The document provides an outline for a youth group message about discovering strength in unity. It includes seven key points about how every individual is a valuable piece that contributes to the whole. Each person's unique qualities and gifts are needed for the group to be complete. When members support and accept one another, they present a united picture that attracts others. Divisions within the group distract from its purpose and mission. Working together, the group can accomplish more than any individual alone. The message aims to build unity and help youth understand how their participation strengthens the entire community.
Peter and John encountered a lame man begging at the temple gate who asked them for money. Rather than just giving him spare change, Peter told the man that he had something more valuable to offer - healing in the name of Jesus. Christians should look for opportunities to offer spiritual help, not just physical handouts. We cannot know people's hearts, so we should give them the benefit of doubt and a chance to change for the better with the gospel message.
Hardship and suffering can bring out the best in people in several ways: 1) It increases people's tendency to help those in need as they can empathize with others who are suffering. 2) Hardship serves as motivation for people to work harder to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. 3) Times of hardship encourage exceptional cooperation between people to achieve a common goal of overcoming the hardship.
The article discusses how God often uses weakness to demonstrate strength. It provides several biblical examples, including Noah facing the world with just his family, Gideon defeating the Midianites with only 300 men, and David defeating Goliath despite being just a boy. The article also discusses how Paul faced weaknesses but found God's strength through them. It encourages readers to see their own weaknesses as opportunities for God to show his strength.
This presentation is given to youth and young adults groups. The focus is on maintaining your faith through the critical transitional stages of life (e.g. going to college, entering high school). Highlights core elements essential for a foundation in faith.
This presentation is offered for viewing by Roger Jay Schroeder of Comprise | Enrichment & Consulting.
More information on keynote, presentation, topical research, and staff development services offered by Comprise are located on the web at http://comprise.rohair.com/
Peace be with you.
The document discusses several non-traditional LDS heroes including Emma Smith, B.H. Roberts, Fawn Brodie, Juanita Brooks, and Lowell L. Bennion. It provides background on why these individuals were controversial figures within the LDS church, such as acknowledging problems with the history of polygamy and the Book of Mormon, supporting the theory of evolution, and advocating for civil rights. It also discusses the church's shifting views over time on these topics as well as the contributions these individuals made to open dialogue and historical examination.
The document discusses the importance of belonging to a local church community rather than trying to follow Christ alone. It argues that Christians are called to belong not just to believe, and that being attached to a local church body is vital for spiritual growth and health, as isolation can lead to decline. Being part of a church family helps believers develop spiritually by moving them out of self-centeredness, identifying them publicly as Christ's disciples through their love for one another, and allowing them to learn fellowship by putting commands to love and serve one another into practice.
This document provides a summary of what occurs during the Holy Qurbono or Mass when the veil is closed and open in the Syrian Orthodox Church. When the veil is closed, preparatory prayers from the Old Testament are said to prepare for the Holy Qurbana. When the veil opens, a procession occurs symbolizing Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, and the Apostles. The Trisagion is sung three times while the priest touches significant religious items. The document aims to educate readers on the symbolism and meaning behind the rituals.
How To Stay in the LDS ( Mormon ) Church After Losing Your Faithmormonstories
The document provides advice for staying in the LDS Church after experiencing a crisis of faith. It discusses the author's own faith transition and disillusionment upon learning about controversial aspects of LDS history and doctrine. It then offers reasons for potentially remaining in the Church, such as community and family ties, while acknowledging it may not be the right path for all. The author advocates an open-minded approach and focusing on the positive messages of the Church.
Peter and John encountered a lame man begging at the temple gate who asked them for money. Rather than just giving him spare change, Peter told the man that he had something more valuable to offer - healing in the name of Jesus. Christians should look for opportunities to offer spiritual help, not just physical handouts. We cannot know people's hearts, so we should give them the benefit of doubt and a chance to change for the better with the gospel message.
Hardship and suffering can bring out the best in people in several ways: 1) It increases people's tendency to help those in need as they can empathize with others who are suffering. 2) Hardship serves as motivation for people to work harder to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. 3) Times of hardship encourage exceptional cooperation between people to achieve a common goal of overcoming the hardship.
