Junior High Summer Sunday Lesson Ideas
When students transition into Junior High, they are becoming more autonomic. They like to think for themselves, and form their own opinions of things. As the primary influence in your child’s life, we encourage you to speak directly with your child about your beliefs, and ask them to share their thoughts with you. You will both be glad you did! We LOVE to hear updates and insights as to how your student is growing in their Christian Formation! Please post updates via email to the Youth Director!
In Junior High, we use the Faithweaver Curriculum. Here, you will find the Summer lesson plans, and pages that you may use with your Junior High Students. The Take Home Page has something for everyone in your family, and we would love to hear how you use it! The Home Connections information is a great way to expose your student to philanthropic websites and relate these issues with Scripture. I personally hope you find this Parent Page to be useful, helpful and that you will enjoy connecting with your child on a Spiritual level. I’m praying for you!
-amysara
July 10
Bible Story: Josiah Promises To Follow The Lord
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 34:1-33
Take Away Point: God’s Word teaches us what we need to know.
Take Home Page: Click Here
Home Connect:
Link:
http://www.biblegateway.com/
Link:
http://www.searchgodsword.org/
Use either of these websites to play Bible Verse Question-and-Answer. Choose one family member to go first. He or she can put any topic, subject, or word into the search box. For example, the wordpeace can be typed into the box. After clicking on the search button, a list of Scriptures that address that subject will appear. In this case, a list of verses about “peace” will come up on the screen. Reading the verses will provide answers to questions about how peace can be found. The first questioner may guide the family in biblical research for up to four searches or five minutes, whichever comes first. Then another family member may take a turn, playing until everyone has been the researcher. As a family, discuss the following questions:
• What did you learn today about God’s Word? Did you find answers to real-life questions about everyday problems? Give examples.
• Explain how God can guide us through his Word in Scripture. How can you use the Bible to help you make important decisions?
Check out a fun, artistic way to honor Jesus with your words and actions. Look at page 1170 in yourHands-On Bible™ for the “Move It” activity!
July 17
Bible Story: Daniel’s Friends Are Safe In The Firey Furnace
Scripture: Daniel 3:1-30
Take Away Point: Stand up for God.
Take Home Page: Click Here
Home Connect:
Link:
http://www.drbackman.com/abdominal-muscle-exercises.htm
Try the “standing up” exercises on this website, adjusting the difficulty to fit each family member’s age and size. Be sure to stretch yourself to the highest level you can achieve.
Let one member of the family read 1 Corinthians 16:13 and Ephesians 6:10-20. Then answer the following questions as a family:
• How can we be ready to “stand up” for God every day? In what ways can we exercise our beliefs and stretch spiritually?
• What should you remember when you are called upon to stand up for God in the midst of conflict or trial?
Check out how a rocket can remind you of Jesus breaking the bonds of our sins! Look at the “Blast Off” activity between pages 1034 and 1035 of your Hands-On Bible™.
July 24
Bible Story: God Protects Daniel In The Lion’s Den
Scripture: Daniel 6:1-23
Take Away Point: When we trust God, we find peace.
Take Home Page: Click Here
Home Connect:
Link:
http://www.wilderdom.com/games/gamesspecific.html
Browse this group activities site, paying special attention to the trust-building and peace education activities. You may want to try some of the games that are given when you click on those designated links. What can you learn about trust and peace by playing these games as a family?
Link:
http://www.mapquest.com/
Click on the “Directions” icon at the Mapquest website. When the next screen appears, enter any two addresses or locations to get driving directions from one place to another. You might want to try getting maps from your home to famous landmarks such as the Grand Canyon or the Golden Gate Bridge. Think about how driving directions might be similar to God’s plan for our lives. Do you think God has our lives all “mapped out?” Why or why not? How likely are you to trust these driving directions? Explain your answer.
Considering all that you have learned about trust, peace, and mapping out a plan, discuss these questions as a family:
• Is trusting someone with your physical safety difficult for you? Explain your answer.
• What about emotional and spiritual matters? Is it hard to trust someone with the private and personal challenges of your heart? Why?
• Do you find it difficult to trust God with your life? How can knowing you are following God’s plan give you peace?
The evidence is in! Check out this piece of evidence you can make to remind you about faith. It’s in the “Faith Is…” activity on page 1217 of your Hands-On Bible™.
July 31
Bible Story: God Promises To Restore Israel After The Exile
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4-14
Take Away Point: God Guides Us
Take Home Page: Click Here
Home Connect:
Link: http://finance.christiansunite.com/Money-Management/13-Creating-a-Budget-That-Works.shtml
Investment brokers and financial providers make their livings showing people how to create financial plans. Take a moment and ponder the tips presented at this website. Do you think it is advisable to seek out professional help when making financial decisions? Why or why not?
