Scripture: John 4:4-26
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn Jesus wants everyone to follow him.
- Students will learn Jesus can forgive any and every sin.
- Students will learn repent means not only do we ask God for forgiveness, but we also try to turn away from that sin and not commit it again.
- Students will participate in a service project that cares for their environment and those who live in it.
Guiding Question: How does caring for our environment serve God and others?
Materials: Rakes, garbage bags, gloves
Procedure: Review the story of the woman at the well from the scriptures above. Explain that Jesus wants to forgive all people for their sins and desires everyone to follow Him. Tell the students that it is important as Christians to share God and His Word with others and help them learn what it means to repent of their sins. Often we can share God through serving others. Explain that taking care of our environment is one way to serve others.
Introduce the service project. Tell the students that they are going to clean up along the banks of a river, stream, or lake (your choice). Explain that some people today still get water and things to eat like fish from rivers and lakes. Tell the students that when this water gets dirty from garbage, it becomes unhealthy. Explain that as the students clean up, they are both caring for the environment and serving others who use the environment. Take the students to a local river, stream, or lake to clean up. Make sure students are using necessary safety procedures (wearing gloves, closed toe shoes, etc.)
Additional Questions: How can students help serve others and their environment in different places around the world?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students research non profits whose mission is to provide clean water/a cleaner environment in impoverished cities/countries. Have the students pick one and raise money for donations to the non profit ministry.