The article discusses how God often uses weakness to demonstrate strength. It provides several biblical examples, including Noah facing the world with just his family, Gideon defeating the Midianites with only 300 men, and David defeating Goliath despite being just a boy. The article also discusses how Paul faced weaknesses but found God's strength through them. It encourages readers to see their own weaknesses as opportunities for God to show his strength.
This presentation is given to youth and young adults groups. The focus is on maintaining your faith through the critical transitional stages of life (e.g. going to college, entering high school). Highlights core elements essential for a foundation in faith.
This presentation is offered for viewing by Roger Jay Schroeder of Comprise | Enrichment & Consulting.
More information on keynote, presentation, topical research, and staff development services offered by Comprise are located on the web at http://comprise.rohair.com/
Peace be with you.
The document discusses several non-traditional LDS heroes including Emma Smith, B.H. Roberts, Fawn Brodie, Juanita Brooks, and Lowell L. Bennion. It provides background on why these individuals were controversial figures within the LDS church, such as acknowledging problems with the history of polygamy and the Book of Mormon, supporting the theory of evolution, and advocating for civil rights. It also discusses the church's shifting views over time on these topics as well as the contributions these individuals made to open dialogue and historical examination.
The document discusses the importance of belonging to a local church community rather than trying to follow Christ alone. It argues that Christians are called to belong not just to believe, and that being attached to a local church body is vital for spiritual growth and health, as isolation can lead to decline. Being part of a church family helps believers develop spiritually by moving them out of self-centeredness, identifying them publicly as Christ's disciples through their love for one another, and allowing them to learn fellowship by putting commands to love and serve one another into practice.
This document provides a summary of what occurs during the Holy Qurbono or Mass when the veil is closed and open in the Syrian Orthodox Church. When the veil is closed, preparatory prayers from the Old Testament are said to prepare for the Holy Qurbana. When the veil opens, a procession occurs symbolizing Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, and the Apostles. The Trisagion is sung three times while the priest touches significant religious items. The document aims to educate readers on the symbolism and meaning behind the rituals.
How To Stay in the LDS ( Mormon ) Church After Losing Your Faithmormonstories
The document provides advice for staying in the LDS Church after experiencing a crisis of faith. It discusses the author's own faith transition and disillusionment upon learning about controversial aspects of LDS history and doctrine. It then offers reasons for potentially remaining in the Church, such as community and family ties, while acknowledging it may not be the right path for all. The author advocates an open-minded approach and focusing on the positive messages of the Church.
This document summarizes the author's experience participating in an 8-step learning process at Bristol University. The author chose a holly bush as the focus of the first step to observe and describe, which reminded them of a memory with their partner. Over the course of discussing the steps and sharing personal experiences, the author reflects on how people use defensive behaviors and play roles to protect themselves, but that being open and honest is important for meaningful learning. The document encourages readers to learn more about these topics through various resources and to engage in important conversations without their "armor".
This document summarizes the author's experience participating in an 8-step learning process at Bristol University. The author chose a holly bush as the focus of the first step to observe and describe, which reminded them of a memory with their partner. Over the course of discussing the steps and sharing personal experiences, the author reflects on how people use defensive behaviors and play roles to protect themselves, but that being open and honest is important for meaningful learning. The document encourages readers to learn more about these topics through various resources and to engage in important conversations without their "armor".
This document outlines a vision for educational reform called "a quiet revolution". It advocates creating physical and mental spaces that allow people freedom and permission to be themselves, follow their curiosity, and develop their unique talents and gifts. The document discusses how current education systems often stifle these things. It proposes alternative models like unschooled homes where learning is self-directed. The overall goal is to set both individuals and communities free by cultivating spaces of trust where people can gather and share in ways that matter to them.
This document provides advice for religious leaders on how to lead their traditions in a changing world. It suggests leading through adding to the tradition rather than subtracting from it, focusing on practices like trusting scripture over interpretations, extending grace to both insiders and outsiders, and seeing the church's role as furthering God's kingdom rather than ensuring the church's own survival. The overall message is to lead with patience, creativity, and an outward focus on serving God and others.
