appendix a: orientation handouts - chalicepress.com · session 1 orientation with youth and parents...

71

Appendix A: Orientation Handouts

Discipleship Class Orientation 1. Opening Prayer

2. Scripture Reading• Mark1:16–18• Learningtobeadisciple

3.Overallclasscontent• Focusscriptureforeachareaoflearning• SessionThemes

Confession—learningwhatwebelieveContrition—makingJesusthefocusofourlivesCovenant—alookatbaptismandcommunionCommunity—internalandexternalexpressionsofourfaithConnection—learningandsharingourspiritualgiftsChurch—ourconnectiontootherChristians

• Howourfaithmakesadifferenceinourdailylives• Learningtopray

4.Learningtoliveasacovenantpeople• UsrespondingtoGod• Godrespondingtous

5.Mentorship• Choosingapersonyouadmiretobeaguidetodoactivities

andlearnfromwhileatthesametimelearninginclasssessions(makealistofthreepeopleandchooseoneofthem)

• Givingone-on-onetimewithapersontogrowinrelationshiptohimorherandlearnaboutthelifeofthechurch

All material in the appendices may be downloaded from www.chalicepress.com and printed for distribution to your program’s participants.

Copyright©2009byChristopherW.Wilson.Permissiongrantedtoreproducethispage forusewithPassage into Discipleship.

72 Appendix A


6.Classprocess• Eachtopicwillhaveaclassroomsessionandan

experientialsession• Theclassroomsessionswillbeadiscussionasa

groupaboutthetopicoflearningandwillincludeanassignmenttocompletebythenextsession

• Theexperientialsessionswillbeusgoingoutintothecommunityandputtingthoseclassroomsessionsintopractice

• Theoverallprogramwillendwithanextendedtimetogether:adayretreat

7.Questions

8.Whentomeet

9.Closingprayer

Orientation Handouts 73


Discipleship Class Overview

Class Component

Session1 OrientationwithYouthandParentsSession2 Confession(classroom)Session3 Confession(experience)Session4 Contrition(classroom)Session5 Contrition(experience)Session6 Covenant(classroom)Session7 Covenant(experience)Session8 Community(classroom)Session9 Community(experience)Session10 Connection(classroom)Session11 Connection(experience)Session12 Church

Mentor Component

• Eachyouthisconnectedwithamentorforthedurationoftheclasssessions

• Thementorandyouthhavecontinualthingsandone-timeprojectstoaccomplishtogether

• Thementorwillprovideinsightsabouthisorherjourneyoffaithandconnectiontothechurchnotcoveredintheclasssessionsandrelatethoseinsightstothesubjectheorsheisleadinginthesessionsabove

Day Retreat Component

Thedayretreathasthreecomponents• Human-to-Godrelationship—prayer/worshipexperience• Human-to-creationrelationship—gotoacreationsetting• Human-to-humanrelationship—careprojectforothers

Thepurposeistounderstandthethreeprimarywayswerelateintheworld

The retreat is intended to come at the end of the twelve classsessions

74

Appendix B: Class Outlines

Confession OutlineOpening Prayer

SentenceCompletionExercise• Mynameis…• Iwasborn…• Threewordsthatdescribemeare…• Somethingimportanttomeis…• Iaminvolvedinthechurchbecause…• Iaminthisclassbecause…

BraggingExercise

WhatIsConfession?

ScriptureDiscussiononMatthew16:13–20

OtherChristians’Confessions• DisciplesAffirmation(Chalice Hymnal,no.355)• NiceneAffirmationofFaith(Chalice Hymnal,no.358)• ApostolicAffirmationofFaith(Chalice Hymnal,no.359)• UnitedChurchofChristStatementofFaith(Chalice Hymnal,no.

361)

FirstPersonExercise:Role-playingGod,Jesus,theChurch

ConfessionExerciseWorksheet

ClosingPrayer



Class Outlines 75

Contrition OutlineOpening Prayer

ChocolateChipCookieExercise

ScripturediscussiononActs9:1–19

WhatIsSin?

OurRelationshipwithGod1.Benefits

a.God’sunendingloveb.Guidancec.Neverbeingaloned.Eternallifee.Instructionfordailylife

2 Expectationsa.MakingGodfirstinourlivesb.Ourtime,energy,andresourcestoserveGodc.LovingwhatGodlovesd.Beingapartofachurchcommunity

3.Applicationsa. Prayerb.ReadingtheBible/learningc.Worshipd. Servinge.Compassion

ForgivenessExercise

ScriptureDiscussiononLuke19:1–10

ContritionExerciseWorksheet

ClosingPrayer

76 Appendix B


Covenant OutlineOpening Prayer

WhatIsaCovenant?

