Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn God wants us to put Him first in our lives.
- Students will learn money can distract you from worshipping and obeying God.
- Students will learn God expects us to be willing to sacrifice the things that are most important to us if He asks.
- Students will learn to distinguish between needs and wants, ultimately donating toys they no longer use to children in need.
Guiding Question: How can we serve others and share God by only using what we absolutely need?
Materials: Donated items from students
Procedure: Review the story of the Rich Young Ruler from the scripture above. Emphasize that God should always be the priority in our lives and that often, money and our wants can be put before God. Explain that often we have more clothes or toys than we really need or use. Ask students to share things they think are needs and wants. As the students share, create a master list for the class to see. Review the needs and wants on the list and clear up any misconceptions. Explain to students that many children their age go without some of the basic needs and things that they want to have.
Introduce the service project. Tell the students that they are going to have a class toy donation drive to donate their unused and/or unwanted toys to needy children in impoverished area. (These children could be part of a ministry your congregation serves, a foster care agency, etc) Have the students make a list of toys, games, and books at home that they no longer use. If students are unable to write, have them tell you and make the list for them. Have the students bring in these items the following Sunday for donation.
Additional Questions: How can the church congregation be involved in making a large impact on the community?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students (with your help when needed) plan a church wide donation drive. The donations will include clothes, shoes, games, furniture, etc. Have the students prepare flyers, advertise, and explain to members the purpose behind it.