CPC now has all the curriculum on its website
http://www.cpconline.org/index.php?content=elevate_curriculum
or www.cpconline.org, Students, Elevate, Curriculum.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Wednesday October 21st
Here is night 2 of our worship series.
We’ll be focusing on the different ways we can glorify our Lord. Some different ways include song, poems, artistic expression, solitude, basically a limitless way to give God praise because He made us all delightfully different. We learn from church that singing songs and praying give glory to God but there are also other ways we can do it in our person lives. God is the only One who is EVER worthy of our worship and its important for our students to know why. I’ll be sharing some different ways I’ve experienced worship so the kids can give praise to God. See you all Wednesday, Paul
Worship: Experiences
Small Group Conversation * October 21, 2009
To Recap:
1. Worship can take on the form of may different things.
2. Why is it so important to give God glory through worship?
Digging In: Look up Isaiah 44:23
1. What do you notice about the different things worshiping God? Why would the trees and mountains worship God?
Look at Isaiah 45:22-243.
2. 22 "Turn to me and be saved,
all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other.
What is God saying about Himself in verse 22, what does “there is no other” mean?
4. 23 By myself I have sworn,
my mouth has uttered in all integrity
a word that will not be revoked:
Before me every knee will bow;
by me every tongue will swear.
Who will bow and confess/swear to the Lord in verse 23?
5. 24 They will say of me, 'In the LORD alone
are righteousness and strength.' "
All who have raged against him
will come to him and be put to shame.
What is this verse saying about people who try to compare themselves to the Lord?
Experiential
6. On a sheet of paper your going to exercise praising and worshiping God with our words. The book in the Old Testament, Psalms, are tons of poems and songs written singing praises to the Lord. In a half sheet of paper your going to write you own poem praising God. Here’s some ideas to get you going; Think about different things you are thankful for, different parts of His creation you think are wonderful, the different ways He blesses you. You get to decide for yourself because everyone will praise the Lord a little differently.
Example:
Praise you God for the Stars
It makes me feel small when I look at mars
Your must be so great to have created it all
When I’m scared you’re the one I first call
Glory to God who is King of all Kings
And Hosanna to your Son who’s name sounds and rings!
We’ll be focusing on the different ways we can glorify our Lord. Some different ways include song, poems, artistic expression, solitude, basically a limitless way to give God praise because He made us all delightfully different. We learn from church that singing songs and praying give glory to God but there are also other ways we can do it in our person lives. God is the only One who is EVER worthy of our worship and its important for our students to know why. I’ll be sharing some different ways I’ve experienced worship so the kids can give praise to God. See you all Wednesday, Paul
Worship: Experiences
Small Group Conversation * October 21, 2009
To Recap:
1. Worship can take on the form of may different things.
2. Why is it so important to give God glory through worship?
Digging In: Look up Isaiah 44:23
1. What do you notice about the different things worshiping God? Why would the trees and mountains worship God?
Look at Isaiah 45:22-243.
2. 22 "Turn to me and be saved,
all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other.
What is God saying about Himself in verse 22, what does “there is no other” mean?
4. 23 By myself I have sworn,
my mouth has uttered in all integrity
a word that will not be revoked:
Before me every knee will bow;
by me every tongue will swear.
Who will bow and confess/swear to the Lord in verse 23?
5. 24 They will say of me, 'In the LORD alone
are righteousness and strength.' "
All who have raged against him
will come to him and be put to shame.
What is this verse saying about people who try to compare themselves to the Lord?
Experiential
6. On a sheet of paper your going to exercise praising and worshiping God with our words. The book in the Old Testament, Psalms, are tons of poems and songs written singing praises to the Lord. In a half sheet of paper your going to write you own poem praising God. Here’s some ideas to get you going; Think about different things you are thankful for, different parts of His creation you think are wonderful, the different ways He blesses you. You get to decide for yourself because everyone will praise the Lord a little differently.
