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God’s Blueprint: Builders of the Faith Session III: Builders of the Church

Understanding:

God is the Master Builder of our church and by the power of the Holy Spirit we are to use all the tools, materials, and gifts we have to build and strengthen the Orthodox Christian Church.

Set-up: Six stations, 30-40 minutes per station

Materials:

  • step ladder
  • 8.5x11" stock card with sacraments, prayer, worship, and salvation written large enough for all to see
  • tape

Opening prayer:

"Our Father" then, God we ask you to bless us today and to help us understand and appreciate the sacraments of the church. Help us to understand what they mean and how very blessed we are as Orthodox Christians to have been given these tools to help us on the path to salvation. Through the prayers of the Holy Fathers, through the prayers of the most glorious Theotokos, and of all They saints, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Facilitator opening:

This session will focus on Christ as the cornerstone and the foundation of our faith. It pulls together the essence of a personal relationship with Christ and the gifts given to us, through the church such as the sacraments.

Have ladder set up. Ask students why they think we have a ladder here with us today. Ask: Is the ladder at tool? (Yes) How is a ladder a tool? (It makes reaching high places easier.) Is a ladder a Christian tool? (No) As a Christian, do we want to reach higher places? (Yes. Lead to wanting to reaching higher places spirituality, not necessarily physically.) What can help us reach higher places? (Tools given to us by God) What are some of these tools we have talked about so far? (Beatitudes, Commandments, Love, etc) Today we are going to talk about some tools that Christ has given us through the church that can help us to climb higher spiritually towards our salvation. As you say them, place cards on the ladder in an upward fashion. Begin with baptism, chrismation, ending with prayer, then worship. Place the card saying Salvation at the top of the Ladder.

Facilitator directions:

After completing the group introduction, send youth to their stations. Each station should take approximately 30-40 minutes. Give a ten-minute warning prior to the end of each station. Have youth put on aprons if they have not already done so.

Facilitator summary:

Today we've learned that if we use the tools of the sacraments and the others we've been taught so far, that it draws us closer to God. We've learned that Christ is the bridge to cross the salvation. You drew a picture of how our church family we do the same things together as our church family. We've brought our wood houses together and placed surrounded by the homes, together forming a church, with Christ as the foundation.

Closing prayer:

Thank you Lord for what we've learned today. Thank you for the gifts of the sacraments. Please help us to prepare properly for the sacraments Help us to pray for each other and our church family. Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers and all Thy saints, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Reference scripture:

John 6:35 -- Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.

John 3:5 -- Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Rom 6:3-11 -- Do you not know that all of us who have ben baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved by him. For we know know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

I Jn 2:20 -- But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all know.

I Jn 2:27 -- . . . but the anointing which you received from him abides in you and you have no need that any one should teach you; as his anointing teachings you about everything, and is true, and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide in him.

Eph 2:19-22 -- So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

James 5:14-15 -- Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Eph 5:31-33 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is a profound one, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church; however, let each one of you live his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Titus 1:7-9 -- For a bishop, as God's steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of goodness, master of himself, upright, holy, and self-controlled; he must hold firm to the sure word a taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to confute those who contradict it.

Station III
Station 1: Christ as the Cornerstone

Lessen objective:

The student will recognize Christ as the cornerstone of the church, the foundation of the Orthodox faith.

Materials:

  • decorate wood blocks from previous lesson
  • cinder blocks with IC XC written on it
  • large wooden cross in the center of the room
  • rock pins or wooden block pin
  • fine point permanent markers
  • aprons

Procedure:

1. Set cinder block up near the cross with IC XC visible.

Ask: Do you remember what a cornerstone is? (It is a stone that is laid to support and keep the other stones straight, it is the foundation of the building and without it the building could could fall. A cornerstone is a starting point. It is laid down first, and then all other measurements are taken from that starting point. If it is not in the right place, the whole structure is affected.)

2. In the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments were a cornerstone for our homes and faith; they provided the foundation to build our faith on. They kept our strong and were the rules to keep us close to God.

3. In the New Testament, we have a different cornerstone and that is Jesus. God gave us the best gift He had. It was His only Son Jesus Christ. Jesus decided to die for us, to provide that bridge between heaven and us. We now look to Christ to provide the guidance we need for salvation. This is why Christ is called the cornerstone of the church because of His teachings and His love for us. If we obey Him, love Him, and follow His rules, He will provide a firm, strong foundation. He can be a foundation of faith in our lives, in our homes, and is the foundation of the Church.

