VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL A Three (3) day Program Suggestion For Youth in Grades 1 through Teen Program Suggestions by:
TABLE OF CONTENTS: SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES... 3 Day #1:... 3 Day #2:... 3 Day #3:... 4 SUGGESTED PROGRAM FOR H.O.P.E. AGE CHILDREN (K THRU 3 RD GRADE)... 5 Day #1:... 5 Day #2:... 6 Day #3:... 7 SUGGESTED PROGRAM FOR J.O.Y. AGE CHILDREN (4 TH THRU 6 TH GRADE)... 8 Day #1:... 8 Day #2:... 9 Day #3:... 10 SUGGESTED PROGRAM FOR G.O.Y.A. AGE CHILDREN (7 TH THRU 12 TH GRADE)... 11 Day #1:... 11 DAY #2:... 13 Day #3:... 14 JOINT ACTIVITY: Learning to write an Icon.... 15 Day #1: Learning to write an Icon of the Mother of God... 15 Day #2 Learning to write an icon of Jesus Christ.... 17 Page 2 of 17
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES Day #1: 1. 10:00 am to 10:30 am a. Service of Thanksgiving b. Assign an adult to check the registration information for each child and collect the $20.00 registration fee. c. An adult will assign each child to a focus group according to their grade in school listed on their registration form: HOPE (K-3), JOY (4-6), GOYA (7-12). This can be accomplished by using colored name badges to identify the students: Colors could be: HOPE=Green; JOY=Yellow; GOYA=Blue. d. Opening Hymn Tes Presvies. In English, Through the prayers of the Theotokos 2. 10:30 am to 12:00 noon a. Focus Groups break off to meet in their respective rooms for the first activity of the day refer to Focus Group Suggested Programs beginning on page 5. 3. 12:00 noon to 12:30 Lunch. 4. 12:00 to 1:30 a. Focus groups come together for a joint activity i. Activity: 1. Learning to write an icon of the Mother of God Led by? 5. 1:30 to 2:00 a. Closing Prayer by one of the Priests present. b. Closing Hymn Se Imnoumen. In English, We praise you c. Children to leave name badges on table for next day. Day #2: 1. 10:00 am to 10:30 am a. Children pick up their name badges from the table b. Opening Prayer by one of the Priests present. c. Opening Hymn Soson Imas In English, Save us O Son of God 2. 10:30 am to 12:00 noon a. Focus Groups break off to meet in their respective rooms for the first activity of the day - refer to Focus Group Suggested Programs beginning on page 5. 3. 12:00 noon to 12:30 Lunch. 4. 12:00 to 1:30 Focus groups come together for a joint activity a. Activity: i. Learning to write an icon of Jesus Christ Led by? 5. 1:30 to 2:00 a. Closing Prayer by one of the Priests present. b. Closing Hymn Se Imnoumen. In English, We praise you c. Children leave their name badges on the table for the next day. Page 3 of 17
Day #3: 1. 10:00 am to 10:30 am a. Children pick up their name badges from the table b. Opening Prayer by one of the Priests present. c. Opening Hymn Thrice Holy Hymn 2. 10:30 am to 12:00 noon a. Focus Groups break off to meet in their respective rooms for the first activity of the day - refer to Focus Group Suggested Programs beginning on page 5. 3. 12:00 noon to 12:30 Lunch. 4. 12:00 to 1:30 a. Focus groups come together for a joint activity i. Activity: 1. Blessing of the Holy Water with children reading/singing the responses a. Each child would take a bottle of Holy Water home with them. 5. 1:30 to 2:00 a. Dismissal b. Children take home their Holy Water, badges and any other items they made during the program.. Glory to God for All Things Page 4 of 17
SUGGESTED PROGRAM FOR H.O.P.E. AGE CHILDREN (K THRU 3 RD GRADE) 1 ½ hour sessions Led by? Day #1: 1. Children to be seated at a table 2. Have Flip Chart available to record children s answers. 3. Theme appropriate questions regarding the Theotokos because of the opening hymn that was sung, Tes Presvies : a. Who is the Theotokos? Record Answers on Flip Chart. i. Explain who she is and what Theotokos means. b. What are some other names used for the Mother of God? Record Answers on a flip Chart. c. Talk about children s love for their family members. Correlate to Jesus and His Mommy. Jesus had grandparents too.joachim and Anna Help children to understand Jesus was part of a family with a Mommy and family members just like they are. Tell of how the church is like a family and we are all members of the body of Christ in the church.keep very simple.kindergarten-2 nd grade explanations. 4. Craft: Make a Jesus Loves our Family Jar 1 : a. Materials: i. Plastic Jar ii. Colored stones iii. Small Tree Branch iv. Paper v. Scissors vi. Markers vii. Crayons viii. Yarn ix. Hole Punch b. Process: i. Make hearts and write names of brothers, sisters, Mom, Dad, Grandmother (Yiayia), Grandfather (Papou). Punch hole in heart and thread yarn through and hang from the Tree branch that has been placed in the plastic jar with colored stones on the bottom. ii. Make a large heart and write Jesus Love Our Family and glue it to 5. Lunch 6. Focus Groups combine for joint activities for the rest of the day. 1 Originating source unknown. Page 5 of 17
