Scripture: Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn God is most concerned about what is on our hearts and minds.
- Students will learn God cares more about why we are giving and our attitudes toward giving than the actual amount given.
- Students will learn God does not like it when people give to show off to others.
- Students will serve widows by visiting them at a local Medicaid nursing home.
Guiding Question: How does serving widows help us stay humble and focus on sharing God’s love?
Materials: Games, puzzles, artwork made by students (this could be paintings, colorful cards, a Bible craft, etc)
Procedure: Review the story of the Widow’s Mite from the scriptures above. Explain that God cares for widows and asks that we as Christian give special care to them as well. Tell the students that widows in nursing homes can often feel discouraged or lonely. Ask the students what they think would cheer them up if they were in the widow’s shoes. Explain to the students that serving the elderly is a great way to reflect God’s love to them and also let them know that God still cares about them greatly.
Introduce the service project. Tell the students that they are going to go visit a local Medicaid nursing home. (Prior to this lesson, have arranged a time with the Medicaid nursing home and also find out any needs they may have.) Explain to the students that these types of nursing homes generally care for the elderly and widows who are among the poor. Have the students create artwork, practice songs, and gather games/puzzles for the trip. These interactive activities will make it easier to talk to and get to know those at the nursing home.
Additional Questions: What other ways can students serve the elderly and/or widows?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students research ministries that serve the elderly and/or the poor and have the students pick a ministry to serve. Work with the students to contact the ministry to see how they can assist them.