Activity:

Instruct the children to take the blocks over the cross in the center of the room and begin stacking them carefully using the cinder block with the IC XC as the cornerstone. All the participants will be stacking their blocks, so make sure that they blocks surround the cross. Refer to Session 4, so that the instructor has a visual picture of the cross, surrounded by the homes, together forming a church, with Christ as the foundation, surrounded by pictures of the youth. Explain: Your decorated wooden blocks have drawings of things that show how God's family, the church, is like your family at home. These blocks of wood that represent our homes are now going to be stacked together to form a church in which Christ is the cornerstone. Having Christ as the cornerstone will provide a firm foundation that is needed in our lives and our homes and strengthens the Church.

Activity:

Give each participant a rock pin and marker. Have them write IC XC on the rock. Ask them what this represents. (Christ is the cornerstone and foundation of the church, our homes, and our lives). Attach rock pin to apron.

Section III
Station 2: Sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, and Confession

Lesson objective:

Help the participants understand that the sacraments are a gift from God to help us grow closer to Him and threat they are a direct connection between heaven and earth. By participating in the sacraments, we foster church growth by supporting our church community and it's members. It is through the sacraments and the life of the church that we have the opportunity to embrace Christ who is our pathway to salvation.

Materials:

  • easel stand
  • dry-erase board
  • dry-erase markers and eraser
  • safety pins - one per participant
  • sponges cut in the shape of tools - one per participant
  • gold point pens or permanent gold markers or fabric markers
  • stamp of dove
  • stamp pad
  • large plain erasers - one per participant
  • pens - one per participant
  • aprons

Procedure:

Ask: What would our lives be like without tools or machines? How would our lives be different? Would our lives be easier or harder? (Direct the discussion that tools make our lives easier and better.) What tools does God gives us in the Church and expect us to live by? (Ten Commandments, sacraments) Can we build our faith and have a life in the church if we don't use these tools?

The sacraments are actions or events that physically happen that connect us with heaven spiritually. When we receive communion into our mouths, we can taste it and feel it. This is physical. But, when we take it in to our mouths we are receiving Christ. This is the spiritual part. So everything we do in the church connects us with heaven and God. We cannot build our faith if we do not use the tools that God gives us. These tools are a gift to make our lives easier, but also they help to bring us closer to God.

1. Baptism: When we are baptized, we are placed into the water. We know what the temperature is and we know it is wet. But, also it works spiritually. Just as water washes our bodies, it also washes our souls. The person who is baptized is washed from all his sins. He is received into the whole community and is now a member of the church. This our first step on the path to salvation. Baptism introduces us to the Church, which is also the beginning of our life in Christ. Jesus too was baptized and when He was baptized He made all creation new.

2. Chrismation: Is when a person is anointed with holy Chrism on all parts of the body in the Name of the Holy Spirit. This is called being sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Receiving the Holy Spirit helps us to grow and be strengthened in the spiritual life. Chrismation is the setting apart; a physical event that shows we belong to God and it is also a spiritual even because we are receiving the Holy Spirit.

3. Eucharist: When we receive the bread and wine at communion we receive the actual body and blood of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit comes upon the bread and wine during the Divine Liturgy and changes it into the Eucharist. This is how Christ physically and spiritually enters us. Holy Eucharist is the center of our lives as Orthodox Christians, and the center around which the whole life on the Church revolves. We should receive communion frequently and reverently, but must be prepared to receive it through fasting and confession.

4. Confession: When we sin, whether it's lying, disobedience, or hurting our classmates, we turn ourselves away from God. But God in His mercy gave us the first of confession to reunite ourselves back to Christ and His church. When we repent and if we are truly sorry of our sins, our souls are wiped clean, and we are again brought back into communion with God. Confession is the healing of our heart and soul. For confession to be real you must first be aware of what sin is and what wrong was committed. THen you must be very sorry for what you did (and not because of the consequences, but rather because you love God). You must make a sincere effort not to repeat the sin. When we go to confession we must tell all. Do not hide anything and do not be general. Do not try to excuse your sins. If you hide any sins during confession, you do not receive forgiveness. If many locks are on a door and all but one are unlocked, the door cannot be opened. It is the same with our souls unless every sin is confessed, those sins, which are on the soul, prevents us from receiving forgiveness (The door of reconciliation cannot be opened.) Do not be ashamed to confess sins. If you weren't ashamed to commit a sun you shouldn't be ashamed to ask forgiveness. God knows all.

Activity:

Demonstrate that confession is like an eraser. It is used to wipe the sins clean just as true repentance in confession cleanses our sins. Use the dry-erase board to write down sins that children come up with. After everyone has a change for input, erase the board clean saying: Just like this eraser erases sins so does a complete and honest confession.