Day #2: 1 ½ hour session Led by? 1. Children to be seated at a table 2. Have Flip Chart available to record children s answers. 3. Theme appropriate questions regarding the Savior because of the opening hymn that was sung, Soson Imas.. : a. Who is the Savior? Record Answers on flip chart. b. What does this mean? -- discuss c. What are some names for the Savior? Add any names for the Lord that weren t mentioned earlier. d. What does it mean to save us? (Simple explanation remember Kindergarten through 2 nd grade.) e. How is Jesus like our own Father and Grandfathers? f. Scripture: 1 John 3:1: How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God? 4. Craft: Placemats 2 : a. Materials: i. 11 x 14 sheet of paper ii. Laminator from Office iii. Crayons, markers iv. Make one placemat for every member of the child s family: ex: 1. Jesus Loves my Daddy 2. Jesus Loves my Mommy 3. Jesus Love my Sister 4. Jesus love my Grandma 5. Etc. let each child make as many as they want. Adult to laminate them in plastic to take home. 5. Lunch 6. Focus Groups combine for joint activities for the rest of the day. 2 Originating source unknown. Page 6 of 17
Day #3: 1 ½ hour session Led by? 1. Children to be seated at a table 2. Have Flip Chart available to record children s answers. 3. Theme appropriate questions regarding God and being holy because of the opening hymn that was sung, Thrice Holy Hymn : a. What do you think Holy means? record answers on Flip Chart. i. Give very simple Answer: ex: We are made in God s image, to be Holy means to be as God created us. God created us in His image. b. Do we know what God looks like? Make note of responses i. Give very simple Answer: 1. ex: We know what Jesus looks like because he became human like we are while still also being completely God, but we do not know what God the Father looks like. We do know that God the Father is completely good and loving. He loves us whether or not we are being good, he is always there for us no matter what we do to help us.. When we are good and loving to our family, friends and other people, we are reflecting God s image within ourselves we are complete as God created us, we are whole, we are like God and called holy as God is Holy. The word holy comes from the word whole.. Etc. a. Talk about when you get mad.. When you get mad at your brother or sister, do you think you are acting loving and kind? When you get jealous because someone has something you don t, do you think you are being loving and kind? Do you think when you have these feelings of being angry or jealous you are being like God? 4. Activity: Adam and Eve hid from God game. Read Genesis 3:8-10. Game teaches God always loves and accepts us and wants us to be good and loving as He created us 3. i. Ask for a volunteer that child will act like God. Have child go out into the hall. ii. Ask for a volunteer for Adam and a volunteer for Eve. Let Adam and Eve stay among their classmates unidentified. iii. Ask the child who volunteered to act like God come back in. Ask this Child to walk around and try to find Adam and Eve. As the child gets close to Adam and Eve, everyone claps. When the child is far away from Adam and Eve, everyone stops clapping. iv. Lesson: When we do something we re not supposed to do, like Adam and Eve eating the apple, we often want to hide. But no matter what we do, it s important to admit what we ve done. God always loves us and always accepts us and wants us to tell the truth. 5. Lunch 6. Focus Groups combine for joint activities for the rest of the day. 3 Originating source unknown. Page 7 of 17
SUGGESTED PROGRAM FOR J.O.Y. AGE CHILDREN (4 TH THRU 6 TH GRADE) 1 ½ hour session - Led by? Day #1: 1. Children to be seated at a table. 2. Scripture Lesson: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) Read the Scripture out loud or ask for a volunteer to read it. Game teaches that it is important to spread the Good News 4 : a. Materials: i. Bible or a printout of Matthew 28:18-20 ii. A large playing area iii. 1-Frisbee for each group of 4 children iv. Form groups of four, and give each group a Frisbee. v. Have each group stand in a single line, with each child about three (3) feet apart from the next person in line: SAY: When I say Begin, the first person in each group will throw the Frisbee to the next person in line. As soon as you throw the saucer, run to the end of your team line so that you can play again. Once you catch the saucer, throw it to the next person. Whenever you throw the flying saucer say, It s Good News. God is always with us. When your team reaches the end of the play area, then work backward to the beginning. vi. When the game ends read the Scriptural passage again and discuss it. say: In Matthew 28, Jesus came back and commanded the disciples to go to people everywhere and tell them the Good News. 3. Lunch 4. Focus Groups combine for joint activities for the rest of the day. 4 Originating source unknown. Page 8 of 17
