Enjoy this reflection!
Text : Exodus 18
CENTERING YOURSELF
God of my Ancestors, I come before you humbly, seeking Your presence and guidance. I enter into this time of reelection in the hope You would fill me with Your spirit and help me to be open to Your leading. May I be transformed by Your love and renewed in my faith so that I may go forth as a witness to Your grace and mercy. Amen.
SACRED READING
Choose capable and trustworthy people from among everyone in the community. These people should be fair and honest and care about doing what’s right. Then, give them different responsibilities to make sure everything is taken care of. [Exodus 18:21 paraphrased]
OBJECT LESSON OPTION 1: KEYS OF LEADERSHIP AND BELONGING
TEXT/S
- Exodus 18:21 [Paraphrased]
TOOL/S
- Set of keys [Two keys for each participants. You can purchase imitation keys online]
- A small basket or container
TASK/S
Begin the lesson by holding up the set of keys, then ask—
- Have you ever seen a key before?
- Do you know what it’s used for?
Affirm their responses and explain that keys unlock doors to buildings [home, school, work, grocery stores, and so on] so you can enter.
What do you think the keys represent in terms of leadership and belonging?
Explain that just like keys are used to unlock doors, leadership can unlock opportunities and help individuals feel like they belong in a group.
Give each child and adult 2 keys to hold, then ask—
- Can you think of a time when you felt like you belonged in a group or a time when you helped someone or led a group activity?
- As each person shares their story, have them place one of the keys in the basket or container.
After everyone has had a turn, explain that- just as each key is unique and serves a specific purpose, each person has their own unique qualities and skills that contribute to a group and help them lead and feel like they belong.
Conclusion: Encourage the children/adults to continue using their unique qualities to be leaders and to create a sense of belonging in their communities.
OBJECT LESSON OPTION 2: KEYS OF BELONGING
TEXT/S
- Exodus 18:21 [Paraphrased]
TOOL/S
- Set of keys [Two keys for each participants. You can purchase imitation keys online]
- A small basket or container
TASK/S
Begin the lesson by holding up the set of keys, then ask—
- Have you ever seen a key before?
- Do you know what it’s used for?
Affirm the responses and explain that keys unlock doors to buildings [home, school, work, grocery stores, and so on] so you can enter. Also, like the keys, each person has unique qualities that can contribute to a group and help them feel like they belong.
Give each child and adult two keys to hold, then ask—
- Can you think of a time when you felt like you belonged in a group or a time when you helped someone or led a group activity?
- As each child/adult shares their story, have them place one of the keys in the basket or container.
After everyone has had a turn, explain that just as each key is unique and serves a specific purpose, each person has their own unique qualities that contribute to a group and help them feel like they belong.
Conclusion: Encourage the children/adults to continue using their unique qualities and abilities to contribute to their communities and create a sense of belonging for themselves and others.
NB: This adjusted version focuses on belonging and how each child can contribute to a group rather than on leadership. This helps to make the lesson more accessible for younger children or children who may not have experience in leadership roles yet.
READINGS FROM PAST AND PRESENT TEACHERS
- The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. – William Arthur Ward
- The world will never realize 100 per cent of its goals if 50 per cent of its people cannot realize their full potential. When we unleash the power of women, we can secure the future for all. – Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
- Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind; it is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips, and supple knees; it is a matter of the will, quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life. – Samuel Ullman
- A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” – Lao Tzu
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
- How can we, as a congregation, better understand the needs and interests of young people in our community?
- In what ways can we foster intergenerational relationships within our church?
- How can we empower and encourage young people to take on leadership roles within our ministry?
- How can we prioritize sustainable growth and make decisions that benefit our ministry in the long term?
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of Moses, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, I come before you with a contrite heart, acknowledging that I have fallen short in engaging and empowering people of all ages within our ministry. I confess my lack of understanding, complacency, and reluctance to relinquish power and control. I ask for your forgiveness and guidance as I strive to contribute to building a more inclusive and welcoming church that empowers and nurtures all generations of leaders. I trust you and pray for the courage and wisdom to follow your lead.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS [From God’s POV]
My beloved child, hear the good news. In Christ, I have forgiven you. My grace and mercy are boundless, and you can trust that you are made whole and new through your repentance and faith. So, my child, continue your journey with renewed hope and a commitment to love and serve others, especially the young people in your community.
PRAYING FOR AND WITH OTHERS
Leader: God of Grace and God of Glory, we come to you with grateful hearts for the gift of this day and the many blessings you have given us.
People: Thank you for your love and grace and the gift of individual and community that sustains us in times of joy and need.
Leader: We pray that you would help us to become leaders, unlocking the potential and gifts of all those around us, especially young people.
People: Hear our prayers, O God, and guide us as we empower and nurture the next generation of leaders. Help us to mentor and support them as they grow in wisdom and faith.
Leader: We lift up those who are struggling with the challenges of leadership. Give them wisdom, courage, and compassion as they seek to serve and guide others.
People: Hear our prayers, O God, and surround our leaders with your love and care. Help us to be supportive and encouraging as they lead us forward in faith.
Leader: We pray for a world where everyone is valued and respected and justice and equality prevail.
People: Hear our prayers, O God, and inspire us to work for a world where everyone can thrive and grow. May we be the change we want to see in the world, following the example of Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus, and all the saints who answered Your call. Amen.
BLESSING
I go forth from this place with a sense of purpose and mission. Let me be a Christ center leader, committed to unlocking the potential and gifts of all those around me, especially the young people. I go as an agent of change and transformation, seeking justice and mercy for all. May the grace of my Lord and redeemer, Jesus Christ, the love of God the Creature, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, the transformer and reconciler, be with me now and always. Amen.