Link:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200206/20020626_family1162.html
Read this article on daily planning. Have you ever made a “To Do” list? Were you able to do everything on the list? Allow a few minutes for family members to share their experiences with “To Do” lists. Did you reach the same conclusion as this author? Explain.
Answer the following questions as a family:
• How often do people seek professional help when setting goals and making plans? What are the advantages? disadvantages?
• What can you gain from seeking the Lord’s thoughts when making plans? Do you think God’s leadership and advice might differ from that given by the “professionals”? How?
• How can we facilitate God’s plans for us in our daily lives? What sort of help will God provide?
• Why is it important to accomplish God’s plans?
Make up your own language and find out more about how the Holy Spirit helps us with the “Say Again?” activity on page 1072 of your Hands-On Bible™!
August 7
Bible Story: Nehemiah Seeks God’s Forgiveness For Israel
Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-2:9
Take Away Point: When we turn to God, He restores us.
Take Home Page: Click Here
Home Connect:
Link:
http://www.restorepower.com/rpower/home.do
Browse this website to gain insight into how electrical power can be restored after a natural disaster. What do the service persons have to do in order to restore power?
Link:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2122124_restore-painting.html
Ask a family member to read this article about how to restore a painting aloud. Discuss what the word “restore” means when it is used in connection with art. How is restoration of a painting like restoration of electrical power? How is it different?
Read Nehemiah 1:1-2:9. How did God “restore” Nehemiah? How does God restore us today?
Balloons and a paper towel tube can give us courage? Find out how with the “Barbells of Bravery” activity on page 214 of your Hands-On Bible™!
August 14
Bible Story: Nehemiah Rebuilds The Wall
Scripture: Nehemiah 2:11-6:19
Take Away Point: God helps us face challenges.
Take Home Page: Click Here
Home Connect:
Link:
http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=12949
Link:
http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=7813954
Read the articles and press release from these websites. Notice that the government officials representing the people affected by tragedy and hardship have requested aid from the President of the United States. Discuss the following questions as a family:
• How do you think the people in these situations felt when they were faced with such challenging circumstances? Why did they ask the President for help?
• Have you ever felt dismayed or even overwhelmed by things that happened to you? Who did you ask to help you?
• What can we do when we are faced with challenges beyond what we feel equipped to handle? Who is our resource?
How was Philip like a mirror when he followed where God led him? Check out the “Reflection of Love” activity on page 1079 of your Hands-On Bible!
August 21
Bible Story: Esther Saves Her People
Scripture: Esther 2:9
Take Away Point: Everyone can serve God.
Take Home Page: Click Here
Home Connect:
Link:
http://www.networkforgood.org/
Once you arrive at the Network for Good home page, click on the “Volunteer” button to the left of the screen. Enter your zip code when prompted and hit “search.” You will move to a page of volunteer ideas. Spend some time exploring the various areas of service.
Link:
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/List-of-service-organizations
Check out this list of service organizations. Did you ever dream there were so many? Discuss whether any might be of interest to your family.
Link:
http://www.crosscampus.net/
Enjoy surfing this site. Perhaps you would like to read about some of projects Cross Campus is doing. Do they give you any ideas for service projects of your own?
Read Esther 2-9 and Galatians 5:13. Why does God call us to serve one another? Do you think Esther was motivated by love? Explain your opinion on this.
Discuss acts of service that you can offer to others. Privately commit to serve God in new ways this week.
What does sharing about Jesus with others have to do with socks and gum? Find out with the “Worth the Effort” activity on page 973 of your Hands-On Bible!
August 28
Bible Story: Job Remains Faithful In Suffering
Scripture: Job 1:1-2:10; 42:1-6, 10-17
Take Away Point: God brings us hope when we’re hurting.
Take Home Page: Click Here
Home Connect:
Link:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/popups/media_player.aspx?MediaId={248D5398-052E-4829-8885-C711136A3A94}
Enjoy this story about the life of Steven Curtis Chapman. How does Steven tell the world about hope? What does he say about grace? Do you find a connection between grace and hope? Explain.
Link:
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/biblestudyandtheology/discipleship/hope_when_hurting.asp
Read and discuss the ten reasons to have hope that are given at this website. What Bible truths mentioned here teach us how to have hope in the midst of hurt? Will you plan to rely on any of these truths in the future? Why or why not?
PRAY Thank you for being with us, Lord, when we are hurting. Even when it seems that things are beyond our understanding, we know that you are in control and will guide us through every kind of suffering.