DiscussionofBaptismImages

TheHighwayModel

VisittheBaptistry

ThinkingaboutCommunion

NewTestamentMealpattern—“took,blessed,broke,andgave”

MealThatStretchesacrossTime

ConnectingBaptismandCommunion

CovenantExerciseWorksheet

ClosingPrayer


Class Outlines 77

Community OutlineOpening Prayer

TheStoryoftheSeed

PurposeofCommunity

InnerChurchCommunity

ScriptureDiscussionon1Corinthians12• ImageoftheChurchasaBody• YarnExercise

CommunityoutsidetheChurchBuilding• CityMapExercise• ScriptureDiscussiononLuke10:30–37• WhoIsOurNeighbor?• WaysofServingtheCommunity

DiscussionofCommunityOuting

CommunityExerciseWorksheet

ClosingPrayer

78 Appendix B


Connection OutlineOpening Prayer

You Are Special

ScriptureDiscussiononGenesis1:26–27

SpiritualGiftExercise

ScriptureDiscussiononGalatians5:22–26

OtherWaystoDiscoverSpiritualGifts

CombiningOurSpiritualGifts

BeingOpentotheHolySpirit

OurSpiritualGiftsinAction

ClosingPrayer


Class Outlines 79

Church OutlineOpening Prayer

ChurchPictures

ScriptureDiscussiononActs2:37–47

FormationoftheChurch

RolesoftheChurch

DifferentChurches

YourOwnDenomination

PurposeoftheChurch• WearetheexamplesofJesustotheworld• Wearetheonestoshowotherswhatlovereallymeans• Wearetheonestoreachouttothoseinneed• WearetheonestocreateadeeperrelationshipwithGod•WearecalledtoworktogetherinunitytoserveChrist

ClosingPrayer

80

Appendix C: Class Exercises/Handouts

Confession Exercise

Foundations of Faith

God—

Jesus Christ —

Church —


Class Exercises/Handouts 81


Contrition Exercise

How Do I Love?

AlifeofcontritioninvolveslearninghowwearecalledtoloveGodandwhatisintheworld.ListbelowsomewaysthatyoubelievewearecalledtoloveGodwithourverybest.

ListbelowsomewaysthatyoubelieveGodcallsustoloveotherpeople:family,churchmembers,friends,andstrangers.

ListbelowsomewaysthatyoubelieveGodinvitesustoloveourselves.


82 Appendix C

Covenant Exercise

A Family Memory

Iwantyoutoputapictureinyourmindofallyourfamilymembersandextendedfamily.Thinkofamealinwhichallofyou,orasmanyaspossible,gather during the year. It is Christmas, Thanksgiving, family reunion, orotherspecialtimeoftheyear.Trytorecallasmuchasyoucanaboutyourlatestget-togetheronthatoccasion.

Whatmakesthismealandget-togetherspecial?

Whatdoyouremembermostaboutthemealandtimetogether?

The church has a meal that is considered very special to its membersandguests.Thatmealisourweeklytimeofcommunion.Webreakbread,sharethecup,andareinvitedbyJesusChristtoshareinthatmeal.ItisatimetogrowclosetoGod,torecallhowJesussaidthismealwouldcallustorememberandcelebrate.Itisalsoatimetogrowclosetootherswhosharethemealinthatworshipservice.

Askyourparentswhycommunionisimportanttothemandwritedownsomeoftheirresponses.



The Language of Our Church Music

Lookupinthechurchhymnalthefollowingsongs:“WhenYouDoThis,RememberMe,”“InRemembranceofMe,”“Come,SharetheLord,”and“IComewithJoy.”Readthewordsofthesongs.

Asyoureadthewordsofthesong,payattentiontotheuseofthefollowingwords:remember, bread, cup, wine, forgiveness, free, family, joy, Jesus, share.

Ifcommunionisabletohelpusexperienceallthesewords,thenwhydoyouthinksomanypeopleseethisasoneofthemostimportantpartsofourworshipexperience?


84 Appendix C

Youth Mentor Handout

Interviewing Your Mentor about Baptism

Findatimetositdownwithyourmentorandhavehimorheranswerthefollowingquestionsabouthisorherpersonalbaptismexperienceandwhatthatbaptismmeanstothementornow.

1.Whatdoyourememberaboutthedayyouwerebaptized?Howoldwereyou?Whatchurchwereyouattending?Whatfamilywaspresent?

2.Didyouhaveanypreparationorclassestohelpyoubetterunderstandwhatbaptismmeans?Ifso,whatdoyourecallaboutthatpreparationprocess?

