your students into your space and introduce the session theme. It is recommended that the Diver s Log be made available to students as they arrive, allowing them to work independently at their own pace. The game is intended to facilitate participation in a fun and active manner. Dive Deeper These are activities centered around the Bible story. Each session includes a short reproducible reading based on the scripture that is intended to reinforce the Bible story. Where appropriate, humor and pop culture references are used. The discussion questions use the Bible story as a jumping-off point to help students think about ways to connect scripture to their everyday lives. Grow Stronger These are activities that further encourage students to make the connection between what they are discussing and their everyday lives. The articles in the Submerge Magazine focus on practical faith application. Whenever possible, service opportunities are written into the session. The creative expression activity invites students to reflect on the session theme through art and discovery. Worship Each session closes with a short devotion. Students are encouraged to be active in leading worship. Reproducible Student Worship Helps are provided on pages viii-x so that students are adequately equipped to lead the devotion. What You Should Know About Games Core supplies are used repeatedly throughout the curriculum year. A fully stocked game closet should include the following: bandanas, beach balls, bins, blindfolds, cones, dryerase board set, flying discs, foam pool noodles (full and cut in half), Hula Hoops, kitchen brooms, masking tape, plastic cups, plastic pitchers, safety goggles, soccer balls, table tennis balls, tennis balls, yardstick Discussion Questions You may have concerns about your students ability and willingness to reflect on their faith with their peers. The more they practice this spiritual discipline, and the stronger their relationships with one another become throughout your time together, the greater their participation will become. Consider arranging permanent small groups and assigning an adult leader to lead each one so that your students get to know better those with whom they are sharing. Or arrange your time so that students are having these conversations while engaged in another activity, such as the session s creative expression project. Creative Expression All attempts have been made to keep supply costs to a minimum; however, some projects and activities may require the purchase of unique supplies. Summer 2016 DeepBlueKids.com iii

6 Faith Development for Students Your students are constantly connecting with others. Between school, family, friends, sports and other extracurricular activities, they interact with a number of people in their everyday lives. Even during down time, they remain connected through texting, social and gaming networks, and the use of digital devices. The greatest gift you can give your students is the opportunity to grow in their understanding of scripture and their relationship with God. Being familiar with the people and events of the Bible, and connecting these stories to their experiences, can help your students better integrate their faith into their everyday lives. In spite of all these opportunities for social connection and interaction, maintaining and nurturing friendships in adolescence can be challenging. Feeling connected to their peers is a priority for students, especially as they establish their own identities and develop their own interests, independent from their families. Keep this in mind as you journey together with your students. Programs for your students should be as relational as possible. Develop and coordinate opportunities for your students to interact with one another. This will help them develop faithful and faith-filled friendships as they transition into teenagers. This focus on relationships extends beyond your students friendships with one another. While they desire independence, students also seek out attention from others. Most enjoy connecting with adults who can listen, mentor, and guide them as they mature. Get to know your students as you help them get to know one another. Most of all, invite your students to find unique, fun, and new ways to grow in their relationship with God. Introduce your students to various prayer and worship practices, and allow them to discover and nurture their gifts and talents in service to God and the community. This will help strengthen their faith as they enter their teenage years. The chart on the following page shows the central learning concepts that undergird the Submerge program. Each session emphasizes one or more of the objectives presented in each of the four categories. It is our hope that you will find in Submerge a program that allows your students to explore together as they deepen in biblical understanding and faith commitment. iv submerge Leader s Guide

7 Developing Faith Foundations Engaging Faith Traditions To be guided in developing and practicing critical thinking skills To develop a sense of belonging to the faith community To meaningfully participate in the worship, mission, and life of the congregation To develop faithful friendships with church members of various age levels To be able to affirm one s self as belonging to God To identify gifts, talents, and passions that can be used in service to the faith community To learn the organization and structure of the Bible To know the various types of writings in the Bible To explore the Bible stories in historical context To learn how to use study tools such as a concordance, atlas, and so forth To increase and use vocabulary related to the Christian faith To learn about the history and teaching of the church Relating to God and the Church Relating Faith to Life To be guided in understanding the meaning of church membership To have a sense of belonging to both the local church and the larger faith community To verbalize experiences and questions about God and faith, including doubts To find guidance for disciplines of prayer and Bible reading To see Christian growth as a lifelong process To learn the importance of responsibility in the covenant relationship with God To discover ways that others have lived out their faith in various circumstances To identify and discuss the ways that they can live out their faith in their everyday lives To be guided and assisted in practicing spiritual disciplines To clarify their sense of right and wrong in light of Christian faith To identify and respond to issues of fairness and justice To serve with others in the community and world Summer 2016 DeepBlueKids.com v