Day #2: 1 ½ hour session Led by? 1. Children to be seated at a table. 2. Scripture Lesson: Growing in Christ (Ephesians 4:1-32) 3. Do the Activity a. Activity: Game teaches each small action we do adds up 5. i. Materials: 1. Bible or a print out of Ephesians 4:1-32 2. A ball of yarn 3. A pair of scissors 4. A table or chair ii. Before you play the game, cut a piece of yarn and tape it to the wall at about eye level for the children. iii. Have the children form a single-file line. Set the table or chair near the first person in line. Set the ball of yarn and scissors on it. iv. Open the Bible to Ephesians 4:1-32 or have a printout set by the yarn and scissors. v. SAY: When I say to begin, the first person in line will cut a piece of yarn from the ball. Then you will start reading Ephesians 4 out loud until you get to a spot that gives advice on how to live as a Christian. At that point stop reading. REREAD the advice aloud again and cut a piece of yarn -- - then run up to the yarn that is taped to the wall and tie your piece onto it. vi. While the child is tying his/her piece of yarn to the last piece, the next child should begin reading Ephesians where the first child left off and when they get to the next advise, do the same thing with the yarn the last child did. vii. Do this until every child has a turn. viii. At the end of the game the piece of string is very long with everyone s string piece added on for each advise they learned. ix. End of the Game: Ephesians 4 is full of good advice on how to act as a Christian. Every day, we need to act in these ways. Each act may seem small, but the more acts we do, the more they add up and make a big difference. 4. Lunch 5. Focus Groups combine for joint activities for the rest of the day. 5 Originating source unknown. Page 9 of 17
Day #3: 1 ½ hour session Led by? 1. Children to be seated at a table. 2. Activity 6 : a. Ask: What do you think Holy means? record answers on Flip Chart. i. This is a slightly older group than HOPE so answer can be a little more mature. Answer: ex: We are made in God s image, to be Holy means to be as God created us. God created us in His image. b. Do we know what God looks like? Make note of responses i. Answer example: We know what Jesus looks like because he became human like we are while still also being completely God, but we do not know what God the Father looks like. We do know that God the Father is completely good and loving. He loves us whether or not we are being good, he is always there for us no matter what we do to help us.. When we are good and loving to our family, friends and other people, we are reflecting God s image within ourselves we are complete as God created us, we are whole, we are like God and called holy as God is Holy. The word holy comes from the word whole. c. Activity: The activity teaches that the Gospels are full of words of wisdom about how to ive in the image of Christ, to be Holy, to e Christians (Scripture Correlation: The words of Jesus from the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) i. Do the Activity 1. Materials: a. A large number of index cards b. Pen or pencil for each child c. Two containers. 2. Form two teams and given each a stack of index cards. Hand each child a pen or pencil. Place an empty container about ten feet from each group. 3. SAY: Throughout Jesus life, in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus told us a great deal about how to act. When I say begin, I want you to write something you ve learned that Jesus said. It doesn t have to be a Bible verse, although it can be. It just needs to be something you have learned about how to be a Christian. When you finish writing, run to the container and drop your card in. Come back to your group and write something else. Drop this card in the container also. Continue to do this until I say stop. You do not have to put your name on the card. 4. Start the game. Afterward, instead of counting the number of cards in each container, pull out the cards and read them aloud. IF A NAME IS ON THE CARD, DO NOT READ THE NAME!!! Comment on what the child has written. 5. End of game. SAY: Loving our neighbors, loving ourselves, praying, following God. All of these are great examples of how to be a Christian. The Gospels are full of words of wisdom. 3. Lunch 4. Focus Groups combine for joint activities for the rest of the day 6 Originating source unknown. Page 10 of 17
