AUGUST: JOIN THE ADVENTURE!
Concept:
The Bible tells us that Jesus “grew in wisdom.” `And when he was ready, Jesus began about three years of showing people God’s way of love. But he didn’t do that alone! Jesus called disciples to join him on the adventure. Disciples are people who are “dedicated followers” of a teacher. We often talk about the “twelve disciples,” and there were twelve who seemed to be part of his ministry in a unique way (and were called “apostles”). But there definitely were not just twelve disciples! There were many, many disciples. Some were women, like Joanna and Mary and Susannah. And we know that there were often children around Jesus, so we can guess that they were also followers of Jesus. Being a disciple led to all kinds of adventures, from being on a stormy sea, to being part of miracles, to feeding hungry people, to having big celebrations.
We are also invited to be disciples of Jesus. We are invited on an adventure!
(Photo by Rajesh Rajput on Unsplash)
The Bible tells us that Jesus “grew in wisdom.” `And when he was ready, Jesus began about three years of showing people God’s way of love. But he didn’t do that alone! Jesus called disciples to join him on the adventure. Disciples are people who are “dedicated followers” of a teacher. We often talk about the “twelve disciples,” and there were twelve who seemed to be part of his ministry in a unique way (and were called “apostles”). But there definitely were not just twelve disciples! There were many, many disciples. Some were women, like Joanna and Mary and Susannah. And we know that there were often children around Jesus, so we can guess that they were also followers of Jesus. Being a disciple led to all kinds of adventures, from being on a stormy sea, to being part of miracles, to feeding hungry people, to having big celebrations.
We are also invited to be disciples of Jesus. We are invited on an adventure!
(Photo by Rajesh Rajput on Unsplash)
Pray It: Jesus, you invited all kinds of people to be your followers. You’re inviting us, too. Give us the courage to follow you on this adventure. Amen.
Do It:
Recite the Story:
- Read more of the story: From Shine On pp 184-193 and The Peace Table pp 188-202, read about some of the adventures that happened while Jesus was inviting disciples.
- Artistic Representation: Using whatever artistic media you like, create your own depiction of one of the stories of Jesus inviting disciples. Or - imagine Jesus inviting you, and create a picture of that.
- Inviting people on the margins: Jesus didn’t just invite the expected people to follow him. In fact, some of the reason people often got grumpy with him was that he tended to invite outsiders, or people who were kind of on the fringes. Matthew, a tax collector, was usually on the margins (kind of an outcast), because tax collectors were seen as corrupt collaborators. They were hired by the occupiers, the Romans, and so their people didn’t trust them very much. Who are some people in your life that seem to be on the margins? Invite them to join your family for a walk, or for ice cream.
- We can begin talking about inclusion with children when they’re very young. Every child at times will feel left out. It can be empowering for children to know that they can look around, notice others who might be left out, and invite them in. Modeling this as a family is powerful.
- Adventure with Jesus: Take an adventure with Jesus. This can take on all kinds of forms!
- If your church is doing service in the community, join it!
- Jesus visited the sick - go visit someone who is in the hospital or ill.
- Bringing children to visit older adults is a gift. Pre-game it - talk about what limitations the person you’re visiting might have, and about some expectations for behavior when you’re there. Talk about some questions you might ask them to prompt story-telling. We found that people loved it when our children were ready to sing with them, or to play games or do puzzles. Leave when you can see that the person you’re visiting is getting tired, or when your child is getting restless.
- Jesus moved in different communities - walk in various neighborhoods in your town, noticing all the different ways and places that people live.
- Jesus talked with people in public places. Strike up a conversation with someone at the park.
- Jesus and his disciples served others. Take your household to go help another household with some projects.
- Intentionally be in relationships with people who are different from you. (Photo by Elias Maurer on Unsplash)
Recite the Story:
- God created, and it was good.
- God called a family to be a blessing to all the earth.
- God saved the people and they became a shalom community.
- God's steadfast love showed the people the way in a new land.
- God spoke through prophets when kings missed the mark.
- God gave hope when the people had to leave their homes and families.
- God’s love was born, a baby Messiah named Jesus.
- Jesus invited people on an adventure.
Explore It: Notes from Tami
Children’s visits with aging or ill loved ones can be beneficial for all. Here are a few suggestions for setting these visits up for success.We desire that our children be “includers” who reach out to share life with and serve others, but may need help knowing how to go about it.
Children’s visits with aging or ill loved ones can be beneficial for all. Here are a few suggestions for setting these visits up for success.We desire that our children be “includers” who reach out to share life with and serve others, but may need help knowing how to go about it.
- Teaching children to be includers
- Expanding the circle; Teaching children inclusion
- 101 Creative communuity service ideas for kids, teens and adults
