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Lesson Plans for Older Children and Youth, Pentecost 20
Year C, Proper 24 (BCP pg. 183 or pg. 235), Genesis 32:3-8,22-30; Psalm 121; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5; Luke 18:1-8a
WAYS TO BEGIN: Today is the Children's Sabbath, a day to honor and remember children, especially those children in need. Make your final plans for celebrating today. You may wish to have special treats to honor the young people in your class.

THE THEME: It is all right to "pester" God with our prayers and petitions.

THE STORY:Luke 18:1-8a Have someone read the lesson aloud.

SOME QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT:

1. What do you think is the point of this story?
2. How affective do you find it to beg and pester your parents or teachers or friends for what you want?
3. What seems to you to be suitable petitions or askings of God? What do you want to ask God for?
4. The theme of this year's Children's Sabbath is "Write the Vision: Creating Communities of Shalom for All Children." This theme calls us to "lift up God's intention for the health and safety of all children." (pg. 6, 2001 Sabbath booklet).
5. How would you go about doing it?
6. What does it mean for all children to live in safety? Discuss.
7. What are some things that can be available for all children to be healthy? Discuss.

AN ACTIVITY TO DO: Design a program which would help each child live in safety. Then write a letter to your mayor or town council, your state representatives and your federal representatives in Washington stating what you think is important and why it is important. Address and stamp your letter(s). As a class, if there is time, walk to the nearest mail box and mail your letter(s). If you don't get a response in a few weeks, write again, "begging" for what you need!

End your class asking God to bless your petitions and to be with children everywhere who need care.
 

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