SUGGESTED PROGRAM FOR G.O.Y.A. AGE CHILDREN (7 TH THRU 12 TH GRADE) 1 ½ hour session Led by? Day #1: 1. Goyans join their focus group for discussion. 2. Have Flip Chart available to record answers or use chalk board if available. 3. Activity: Interactive discussion between speaker and students. 4. Focus of Activity: The Veneration of the Mother of God in the hymnody of the Church and the Church s belief in her mediation to her Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for the salvation of our souls. a. Materials: i. Scripture: John 2:1-2:11 either individual Bibles or a printout of the Scripture reading. ii. Copies of the Paraklesis from the Cabinet in the coat room of the Narthex iii. Copies of the blue Divine Liturgy book in the pews of the Church. iv. Copy of the Hymn of the Church, Simeron Tis Sotirias In English, Today is the beginning of our Salvation v. Copy of the Kontakion of the Theotokos, Prostasia Ton Christianon In English, O Protection of Christians b. Suggested activity procedure reading scripture and odes of hymnody out loud with active discussion periods in between readings. i. Begin by speaking about the opening hymn, Tes Presvies Have a volunteer read the hymn s words again from the blue Divine Liturgy book in the pew pg. 4 1. Focus the group by explaining the Church s liturgical practice of venerating the Mother of God. Extend the explanation to include the difference between veneration and worship. ii. Ask a volunteer to read John 2:1-2:11 out loud. 1. Comment that John 2:1-2:11 is not only significant in that it was the event in which Jesus first miracle was performed, it is also the event in which the Mother of God intercedes with her Son on behalf of man for the first time. 2. An important part of John 2:1 through 2:11 is Jesus interaction with His mother. Point out that Jesus respects and listens to His mother s petitions --- target the fact that Jesus calls her woman in the scriptural passage. Proceed with the explanation that this is not a disrespectful form of address for that time in history. Woman actually is a respectful form of address. Continue with the fact that Jesus would not have been disrespectful of His mother because that would be breaking a Commandment. In showing respect to His mother - and in His mother s confidence that her Son would do as she requested as evidenced by the scriptural passage - Jesus performed His first miracle at His mother s intercession on the family s behalf. iii. Ask a volunteer to read Luke 2:39 through2:52 out loud. 1. This passage provides the earliest evidence that Jesus honored His parents requests from a young age and always behaved in a respectful manner toward them according to the fifth Commandment, Honor thy mother and father which reinforces the above discussion. iv. Refer again to the hymn Tes Presvies sung at the beginning of the session. 1. During the opening petitions (the Great Litany) of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, the people respond with, Lord have mercy until the petitions are completed. The very first Hymn of the Divine Liturgy that is sung by the people (choir) is honoring the Mother of God that hymn is, Tes Presvies.. in English Through the Page 11 of 17
prayers (intercessions) of the Theotokos, Savior save us that was heard at the beginning of the session today. 2. The next time the Church sings about the Mother of God is in the third hymn, O Monoyenis Ios in English, Only Begotten Son.. pg. 7 of the blue Divine Liturgy book where it mentions on page 8 of the hymn that God took on flesh from the Theotokos becoming man without changing His divinity. Have a volunteer read the words of the Hymn from the book in English out loud. Discuss this. 3. The third time the Theotokos is sung about in the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is the Hymn of our Church, Simeron Tis Sotirias In English, Today is the beginning of our Salvation Pass out a copy of the hymn. Have a volunteer read the words of the Hymn in English out loud. Discuss this. 4. On some Sundays the hymn, Prostasia Ton Christianon. In English, Protection of Christians. is sun at the Divine Liturgy as well. Give the copy of the hymn to the children and ask for a volunteer to read it out loud to the group. Discuss the words of this important hymn that describes her intercession on man s behalf. 5. On most Sundays, the hymn honoring the Theotokos (Megalynarion) is, Axion Estin In English, Truly it is right to call you blessed This hymn is on pg 35 of the blue Divine Liturgy book. Have a volunteer read the words of the hymn in English. Discuss this. v. Moving away from the Divine Liturgy and on to the upcoming Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. The speaker can elaborate on this fasting period and proceed to the Paraklesis Service that will be performed in the church during the 14 day fasting period which is a service which honors the Mother of God and pleads for her intercession on behalf of the people. 