8 Session 1 Session 2 On these two pages are checklists of all of the supplies you will need for each session. Some supplies, such as pens, pencils, and colored pencils, are used each session. Many of the game supplies, such as bins, cones, and tennis balls, are used most sessions. Some of the art supplies are used only once or twice a quarter. q pens q pencils q colored pencils q masking tape q carpet squares or towels q ceramic tiles q paint markers q clear varnish spray q pens q pencils q colored pencils q masking tape q bandanas q treats q juice q cups q napkins q duct tape of various colors and patterns q scissors q rulers Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6 q pens q pens q pens q pens q pencils q pencils q pencils q pencils q colored pencils q colored pencils q colored pencils q colored pencils q masking tape q cones q masking tape q masking tape q foam pool noodles (cut in half) q Wiffle ball q dry-erase board set q macramé or hemp cord q clay beads q scissors q preschool tricycles (or bicycles) q dry-erase board set q cardstock q charcoal pencils q 2 tennis balls q dry-erase board set q tablet or laptop with PowerPoint (optional) q banner paper and permanent markers (optional) q 5-by-8 index cards q water color paints q paintbrushes q 4 cones q Hula Hoops q Wiffle balls q safety goggles q tablet or laptop with PowerPoint (optional) q banner paper and markers (optional) q modeling clay q paper towels vi submerge Leader s Guide

9 Session 7 Session 8 Session 9 Session 10 q pens q pens q pens q pens q pencils q pencils q pencils q pencils q colored pencils q colored pencils q colored pencils q colored pencils q Hula Hoops q masking tape q masking tape q 4 cones q blindfolds (optional) q cones q cones q masking tape q tablet or laptop with PowerPoint (optional) q banner paper and permanent markers (optional) q drop cloth q undecorated, natural fiber door mats q stencils, acrylic paint and paintbrushes q blindfolds q beach balls q tablet or laptop with PowerPoint (optional) q banner paper and permanent markers (optional) q cardstock q compasses, rulers, protractors q Hula Hoops q dry-erase board set q large piece of plywood q small river stones q mosaic adhesive q foam pool noodles (cut in half) q beach balls q large trash bin q foam football q wood blocks OR 2x4 scraps, wood craft paint and paintbrushes q paper towels Session 11 Session 12 Session 13 q pens q pencils q colored pencils q 4 cones q masking tape q foam pool noodles (cut in half) q beach balls q laptop OR tablet device q pens q pencils q colored pencils q rectangular tables q masking tape q table tennis balls q sweet rolls q lemonade q cups q napkins q posterboard q oil pastels OR chalk q pens q pencils q colored pencils q masking tape q cones q foam pool noodles (cut in half) q beach balls q treats (cookies), soft drinks, cups, napkins q 2x4 lumber (uncut) q paint markers q large bucket q playground sand Summer 2016 DeepBlueKids.com vii

10 Student Worship Helps Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 SAY: I brought you up out of the land of Egypt; I redeemed you from the house of slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam before you. (Micah 6:4) PRAY: Amazing God, thank you for giving us the ability to think and reason. May we always use these gifts to help and serve those in need. Amen. SAY: Friends love all the time. (Proverbs 17:17a) PRAY: Caring God, thank you for friendships. May we do everything we can to care for and support our friends. May we experience your presence in our friendships. Amen. SAY: I will fulfill my promises to you, God. I will present thanksgiving offerings to you. (Psalm 56:12) PRAY: Patient God, thank you for your presence in our lives. Help us remember your promise to be with us at all times. May we come to you with our concerns. Amen. Session 4 SAY: Hope in the Lord! Be strong! Let your heart take courage! Hope in the Lord! (Psalm 27:14) PRAY: Gracious God,thank you for sending Jesus to show us how to love others. Help us put the needs of others ahead of our own desires. Amen. viii submerge Leader s Guide