3. Whatwasthemostmeaningfulthingaboutyourbaptism?

4.Whydidyoufeelitwasimportanttobebaptizedatthatpointinyourlife?



5.Whenyouare asked to rememberyourbaptism,what comes toyourmind?

6.WhydoyouthinkbaptismisimportantforpeoplewhobelieveinJesusChrist?

7.Whatsignificancedoesyourbaptismhaveforyoutoday?


86 Appendix C

Community Exercise

Theexercise forcommunity is toput togetherapuzzleofat least100pieces. Assemble the puzzle by yourself or with the help of your family.Whenyoucompletethepuzzle,talktoyourparent(s)aboutthefollowingquestions:

• Whatallowsthepuzzletoholdtogether?• Ifyouweremissingonepiecetothepuzzle,woulditbecomplete?• Howisthechurchlikeapuzzle?• Whathappensifapersonismissingfromthechurch,likewhena

pieceofthepuzzleismissing?

Thepuzzle is an excellent exampleofhow the church functions.Thechurchisnotaboutindividualsgatheringinthesameplace.ThechurchiswhenweconnectourselvestogethertobecometheimageofGodtoeachotherandtheworld.Everyoneisneededtomakethisimage.Noonepieceofthepuzzleismoreimportantthananother.Ittakesallthepiecestocreatetheimageyouaretryingtosee.

Shareaprayerwithyourfamilyfortheblessingofallthepeopleinthechurchandwhattheybringtothechurchtohelpitbeaplaceoffaith.



Connection: Spiritual Gift Exercise

Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

Instructions

Foreachquestion,enterthenumberthatmostappliestoyou.

3—That’sme! 2—Thisisprobablyme. 1—Definitelynotme!

___ 1.Itrytothinkmoreabouttheneedsofothersthanmyown.

___ 2.Peoplecometomewhentheyneedtotalkoutaproblem.

___ 3.Ihavegivenmoneytothoseinneed.

___ 4.Idon’tmindbeingseenwithpeoplewhoaren’tthatpopular.

___ 5.WhenIseeneedypeopleoncoldnights,Ireallyfeellikeinvitingthemtomyhome.

___ 6. OnFridaynights,Iamusuallytheonewhodecideswherewegoandwhatwedo.

___ 7. Iliketoinvitemyfriendstochurch.

___ 8. IhaveconfidencethatGodwillgetmethroughbothgoodandbadtimes.

___ 9. Ilikedoingjobsthatmostpeopledon’twanttodo.

___10. Iamknownformypositiveattitude.

___11. Igetarealkickoutofgivingstuffaway.

___12. Iwouldliketoworkwithdisabledpeople.

___13. Ilikehavingfriendsstayovernightatmyhouse.

___14. Iliketoorganizeandmotivategroupsofpeople.

___15. IcansometimesmakediscussionsrelatetoGod.

___16. IbelievethatGodcandothingsthatseemimpossible.

___17. Ihavehelpedotherpeoplesotheirworkwaseasier.

___18. Iliketohelpsadpeoplefeelbetter.


88 Appendix C

___19. ItrytobesmartwithmymoneysothatIcangiveextramoneytopeoplewhoneedit.

___20. Ifeelverysympathetictowardtheneedy.

___21. Ilikehavingguestsatmyhouse.

___22.Ihaveencouragedotherstogetbettergrades.

___23. IwouldliketohelpsomeoneelsebecomeaChristian.

___24. IhaveconfidencethatGodkeepspromisesevenwhenthingsarebad.

___25. Idon’tminddoinglittlejobsthatotherpeopledon’tconsiderimportant.

___26. IcanencourageothersthroughwhatIsay.

___27. IknowthatGodwillmeetmyneeds,soIwanttogivefreelytoothers.

___28. Ifafriendissick,Icalltoseehowheorsheisdoing.

___29. Ilikehavingcompanycometomyhouse.

___30. Iwouldliketohelppeoplewhoarehomeless.

___31. IwouldliketotellothersthatJesusistheSaviorandhelpthemseethepositiveresults.

___32. ItrustthatIcancallonGodandknowGodwillbetherewhen“impossible”situationshappen.

___33. SometimesIdojobsandnobodynotices,butIdon’tmind.

___34. IlikeitwhenpeoplearehappierafterIhavetalkedtothem.

___35. Ihavegivenawaymymoneyorbelongingstothoseinneed.

___36. WhenIseeahomelessperson,Ireallywanttohelp.

___37. Myfriendscomeovertomyhousebecausetheyfeelcomfortablethere.

___38. WhenI’minagroup,sometimespeoplelooktometotakecharge.

___39. ItakeanyopportunityIcantotellpeopleaboutChrist.

___40. Wheneverythinglooksbad,IcanstilltrustGod.



Discover Your Spiritual Gifts Tabulation Sheet

Instructions

1.Put your response (1–3) to each question in the blank next to theappropriatenumberonthechartbelow.