1. Use the copies of the Paraklesis booklet from the cabinet in the Narthex Coatroom to pass around. Go around the room and have the participants take turns reading some of the odes out loud. Stop after each reading and discuss the content of it. a. What does it mean? How does the poetry of petitioning the Mother of God relate to man s calling and the salvation of mankind? vi. Some versions of the Paraklesis service say, Most Holy Mother of God Intercede for us other versions of the service say, Most Holy Theotokos, save us. Explain what we understand about the phrase, Most Holy Theotokos, save us. The Mother of God does not save us. Salvation is only through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What is meant by this is that the petitioner is requesting the Theotokos to speak to the Lord on his/her behalf. Discuss this. vii. Continue picking Odes from the Paraklesis until the end of the session and engage participants in discussion. 5. Lunch 6. Focus Groups combine for joint activities for the rest of the day. Page 12 of 17
DAY #2: 1 ½ hour session led by? 1. Goyans join their focus group for discussion. 2. Have Flip Chart available to record answers or use chalk board if available. 3. Activity: Interactive discussion between speaker and students. a. Focus of Activity: Salvation is only through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 4. Materials: a. The blue Divine Liturgy book in the church pews. b. Genesis 2:7 3:24 5. Suggested activity procedure: i. Begin by speaking about the day s opening hymn, Soson Imas Ie Theou in English, Save us O Son of God. Ask for a volunteer to read the hymns words on pg. 6 of the blue Divine Liturgy book in the church pews. ii. Ask a question: What does the Son of God save us from? Take responses, engage the participants in dialogue. iii. Have volunteers take turns reading each verse beginning with Genesis 2:7 through 3:24. At the end of a significant verse, ask them what their thoughts are and engage in dialogue to properly direct their understanding according to the theology of the Church. 1. Significant verses to stop for discussion are: Gen 2:7, 2:9, 2:15, 2:16, 2:17, 2:18, 2:20; 2:25. Discuss this theologically. iv. Chapter 3 in Genesis discusses the Fall of man. This is significant. Let the volunteers completely read the entire chapter and make no comment until they are done. When they are done ask the question, What happened when man disobeyed God? v. In the end of the discussion, create the awareness that man s mission on earth has always been the same from God both before and after the Fall. vi. Talk about the Church s mission. 6. Lunch 7. Focus Groups combine for joint activities for the rest of the day. Page 13 of 17
Day #3: 1 ½ hour session - Led by? 1. Goyans join their focus group for discussion. 2. Have Flip Chart available to record answers or use chalk board if available. 3. Activity: Interactive discussion between speaker and students. a. Focus of Activity: Traveling the road to salvation, theosis, deification. 4. Materials: a. The blue Divine Liturgy book in the church pews. b. The Sacraments of the Church i. Sacrament of Baptism ii. Sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation) iii. Sacrament of Holy Communion iv. Sacrament of Penance v. Sacrament of Holy Matrimony vi. Sacrament of Holy Orders vii. Sacrament of Holy Unction 5. Suggested activity procedure: Begin with a review of the last two days and end the review with the statement of the Church s mission on earth. This is when speaking about the Sacraments will become meaningful. God is revealed in the Sacramental life of the Church and, through the Sacraments of the Church, the person becomes receptive to God. a. Within the Church and the structure of the Liturgical services, the Holy Spirit works through the Sacraments of the Church by leading us to Christ Who unites us with the Father. This is a process called theosis or deification. It is important to note to the children that this process of theosis or deification happens to the person within the Church- within the assembly of the faithful it does not happen in isolation from others. b. At this point, each of the Sacraments may be discussed. c. If there is time at the end, and a member of the class is so moved, the priests can offer Confession to the children. 6. Lunch 7. Focus Groups combine for joint activities for the rest of the day. Page 14 of 17