Activity:

1. Hand out eraser to represent confession. Have participants write the word 'confession' on the eraser and place in the apron pocket.

2. After the discussion about baptism, instruct the participants to cut out and/or attach the tool sponger to the apron. The tool sponge represents baptism.

3. Draw a gold chalice on their apron with gold markers. (Eucharist)

4. Stamp their aprons with the dove stamp (Holy Spirit).

Session III
Station 3: Sacraments of Holy Unction, Marriage, and Holy Orders

Lesson objective:

Help the participants understand that the sacraments are a gift from God to help us grow closer to Him and that they are a direct connection between heaven and earth. In the sacraments and the life of the church we have the opportunity to embrace Christ, leading us to salvation.

Materials:

  • red felt 2x3" square - one per participant
  • pink felt 1x1" square - one per participant
  • safety pin - one per participant
  • scissors

Procedure:

Ask: What would our lives be like without rules? Why did God give us rules? What tools does God give us in the church and expect us to live by? (Ten Commandments, Sacraments)

Can we build our faith and have a life in the church if we don't use these tools?

The sacraments are actions or events that physically happen that connect us with heaven spiritually. They bring us closer to God.

1. Holy Unction: Just as confession heals our souls, the mystery of Holy Unction can heal our bodies, souls, hearts, and minds physically or spiritually. A person is given the grace of the Spirit to be healed.

2. Marriage: Marriage is a great mystery of Christ and the Church. The union of love between one man and one woman forever shows us how much God loves us. Rings are exchanged as tokens of a promise to say married. They are crowned as king and queen of the family. Marriage is an image of Christ's union with His Church.

3. Holy Orders: This is a mystery in which the Holy Spirit, by the laying on of hands of the Bishop, consecrates a person who is chooses to provide the Mysteries, like communion and take care of the church community. It is a bishop, priest, or deacon who take care of the people. We also have a responsibility to take care of the church family.

Activity:

Have the kids cut out a felt heart -- one from the pink and one from the red felt. Place the pink heart on top of the red one making one heart. Put a safety pin through the hearts and attach to aprons. Say these hearts represent the healing of our heart that takes place with holy unction, two hearts become on in marriage and we all represent the priesthood and should love and care for our church members.

Session III
Station 4: Prayer

Lesson objective:

Help the participants discover how prayer is a tool that brings us closer to God and is a gift from God. Also, to see that the church provides the framework by which we can develop a prayer life, therefore, embrace Christ on a more personal level.

Materials:

  • flip chart with four columns labeled: praise, questioning, petitions (asking), and Thanksgiving (x6) or dry-erase board
  • large marker or dry erase marker and eraser
  • fine tipped permanent markers
  • two game sets: two containers with wood dowel secured in upright position, 15 foot 'caution construction area' tape, taped to each dowel at the top --- set up like volleyball net.
  • small 2" bouncy balls - one per each participant
  • tape

Procedure:

Begin lesson with bouncing prayer activity. Set-up 'net'.

Form two teams. Divide the teams into two groups. Have each team form a single-file line facing the center of the net - one group on each side of the net. Give a bouncy ball to the first person in line on one side of the room.

Say: 'The people with the bouncy balls must bounce the balls on the floor and attempt to make them hit the construction tape that's attached to the poles on the first bounce. Then, the first person in the line across from them must catch the ball and attempt to hit the tape in the same way. After someone attempts to hit the tape, the person must move to the back of his or her line. Keep track of the number of hits your team gets. The team with the most hits wins the game. Play until each person has had at least one attempt to hit the construction tape. Then have kids sit with their teams in a circle to discuss the following questions:

Ask: What was it like to try to hit the tape? How is this like or unlike the way you feel when you try to pray to God?

Then say: Sometimes it seems that prayer is a hit-or-miss activity. But if we see prayer as a 'sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't' proposition, we lose confidence in prayer. Today we're going to build our confidence in the power of prayer.

What is prayer? (Prayer is communication/talking between God and us. It is also for the building up of His church, it is standing in God's presence; a constant awareness of Him and His power and love. Praying is not repeating words of prayers. Saying prayers is not the same as praying. Prayer should be done regularly and briefly.)

What does it mean to pray? What does communication mean? (Two-way conversation, talking, asking, listening) Like conversation between two friends. 'Praying' means talking to God.

When we pray to God, we are not just telling Him about ourselves. We are listening too. When we tell Him what we feel and think, we put ourselves in touch with God.

