Service Module

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the service module is to teach the children how Christian service should be implemented in their lives. For third graders, it is important to make God real to them and show them how the Holy Spirit works through them in their actions. The theme for this module is "Actions Speak Louder Than Words." Every week will focus on serving different spheres of their lives. 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 our actions speak louder than words. In other words, we adhere to the teachings of St. James when he says, "Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (St. James 2:18) The Holy Bible scriptures call us to action. One cannot describe themselves as a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ and not act.

Spiritual: Have we ever thought about what the following verse means: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (St. Matthew 5:16)? It means that any good work we do, we must offer it for the glory of God. Sometimes when we do a good act of service, we feel good. We must understand that this good feeling really stems from God using us as the conduit for His glory. Think of the metaphor of electricity and a house: God is the electricity, those we serve are the houses, and we are the wires that deliver the electricity. We are not the source of the electricity, but we deliver it to those in need.

Social: We have heard the term "character building." What the secular world had termed character building, as Christians we have the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Hence, we can say that Christian service develops Christian character.

Rituals: The Coptic Church's Rituals emphasize prayers for our brothers and sisters in need. As the church services remember specific groups or individuals in the litanies, we are to think of our role and how we are to bring God's goodness to them.

TOPICS BY WEEK

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

• Week 1: Serving Your Family
• Week 2: Serving The Poor
• Week 3: Serving The Sick
• Week 4: Serving The Community
• 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.