Example:
Praise you God for the Stars
It makes me feel small when I look at mars
Your must be so great to have created it all
When I’m scared you’re the one I first call
Glory to God who is King of all Kings
And Hosanna to your Son who’s name sounds and rings!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Elevate Wednesday 10.7.09
-Acts says that the apostles devoted themselves to prayer (among other things). If we use Jesus as an example, and these are the very people that KNEW Him, AND they DEVOTED themselves to prayer...this should mean something to us. Matthew 6:5-8 says not to be like the hypocrites that pray in public for attention and so that others will hear their many words, but to go into our closets in private to pray. We break this verse down, focusing on the fact that clearly God is not looking for eloquent words, but rather pure hearts! We also ask the question if all of our prayers must be in our closets in privacy (which is of course not the case as 1 Thessalonians says to pray continually...if I prayed continually in my closet I would not get much work done)! In closing, we brainstorm other ways to communicate with God in our everyday lives, outside of church. Main focuses of this talk are that 1. eloquence is not the key to prayer, 2. prayer can have many forms and emotions to go with it as long as we are remember to praise Him and ask for forgiveness of our sins, and that 3. worshiping God simply means to honor Him...opening all kinds of doors!
Thanks for all you do!!
Staci Stringer
Worship: Prayer
Small Group Conversation * October 7, 2009
To Recap:
1. Worship is giving reverence and honor to God.
2. Prayer is the act of communicating with God.
Digging In:
Look up Matthew 6:5-8…
1. If a “hypocrite” is someone who pretends to live by a set of values but really doesn’t…how do you think the people being described here were being hypocrites? (Their motives were for their own popularity, so they looked spiritual, rather than being to communicate with God).
2. We should have times of prayer where we are alone, like described in this verse. But what are some other ways you personally like to or can communicate with God outside of church?
Look up Ephesians 6:18…
1. This verse says, “with all kinds of prayers.” Sometimes we tend to only talk to God when we are unhappy and need something, OR the opposite, when everything is going well! Think of some feelings that you could talk to God about in prayer, OTHER than simply happy or sad. (Guilt, Shame, Loneliness, Gratefulness, Excitement)
2. Read this version of Matthew 6: 7-13 (The Lord’s Prayer) from The Message Bible…Have students close their eyes as you slowly read this prayer.
(ON BACK)
Matthew 6: 7-13 (The Message)
With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
*Have left over time? Have each comfortable student take a letter of the P.R.A.Y. (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield) and pray with the group!!
In Closing:
There is no formula for a correct prayer. Prayer is our way of communicating with God. As long as we are praising God for His gifts and asking Him for forgiveness of our sins, we can communicate with God however we want! We never have to worry about God judging us because our words may not flow nicely! He already knows what’s in our hearts, He just likes to hear us say it to Him!
Thanks for all you do!!
Staci Stringer
Worship: Prayer
Small Group Conversation * October 7, 2009
To Recap:
1. Worship is giving reverence and honor to God.
2. Prayer is the act of communicating with God.
Digging In:
Look up Matthew 6:5-8…
1. If a “hypocrite” is someone who pretends to live by a set of values but really doesn’t…how do you think the people being described here were being hypocrites? (Their motives were for their own popularity, so they looked spiritual, rather than being to communicate with God).
2. We should have times of prayer where we are alone, like described in this verse. But what are some other ways you personally like to or can communicate with God outside of church?
Look up Ephesians 6:18…
1. This verse says, “with all kinds of prayers.” Sometimes we tend to only talk to God when we are unhappy and need something, OR the opposite, when everything is going well! Think of some feelings that you could talk to God about in prayer, OTHER than simply happy or sad. (Guilt, Shame, Loneliness, Gratefulness, Excitement)
2. Read this version of Matthew 6: 7-13 (The Lord’s Prayer) from The Message Bible…Have students close their eyes as you slowly read this prayer.
(ON BACK)
Matthew 6: 7-13 (The Message)
With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
*Have left over time? Have each comfortable student take a letter of the P.R.A.Y. (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield) and pray with the group!!
In Closing:
There is no formula for a correct prayer. Prayer is our way of communicating with God. As long as we are praising God for His gifts and asking Him for forgiveness of our sins, we can communicate with God however we want! We never have to worry about God judging us because our words may not flow nicely! He already knows what’s in our hearts, He just likes to hear us say it to Him!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday September 30, 2009
Staci is speaking this wednesday and here's her message summary and conversation questions.