What is the purpose of prayer? Prayer makes us strong to do what God wants. God is like a source of energy. If we use an electrical appliance, like an iron or a toaster, we must plug it in first. An electrical current will run through the appliance and make it work.

In the same way, God's grace makes us strong and helps us to do what He wants. When we pray, we get to know God and it helps us to do His Commandments. If we are not willing to become better Christians through prayer then there is no reason to pray.

Who do we pray to? (We pray to God the Father, through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in the Holy Spirit.)

We can also play to Christ and the Holy Spirit (Oh, Heavenly King, the comforter. . ., Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.)

We also pray to the Saints, but not in the same way we pray to God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, but as our helpers. We also ask Mary, the Theotokos to pray for us, and the angels.

When we pray, we must try hard and pay attention to what we are saying. We must have a peaceful heart. We must not hate or be angry with anyone.

There are several ways to pray to God, and we should include these four components every time we pray.

1. We can ask God for something. Asking

2. We can thank God. Thanking

3. We can praise God. Praising

4. We can question God. We do this when we are looking for answers to why things happen, ie death. Questioning

His Church is made up of people and we can pray for and with each other. Have children discuss different forms of prayer. (Forms of prayer: "Our Father," the Creed, liturgy, vespers, intercessory, psalms, talking to God, the Jesus Prayer.) Where and at what times can we pray? (We can pray in church with our community, at home with our families, on the playground at school, in the car, etc. Pray unceasingly.) Is there a specific time for prayer? Can we pray at anytime? Did Jesus pray? How, when, and where?

Activity:

After discussing the components of prayer, have children give examples of a component of prayer and list it on the flip chart under the appropriate column.

Activity:

Give children a ball and have them write the four components of prayer on the ball. Place in the apron.

Extra time activity: prayer

Materials: chunk of concrete or rock and an icon of St Seraphim kneeling on the rock

Have participants write down one prayer request from another youth. Explain to the children how St Seraphim of Sarov said the tool of prayer was most effective and the most readily available. Tell the story of how he prayed to The Lord for 1000 days and 1000 nights for the forgiveness of his sins. Have the children take turns kneeling on chunks of concrete or rocks and pray for each other's prayer request.

Session III
Station 5: Salvation

Lesson objective:

The student will recognize the need to utilize the Christian 'tools' to reach our goal of salvation. They will see Christ and their relationship with Christ as a direct connection to Heaven.

Materials:

  • easel stand with adhesive flip chart/paper with the words: 'Ten Commandments' written down
  • salvation game: two buckets, tape measure, masking tape, two pre-made labels (saying 'Salvation'), two paper rolls with 'Jesus' written very large 10 feet long
  • 8.5x11" paper labels (2) of each: Sacraments, Ten Commandments, Prayer, Worship, Beatitudes
  • tape
  • paper 8.5x11" - three per participant
  • markers or colored pencils
  • pre-made rulers -- with 'tools' written on them, eg: fruits of spirit
  • aprons

Salvation Game:

Set-up:

Place two buckets in the middle of the room. With masking tape, mark off a 15' and a 10' mark from each bucket. Place paper labels between the 15' markers and the 10' marks. Place tape on the 'salvation' label for a quick taping.

Procedure:

1. Instruct the participants that they are going to play a game that may help them to see that when we use our Christian tools that it makes it easier to know God, and the closer we get to Him. Also, the game will allow us to see how Christ provides us salvation.

2. Give each participant a piece of paper. Have them write 'Ten Commandments' on sheet of paper.

3. Instruct them to crumple the paper into a ball.

4. Have participants form two lines behind the 15' mark, facing the buckets. Give each child a chance to throw the crumpled paper into the bucket from 15' away. Give each child a chance from 10' away.

5. Repeat game, however this time have participants write a 'tool' that they personally can improve on or attain that we have talked about. (Beatitudes, Ten Commandments, Virtues)

Discussion:

What was the key to success in this activity? (Closer to bucket the easier it is to hit the mark.)

How is this like the key to success towards salvation? (Salvation is easier the closer we get to God.)

How do we get closer to God? (Reinforce all 'tools' discussed so far. Lead into discussion that Jesus is our direct path to salvation; by having a relationship with Jesus allows us a connection to Heaven. Explain that the next activity will demonstrate that Christ is our path to Salvation.)

Procedure:

1. Now have participants draw a simple picture of themselves then crumple into a ball.

2. While they are drawing, tape down 'Jesus' roll of paper from 10' tape mark up to buckets. Place buckets at edge of paper. Place 'salvation' labels on bucket.