11 Student Worship Helps Session 5 Session 6 Session 7 SAY: This was the first miraculous sign that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11) PRAY: Welcoming God, thank you for showing us what it means to be generous with others. Help us show hospitality toward all people we encounter. Amen. SAY: Then the father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, Your son lives. And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. (John 4:53) PRAY: Faithful God, thank you for being present with us during our times of need. May we be mindful of your care and comfort so that our faith may remain strong. Amen. SAY: Jesus said to him, Get up! Pick up your mat and walk. (John 5:8) PRAY: Merciful God, thank you for sending Jesus to show us what it means to be compassionate. Help us share your love with others each and every day. Amen. Session 8 Session 9 SAY: The man said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Jesus. (John 9:38) SAY: Jesus shouted with a loud voice, Lazarus, come out! (John 11:43) PRAY: Loving God, thank you sending Jesus to bring us into relationship with you. Help us share our faith through our every word and action. Amen. PRAY: Healing God, thank you for the gift of Jesus, who experienced the full range of human emotions. May we remember his empathy and love each day. Amen. Summer 2016 DeepBlueKids.com ix

12 Student Worship Helps Session 10 Session 11 Session 12 SAY: So let s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. (Romans 14:19) PRAY: Grace-filled God, thank you for showing us how to live as faithful disciples. Help us uplift and support one another in all that we do. Amen. SAY: Christ is just like the human body a body is a unit and has many parts; and all the parts of the body are one body, even though there are many. (1 Corinthians 12:12) PRAY: Relational God, thank you for making us members of the body of Christ. Remind us of the importance of working together in order to serve you. Amen. SAY: Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:7) PRAY: Loving God, thank you for the love of your Son, Jesus. May we model Christian love in each relationship with our family, friends, and others. Amen. Session 13 SAY: Run away from adolescent cravings. Instead, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace together with those who confess the Lord with a clean heart. (2 Timothy 2:22) PRAY: Peaceful God, thank you for sending Jesus to show us how to get along with others. Grant us the courage to be peacemakers in our daily lives. Amen. x submerge Leader s Guide

13 Cleverness Bible Verse I brought you up out of the land of Egypt; I redeemed you from the house of slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam before you. (Micah 6:4) Did You Know? Exodus tells the story of how God led the Israelites into the Promised Land. The first chapter recounts that, long after Joseph s family migrated to Egypt, the Egyptian leaders believed that the Israelite population had become too large. Fearing that the Israelites might rule Egypt, the Egyptian king enslaved God s people and ordered all males born to Israelite mothers be killed. Session 1 June 5 Bible Story Exodus 1:8 2:10 Compass Point Our ability to reason is a gift from God. An Israelite woman gave birth to a baby boy. Fearing that the baby would be killed, she placed him in a basket in the Nile River. The baby s sister watched over the basket, which was discovered by the daughter of the Egyptian king. The baby s sister approached the king s daughter and cleverly offered to find a nurse for the baby. This allowed her and the baby s mother to care for the infant in his childhood. That baby was Moses, and his clever sister was Miriam. Miriam s quick thinking allowed Moses to be raised by his mother and family before he was adopted by Pharaoh s daughter. It also allowed her mother to receive a salary and escape the fate of the other Israelites, who were forced to endure hard labor for no wages. Invite your students to think about ways they can use their gifts of reason and intelligence to serve others and to look after those in need. Remind them that cleverness comes in many forms and can be used in many different ways. Exploration Points We can use our gifts of intelligence and reason to serve God. God invites us to look after those who are in need. Requires preparation. Summer 2016 Session 1 DeepBlueKids.com 1

14 Jump In Choose from the following activities those that best suit your group. Diver s Log, pens, pencils, colored pencils Diver s Log Make pens, pencils, and colored pencils available. Give each student their copy of the Diver s Log. If you have new students this quarter, give each one a Diver s Log and ask them to write their name on the back. Encourage them to respond to the prompt on page 80 and to write, doodle, or draw their prayer concerns on page 81. After some amount of time, invite your students to share their responses as they are comfortable. SAY: The Quick Challenge required you to think quickly. Our Bible reading is about Miriam. Her cleverness prevented the separation of her mom and her brother. ASK: When have you seen someone s quick thinking save the day? masking tape, carpet squares or towels Game - Stepping Stones Use masking tape to create lines on opposite sides of your space. Divide your students into teams of four to six. Give each team two carpet squares (or towels). Invite each team to line up on one side of the space. Inform the students that the game is a group-building activity that requires them to get across the room while adhering to certain parameters. The object is to use the carpet squares (or towels) as stepping stones in order to get across the river to the opposite bank. Every player must reach the other side safely, using only the stepping stones. Only two players can be standing on a stone at any one time. Players must keep both feet on a stone unless stepping from one stone to another. Carrying or piggybacking a teammate is not allowed. Set a time limit in which to successfully complete the activity. Any team that finishes within the time frame wins. SAY: Our game required you to creatively work together to find a solution. ASK: When have you had to solve a problem with a group of people? What are the challenges of working together on a project? What are the drawbacks? TIP: If students have difficulty, suggest that the solution is to go back and forth across the stones in pairs, taking turns to retrieve a teammate. 2 June 5 submerge Leader s Guide