Knowing scripture and knowing ABOUT God is different than knowing God. Take celebrities for example...we know all about them from tv and magazines, but we don't really know them. Isaiah 43:10 says that God wants us to KNOW Him. In order to do that, we need to do much more than simply read the Bible and coast through the church service. We can read all day and learn ABOUT God but how can we make more out of reading the Bible? (In small groups they will learn the S.O.A.P. method of studying the Bible; Scripture, Observation, Application & Prayer)
We are told to put on the full armor of the Lord, which is a package deal, yes...INCLUDING knowledge of the word! I plan to challenge the students to think of what their armor currently looks like. This is where we will reflect on Jesus' use of scripture to combat Satan in the desert. Jesus felt the need to pray, worship, live by example AND know scripture! Younger generations (including my own) tend to forget that piece of armor...
Finally, taking a look at James 1:22-25 where we put it all together! James says it's important not to simply LISTEN to the word, but to DO what it says! He challenges us to look intently into the law and then to follow through by DOING what it says :)
Bible: To Know
Small Group Conversation * September 30, 2009
To Recap:
1. We are given the Bible for NUMEROUS reasons; becoming knowledgeable about Jesus and what He stands for, teaching, worshiping, and fighting temptation, just to name a few.
2. We are given Scripture to help establish our beliefs AND to guide our ACTIONS, not simply to read!
Digging In:
Look up Isaiah 43:10…
1. How do you think KNOWING God is different that knowing ABOUT
God? Brainstorm what you think God meant when He said,
“Understand that I am He”?
Look up James 1:22-25…
2. What are some things you think God tells you through scripture
that you simply read but might not follow through with? (For
example, gossiping, not honoring your parents, etc.)
Look up Ephesians 6: 13-17…
3. When we are told to put on the full armor of the Lord, what are
some of the “pieces” of armor? (faith, righteousness, word of God,
etc.) Which of these pieces of armor do you think are strongest for
you, and which ones do you feel need strengthening?
In Closing:
Tonight in closing, your leader is going to lead you through a popular method of studying the Bible. This method is called the S.O.A.P. method and stands for: Scripture, Observation, Application & Prayer. This exercise is a great way to move beyond simply reading scripture, but understanding it and figuring out how we can relate to it as middle schoolers! (See attached sheet and hand out blank paper and pens to each student).
Close in prayer after exercise.
S.O.A.P. Exercise
Open your Bibles to Matthew 4: 1-11 and read the passage aloud to the students as they close their eyes…Then follow the study below.
Step 1
Complete the “S” by listening to the scripture read. Don’t just zone out, but really think about what it means. Imagine what the people involved were experiencing. Write down a verse or two that really stood out to you.
Step 2
Complete the “O” by writing down observations about the scripture you just read. You may want to write your own summary of the passage, but more importantly, think about what God has to say to you through this part of His word. This can be an in depth or a very simple observation.
Step 3
Complete the “A” by writing down how this Bible passage applies to you right now, in your daily life. For example, do you have a similar situation in your life right now where you are being tempted? How are you resisting it? How might scripture help you resist it?
Step 4
Complete the “P” by writing down a prayer. This is a personal message from you to God, so don’t worry about getting the perfect words down. Just make it honest and heartfelt. Remember that God always listens, and already knows your needs. He just wants to hear from you.
Knowing scripture and knowing ABOUT God is different than knowing God. Take celebrities for example...we know all about them from tv and magazines, but we don't really know them. Isaiah 43:10 says that God wants us to KNOW Him. In order to do that, we need to do much more than simply read the Bible and coast through the church service. We can read all day and learn ABOUT God but how can we make more out of reading the Bible? (In small groups they will learn the S.O.A.P. method of studying the Bible; Scripture, Observation, Application & Prayer)
We are told to put on the full armor of the Lord, which is a package deal, yes...INCLUDING knowledge of the word! I plan to challenge the students to think of what their armor currently looks like. This is where we will reflect on Jesus' use of scripture to combat Satan in the desert. Jesus felt the need to pray, worship, live by example AND know scripture! Younger generations (including my own) tend to forget that piece of armor...