3. Have participants line-up at the 10' mark for discussion.

Discussion:

Say: Now you see a walkway of paper on the floor labeled Jesus between where we are (10' mark) and salvation. Christ made it possible to attain salvation. He acts like a bridge to walk over so we can carry our picture of ourselves and easily place it in the bucket and attain salvation. Jesus also helps us use our tools of the Ten Commandments, virtues, etc.

We need to have a relationship with Christ to be able to use and walk across the bridge. Only if we have a relationship with Christ can we attain salvation. (Demonstrate walking across the bridge and placing crumpled paper in the bucket.) Have children walk across paper and place crumpled picture into bucket. Have children sit down. If we are working towards salvation, using the tools that God gives us, does that impact people around us? How? (If we are living Godly lives, others will see the Fruits of the Spirit, we are more loving and understanding, helping, etc.) Reinforce that our goal is salvation. By using our Christian tools, we grow closer to God, therefore closer to salvation. Christ is our direct path to salvation.

Activity:

Hand-out pre-made rulers and review the tools God has given us. Place rulers into the apron pockets. If time allows, you may write on their rulers the 'tools for spiritual growth.'

Session III
Station 6: Worship

Lesson objective:

The student will recognize key points of the Divine Liturgy and identify them as tools in building our faith.

Materials:

  • easy stand
  • three adhesive flip chart papers labeled: Liturgy of Preparation, Liturgy of the Catechumens, and Liturgy of the Faithful
  • various items of clothing - see below
  • co-operative community coloring puzzle
  • fine-tipped permanent markers

Procedure:

1. Place three adhesive flip chart papers on easel:

  • Label on Liturgy of Preparation
  • Label another Liturgy of the Catechumens
  • Label last one Liturgy of the Faithful

2. Ask students to share what they know about Preparation:

The first part of the Liturgy is called the proskomedia, or the Liturgy of Preparation. During this part the priest puts on his vestments. He also prepares the gifts of bread and wine; he pours water and wine into the chalice and cuts the prosphora and places it on the diskos. We do not see the priest during this part of the Liturgy unless we are altar boys who are helping him.

3. Ask students to share what they know about the Liturgy of the Catechumens:

Say: When the Royal Doors are opened and the choir begins to sing, the second part of the Liturgy begins. This is called the Liturgy of the Catechumens or the Liturgy of the Word. The catechumens are people who are studying to become Orthodox Christians. They have not yet been chrismated. This is the teaching part of the service, during which there are readings from the Epistles and the Gospel. We listen to the new law of Jesus Christ when the Beatitudes are sung. We see the priest carrying the Gospel in a procession called the Little Entrance. The priest then preaches a sermon. In the early Church, when there were many catechumens, this part of the service would end with the priest asking all of them to leave the church. The rest of the Liturgy was for the Christians. Only those people who are baptized are incited to receive Holy Communion.

4. Ask students to share what they know about the Liturgy of the Faithful:

Say: The third part of the Liturgy is called the Liturgy of the Faithful and was once only attended by Orthodox Christians. The priest carries our gifts to the altar table as the choir sings the human of the Cherubim. We join together and say the Creed, which is the definition of our faith. We state what we believe. As the priest prays, he remembers Jesus' words at the Last Supper and calls on the Holy Spirit to change the bread and wine -- our offering -- into the body and blood of Christ. We say the Lord's Prayer and receive Holy Communion. Then we give thanks to God, kiss the cross, receive a piece of bread, and return to our homes with our families.

5. Say: As a church community, we are called not only to worship but to serve the church with the special tools or gifts God has given to us. Today, I have brought with me some special items in this bag. As I pull each one out, see if you can tell me what part of the body it's for and its purpose. For example: a belt holds up pants, earmuffs warm ears, a dress makes us look fancy, jeans and t-shirts are for play.

Explain: Clothing has different purposes just like the different parts of our bodies do different things. The body of Christ, the church, includes men, women, children, grandparents, and babies. Every member has different tools. Some people clean, some usher, some visit the sick or the hospitalized. Someone might type the bulletin or make the prosphora. Someone preaches, someone prays or sings. Another may be an altar boy. Someone else sits in the pew, or smiles and is kind to another. All these things are important, just like the people who do them. God has given each of us something special to do for His church. What's your job or gift?

Activity:

Co-operative Community Puzzle: Distribute markers and one puzzle piece to each participant. Instruct them to draw a picture of a special tool that they have the help our church, on the puzzle piece. Then join all of the completed pieces together adding each group as they rotate.