WAYS TO BEGIN: Greet each person and spend a few minutes talking about the past week. You may wish to serve refreshments.
THE THEME: What is means to be one of God's saints.
THE LESSON: Luke 6: 20-36 or Matt. 5:1-12 ,"the Beatitudes". Take turns reading the verses aloud.
1. The word "blessed" means "happy". When you substitute happy for blessed, what new meanings, if any, do you get from these passages? What do you think Jesus was trying to say to us about being happy?
2. What things make you happy?
3. Theologians often talk about the ethic of Jesus as being one which turned the 1st century world "upside down" in its implications. How is that illustrated in the Beatitudes?
4. Who do you know that seems truly happy to you?
5. Who do you know that seems to be a saint?
6. How do you define a saint? What are the characteristics that you all can agree upon that are those of a saint?
Create a poster of contemporary "Saints and Heroes". On the poster, if possible, have pictures of the "saints" you have chosen and write their names in big letters. Include a few sentences on why you admire these persons and something about their accomplishments and characteristics. Post your poster in the Parish Hall or church for all to see.
End the class with the Collect for the day.
