Service Module

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the service module is to teach the children how Christian service should be implemented in their lives. In Kindergarten, we will go over the importance of helping others and how to treat others. 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 to serve others. The Word of God reinforces and inspires us to action in helping our brother and sisters. Moreover, the Holy Bible teaches us to go "the extra mile" in our service of others, even when those we serve do not even know that we are going above and beyond.

Spiritual: Actions, through our service to others, bring us closer to God. The more we practice the act of service by helping others, the more we are fulfilling the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (St. Matthew 25:40)

Social: As children are attending Kindergarten in school, they are learning social skills and interaction skills with their peers, with their families, with adults, and with God and His church. Some of these social "norms" need to be enhanced and refined; albeit very delicately with our kindergarteners. For example, kindergarteners are taught about fairness. But in the effort to stress the idea of fairness, they may inadvertently expect a reward for helping others. Our role is to refine those ideas within the service module; including that if we do good to others, we are not to expect good back from them.

Rituals: The Coptic Church's Rituals of emphasise that tithing is to include service to others, in addition to money and time. As students learn to give their 10% of their allowances, they should also consider giving some of their time to helping others.

TOPICS BY WEEK

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

  • Week 1: Helping Others
  • Week 2: The Poor
  • Week 3: Being Obedient
  • Week 4: Being Kind
  • 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.