15 Dive Deeper Read the Bible Invite your students to look up Exodus 1:8 2:10 and to take turns reading. Bibles (CEB) READING - Baby Basket Boat Photocopy page 5, one for each student. Assign each of the roles. Invite your students to do the reading together. Leader s Guide ASK: How do you think Pharaoh reacted when his daughter adopted an Israelite baby boy? What do you think Pharaoh said when his daughter brought Moses home? Discuss It - Cleverness Photocopy page 6, one for each adult discussion leader. Divide your students into groups of four to six. Assign each group an adult discussion leader. Invite your leaders and students to spend time discussing the questions. Leader s Guide TIP: If your group is small, consider discussing the questions as one group. Grow Stronger June Bloom: Broaden Your Horizons Give each student a copy of the Submerge magazine. Invite them to write their name on the back. This will be their magazine to use each week throughout the quarter. Encourage them to read the article on page 3. Submerge magazine, pens ASK: What are some new activities you d like to try this summer? How can you use the gifts and talents God has given you to explore these hobbies? Flex Your Head: Fun Ways to Use Your Brain Invite your students to read the article on pages 4-5 and to respond to the prompt. ASK: What are the ways you use your God-given intelligence each day? How can you apply these reasoning skills in service to people in need? Submerge magazine, pens Summer 2016 Session 1 DeepBlueKids.com 3

16 ceramic tiles, paint markers, clear varnish spray Creative Expression - Dynamic Ceramic Gather the necessary supplies. Make ceramic tiles and paint markers available. Invite your students to create individual works of art that represent their gifts and talents. Encourage your group to be creative. Invite your students to share their creations. When the paint has dried, apply clear varnish to protect the surface of the tile. TIP: Make sure you apply the clear varnish spray in a well-ventilated area. Leader s Guide Worship Photocopy page viii, one for each worship volunteer. Invite one student to read today s Bible verse. Invite a second student to read the prayer. 4 June 5 submerge Leader s Guide

17 Reading - Baby Basket Boat NARRATOR: Jacob s descendants, the Israelites, moved to Egypt when Joseph was put in charge of Pharaoh s kingdom. Things were great for a while, until a new pharaoh came to power who didn t know the Israelites. PHARAOH: What are we going to do? Our country is full of Israelites. What happens if they unite with our enemies against us? It would ruin Egypt, I tell you, ruin it! ADVISER: I agree, Your Excellency. There s no need to tell me twice. What wicked plan can we concoct to fix this? PHARAOH: We ve got to stop them from having so many babies. That s it! I ll order that all Israelite babies be killed. Actually, that s too evil, even for me. Let s flip a coin heads, the baby boys are killed; tails, the baby girls die. ADVISER: It s heads, Sire! That means the boys gotta go! Bye-bye, baby boys! NARRATOR: Umm the Bible doesn t say how Pharaoh decided to kill only the boys. But after the Israelite nurses ignored his order to do this evil deed, Pharaoh told his people to throw the Israelite baby boys into the Nile River. PHARAOH: Throw the baby boys born to the Israelites into the river! If the baby s a girl, she can live. NARRATOR: A short time later, there was a family from the tribe of Levi that had a son. The baby s mother had done everything she could to hide him from the Egyptians. BABY S MOM: My beautiful baby boy! I don t want to do this, but I ve got to keep you safe. I ll make a boat out of a basket and place you in the plants along the riverbed. That will keep you from facing danger. NARRATOR: The mother built a little, floating baby basket boat that was sealed up with black tar. Then she put the baby in it and placed it on the riverbank. You know, babies have to go #2 a lot. I hope this boat had a poop deck. Get it? PHARAOH: I don t get it. NARRATOR: Pharaoh, you can t talk! Your part in the story is done. Anyway, the baby s older sister, whom we later learn is named Miriam, stood nearby and watched as Pharaoh s daughter and her servants approach the river. PHARAOH S DAUGHTER: What a precious baby! He must be an Israelite. Aren t you so cute? NARRATOR: Miriam, the baby s older sister, approached Pharaoh s daughter. MIRIAM: My mom s a very good nanny, who can take care of the baby for you while he s nursing. Do you want me to ask her to take care of the baby for you? PHARAOH S DAUGHTER: Yes, do that. Take the baby home to your mother, and I ll pay her for the work. NARRATOR: Miriam s quick thinking allowed her brother to stay with the family and allowed Miriam s mom to be paid for taking care of her own baby. Good job, Miriam! The baby went to live with Pharaoh s daughter when he got older. PHARAOH S DAUGHTER: Hello, little child! I m going to call you Moses, because I pulled you out of the water. NARRATOR: Wasn t it actually a baby basket boat that she pulled him from? I m just saying Summer 2016 Session 1 DeepBlueKids.com 5