Finally, taking a look at James 1:22-25 where we put it all together! James says it's important not to simply LISTEN to the word, but to DO what it says! He challenges us to look intently into the law and then to follow through by DOING what it says :)
Bible: To Know
Small Group Conversation * September 30, 2009
To Recap:
1. We are given the Bible for NUMEROUS reasons; becoming knowledgeable about Jesus and what He stands for, teaching, worshiping, and fighting temptation, just to name a few.
2. We are given Scripture to help establish our beliefs AND to guide our ACTIONS, not simply to read!
Digging In:
Look up Isaiah 43:10…
1. How do you think KNOWING God is different that knowing ABOUT
God? Brainstorm what you think God meant when He said,
“Understand that I am He”?
Look up James 1:22-25…
2. What are some things you think God tells you through scripture
that you simply read but might not follow through with? (For
example, gossiping, not honoring your parents, etc.)
Look up Ephesians 6: 13-17…
3. When we are told to put on the full armor of the Lord, what are
some of the “pieces” of armor? (faith, righteousness, word of God,
etc.) Which of these pieces of armor do you think are strongest for
you, and which ones do you feel need strengthening?
In Closing:
Tonight in closing, your leader is going to lead you through a popular method of studying the Bible. This method is called the S.O.A.P. method and stands for: Scripture, Observation, Application & Prayer. This exercise is a great way to move beyond simply reading scripture, but understanding it and figuring out how we can relate to it as middle schoolers! (See attached sheet and hand out blank paper and pens to each student).
Close in prayer after exercise.
S.O.A.P. Exercise
Open your Bibles to Matthew 4: 1-11 and read the passage aloud to the students as they close their eyes…Then follow the study below.
Step 1
Complete the “S” by listening to the scripture read. Don’t just zone out, but really think about what it means. Imagine what the people involved were experiencing. Write down a verse or two that really stood out to you.
Step 2
Complete the “O” by writing down observations about the scripture you just read. You may want to write your own summary of the passage, but more importantly, think about what God has to say to you through this part of His word. This can be an in depth or a very simple observation.
Step 3
Complete the “A” by writing down how this Bible passage applies to you right now, in your daily life. For example, do you have a similar situation in your life right now where you are being tempted? How are you resisting it? How might scripture help you resist it?
Step 4
Complete the “P” by writing down a prayer. This is a personal message from you to God, so don’t worry about getting the perfect words down. Just make it honest and heartfelt. Remember that God always listens, and already knows your needs. He just wants to hear from you.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday September 23, 2009
To Begin
Each person should have their Bible out in front of them to help
them answer some of these questions.
1. About how many years passed between the first writings of the Old Testament and the finishing of the New Testament? About 1,500 years
2. How many authors wrote the Bible? A: over 40
Use your Bibles and as a small group find the answers to the following questions.
3. where is the book of Malachi found?
4. How many chapters are there in the book of Psalms?
5. Where did Jesus talk to a woman at a well? John 4
Digging In
6. How man of you actually heard the Bible as a complete story before? How has this changed the way you view the Word of God?
7. After hearing the message, in what ways does the Old Testament connecting to the New Testament?
7. The Bible is more than a record of History, it is a guide book to life given to us from God. As a group come up with a list of different things the Bible can help us with.
Close in Prayer
Each person should have their Bible out in front of them to help
them answer some of these questions.
1. About how many years passed between the first writings of the Old Testament and the finishing of the New Testament? About 1,500 years
2. How many authors wrote the Bible? A: over 40
Use your Bibles and as a small group find the answers to the following questions.
3. where is the book of Malachi found?
4. How many chapters are there in the book of Psalms?
5. Where did Jesus talk to a woman at a well? John 4
Digging In
6. How man of you actually heard the Bible as a complete story before? How has this changed the way you view the Word of God?
7. After hearing the message, in what ways does the Old Testament connecting to the New Testament?
7. The Bible is more than a record of History, it is a guide book to life given to us from God. As a group come up with a list of different things the Bible can help us with.
