Set Up Before the Kids Arrive
• Get a brown paper bag for every child and number them.
• Spread the supplies through out the bag so that no one has enough in their bag to really do anything.
• Supplies: 2 cartons Heavy whipping cream, a baby food jar for each child, a salt packet for each child, a sharpie (to write names on the jar), plastic knives, slices of bread
Gather for Soul Reports (5 min)
• Youth will gather in a circle and sing “Sanctuary” and offer soul reports about how their week was, and any praises or concerns
Introduction of the Scripture (5-8 min)
• Scripture can be offered in a variety of ways: group reading, acting out, storytelling, video, song – as long as it gets heard once without interruptions by one reader
• Today: 3 John 5-8
Lesson
1) Read the scripture and talk about what it means. Make a list of things they do for friends that they don’t do for strangers, and see if anything on that list is something they would be willing to do for stranger. Have them justify all their answers.
2) Talk briefly about missionaries and how they are able to work in other countries. (Because we believe that they are doing what Jesus called us to do, all Disciples of Christ missionaries receive salaries and supplies from the church)
Project: Working together and sharing our resources
1) Pass out the bags and tell them to find some place alone to go look in their bags. They cannot tell or show anyone what they have in their bag, but they can ask you what it is if they need to. Most will be a little confused about their contents.
2) When everyone has looked, re-closed their bag, and come back to the group, have each person share what they plan to do with their item (Without telling what it is)
3) See if anyone is willing to give their bag up for the use of the whole group, and make a big deal of those that do. Once some have shared willingly open your bag, and tell them what is in it. (Directions for making butter)
4) Make the butter, but while they are shaking if you can get their attention long enough, teach them the word “ecumenical” and talk about how churches are doing what this scripture asks of us by working together on some things, though not enough. We have partnerships for mission work, some blended congregations, and several charities that are many churches joined together.
5) Spread the butter on the bread and enjoy a snack, making a big deal about how it was possible because they were able to support each other and work together for the same goal.
How to make Butter
1) Pour heavy whipping cream into baby food jars, shake in some salt and seal tightly. (you might want to wrap a paper towel around the lid)
2) Shake the jars until a ball forms, and then shake until the ball becomes slightly firm. Takes about 2-3 minutes of really hard shaking
3) Drain off the liquid, and enjoy.