18 Discuss It - Cleverness SAY: A new pharaoh came to power in Egypt. This pharaoh didn t know Joseph or his family and felt threatened by the Israelites. Pharaoh said that there were too many Israelites and that they might join Egypt s enemies if a war broke out. Pharaoh made the Israelites into slaves in order to prevent them from gaining power. ASK: Do you think this pharaoh knew the story of how Joseph had saved Egypt from starvation? Why do you think Pharaoh thought the Israelites might side with Egypt s enemies? How do you think the ordinary Egyptian people felt about the Israelites? Do you think they wanted to enslave the Israelites, or did they just do what the king wanted? SAY: Pharaoh told two Israelite nurses who helped women give birth that they should kill the baby boys. The women refused to do this and told Pharaoh that the Israelite women were so strong that they gave birth before the nurses arrived. After this, Pharaoh told the Egyptians to throw baby boys born to Israelites into the Nile River. ASK: How did the two Israelite nurses show their cleverness in their refusal to obey Pharaoh s order? How would you have reacted if you were one of the nurses and were ordered by the king to murder innocent infants? Why do you think Pharaoh let the Israelite baby girls live but not the boys? SAY: An Israelite woman placed her baby in a floating basket next to the Nile River in order to hide him. The baby s sister, whom we later learn is Miriam, watched as Pharaoh s daughter found the basket. Miriam then suggested that she could find a nanny for the baby. Pharaoh s daughter agreed, allowing Miriam s mother to be paid for caring for her infant son. ASK: Do you think Moses mom thought that someone would find the basket, or do you think she was trying to hide him? How did Miriam display quick thinking in allowing her brother to be cared for by their mom? Why do you think Pharaoh s daughter was so kind as to offer to pay for a nanny when the Israelites were slaves to the Egyptians? SAY: The two nurses and Miriam displayed quick thinking in order to do what was right and to look after someone who was in need. Each of us has received the gifts of reason and intelligence from God, which we can use to help others and to promote justice. ASK: What are some needs that you see in our community? What clever and creative ways do you have for addressing these needs? Are there larger issues that contribute to the issues around us? How can we use our God-given gifts of intelligence and reason to address these issues? 6 June 5 submerge Leader s Guide

19 Friendship Bible Verse Friends love all the time. (Proverbs 17:17a) Did You Know? The Book of Ruth is set during the time when Israel was ruled by the judges. Naomi and Elimelech, her husband, were from Bethlehem in the region of Judah. Due to a famine, they moved with their two sons to the territory of Moab. Naomi s sons married Moabite women. Eventually, Elimelech died, as did both of Naomi s sons. This left Naomi and her daughters-in-law without any way to provide for themselves. Upon hearing that Judah was prospering, Naomi decided to travel home. Session 2 June 12 Bible Story Ruth 1:1-22 Compass Point Friendships are a gift from God. Ruth and Orpah, Naomi s daughters-in-law, set out with Naomi on the journey back to Judah. Wanting the best for Ruth and Orpah, Naomi insisted several times that her daughters-in-law return to Moab. Eventually, Orpah gave in to Naomi s demand. After a tearful goodbye, Orpah started the journey back to Moab. Determined to stay at Naomi s side, Ruth traveled with her all the way to Bethlehem. The whole town greeted them with excitement when they arrived. The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of the great examples of friendship in the Bible. Ruth supported her friend, even though it meant leaving her home and traveling to a new land. Invite your students to think about the support they offer to, and receive from, their friends. Encourage your students to consider the ways they experience friendships as a gift from God. Help them understand that friendships enrich our experience of God s divine presence in our lives. Exploration Points We experience God s presence in and through our friendships with others. Friends provide spiritual support and comfort to one another. Requires preparation. Summer 2016 Session 2 DeepBlueKids.com 7