JOINT ACTIVITY: Learning to write an Icon. 1 ½ hour session Led by? Day #1: Learning to write an Icon of the Mother of God Give an opening discussion about iconography: 1. Start session with a discussion on Iconography. a. In the second half of the fourth century, Christian pictorial art changed from landscape and pastoral scenes to a kind of didactic, biblical iconography because new Christian converts who could not read were instructed in religious doctrine with explicit picture-stories drawn from the Old and New Testaments. At churches where martyrdom had occurred, pictures stories illustrating the feats and sufferings of the martyrs were also created. The practice of displaying portraits of popular saints, bishops and scriptural stories in homes was also slowing occurring. b. St. John Chrysostom and St. Cyril of Alexandria, spoke with approval of this imagery and regarded it as a didactic and encouraging aid to those learning about the faith. St. Basil s famous comment spoken in relation to imperial art and not religious art, the honor shown to the image is conveyed to its model, became the slogan in the eighth and ninth centuries of the Iconodule party. c. Iconography became a very important aspect of creating the sacred space appeal of the evolving Byzantine architecture from the second half of the fourth century to the present day. God reveals Himself through the beauty and sacred space that the icons delineate which can provide a feeling of closeness to God for the believer while they learn about the faith through the icon s imagery. d. Within the context of learning from the imagery as it applies to icons, Anton Vrame writes that Orthodox theologians often speak of reading icons. Vrame views this as a process of viewing icons and reflecting on the imagery conveyed in order to understand the wisdom contained in it. He notes that Iconographers refer to their work as writing an icon and when a signature of an iconographer is placed on an icon, it generally says, Written by the hand of. e. Icons are didactic and have always been used as a means of catechism, but they are also more than a pedagogical approach to teaching. Vrame writes that the icons provide the lenses that open up our ability to visually communicate with God in our space and time, to experience His presence, and to enter into communion with Him. f. The icon is more than a means of instruction though. When an icon is blessed by a priest, it becomes an existential link between the human and the divine. Standing in an Orthodox Church surrounded by icons, the believer can have the feeling of being surrounded by family and experience communion and fellowship with Christ and the saints. It is for this reason that the icon is also referred to as a window to heaven. Materials: 1. Sketch pad 2. Tracing paper 3. #2 pencils 4. Pencil Sharpener 5. Erasers 6. Rulers 7. Compass 8. Finished Sketch of the Theotokos 9. Sketch of the Theotokos with grid lines Page 15 of 17
Suggested prayer when beginning work: My Lord and Savior, You became man and labored with Your hands until the time of Your ministry. Bless me as I begin this work. Help me to bring it to completion. Lord, enlighten my mind and strengthen my body, that I may accomplish my task according to Your will. Guide me to bring about works of goodness to Your service and glory. Amen. 7 Activity: 1. Watch Video from Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtjpatbw69q Writing the icon. (Greek) 2. Give overview of process of preparing the initial writing of the icon 3. Have students work independently and go around room to give guidance. 4. Smallest children can trace the Icon Images and also color them Suggested prayer when completing work: Thank you, Lord, for Your strength and guidance in my work. You are the fulfillment of all good things. Fill also my soul with joy and gladness, that I may praise You always. Amen. 8 7 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, My Orthodox Prayer Book, Department of Religious Education, Brookline, MA., 72 8 Ibid, 73 Page 16 of 17
Day #2 Learning to write an icon of Jesus Christ. 1 ½ hour session Led by? Materials: 1. Sketch pad 2. Tracing paper 3. #2 pencils 4. Pencil Sharpener 5. Erasers 6. Rulers 7. Compass 8. Finished sketched of Jesus Christ 9. Sketch of Jesus Christ with grid lines. Suggested prayer when beginning work: My Lord and Savior, You became man and labored with Your hands until the time of Your ministry. Bless me as I begin this work. Help me to bring it to completion. Lord, enlighten my mind and strengthen my body, that I may accomplish my task according to Your will. Guide me to bring about works of goodness to Your service and glory. Amen. 9 Activity: 1. Watch Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63y3pcgb6da Painting Process 22:44 (Russian) 2. Have students work on a sketch for Jesus Christ. 3. Have students work independently and go around room to give guidance. 4. Smallest children can trace the Icon Images and also color them Suggested prayer when completing work: Thank you, Lord, for Your strength and guidance in my work. You are the fulfillment of all good things. Fill also my soul with joy and gladness, that I may praise You always. Amen. 10 9 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, My Orthodox Prayer Book, Department of Religious Education, Brookline, MA., 72 10 Ibid, 73 Page 17 of 17