2.Addupthenumbersgoingacrosstheblanksandrecordthemintheboxunderthe“Total”column.

Explanation

Gift A —Helping:Theabilitytoassistandserveotherpeople.Gift B—Encouraging:Theabilitytosupportpeopleandhelpthemto

regainhope.Gift C—Giving:Theabilitytogiveyourtimeandmoneysoitcanbeused

forGod’swork.Gift D—Mercy:Theabilitytoactcompassionatelytowardthosewhoare

suffering.Gift E—Hospitality:Theabilitytobefriendlyandgeneroustoguests.Gift F—Leading:Theabilitytomotivateotherstousetheirspiritualgifts

andtodotheirbestfortheworkoftheLord.Gift G—Evangelism:TheabilitytohelpotherstocometoknowJesus

personally.Gift H—Faith:TheabilitytohaveaconfidentbeliefthatGodwillalways

dowhatisbest.

1 9 17 25 33 A

2 10 18 26 34 B

3 11 19 27 35 C

4 12 20 28 36 D

5 13 21 29 37 E

6 14 22 30 38 F

7 15 23 31 39 G

8 16 24 32 40 H

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90 Appendix C

Assessment

Determineyourdemonstrated,probablespiritualgift(s)asfollows:Ifthescoreinthe“Total”sectionis: 10–15:ThereisgreatevidencethatGodhasblessedyouwiththisgift. 7–10: ThereisagoodpossibilitythatGodcouldbedevelopingthis

giftinyou. 3–6: Youarespirituallygiftedinareasotherthanthisone.



Church

Who Is the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)?

Mission

Ourcallingtotheworldistogoandmakedisciplesofallpeople

Core Beliefs

• WeconfessJesusChristasLordandSavioroftheworld• WebelievetheunityofthechurchisessentialtoGod’smissiontothe

world• Webelievetheprimaryauthorityforthechurch’slifeistheBible• WebelievetheBibleistheprimarysourceofGod’srevelationJesus

Christ• WebelieveintheempowermentofallpeoplethroughtheHolySpirit

Values

Welooktothechurch,God’scommunityoflove: 1.AsapeopleofGod 2.AsthebodyofChrist 3.Asachurchbothlocalanduniversal 4.Asacommunityoffaithinclusive,diverse,andwelcoming 5.Asabodythatstudiestogetherandsupportsoneanother 6.Asabodythatworshipscelebratingbaptismbyimmersionandobserves

theLord’ssupperweekly 7.Asabodythatisincovenantwiththedifferentmanifestationsofthe

ChristianChurch(DisciplesofChrist)–General,Regional,andLocal

Thecommuniontableisourmeetinggroundatwhichwediscover 1.OurcommonnessinChrist 2.Thecelebrationofourdiversity 3.AplacetofindanexperientialconnectiontoChrist 4.Ourindividualandcommunalvoiceasachurch

Dialogueanddiscussionoftheologicaltopicsisdoneinloveanddiscernmentto: 1.Heareachother’sreflectionsandthoughtsinaspiritofopenness


92 Appendix C

2.Respectoneanotherwithoutbeingjudgmental 3.Beopentoabeliefthatmightstrengthenourfaith 4.Haveahealthierwaytobeinfaithfulconversationwithoneanother 5.Model to those outside the church how to work through topics of

importance,controversy,orcrisis

93

Appendix D: Mentor Materials

Mentor Expectations Sheet

Thementor is tohave contactwith theyouth throughout theduration of the program. Some of the activities done together areongoingwhileotheractivitiesareone-timeevents.Belowisalistingofthingsmentorsareaskedtodowiththeiryouth.

Ongoing Activities

• Weeklysittingwithyouryouthinworship(heorshewillbeyourshadowwhereveryougo,i.e.,choir,elder,deacon,worshipleader,etc.)