This document provides advice for religious leaders on how to lead their traditions in a changing world. It suggests leading by adding to the tradition rather than subtracting from it, focusing on practices like trusting scripture over interpretations. Leaders are advised to get outside their normal environments to find where God is working, teach openly rather than covertly, and celebrate the journey of faith rather than only focusing on survival or exclusion of others. The overarching message is that religious leaders should see their role as furthering God's kingdom through both caring for their communities and engaging in mission that brings people together.
This document contains a short story about a man who maintained a positive attitude despite facing significant hardships, including losing a hand, eye, and savings due to being injured by a disgruntled employee. It discusses how the man, through volunteering at a homeless shelter, became friends with the author and his wife. Despite his medical conditions and living on a small pension, the man always tries to make others smile and finds ways to encourage people. The author argues that happiness comes from one's attitude and outlook, as demonstrated by his friend's ability to remain cheerful despite his difficult circumstances.
The document appears to be a slide deck summary of research done in Loveland, Colorado exploring new ways to redefine how students spend their time in school. Some key findings include that nothing will be for everyone and the importance of facilitating different options. The research also emphasized listening to student voices and perspectives, noticing the unlikely, being mindful, and creating a sense of community and interdependence in the school.
1) The document discusses "elevator etiquette" rules and draws a comparison between being in an elevator with strangers and being in the family of God with people you may not have chosen.
2) It emphasizes that Christians are commanded to love one another, as modeled by Jesus, and that this love for fellow believers is the sign that identifies them as Christ's disciples.
3) Loving one another, though challenging, is the foundation for healthy community among Christians and the means by which they can experience true biblical fellowship.
The document discusses the importance of not neglecting or putting away God's word. It notes that Paul warned that those who put away God's word judge themselves as unworthy of eternal life. The article explains that putting away God's word means not applying its teachings personally. It emphasizes that we cannot afford to miss heaven, so we must not put God's word away from us.
Youth Camp Christian - Knock Down, or Build UpKen Sapp
In all our relationships the things we do can say can either build up or tear down. This wacky youth group game presents the same choice to teams of youth.
The Enchanted Loom reviews Brene Brown's book, Braving the WildernessMark Brady
From her years doing mixed methodology research as a social work professor at the University of Houston, Brene Brown has compiled an impressive resume as an expert on the topic of shame. In this book she intimately explores "the wilderness," those places in each of us where we are frequently fearful of adventuring. She's happy to lead us by the hand.
1. To be heroes to our children, we must choose to love them unconditionally through good times and bad, prioritizing our relationships over petty conflicts.
2. It is important to be self-aware of our weaknesses and imperfections so we can better understand our children and avoid unfairly projecting our own issues onto them.
3. By living purposeful lives of faith and choosing role models to emulate, both parents and children can overcome their shortcomings and become the kind of heroes that positively impact others.
The document discusses the concept of synergy, which refers to cooperative interaction that produces a combined effect greater than the sum of individual effects. It provides examples of how groups can achieve more through unity and working together than individuals alone. Key points include that synergy involves celebrating differences, valuing each other's strengths, and finding new solutions through open-minded teamwork rather than compromise. The benefits of synergy are listed as being able to solve problems faster, share workloads to reduce stress, and feel more secure facing challenges as a united group.
This document contains the transcript of an English lesson given to 8th grade students. The lesson focuses on describing personality traits and examining how personalities are shaped.
The teacher leads various activities including working with vocabulary related to personality descriptions, roleplaying interviews to analyze Ukrainian teenagers' moral values, and exercises to match sleeping positions with personality traits. Students also discuss what qualities are necessary to survive nowadays and what influences shape their personalities. Through group discussions and interactive games, the lesson helps students explore their own personalities and how they are perceived by others.
This document summarizes chapters 3-5 from the book "Tales for Change" by Margaret Parkin.
Chapter 3 discusses the role of leaders and teams, highlighting that leaders must protect their organization's identity and values. Chapter 4 explores using stories to help manage stress by prioritizing what's important, not dwelling on the past, and being content with what you have. Chapter 5 examines how stories can develop emotional intelligence by increasing self-awareness and understanding other perspectives.