20 Jump In Choose from the following activities those that best suit your group. Diver s Log, pens, pencils, colored pencils Diver s Log Make pens, pencils, and colored pencils available. Give each student their copy of the Diver s Log. Encourage them to respond to the prompt on page 82 and to write, doodle, or draw their prayer concerns on page 83. After some amount of time, invite your students to share their responses as they are comfortable. SAY: Our Bible reading is about how two friends, Naomi and Ruth, support and look after each other in a time of need. ASK: Who are the friends who have meant the most to you in your life? What are the ways you show your friends how much they mean to you? masking tape, bandanas Game - Five-Legged Race Use masking tape to create a line on one side of your space. Divide your students into teams of three. Give each team two bandanas. Invite all the players on each team to use the bandanas to tie their legs together as they would in a three-legged race. Inform the students that the game is a like a three-legged race, but there are three players per team instead of two. The object is to be the first team to touch the opposite wall and return to cross to the starting / finish line. Repeat the race as time and interest allow. Consider these or any other variations on the traditional three-legged race: walking backward, skipping, or zigzagging through a slalom course of cones. SAY: The game required you to cooperate and work together in order to be successful. Compromise and teamwork are signs of a healthy friendship. ASK: When have you had to work together with a friend in order to accomplish something? How do you show compromise in your friendships? Why is this give and take important in friendships? 8 June 12 submerge Leader s Guide

21 Dive Deeper Read the Bible Invite your students to look up Ruth 1:1-22 and to take turns reading. Bibles (CEB) READING - Stand By Me Photocopy page 11, one for each student. Assign each of the roles. Invite your students to do the reading together. Leader s Guide ASK: What do you imagine happened when Orpah went back to Moab? Discuss It - Friendship Photocopy page 12, one for each adult discussion leader. Divide your students into groups of four to six. Assign each group an adult discussion leader. Invite your leaders and students to spend time discussing the questions. Leader s Guide TIP: If your group is small, consider discussing the questions as one group. Grow Stronger Friendship 5: Some Things to Try with your Friends Give each student their copy of the Submerge magazine. Invite them to read the article on pages 6-7. Submerge magazine ASK: How do you like to spend time with your friends? How does doing things together help build your friendships? Fellowship Time - Friendship Feast Make (or buy) treats and bring juice, cups, and napkins. Make treats, juice, cups, and napkins available. Invite your students to spend time getting to know one another better while enjoying fellowship time together. treats, juice, cups, napkins TIP: Be aware of any food allergies your students have. Summer 2016 Session 2 DeepBlueKids.com 9

22 duct tape of various colors and patterns, scissors, rulers Creative Expression - We re Stuck Together Gather the necessary supplies. Make duct tape of various colors and patterns, scissors, and rulers available. Invite your students to follow these instructions to create a simple duct tape wallet that they can give to a friend. 1. Cut a 9-inch-long strip of duct tape and place it on the table, with the sticky up. Cut another 9-inch strip. With the sticky side facing up, place it so that it overlaps the first piece about one-half inch. Cut and add 3 more strips of duct tape. 2. Make another 5-strip sheet of duct tape. Turn the duct tape sheet in your hands so that the sticky side is facing down. Then, starting at the top, carefully stick this sheet to the sticky side of the first sheet. 3. Cut off any excess tape so that the duct tape rectangle has clean, even edges. 4. Fold the rectangle in half so that it forms a long, rectangular pouch. 5. Use short strips of duct tape to tape the short edges together so that there is an open pocket on the long side. It should look like an open wallet. 6. Fold the short sides together so that it becomes a wallet that can fit in a pocket. 7. Customize or decorate the outside of the wallet. Encourage your group to be creative. After some amount of time, invite your students to share their creations. TIP: Invite your students to use their phones to find more intricate duct tape wallet designs. Leader s Guide Worship Photocopy page viii, one for each worship volunteer. Invite one student to read today s Bible verse. Invite a second student to read the prayer. 10 June 12 submerge Leader s Guide

