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Lesson Plans for Older Children and Youth, Pentecost 24
Year C, Proper 28 (BCP, pg. 184 or pg. 236), Malachi 3:13-4:2a,5-6; Psalm 98 or 98:5-10; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19
WAYS TO BEGIN: As usual spend some time greeting the class and talking with them. Share some simple refreshments. Ask what is on their minds.

THE THEME: The destruction of the Temple and the things to come.

THE STORY: Luke 21:5-19. Have someone read the passage aloud. You may wish to have a narrator and someone taking the part of Jesus.

SOME QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT:

1. What do you think Jesus is talking about in this passage?
2. Every generation finds people predicting the end of the world. They usually point out how all the signs Jesus talks about in this passage have happened or are happening at this moment. How do you respond to such talk? What do you believe about the end of the world? Discuss your answers.
3. How do you respond to the words of Jesus promising opportunities to testify and giving you words and wisdom that others do not have? Have you ever had any experience of feeling empowered by God to do or say something? Share your answers.
4. Do you find this passage scary? What kinds of things worry you about the world we live in and about the future of the human race?
5. How do you understand the last verse, "By your endurance you will gain your souls."

AN ACTIVITY TO DO: Suppose you and you family had just been informed that there had been a nuclear accident and that life as we know it on earth would soon be over. The computers show that the natural environment will not sustain life and you have only a few hours of life left before the our air becomes unbreathable.

  • Who would you want to spend that time with? What would you do? What seems important to you at this moment?
  • If there were a shelter that possibly could sustain ten people indefinitely, who do you think should be allowed to go in it? How should the choice be made?
  • Role play the committee who will choose who should be allowed to live.
    When you have finished, talk about how this made you feel. End the class with a few moments of silent prayer.
 

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