• Takeyouryouthouttoeatatleasttwice• Callyouryouthonthephonetocheckinwithhimorher

fromtimetotime

One-time Activities

• Attendachurchmeetingwithyouryouth• Beinterviewedbyyouryouthaboutyourfaithandyour

reflectionsofyourownbaptismalexperience• Gooveraworshipbulletintoensureyouryouthunderstands

allthepartsand,thus,theflowofworship• Gooverachurchbudgetwithyouryouthtohelphimorher

understandthefinancialsideofthechurch• Takeyouryouthtoyourplaceofworkorwhereyouvolunteer

tolethimorherseeyouinyourownenvironment• Discussanddecideonaservantactivitythetwoofyoucan

dotogether

Education Objectives

• Informallytalkaboutthemaintopicsoflearningdonethroughtheinstructionalandexperientialclasses

• Drawfromtheyouthwhatheorsheislearning• Reinforcethepointthatheorsheisonajourneyandtheend

oftheclassisabeginningplaceforaricherrelationshipwithGod



94 Appendix D

• HelpyouryouthunderstandthatourfaithinChristisnotonlyaboutknowledgeoftheBibleandGod,butputtingintoactionwhatitiswebelieve

Theministerasksthementorstoserve,inordertomakesurethereisafirmcommitmentbytheadulttoworkwiththeyouth.

Iftheyouthendsupbeingbaptized,thenthementorisencouragedtogivehimorheragiftofcelebrationforthatdecisionandspecialeventinhisorherlife.

Mentor Assignment Rationale

Theactivitiestobecompletedbythementorandhisorheryouthareavitalpartofthepreparationofdiscipleship.Eachrequesthasaspecificrationalethatassiststheyoungpersoninfaithdevelopment,discoveryofthechurch,andformingacloserrelationshipwiththementor.Below is the rationalebehindeachactivity togivegreaterperspective,allowingaricherexperienceasamentor.

On-going Activities

1.Weeklysharingwithyouryouthinworship(heorshewillbeyourshadowwhereveryougo, i.e.,choir,elder,deacon,worship leader,etc.)

Wesometimeslearnmorebywhatwedothanbywhatwesay.Ayoungpersoncanlearnagreatdealbyobservinganotherpersoninworship.Shadowingapersonwhotakespartintheleadershipofworshipgivesyouthadifferentperspectiveofworship.Attimesheorshewillbeinfrontofthecongregationwithoutneedingtospeak.Theyouthgainanewappreciationforwhatapersondoestoprepare,lead,andparticipate inworship topraiseGod.Theweekly, sharedexperiencegivesthementorandmentoredawaytoengageandtalkaboutworship,leadership,andfaithdevelopmentonapersonallevelinsteadofinamoreformalteachingrelationship.Thisprocessisalsogoodinhelpingprepareyoungpeopletobecomfortableinfrontofothersasfutureservantsinworship.

2.Weeklyphonecallstotheyouthbeingmentored

It is important to keep the relationship between the mentors


Mentor Materials 95

and mentored consistently engaged. The regular calls allow theyouthtofeelcaredforandimportantwhenreceivingcallsathome.This is where the mentor relationship begins to form beyond theboundaryofthechurchfacility.Itisimportantforyouthtoseehowthecongregationcaresforanddevelopsrelationshipsawayfromthechurchbuilding.Youthneed towitness faithbeing applied in thedailylifeofchurchmembers.

3.Sharingmealswiththeyouthbeingmentored(atleasttwotimes)

Sharing timearounda table creates an informal timewith thementorandmentored.Sharedmealsfeellesslikeanassignedtask.Themealexperiencesareprimarilymeanttostrengthentherelationshipwithinformaltimetogether.Thereisnoagendameantforthemealsothersthanbeingtogether.Itisonlynaturalthattheyouthwilllearnandgrowbytheconversationsshared.

One-Time Activities

1.AttendaChurchMeeting

Itisimportantfortheyouthtoattendameetingofanykindtoobservehowthechurchworksinitsdreaming,planning,organizing,andimplementingtime.YouthneedtolearnthatthechurchrequiresdedicatedpeoplegivingoftheirtimeandtalentstocreatemeaningfuleventsforpeopletoconnecttoGodandJesusChrist.Themeetingsattendedmaynotbethemostexcitingeventsfortheyouth,buttheywillgainanewappreciation forhowthechurchoperates to serveotherswhoengageinchurchministry.

2.BeInterviewedbytheMentoredYouth

Youth need to learn the story of others who are baptized andwhattheyrememberabouttheirbaptism.Eachyouthwillbegivenalistofquestionstoaskthementor.Thequestionswillbeaboutwhatthe mentor recalls about his or her baptism, how important thateventwasinthementor’sChristianfaith,andhowbaptismmakesa difference in his or her expression of faith today. The interviewprocessprovidesawayforthementortotellhisorherfaithstoryinafunformat.


96 Appendix D

3.ReviewaWorshipBulletinorOrderofWorship

We should not assume that our youth know all the parts of aworshipservice,whytheyareimportant,andwhateachpartmeans.Thementoristouseaworshipbulletinandreviewtheorderoftheworshipservicetomakesuretheyouthunderstandsallpartsoftheservice.Themodelofpraise,word,table,anddismissal isasimpleway to explain the four major parts of how we worship God andcelebrate as a communityof faith. If youthhave abetter graspofworship,therewillbeadeeperappreciationandengagementintheserviceinpraisingGod.