Mercedes Benz operates a differentiation strategy, focusing on luxury, prestige, and technological innovation across its brands from Smart small cars and e-bikes to Mercedes premium automobiles. Daimler, Mercedes' parent company, aims for technology leadership, delighted customers, diverse teams, and profitable growth. Its strategic areas are strengthening the core business, expanding into new markets, leading in green tech, safety, and connectivity/mobility concepts. This differentiation strategy allows Mercedes Benz to command premium prices in the automotive industry.
1. The document provides information on teaching kids about self-control, including defining it, giving examples of Jesus' self-control, and activities.
2. Games and bible stories are used to show what happens without self-control and how Jesus exemplified it when tempted.
3. Arts and crafts give kids ways to remember Jesus in the desert and make decisions that show self-control.
This document is the December newsletter from First Baptist Church of Franklinton. It includes information about upcoming church services and events in December, including Christmas Eve services. It encourages members to commit to 30 days of prayer for the Darzi Muslims of India from November 30th to December 29th. It also provides details about the church's annual Lottie Moon Christmas offering for international missions and opportunities for members to engage in missions work.
The document discusses discovering one's spiritual calling. It states that before discovering God's calling, one must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through faith and accepting Him as Savior. It says God's calling may involve different tasks over one's lifetime depending on their stage of development and the needs of others, rather than just one specific lifelong ministry. Finding one's calling requires prayer, Bible study, and listening to godly counsel. One's calling will emerge naturally over time as they use their spiritual gifts to serve others through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
This document summarizes the author's experience participating in an 8-step learning process at Bristol University. The author chose a holly bush as the focus of the first step to observe and describe, which reminded them of a memory with their partner. Over the course of discussing the steps and sharing personal experiences, the author reflects on how people use defensive behaviors and play roles to protect themselves, but that being open and honest is important for meaningful learning. The document encourages readers to learn more about these topics through various resources and to engage in important conversations without their "armor".
This document summarizes the author's experience participating in an 8-step learning process at Bristol University. The author chose a holly bush as the focus of the first step to observe and describe, which reminded them of a memory with their partner. Over the course of discussing the steps and sharing personal experiences, the author reflects on how people use defensive behaviors and play roles to protect themselves, but that being open and honest is important for meaningful learning. The document encourages readers to learn more about these topics through various resources and to engage in important conversations without their "armor".
This document outlines a vision for educational reform called "a quiet revolution". It advocates creating physical and mental spaces that allow people freedom and permission to be themselves, follow their curiosity, and develop their unique talents and gifts. The document discusses how current education systems often stifle these things. It proposes alternative models like unschooled homes where learning is self-directed. The overall goal is to set both individuals and communities free by cultivating spaces of trust where people can gather and share in ways that matter to them.
This document provides advice for religious leaders on how to lead their traditions in a changing world. It suggests leading through adding to the tradition rather than subtracting from it, focusing on practices like trusting scripture over interpretations, extending grace to both insiders and outsiders, and seeing the church's role as furthering God's kingdom rather than ensuring the church's own survival. The overall message is to lead with patience, creativity, and an outward focus on serving God and others.
This document provides advice for religious leaders on how to lead their traditions in a changing world. It suggests leading by adding to the tradition rather than subtracting from it, focusing on practices like trusting scripture over interpretations. Leaders are advised to get outside their normal environments to find where God is working, teach openly rather than covertly, and celebrate the journey of faith rather than only focusing on survival or exclusion of others. The overarching message is that religious leaders should see their role as furthering God's kingdom through both caring for their communities and engaging in mission that brings people together.
This document contains a short story about a man who maintained a positive attitude despite facing significant hardships, including losing a hand, eye, and savings due to being injured by a disgruntled employee. It discusses how the man, through volunteering at a homeless shelter, became friends with the author and his wife. Despite his medical conditions and living on a small pension, the man always tries to make others smile and finds ways to encourage people. The author argues that happiness comes from one's attitude and outlook, as demonstrated by his friend's ability to remain cheerful despite his difficult circumstances.
The document appears to be a slide deck summary of research done in Loveland, Colorado exploring new ways to redefine how students spend their time in school. Some key findings include that nothing will be for everyone and the importance of facilitating different options. The research also emphasized listening to student voices and perspectives, noticing the unlikely, being mindful, and creating a sense of community and interdependence in the school.