23 Reading - Stand by Me NARRATOR: During the time before Israel had a king, there was a woman named Naomi. She lived in Bethlehem with her husband, Elimelech. For our drama today, we ll call him Mel. There was a famine in Naomi and Mel s hometown. NAOMI: Mel, what are we going to do? There are no crops for food. We re going to starve if we don t figure something out. MEL: I hear there s food in Moab. As much as I hate the thought of it, we ve gotta leave our little town of Bethlehem. NARRATOR: Get it? Never mind. There were two towns called Bethlehem in Bible times: Bethlehem of Judah, near Jerusalem, where Jesus was later born; and Bethlehem in Zebulun, which is mentioned only once in the Bible. NAOMI: You call the moving company, and I ll call the real estate agent. I hope the schools are good in Moab. NARRATOR: Naomi and Mel moved to Moab with their two sons. The boys eventually grew up and married Moabite women. Fast forward many years Mel and the two sons are dead. Naomi is left with her two daughters-in-law. MEL: Wait, I m dead? But I had only one line in the whole drama. NARRATOR: I m sorry, Mel. That s the way it is. And it s better than no lines in the drama. Anyway, Naomi decided to return to her home in Judah. She told her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, about her plans. NAOMI: I ve enjoyed knowing both of you. But I ve got no way to take care of myself here in Moab. I m going back to Judah. NARRATOR: Both Ruth and Orpah followed Naomi as she began her journey. Naomi insisted that they return home. NAOMI: There s nothing for you in Judah. Turn back, both of you, and return to Moab. Your families will take care of you. NARRATOR: Naomi kissed her daughters-in-law goodbye, but they insisted on staying with her. RUTH: I m going with you, Naomi! ORPAH: Me, too. We ll do this together. NAOMI: Please, go back to Moab. I cannot promise that there will be anyone who can help provide food and shelter. I d rather stay together, but your best chance of having a good life is to go back to Moab. ORPAH: Okay, Naomi. If that s what you want, I ll go back to Moab. NARRATOR: Orpah said goodbye to her mother-in-law, but Ruth was adamant about staying with Naomi. NAOMI: Look, your sister-in-law is doing the smart thing. Turn around and go back to your family. RUTH: Stop asking me to abandon you. You are my family and my friend. Your people will become my people, and I will worship the God of Israel. Please, don t ask me to leave you again. NARRATOR: Ruth and Naomi arrived together in Bethlehem. The whole town was excited to see them. As for Orpah, she is not mentioned again in the Bible. Although rumor has it that she started her own TV talk show. Get it? Never mind. Summer 2016 Session 2 DeepBlueKids.com 11

24 Discuss It - Friendship SAY: Elimelech and Naomi left Bethlehem in order to escape a famine and make a better life for themselves. They traveled to Moab with their two sons. Think about your own experience with moving or changing schools and then imagine what it would have been like for them to move away. ASK: What do you think it was like for Elimelech and Naomi s sons to leave their friends in Bethlehem? How do you think they felt? How would you have felt if you were in their place? What would you miss most about our town if you moved away? What would excite you the most about leaving? SAY: Elimelech and Naomi didn t just move to a different town; they went to a different country with its own language, religion, and customs. It would be like if you moved to Mexico, Germany, or South Korea. Think about the people you know who have immigrated and/or imagine what it would be like if you moved to a different country. ASK: Have you, or any of your friends or family members, moved to a different country for any reason? What do you think it would be like to move to a place where you had to learn a new language and customs? Has there ever been a time when you couldn t communicate with someone because he or she spoke a different language? What was it like? SAY: Naomi knew that it was a major sacrifice for Ruth and Orpah to move with her to Bethlehem. At first, both of Naomi s daughters-in-law insisted on staying with her. After Naomi protested a second time, Orpah followed Naomi s instructions but Ruth stayed with Naomi. ASK: What would you have told Ruth and Orpah if you had been in Naomi s situation? If you had to choose between Orpah s decision to return home or Ruth s decision to go with Naomi, what would you have done? Has a friend ever tried to talk you out of doing something? Did you listen? Why or why not? SAY: Ruth showed that her care for Naomi was more than that of a daughter-in-law for a mother-in-law. They truly were friends. Ruth supported Naomi, even when it meant leaving her own home and moving to a new place. Think about your own friendships. ASK: What are the ways your friends help you when you re in need? How do you support your friends when they need help? Have you ever thought about how you experience God s presence in and through your friendships with others? What is one way you experience God s presence through friendships? 12 June 12 submerge Leader s Guide

25 Covenant Bible Verse I will fulfill my promises to you, God. I will present thanksgiving offerings to you. (Psalm 56:12) Did You Know? The Israelites worshipped God in the dwelling tent, which held the covenant chest during their time in the wilderness and while settling Canaan. During the period that the judges ruled Israel, the dwelling tent was permanently placed in Shiloh. The Israelites traveled to Shiloh in order to make sacrifices and to offer prayer. David brought the chest to Jerusalem, with plans to build a permanent worship structure. It wasn t until Solomon became king that a permanent temple was constructed. Session 3 June 19 Bible Story 1 Samuel 1:1 2:11 Compass Point We dedicate ourselves to serving God. Hannah lived during the time when the Israelites worshipped at Shiloh. Hannah went to the entrance of the meeting tent to pray near the covenant chest. Teased because she had no children, Hannah promised that if God gave her a son, she would make sure the child served God. After giving birth, Hannah dedicated Samuel and raised him according to the unique Nazirite customs. When Samuel was older, Hannah took him to Shiloh to serve God under Eli the priest. Hannah showed great faith in placing her trust in God and in following through on the holy promise she had made. Invite your students to consider the many ways they live out the covenant, or holy promise, to follow Jesus in their everyday lives. Encourage them to think about the many ways they can live as disciples in their interactions and encounters with others. Consider developing a covenant your students can live out together throughout the coming weeks. Exploration Points A covenant is a holy promise made between God and God s people. There are many ways to use our gifts and talents to serve God. Requires preparation. Summer 2016 Session 3 DeepBlueKids.com 13