4.ReviewtheChurchBudget

Itisoftensaidthechurchisalwaysaskingformoney.Theofferingisavitalandpowerfulwitnessofachurchcommunity.Youthneedtoknowthatifeveryoneputonlyfivedollarsintheplate,wewouldnotbeabletoofferchurchministriesorhelppeopleinneedthewaywehope.Reviewingachurchbudgetletsyoungpeopleseeonpaperallthatisneededtofulfillthedreamsandhopesofthecongregation.Budgetsnormallyincludefourkeyareas:outreach,churchministries,staff,andpropertycare.Achurchbudgettocoverthefourcategoriesin living out its vision or ministry. Youth need to see how muchmoneyittakestooperatethechurchinservingChrist.

5. Allow Youth to Attend Your Place of Work or Organization inwhichYouVolunteer

Thereneedstobeabalanceofactivitiesdoneatthechurchandawayfromthechurch.Itishelpfulforthementoredyouthtoseethementor inhis orhernatural vocational or volunteer settings. Theyouth will have a curiosity about what you do away from churchfunctions.Sharewithhimorherhowyourfaithisexpressedinyourdailyworkorsharingtimewithothers.Ifyouareretired,takeyouryouthtowhereyougiveofyour timeatanonprofitorganization,hobby or interest group, or even a club or social organization ofwhichyouareapart(RotaryorKiwanis).

6.ShareinaServantActivityTogether

A final activity to share together is a service project of some

Mentor Materials 97


kind. Serve God together. Model what it means to embody thephrase, “Where twoor three are gathered…”Make adifference inthe local community as representatives of the church. This givesthe youth a chance to show compassion toward others, see howthechurchistobeawitnesstothoseinneed,anddevelopamoremeaningfulrelationshipwiththementor.UnitinginChristtoservegivesacommonstorythetwoofyouwillsharewhenhavingfutureconversations.

Auxiliary Functions

1.GiftforYouthBeingBaptized

Amentorisencouragedtopurchaseagiftifhisorheryouthisbeing baptized at the end of the program. The gift is a symbol ofcelebrationfortheyouthmakingsuchanimportantchoicethatwillbelife-changing.HeorsheisbeginningajourneywithChristthatwillenrichthatyouth’slifeforever.Somesamplegiftsthatcouldbegivenincludeanecklacewithacross, specialbookof faith,memorabiliapiecethathasaspecialmeaningbetweenthementorandyouth,orabaptismcardofcelebration.

IencouragethechurchtogiveBiblestotheyouthassymbolsoffaithandbooksofstrengthastheyouthbegintheirformaljourneyintheChristianfaith.

2.AidingtheYouthontheDayofHisofHerBaptism

Ayouth’sbaptismisasignificantdayinhisorherlife.Encouragefamilyandspecialfriendstocomeandcelebratethedayinworshiptogether. Mentors can assist on this day by helping behind thescenestomakesurealltheyoutharewheretheyneedtobe.Youthare typicallynervous justbefore theirbaptisms.Familiar facesandlovingpresencescanhelpreducetheiranxiety.Mentorscanalsohelpthemgettothedressingroomandmakesuretheyreturntoworshipinatimelymannerbeforecommunionisserved.ThiswillbetheirfirstcommunionasbaptizedpersonsinChrist.Thementor’shelponthisdayallowstheparentsandfamilytoremaininthesanctuarytowitnessandcelebratethedaywithoutworryingaboutotherdetails.


98 Appendix D

Mentor Letter of Thank You

Dear____________,

I am grateful that you agreed to serve as a mentor for _______________________.LearningaboutbaptismandbecomingdisciplesofJesusisanimportanttimeinthelivesofouryouth.Asyouhelpguideandlovehim/her during his/hertimeinthisprogram,youwillalsoberewarded.He/shewillbecomeatrueblessinginyourlife.

Ihave included thementor expectationsandmentor rationalesheetstoensureaqualityexperience.Pleasecontactmeifyouhaveanyquestionsabouttheprocessorspecificactivitiestobefulfilled.

The weekly sitting and shadowing in worship is to begin thiscomingSunday.Remember, ________(youth’s name)will followyouwhereveryougo(prayingatthetable,readingscripture,singingtheanthem,passingtheofferingplates,etc.).Iwanthim/hertogetafeelfortheleadershipaspectsofworship.Ifyouwanttoincludehim/her inthosefunctions,feelfreetofindwaysforhim/hertoparticipate.

