January 18 Review: Growing a Generous Heart

Here is our lesson from January 18th 

Where does Generosity Begin? 

Read: Mark 6: 34-43 Feeding of the 5,000

Generous actions will  Grow a Generous Heart

Look at the following list. Which things you have already done?

Which things you will try this spring or summer?

_____   Loan a pencil, or a few sheets of paper to a friend in class.

______ Give 50 cents or a dollar to a friend for the snack bar or vending machine.

______ Share your cookies or chips at the lunch table.

______ Let somebody borrow clothes at your house.

______Share a good book.

______ Show kindness to someone who isn’t your favorite.

______ Show patience with your brother or sister.

______ Help a younger sibling with homework or reading.

______ Show helpfulness at home by doing an extra chore.

______ Let someone else have the biggest piece of cake.

______ Listen attentively when someone is talking to you.

______ Donate shoes and clothes that you have out grown.

______ Give toys to a younger friend or family member who will play with them.

______ Give a portion of your allowance or birthday money to a reputable organization/charity.

______ Give a portion of your allowance or birthday money as an offering to God.

______ Support a friend’s fund raiser.

______ Work with a friend to have a lemonade stand and give the profit as an offering or to an     organization/charity.

______  Participate in a project that serves others at school, church or with your family.

______ Go to SUMMIT or another student mission trip.

______Another idea?

Questions about Generosity

How does it feel to be generous?

Tell about a time that someone was generous towards you. How does that feel?

More Scriptures about Generosity

However, he has given each one of us a special gift [1] through the generosity of Christ. –Ephesians 4:7 (NLT)

Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose out on a thing. –Matthew 10:42 (the Message)

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” –Acts 20:35 (NIV)

The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.—Proverbs 11:24 (the Message) 

More Questions to Ponder

What do you have to say about God’s generosity towards you?

How can I be generous with my time?

How can I be generous at school?

How can be generous with my words?

How can I be generous at home?

How can I be generous with my money?

How do acts of generosity make us more like Jesus?

January 4 Review, Life Together

On January 4, Sarah Pattillo led our lesson on Life Together. Here is a short review of what she shared about the importance of Christian friendship and community.

Acts 2: 42-27 This passage describes what it was like to be a Christian in the early church.   

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.

44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.

45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

What stands out from the reading...

+ TEACHING
They were in the word together, sharing about what it meant to them and how they needed to live life.
+ FELLOWSHIP

they had fun together! They hung out and were close friends

 + BREAKING OF BREAD

they shared food! There is something magical that happens when food appears at a gathering, think about a birthday party. What is a party without a birthday cake?!

+ PRAYERS
They were walking alongside one another by praying for each other and sharing their struggles.

+ They received their food with GLAD AND GENEROUS HEARTS– through it all the impact of community on their lives was a glad and generous heart. It impacted who they were.

  

Questions to consider

1. What do you like to do with your friends?

2. How do you feel after you hang out with friends?

3.  Out of the things listed in the passage (teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayers and glad hearts) which one stands out most to you? Why?

4. Do you think it is important to have people walking alongside you that share your faith? Why?

5. In the passage, it said that they all had a glad and generous heart… What do you think that means? How do you think that ties into their community group?

 You are invited to leave your thoughts in a comment.

November 17 Review: Baptism

Ask your parents about your baptism. If you were baptized as a baby, ask your parents to tell you about the day you were baptized.  Why was baptism important to your parents? If you have not been baptized, ask them why it was important for you to be baptized later.

Read the story of Jesus' baptism in Mark 1:9-11
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice cam from heaven, "You are my son, the beloved; with you I am well pleased."

BAPTISM IS...
A sign of our identity as a beloved son or daughter of God.
Our initiation into God's family.
A free gift of God's grace.
A sign of God's forgiveness and our new life in Christ.

Three Methods of Baptism
Sprinkling: the Pastor sprinkles water on the person's head
Pouring: water is poured on the person's head
Immersion: the person is completely covered in water (pool, ocean, or baptism tank)

The United Methodist Church
Recognizes and practices all forms of Christian baptism
Baptizes infants in anticipation of Confirmation
Recognizes a person's baptism, even if it happened at another Christian church

Read what Paul says about Baptism in Romans 6:3-5
Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death., we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

You are invited to leave your thoughts in a comment below.

 

October 27 Review: The BIBLE

On October 27, Maude Dawson was with us to teach about the Bible, God's Word.
Read each scripture passage slowly and ask yourself, "What does this verse tell me about God's Word?"

2 Timothy 3:16 (The Message)
¹⁶Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another--showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way.

Colossians 3:16 (NLT)
Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Psalm 119:103 (NIV)
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

How is God inviting you to spend more time reading your Bible? Read through the scriptures again and make a list of all the benefits you will receive as you continue to learn God's Word.

You are invited to leave thoughts in a comment below.

October 20 Review: Who is the Holy Spirit?

 

 

Linda Withers led our lesson on the Holy Spirit. I can't give that Sunday morning experience here, but I can share God's word and a few thoughts about the Holy Spirit.