1) The document discusses "elevator etiquette" rules and draws a comparison between being in an elevator with strangers and being in the family of God with people you may not have chosen.
2) It emphasizes that Christians are commanded to love one another, as modeled by Jesus, and that this love for fellow believers is the sign that identifies them as Christ's disciples.
3) Loving one another, though challenging, is the foundation for healthy community among Christians and the means by which they can experience true biblical fellowship.
The document discusses the importance of not neglecting or putting away God's word. It notes that Paul warned that those who put away God's word judge themselves as unworthy of eternal life. The article explains that putting away God's word means not applying its teachings personally. It emphasizes that we cannot afford to miss heaven, so we must not put God's word away from us.
Youth Camp Christian - Knock Down, or Build UpKen Sapp
In all our relationships the things we do can say can either build up or tear down. This wacky youth group game presents the same choice to teams of youth.
The Enchanted Loom reviews Brene Brown's book, Braving the WildernessMark Brady
From her years doing mixed methodology research as a social work professor at the University of Houston, Brene Brown has compiled an impressive resume as an expert on the topic of shame. In this book she intimately explores "the wilderness," those places in each of us where we are frequently fearful of adventuring. She's happy to lead us by the hand.
1. To be heroes to our children, we must choose to love them unconditionally through good times and bad, prioritizing our relationships over petty conflicts.
2. It is important to be self-aware of our weaknesses and imperfections so we can better understand our children and avoid unfairly projecting our own issues onto them.
3. By living purposeful lives of faith and choosing role models to emulate, both parents and children can overcome their shortcomings and become the kind of heroes that positively impact others.
The document discusses the concept of synergy, which refers to cooperative interaction that produces a combined effect greater than the sum of individual effects. It provides examples of how groups can achieve more through unity and working together than individuals alone. Key points include that synergy involves celebrating differences, valuing each other's strengths, and finding new solutions through open-minded teamwork rather than compromise. The benefits of synergy are listed as being able to solve problems faster, share workloads to reduce stress, and feel more secure facing challenges as a united group.
This document contains the transcript of an English lesson given to 8th grade students. The lesson focuses on describing personality traits and examining how personalities are shaped.
The teacher leads various activities including working with vocabulary related to personality descriptions, roleplaying interviews to analyze Ukrainian teenagers' moral values, and exercises to match sleeping positions with personality traits. Students also discuss what qualities are necessary to survive nowadays and what influences shape their personalities. Through group discussions and interactive games, the lesson helps students explore their own personalities and how they are perceived by others.
This document summarizes chapters 3-5 from the book "Tales for Change" by Margaret Parkin.
Chapter 3 discusses the role of leaders and teams, highlighting that leaders must protect their organization's identity and values. Chapter 4 explores using stories to help manage stress by prioritizing what's important, not dwelling on the past, and being content with what you have. Chapter 5 examines how stories can develop emotional intelligence by increasing self-awareness and understanding other perspectives.
Mercedes Benz operates a differentiation strategy, focusing on luxury, prestige, and technological innovation across its brands from Smart small cars and e-bikes to Mercedes premium automobiles. Daimler, Mercedes' parent company, aims for technology leadership, delighted customers, diverse teams, and profitable growth. Its strategic areas are strengthening the core business, expanding into new markets, leading in green tech, safety, and connectivity/mobility concepts. This differentiation strategy allows Mercedes Benz to command premium prices in the automotive industry.
1. The document provides information on teaching kids about self-control, including defining it, giving examples of Jesus' self-control, and activities.
2. Games and bible stories are used to show what happens without self-control and how Jesus exemplified it when tempted.
3. Arts and crafts give kids ways to remember Jesus in the desert and make decisions that show self-control.
This document is the December newsletter from First Baptist Church of Franklinton. It includes information about upcoming church services and events in December, including Christmas Eve services. It encourages members to commit to 30 days of prayer for the Darzi Muslims of India from November 30th to December 29th. It also provides details about the church's annual Lottie Moon Christmas offering for international missions and opportunities for members to engage in missions work.