Otherdetailstoreviewwithyouare:

• Sharemealswithyouryouthwhenitworksoutinyourschedule(lunchafterchurch,Saturdaylunch,weekdayevening)

• Iwillgetyouacopyofthechurchbudgettoreviewwithyouryouth

• Theinterviewsheetswillbegiventotheyouthabouthalfwaythroughtheprogramandhe/shewillasktointerviewyou

Ihavealsoincludedascheduleofoursessionsfrombeginningto end. I want you to know the topics we will be learning aboutthroughout theprogram.Please call if youwant additionaldetailsaboutthesetopics.ThementorrelationshipwillformallyconcludeontheSundaywebaptizetheyouthwhomakethisdecision.

Mentor relationships change lives. Jesus mentored twelve menintobeinghisdisciples.Theworldhasneverbeenthesame.Weallhavegiftsand lovetosharewiththeyoungpeopleofourchurch.ShareyourselfandGodwilltakecareoftherest.

InChrist,

99

Appendix E: Retreat Materials

Retreat Worship ExperienceFindaplaceinthesanctuarywhereyoufeelclosesttoGod.Don’t

goanyfartheruntilyoufindthatplace.MakesureyouhaveaBibletoguideyouthroughtheexercise.

First,takealookatthelightonthecommuniontable.ThelighttellsusthatGod’spresenceisinthisroom.SayashortprayergivingthankstoGodforalwaysbeingwithusandguidinguseveryday.

Second,openyourBibletothefollowingNewTestamentreading:Matthew7:24–27

Whenyou thinkof this storyof thewiseand foolishbuilders,whatarethreethingsyoucanthinkofthatmakeforastronghousetomakeitthroughastorm?

1.

2.

3.

Whydidoneofthehousesinthestoryfalldownandcollapse?



100 Appendix E

Ifyou thinkofyour faith likeahouse,name three thingsyouneedasaChristiantohelpyoueverydayofyourlife.

1.

2.

3.

Ifyoulookbackatverse24oftheBiblereading,therearetwokeyverbsinthisversethathelpusunderstandwhatitmeanstobeafaithfulfollowerofGodandJesus.

Everyonethenwho___________thesewordsofmineand___________________________

How you do you think God wants you to hear or listen as aChristian?Namethreewaysyouaretolisten.

1.

2.

3.


Retreat Materials 101

HowdoyouthinkGodwantsyoutoactasaChristian?Namethreewaysyoucanactorshareyourfaithwithothers.

1.

2.

3.

Next,howdoyouthinkyourlifewillbedifferentbecauseofyourbaptism?Howdoesyourbaptisminviteyoutobeanewperson?

Finally,sayaprayertoGodaskingforGod’shelpandsupporttobeafaithfulfollowerofJesus.SharewithGodwhatyouarethankfulforinyourlife.AskGodtohelpyouhaveafaiththatisstronglikethewisemanwhobuilthishouseontherock.

102

Appendix F: Worship Materials

Sample Order of Worship for Pentecost Sunday

Prelude—Atimeforsilentmeditation

Welcome,Announcements

We Gather God’s People

Hymn:“OforaThousandTonguestoSing”(Chalice Hymnal, no. 5)

ResponsiveCalltoWorshipLeader: MaytheflamesoftheHolySpiritcauseourheartstowarm.People: Come, Holy Spirit, Come.Leader: MaythewindofPentecostblowrighttooursouls.People: Come, Holy Spirit, Come.Leader: MaythetongueoftheSpiritgiveyourfaithanewvoice.People: Come, Holy Spirit, Come.Leader: Mayyouseevisions,dreamdreams,andsenseGodaroundyou.People: Come, Holy Spirit, Come.

Hymn:“OnPentecostTheyGathered”(Chalice Hymnal, no.237)

Scripture Reading

Hymn:“Water,River,Spirit,Grace”(Chalice Hymnal, no. 366)

ServiceofBaptism(candidatesareintroducedandbaptized)

BaptismalAnthem

Children’sSermon

Hymn:“BreatheonMe,BreathofGod”(Chalice Hymnal, no. 254)

We Hear God’s Word

CalltoPrayer



Worship Materials 103

Leader: TheSpiritofGodisbeingpouredoutuponus.People: We receive this gift as we lift our hearts to God.Leader: Weprayforaspiritofempowerment.People: We pray for a spirit of renewal and forgiveness.Leader: Letusenterinprayerwithsilence.