 

Read what Jesus says about the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John:

 

"But the Helper, [1] the Holy Spirit, whom [2] the Father will send in My name, He [3] will teach you all things, and bring [4] to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26, NAS

 

The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. John 14:26, The Message

 

The Holy Spirit is God's presence in our world and in our hearts.

 

Here is an image that shows God in "three persons": Father, Son and Spirit.

 

The Holy Spirit's work is expansive and personal. That means God's spirit works for God all around the world, but also very personally in our hearts and lives.

Read what Paul wrote about the Holy Spirit in the letter to the church in Rome:
²⁶And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. ²⁷And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. Romans 8:27-27, NLT

Something to do at home:
Pray in your own words and ask God to send his Holy Spirit as your helper to teach you and help you remember the words and character of Jesus.

You are invited to leave your thoughts in a comment.

October 13 Review: Balancing Sports with Faith

Mark Houser was our leader as we explored the connection between our faith and our sports and other extra curricular activities. 

 

Do you ever feel this way?

• My friends are playing all the sports all the time. How can I miss out?
• If I don't play sports all the time I'll be behind and may not be good enough to make the next team. How can I afford to miss?
• But I love sports and want to be out playing all the time. Besides, I think I'm really good. How do I get better if I'm not playing all of the time?
• Church just isn't as fun as going and playing sports.
• Sometimes I feel guilty missing church. I hate feeling guilty!
• My parents tell me that Church is important, but so is my commitment to my team. What do I do? 

Here is the Good News from Matthew 6:33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

 

More Good News from John 14:26

All of this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

 

Need Inspiration?

Look to professional athletes, dancers, musicians, actors, who are practicing Christians and speak out about their faith. They are role models who excel in their talents and excel in using their talent to shine for God. How can YOU shine for God?

 

Parting Thoughts from Mark

• God knows your talents and has a plan for you. Your gifts will be developed. You don't need to "juggle" too many things.
• God is joyful when you honor him with what you do and wants you to be out there in life shining for him, including on the sports field or stage. Always give it your all!
• Some of the same things you learn through teamwork will help you be a better Christian.
• All of the things you learn as you study God's word will help you be a better person and teammate.
• You need teammates and practice in Christ!
• Keep God at the center of everything. Take time to study his word. Make time to spend with other people who want to learn more about God.
• Keep active in Church, Sunday School, Youth Group, Life Group!

You are invited to share your thoughts by leaving a comment.

Praying for God's world

 

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. --James 5:16

 

 

What can we do when we are troubled about things going on in the world? We can pray! Prayer is powerful. Even before we give and donate our help, prayer can help us hear what God is asking us to do. You are invited to learn about Chapelwood's special connection to six countries around the world.

 

Haiti

A team from Chapelwood traveled to Haiti in July. Our primary work is with an organization called, "Haitian Artists for Peace International." Chapelwood is working with the Haitian Methodist Church to rebuild schools, churches and homes after the devastating earthquake in January 2010. Haiti has immediate and long term needs of water, food, medical care, and economic development.

 

Kenya

A team from Chapelwood traveled to Kenya in June of 2013. Kimberly Hillman from Table 11 was on that team as well as 2 high school girls from Chapelwood. Ministry priorities include Maua Methodist Hospital in northeast Kenya and ZOE Ministries which empowers ophans in Kenya through sustainable practices.

 

Estonia

Chapelwood partners with the Methodist church in Estonia. We support Estonian pastors in the Methodist Church, Lighthouse Children's ministry and a seminary in Tallinn. Chapelwood's sister church is Johvi United Methodist Church with Rev. Artur Pold.  They serve a large student population in the midst of one of the most unchurched countries in the world.

 

Mexico

A team from Chapelwood has been traveling to Tapachula, Mexico for ten years each January. Our work is with Steve and Hope Shearouse who provide a home, meals and education for 70 children. The parents of these children are in prison. Without this home, the children would have to live in prison with their parents. The team does housework and laundry, cooking, helping with homework, etc. They also share God's love with the children each day.

 

Syria

Syria has been in civil ware since March of 2011. Many citizens have lost their lives and more than 500,000 Syrians have sought refuge in neighboring countries. Much of the country has been destroyed. Chapelwood supports UMCOR, United Methodist Committee on Relief. UMCOR is on the ground with an organization in Turkey to help displaced families. They supply tents for shelter, daily food, hygiene kits, mattresses, and clothing.

 

China

In China, Christians gather secretly in home churches. Hundred of Christians are arrested, detained and fined each year. How is Chapelwood connected to the people of China? We support UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief. After a devastating earthquake in April, UMCOR is on the ground with local organizations to rebuild more than 400 homes and supply food and medical care.

 

Choose a country from these six and offer your prayers for...

 

The very young and the very old...

Those who are hungry and thirsty...

Those who live under the threat of violence...

Those who offer help and hope...

 

When you think about God's world,

what group of people or place do you want to remember in prayer?