Service Module

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the service module is to teach the children how Christian service should be implemented in their lives. For fifth 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 "Salt, Light, Leaven." Every week will focus on serving different spheres of their lives. Each week, help them realize how they can be salt, be light, be leaven, and be ambassadors as a service to those around them, just as the Lord commanded. Week 5 is the capstone week to review and serve together.

MILESTONES

Scripture: An elder monk was once asked where should one start if one wishes to introduce Christ to someone. He responded, "have them read the Sermon on the Mount." Within this beautiful passage are the following verses:

13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (St. Matthew 5:13-16)

We are the salt. We are the light.

Spiritual: In order for one to keep the "saltiness" and let their "light shine," one must maintain their spiritual connection to God. Let us ponder the previous statement. Salt is salt and light is light; they are easy to understand and straight forward in their function. However, if we disconnect from God by not reading the Bible or decreasing in our prayers; then we begin to lose our saltiness and diminish the light by "putting it under a basket."

Social: In the ancient days, salt was a valuable commodity. Meaning that it was expensive to have or own. Adding salt to food brings out the flavors of the food. The same concept can be imagined in our social interactions. One needs to ask themselves whether they are adding the love of God (salt) to the lives of their family, friends, and even enemies. Whenever others interact with me, they should feel edified by my faith, words, and actions.

Rituals: The Coptic Church's Rituals include the use of candles. One can see candles lit in front of the icons as they enter the nave of the church. One of the symbolisms of those candles is that they represent the Light of Christ in the life of the saint. Whenever we see the candles, we are reminded to be like the saints and "let y(our) light shine before men, that they may see y(our) good works and glorify y(our) Father in heaven."

TOPICS BY WEEK

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

• Week 1: Be Salt
• Week 2: Be Light
• Week 3: Be Leaven
• Week 4: Be Ambassadors
• 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.