WAYS TO BEGIN: Greet your class and talk together over some light refreshments. Find out what is going on at school, in the community as we move into the fall of the year. Then gather the group in a circle to hear the story.
THE THEME: We shouldn't expect to be rewarded for doing what is required of us.
THE STORY: Luke 17:5-10 (This is part of a section in which Jesus is talking to his friends about faith.) Read the verses aloud slowly.
SOME QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT:
1. The disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith. What does faith mean to you? What do you "have faith" in?
2. Jesus says that if you have faith you can do all sorts of things. What do you think he means by the "faith of a mustard seed"? Note: a mustard seed is very small, but grows into a large tree.
3. Jesus tells a story about a servant. What point do you think he is trying to make with this story?
4. When you make good grades at school or remember to make your bed and straighten your room, do you expect to be rewarded? Why or why not?
AN ACTIVITY TO DO: Draw a picture of you doing something that is expected of you by your parents or a teacher. Give yourself a gold star if you have done it well this past week. (Note to teachers: you will need to have a box of stars available)
End with the Collect for the day or a simple prayer.