The document discusses discovering one's spiritual calling. It states that before discovering God's calling, one must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through faith and accepting Him as Savior. It says God's calling may involve different tasks over one's lifetime depending on their stage of development and the needs of others, rather than just one specific lifelong ministry. Finding one's calling requires prayer, Bible study, and listening to godly counsel. One's calling will emerge naturally over time as they use their spiritual gifts to serve others through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
1. WHERE DO I FIT?
DISCOVERING STRENGTH IN UNITY
Overview: This message is designed to buuild unity within your youth group and help teenagers
understand how every individual is valuable.
Getting Ready: There are 3 illustrations you’ll need materials for. For the Puzzle Madness
illustration, you will need 2 large puzzles with huge pieces (use a children’s puzzle or make your own
with some paint, cardboard and electric jig saw). The total number of pieces should be approximately
the same as the number of students in your group. For the Confusing Picture illustration, you will
need one large jigsaw puzzle with 500-1000 pieces. For the Strength in Numbers illustration, you
will need approximately 20 16-oz. plastic cups and a piece of plywood (2’x2’x3/4’’).
MESSAGE OUTLINE
Opening:
1. Puzzle Madness: Remove one piece from each puzzle and mix all of the pieces from both
puzzles together. Pass out one piece to each student. Now, they must mingle around and find
other students they can “hook up” with. When two students’ pieces are joined, they should search
around for other matching pieces together. The contest is to see which group can get their puzzle
together first (of course, they don’t know which group they will be in until they find matching
pieces). Each group will get stuck at the end, as they realize there are missing pieces.
2. Let them mingle in confusion for a few moments, then pull out the two missing pieces from your
podium. (“I suppose each team was looking for each one of these?”)
Puzzle Points
1. All the pieces are needed to complete the puzzle.
a. Even though we had all of the pieces except one, the puzzle was not complete.
b. Our youth group cannot be closed to a select group.
c. We need everybody—every part—every piece!
d. 1 Corinthians 12:12: “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though
all its parts are many, they form one body…”
2. Each piece is unique in its shape, size, and color.
a. Our individual differences are not a weakness, but a strength. Each of us combined
together makes a beautiful picture.
b. If all the pieces were the same, it would be a boring picture.
1
2. c. 1 Corinthians 12:17 says, “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of
hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?” Every
part is necessary to the whole.
d. Sometimes we feel odd or different, and can’t see how we fit (here, you can show a
puzzle piece from the back side). But that’s okay. God has made you and placed you into
this world with a purpose.
e. God said to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were
born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).
f. 1 Corinthians 12:18 says, “But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one
of them, just as he wanted them to be.”
3. One piece is not more or less valuable than the other.
a. Each part plays a specific role and fills a divine purpose.
b. 1 Corinthians 12:15-16 explains that our worth is not determined by which piece we are.
We can’t say, “If I’m not an edge piece, then I’m not part of the puzzle.”
c. We also can’t say we don’t need a certain piece! (1Corinthians 12:21)
d. We need to value those around us and each of us needs to do our part.
e. Ephesians 4:16 says, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every
supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (The
Living Translation says it a little differently: “…so that the whole body is healthy and
growing and full of love.”)
4. When we discard or lose a piece, the whole picture suffers.
a. If a part is missing, we are all affected. Everyone was upset and disappointed when a
puzzle piece was missing! Imagine how much stronger our youth group would be today if
we all responded with that same intensity when one of our youth group members was
“missing”!
b. 1 Corinthians 12:21-26
c. When “John’s” friend stops coming to church it not only impacts him, but all of us! Every
part is essential.
d. With every individual piece, we are stronger. Even if just one piece is missing, we are
lacking.
5. United we attract; divided we distract.
a. Confusing Picture: Dump out or throw a 500-1000 piece puzzle on the floor or into the
crowd.
b. What statement do those 1000 pieces make? What picture does it make?
