Scripture: Luke 14:7-35
Learning Objectives:
- Students will review the banquet parables.
- Students will learn how to write an invitation.
- Students will learn how to write a schedule for a party.
Guiding Questions:
- How do we write an invitation for an event?
- What types of people should we invite to an event if we are to live by Christ’s example?
- How do we plan a schedule for an event while keeping in mind the needs of our guests?
Materials: letter paper, decorated paper, envelopes, addresses, pens
Procedure: Review the parable of the banquet by focusing on the master’s invitation to the poor. Ask students for suggestions of events that would require invitations. Have different types of invitations for students to look at: birthday party, wedding shower, save the dates, graduation party, etc. Discuss the main aspects. Discuss how an invitation is different than writing a letter because it is very basic and not written with long sentences.
Parts of an invitation:
1. Greeting
2. Type of Event
3. Time
4. Place/ address
5. Brief instructions (Do guests need to bring anything?)
6. RSVP info- when to RSVP, to whom, how (phone, in-person, email, etc.)
Then have students write a guest list. Have students consider students in their school who are not necessarily in their peer group. (Note: Do not necessarily tell students to list names of “outcasts” or “poor” students as this could lead to gossip or embarrassment. Instead encourage the mindset to reach out to others even if they do not know them as well. Many students will grasp the concept.)
Next, practice writing an address on an envelope. Demonstrate where the name, street, and state/country/zip code are written. Explain the difference between where the sender’s address and where the recipient’s address is written. If students know their own addresses, they can practice writing it on their envelope.
Finally, have students plan a schedule for their event. Discuss how the types of people that they are planning the event for changes what they need to plan. Plan an imaginary event as a group. Decide on a guest list (peers, parents, or younger children etc.). Then determine the time of day and date. How does the time of day effect if/what types of food to provide. Should there be snacks, desserts, or a meal? Encourage students to consider guests’ special diets or food allergies so that they can plan accordingly and not leave anyone out. What are some games/activities to prepare for?
Write a schedule with the estimated time written beside each activity. Are there any special physical needs of the guests that might make some activities easier/more challenging? For instance, are the games on the proper ability level for younger kids? Is there anyone with physical disabilities that should be taken into consideration?
Students can work on this as a class with teacher leadership or in small groups of 2-5 students.
Additional Questions:
- What are some special needs that guests might have that you can plan for so that they are more comfortable?
- Think about events that you have been to in the past. What made them memorable/enjoyable?
- Often times it is more fun to spend time with someone who truly wants to be your friend, than with someone who is rich/popular but doesn’t care. Why do you think that is often the case?
Supplemental Activities:
- Challenge students to invite a peer to sit with them at lunch or come to an event with them. Encourage them to choose someone who is often overlooked. Then have them journal about their experience and share with the group.
- Students can make their own stationary using blank paper and colored pencils and stickers.