PastoralPrayerandLord’sPrayer

Anthem

ScriptureReadings:Acts2:1–6,37–42;Ephesians5:8–14

Sermon“Word,Water,Wine,andBread”

WeCometoGod’sTable

Hymn:“Sweet,SweetSpirit”(Chalice Hymnal, #261)

OfferingMeditation

Offertory

Doxology

PrayerofDedication

CommunionMeditation

Hymn:“Come,SharetheLord”(Chalice Hymnal, no.408)

PrayerfortheElements

WordsofInstitution

SharingtheBreadandCup

We Go Forth as God’s People

ConfirmationofBaptismalCandidate(s)(SeeInsertbelow)

Hymn:“WeCallOurselvesDisciples”(Chalice Hymnal, no.357)

Benediction

Postlude


104 Appendix F

Confirmation of Baptismal Candidate(s)

Minister:ThesemembersofthefamilyofChristwhowerebaptizedbywaterandtheHolySpiritcomenowtoconfirmtheirfaith,declarepromises,andenterthejourneyofdiscipleship.EachofyounowsharesourlifeinChrist.YouhavemadeacommitmentintheactofbaptismtoletChristbetheLordofyourlife.Baptismisnotanendbutabeginning.Eachofyouwillcontinuallyliveintothismomentofbaptism.YouhavealsobeennourishedthroughcommunionattheLord’stable.Doyouaffirmyourbaptismalcovenant?

Candidates:Ido.Minister:DoyoucommityourselftoChrist’sservicelivingwith

faithfulnesstothechurchandworld?Candidates:Ido.Minister:Pleaserespondbyreadingthepromiseandcovenantof

yourbaptism.Candidates:Ihaverisenfromthewaterofbaptism.Iwillbecome

awitnessforGod.IwillbeafaithfulfollowerofJesusChrist.IreceivetheHolySpirittobewithmeatalltimes.Iwillbeapartofthelivingchurch,thebodyofChrist.

Minister:Maythespiritualleadersofourchurchnowstandandgivewordsofsupportandlove.

Elders:Wepromisetoprayforyou,toseekthedepthsoffaithwithyou,tosupportyou,…

Deacons:andtoloveyou.WecovenantwithyoutoloveGodwithourheart,mind,and…

Minister:soul,andtoloveyouasourselves.Minister:Willthecongregationnowstandandgivesupporttothe

newlybaptized?Congregation:WerejoiceinGod’sempoweringlove,freelygiven

toallthroughgrace.Wewelcomeyou,newlybaptized,intothecircleoflovethatisChrist’schurch.WepraiseGodforthegiftsofministrythatyoubringtothiscommunityoffaithandthechurchuniversal.

Minister:LetussaytogethertheDisciplesofChristAffirmationofFaith.

Worship Materials 105


All:AsmembersoftheChristianChurch,weconfessthatJesusistheChrist,theSonofthelivingGod,andproclaimhimLordandSavioroftheworld.InChrist’snameandbyhisgraceweacceptourmissionofwitnessandservicetoallpeople.WerejoiceinGod,makerofheavenandearth,andinthecovenantoflove,whichbindsustoGodandoneanother.ThroughbaptismintoChristweenterintonewnessoflifeandaremadeonewiththewholepeopleofGod.InthecommunionoftheHolySpiritwearejoinedtogetherindiscipleshipandinobediencetoChrist.AtthetableoftheLordwecelebratewiththanksgivingthesavingactsandpresenceofChrist.Withintheuniversalchurch,wereceivethegiftofministryandthelightofscripture.InthebondsofChristianfaithweyieldourselvestoGodthatwemayservetheOnewhosekingdomhasnoend.Blessing,glory,andhonorbetoGodforever.Amen.[Preamble to the Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)]

Sharing from the Mentors

(Invitethementorsofthebaptizedyouthtocomeforwardandstandbesidethem.Askeachofthemtosharewhatitmeanttobeamentorandawordabouttheyouthheorsheworkedwith.)

Sharing of Gifts with the Baptismal Candidates

(Thisisatimefortheministerandkeyleaderstosharewitheachcandidategiftsfromthechurchtocelebratethisdayofbaptism.Giftscanincludethebaptismalcertificate,Bible,specialsymboloffaithinthechurch,orothergiftsappropriatefortheoccasion.)

Minister’s Prayer of Blessing

Godofholywindandtransformingwaters,wecelebratethegiftofbaptismandwhatthiseventwillmeantotheseyoungpeoplefortheremainderoftheirlives.Wealsoknowtheyarewelcomedintoyoureternalfamily.Blessthemandblessusasweseektobefaithfulfollowersof your Son, JesusChrist.Guideus and loveus into thefuturewithhopeandpeace.Wepray in thenameof JesusChrist.Amen.

appendix a: orientation handouts - chalicepress.com · session 1 orientation with youth and parents...

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