POP Youth and Family Ministry

  6 th grade Axis Guide Sheet: Prayers and other everyday life rituals/traditions          Takeaway – In prayer (written or spontaneous) we develop a language and rhythm for speaking fluently and often with God. Through rituals & traditions (homemade or learned) we can weave faith into our everyday experiences.   Key verse – 1 Thessalonians 5:17   Discussion starters:   -What things are on your mind a lot? The least?   -Who is someone you talk to a lot? What’s your relationship like? What do you talk about? How does it feel when you go a while without communicating?   -Think through a regular day for you…share what your routine is like. What are the things you always do?   -           Think for a moment, is there a certain time of day, or certain place you are in often, that feels special to you? When? Where? Why do you think that is?   -           Hand-me-downs…are there things you’ve received that were used by people before you? How do you feel

  7 th +8 th grade Axis Guide Sheet: Acts                                                                        Small Group time (6:30-7:30)   Takeaway – Church was & always will be a messy affair. What we have in common is the Gospel message & the presence of the Holy Spirit.   Key verse – Acts 1:8   Discussion starters: - When is a time you experienced a huge change within a subject or circumstance you felt you had a good handle on or understanding of?   -What has been your most memorable church/faith related experience to date? What happened, how did you feel, has that changed your belief or faith at all?   -In your opinion, what do you think the church is for?   -We often use the word church to talk about the buildings & the people who worship there, the believers. What are the pros & cons of this? What does it tell you that we can use the same word for both?   -Is it possible for God to be at work outside of the church (including

   6th grade Axis Guide Sheet: The Lord’s Prayer Takeaway – The words of the Lord’s Prayer empower us to approach God & the world more boldly. Communication is essential to our relationships with one another & God.  Key verse – Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:1-4   Discussion starters: -Who is someone you do/ don't  talk to a lot? What’s your relationship like? How does it feel when you do get in touch again?  -Do you pray? If so, why? - Is praying challenging for you? Why/why not?  -What would you bring on a trip that you didn’t know much about the place you were going? (While we don’t always know what life has in store for us, The Lord’s Prayer encompasses all aspects we go through.) See the "Unpacking the Lord's Prayer" below.  -So be honest, does saying the Lord’s Prayer ever just feel like empty words to you?  -Do you remember first learning it? How did it feel? What did you think about it? What do you think about it now? -What parts of the Lord’s Prayer ma

  7 th +8 th grade Axis Guide Sheet: The Gospel of Luke                                                Takeaway – Luke emphasizes Jesus’ humanity, innocence, & focus on the overlooked populations (women, poor, etc.) because he is writing for an audience facing immense persecution.     Key verse – Luke 10:37     Discussion starters:   - Think about our world/society today...can you name any people or even groups of people that seem to be outcasts or overlooked by others?   -How about in your day to day life...where do you see people excluding others?    - Have you ever had a time where you were the one left out? What does that feel like?   -Why do you think Jesus takes the time for the people that others avoid?   - Who might Jesus be calling you to reach out to?   - Are you familiar with the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10)? Who in your life might you consider a good samaritan? Are you?   Further readings to check out: ( Have different

  7 th +8 th  grade Axis Guide Sheet: The Gospel of Mark  v   Large Group (6:30-7:00): v   Small Group time (7:00-7:30)   Takeaway – " Mark rushes into the story of Jesus head-on, excited and passionate about the good news of the Son of God." from colaborate 2015 sparkhouse. There is emphasis on the actions of Jesus that show he is the Son of God.    Key verse –  Mark 1:15 – The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.     Discussion starters:   - If you had to convey some important information to your friends or family, how would you make sure they had all the information they needed? In other words, what things would be essential to tell them?   -What helps you believe someone’s story?   -Have you ever had to explain your faith to someone? How did that go?   -What kinds of things do you have a sense of urgency about? In other words, what are the things that you are always wanting to do?   -Mark was actually the  first  g