2
3. c. Now show the puzzle box top. Which makes more sense? What would be more clear or
convincing to people who pass by?
d. Remember where we started? You became effective when you found one person to
“hook up” with. Then another, and another. . .
e. One of the reasons the world is frustrated with church is because often they only see a
fragmented, broken, disgruntled, backbiting, and gossiping picture.
f. Our unity paints a picture that attracts others to Christ! When they see and hear us
worship together, we give them a glimpse of heaven.
g. One of us can’t convey all of the attributes, beauty, love, and compassion of Christ (hold
up one of the small individual pieces.) It won’t fit. It takes all of us to do it (hold up the box
top).
h. Our unity should not only be visible here at church, but at school also:
• Act like you know each other at school!
• Stand up and support one another.
i. Paul said, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow!” (1Corinthians
3:6)
6. We are effective when we stay connected.
a. Ask for 6 volunteers to help you form an amoeba. Have the students form a circle and
lock arms together. Bring up one more volunteer, who will represent a visitor.
b. How many of you have seen an amoeba under a microscope? It is basically a blob.
c. If there happens to be a piece of dust or lint on the slide, the amoeba seems to just
absorb it into its system.
d. Here comes Bill, a typical guest to our youth service.
e. As a youth group (amoeba) we have a choice. Are we going to allow him into our circle?
Or do we give him the cold shoulder and snub him off?
• “Cliques” are not caused by people doing things, but by people NOT doing
them.
• Open up your circle of friends to include more.
f. A good amoeba, like Christ, will accept new members into our group (“Bill” goes into the
circle) and we smother them with love, acceptance and kindness.
g. But wait, “John” and “Todd,” two members beside each other in the circle, get into an
argument! (Arms break apart and the circle opens up.)
h. “Bill”, our visitor, wanders off through the opening. He is discontent, frustrated, and hurt
because there is nothing different here than with his other friends in the world.
i. Bill goes to hell and it is our fault!
3
4. 7. What we can’t do alone, we can accomplish together.
a. Our strength comes from being joined together.
b. Strength in Numbers: hold up one of the red plastic cups and ask, “How many of you
believe I can stand on this red plastic cup?” Stand on it, letting in crunch. “But let’s see
what happens when we decide to work together.” Place the remainder of the cups
upside-down on the floor or table. Place the board on top of it, and then stand on the
board. It should support you (you may want to practice this beforehand).
Closing:
1. Philippians 2:1-5 says, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any
comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then
make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and
purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better
than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests
of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…”
2. Briefly review the seven puzzle points.
3. Close in prayer for unity within the youth group.
4. As the students leave, give each one of them a piece of the original two puzzles to take home as
a reminder to live this message this week.
4
5. SMALL GROUP GUIDE
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What stood out to you about the message “Where Do I Fit In?”
2. Do you feel like our youth group walks together in unity and love? Why or why not?
3. What unique gifts do you feel you offer to our youth group?
4. What can we do as a youth group to reach out to first time guests more effectively?
5. How many of you remember your first time to a youth service here? What made you stay or get
involved? Did you ever feel like you didn’t fit in?
6. The example with the plastic cups was an eye opener! What things can we accomplish as a
group that we couldn’t do on our own? How can we create a healthier support system within our
youth group?
5
6. Where Do I Fit? Where Do I Fit?
1. All the _______________ are needed to _______________ the picture. 1. All the _______________ are needed to _______________ the picture.
2. Each piece is _____________ in its shape, ______________, and color. 2. Each piece is _____________ in its shape, ______________, and color.
• Our individual differences are not a __________________, but a • Our individual differences are not a __________________, but a
strength. strength.
3. One piece is not more or less ____________________ than the other. 3. One piece is not more or less ____________________ than the other.
________________ 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held ________________ 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held
together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love,
as each part does its work. (The Living Translation: “so that the whole as each part does its work. (The Living Translation: “so that the whole
body is healthy and growing and full of love.”) body is healthy and growing and full of love.”)
4. When we discard or lose a _____________the whole picture 4. When we discard or lose a _____________the whole picture
________________. ________________.
5. United we _______________, divided we __________________! 5. United we _______________, divided we __________________!
6. We are effective when we stay ________________________. 6. We are effective when we stay ________________________.
7. What we can’t do ______________ we can accomplish 7. What we can’t do ______________ we can accomplish
______________________________. ______________________________.
6