Service Module

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the service module is to teach the children how Christian service should be implemented in their lives. In first grade, we will go over the meaning of sacrifice, commitment, dedication, and giving back to the church. Each week, help them realize how their actions are a service to those around them. Week 5 is the capstone week to review and serve together.

MILESTONES

Scripture: The Holy Bible teaches us that service requires sacrifice and commitment. The word of God becomes a source for us. Whenever we serve others, we are to share the Good News to them that God loves them. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (St. Mark 10:45)

Spiritual: Sacrifice and commitment through compassion are acts that require us to give with love. By practicing these virtues, we learn how to emulate Christ in our lives. In other words, we become more "Christlike."

Social: Many of us have heard the phrase, "it is better to give than to receive." This phrase is meant to be ironic as the world teaches the opposite of the phrase: "it is better to receive than to give." As we teach our children to serve/give through sacrifice and commitment we should emphasize that true service is sacrificial; meaning that we should not receive anything from the this world, but our reward will wait for us in heaven.

Rituals: The Coptic Church's Rituals teach us to do good while no one is looking. For example, when one offers a donation in the church's box, they fold the money tightly in their hand and put it in quickly so that no one sees what they are doing. It is to fulfill the Holy Bible's verse, "But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" (St. Matthew 6:3). So we do the same whenever we offer a sacrifice of service to others.

TOPICS BY WEEK

Please read through all of the lessons in this module in preparation for this lesson.

• Week 1: Sacrifice
• Week 2: Commitment
• Week 3: Being Compassionate
• Week 4: Giving Back to the Church
• Capstone Activity

CHURCH CONNECTION

Please make every effort to incorporate our Orthodox traditions, liturgical practices, saints, and sacraments in every lesson.

PARENTS CORNER

Every lesson contains suggested material for you to send out to parents/guardians on a weekly basis. The ultimate goal is to give parents tools and resources necessary to educate their children every day, creating an Orthodox Christian home.