26 Jump In Choose from the following activities those that best suit your group. Diver s Log, pens, pencils, colored pencils Diver s Log Make pens, pencils, and colored pencils available. Give each student their copy of the Diver s Log. Encourage them to respond to the prompt on page 84 and to write, doodle, or draw their prayer concerns on page 85. After some amount of time, invite your students to share their responses as they are comfortable. SAY: Our Bible reading is about a promise made with God. ASK: What promises are easier to keep? Which promises are harder to keep? masking tape, foam pool noodles (cut in half), Wiffle ball, dryerase board set Game - Face-Off Frenzy Use masking tape to create lines on opposite sides of your space and an X in the middle. Make sure the foam pool noodles are cut in half. Divide your students into two equal-size teams. Assign each team a line, and ask them to stand behind it. Give each team a half-size foam pool noodle. Inform your students that the game is like a one-on-one field hockey face-off. The object is to win possession of the ball and hit it across their team s line. Players take turns, one at a time from each team, facing off against the other team. The two players stand at the X, facing each other and their team line. Place the Wiffle ball on the X, step away, and call Go. Each player must use a noodle as a stick to move the ball across their line. The players in the face-off may move the ball only with their stick, not with their hands or feet. No other player may touch the ball until it crosses the line. If a player purposely uses their feet, or if anyone not involved in the face-off touches the ball, the non-offending team wins one point and the round is restarted. One point is earned for the team whose player hit the ball across their line. A round is complete when each player has had a turn to face off. Use a dry-erase board to keep score. SAY: Just like any game, our game today had rules. When involved in games and sports, players make a direct or indirect promise to one another to follow the rules. ASK: Why is it important for players to make that promise to one another? 14 June 19 submerge Leader s Guide

27 Dive Deeper Read the Bible Invite your students to look up 1 Samuel 1:1 2:11 and to take turns reading. Bibles (CEB) READING - Promises, Promises Photocopy page 17, one for each student. Assign each of the roles. Invite your students to do the reading together. Leader s Guide ASK: Instead of growing your hair, how can you show your faith in your daily life? Discuss It - Covenant Photocopy page 18, one for each adult discussion leader. Divide your students into groups of four to six. Assign each group an adult discussion leader. Invite your leaders and students to spend time discussing the questions. Leader s Guide TIP: If your group is small, consider discussing the questions as one group. Grow Stronger Check Out Appalachia Service Project Give each student their copy of the Submerge magazine. Invite them to read the article on pages 8-9. Submerge magazine ASK: How are participants in ASP living out Jesus message through acts of service? Group Time - Our Promise To ONE ANOther SAY: Covenant is a fancy Bible word for a promise between God and God s people. It also is a promise among God s people, especially as it relates to discipleship. dry-erase board set Invite your students to think about some ways they can live out their faith in God and support one another through spiritual practices or acts of service. Encourage them to use a dry-erase board to write down ideas about ways to be in covenant together. When brainstorming is done, have your group work together to create their own covenant. Consider writing or posting it where your students will be reminded of it. Summer 2016 Session 3 DeepBlueKids.com 15

28 macramé or hemp cord, clay beads, scissors Creative Expression - Promise Ropes Gather the necessary supplies. SAY: Many followers of Jesus around the world use ropes as a tool to pray. We re going to make something from rope as a way to help us remember to live out our faith through acts of prayer, devotion, kindness, and service. Make macramé or hemp cord, clay beads, and scissors available. Invite your students to create a bracelet, necklace, or key chain that can remind them to incorporate acts of prayer, devotion, kindness, and service into their day. Encourage your group to be creative. After some amount of time, invite your students to share their creations. Leader s Guide Worship Photocopy page viii, one for each worship volunteer. Invite one student to read today s Bible verse. Invite a second student to read the prayer. 16 June 19 submerge Leader s Guide