Close in Prayer
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Wednesday, October 8th, 2008
Trendsetter: Esther
This weeks "trendsetter" is Esther. Esther was appointed by King Xerxes as Queen of Persia due to her striking beauty. Just when she thought all was well on the home front, a vengeful prime minister, Haman, decided to destroy all of the Jews (little did he know that would include her and her entire family)! Would Esther intervene? Doing so would risk her life! And what difference could she make? She was a powerless partner to a king who strongly preferred women who never interfered with his wishes. Regardless, she stood up for what she believed in (after some eye opening words of wisdom from her fatherly cousin, Mordecai)! As a result, her people lived and in fact, thrived in Persia for years to come!
To Recap: Refer to Esther in your Bibles.
1.What was Esther’s big secret that was kept from King Xerxes? (She was Jewish)
2.What did Mordecai say to Esther to change her mind about talking to the King? (Chapter 4, Verse 13)
Digging In:
1.What is an example of a situation you might face or have faced where it’s sometimes hard to stand up for someone/something?
2.What are some of the reasons it might be hard? How might it affect you negatively? (People may not like you for it, might not be “cool” to go against the crowd)
3.If Jesus were here on earth, visiting your school, how do you think He might handle some of those situations you mentioned earlier? Would he confront people or avoid uncomfortable situations? Would he try to keep the peace by keeping his mouth shut rather than upset the crowd? There is no wrong answer!!!
4.There is a famous quote that says, “What is right is not always popular; what is popular is not always right.” Have you ever or have you seen someone live that quote and how?
This weeks "trendsetter" is Esther. Esther was appointed by King Xerxes as Queen of Persia due to her striking beauty. Just when she thought all was well on the home front, a vengeful prime minister, Haman, decided to destroy all of the Jews (little did he know that would include her and her entire family)! Would Esther intervene? Doing so would risk her life! And what difference could she make? She was a powerless partner to a king who strongly preferred women who never interfered with his wishes. Regardless, she stood up for what she believed in (after some eye opening words of wisdom from her fatherly cousin, Mordecai)! As a result, her people lived and in fact, thrived in Persia for years to come!
To Recap: Refer to Esther in your Bibles.
1.What was Esther’s big secret that was kept from King Xerxes? (She was Jewish)
2.What did Mordecai say to Esther to change her mind about talking to the King? (Chapter 4, Verse 13)
Digging In:
1.What is an example of a situation you might face or have faced where it’s sometimes hard to stand up for someone/something?
2.What are some of the reasons it might be hard? How might it affect you negatively? (People may not like you for it, might not be “cool” to go against the crowd)
3.If Jesus were here on earth, visiting your school, how do you think He might handle some of those situations you mentioned earlier? Would he confront people or avoid uncomfortable situations? Would he try to keep the peace by keeping his mouth shut rather than upset the crowd? There is no wrong answer!!!
4.There is a famous quote that says, “What is right is not always popular; what is popular is not always right.” Have you ever or have you seen someone live that quote and how?
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday October 1st
Trend Setter
10.1.08
We are starting a new series called Trend Setter that follows some biblical “trend setter” and their examples in leadership. Just because you have people following you doesn’t make you a good leader. It requires discipline, the ability to put others before you, consistency, and the wisdom to see the big picture so you can plan for what lies ahead. The first night we’re going back to the Old Testament to the book of Joshua. Joshua was one of the leaders that took over leading Israel after Moses. He led without fear for man but a healthy fear for God. Fearing God looks more like respect than scary fear. Joshua’s partners did not have the faith in the Lord Joshua had and only Joshua would stand up for what he believed in when the others took the easy way out. His true character brought him to a position of leadership and that what we’ll be looking at.
To Recap:
1.What was Joshua and his partners sent to spy on and why?
2.Why do you think Joshua’s partners lied about what they saw?
Digging In:
1.Think of someone you know that people naturally
follow, what about that person makes people want
to follow?
2.Think of that same person, do you ever disagree
with what they are doing and still follow anyway, why?
3.When Jesus came to earth He offered people a new
way to follow God, some people followed Him and
some people didn’t but he never changed his ways.
Do you ever change your opinion to fit in, give some
examples?
4.Think of a time when you stood by your belief even
when everyone else stood by another, share it with
the group?
10.1.08
We are starting a new series called Trend Setter that follows some biblical “trend setter” and their examples in leadership. Just because you have people following you doesn’t make you a good leader. It requires discipline, the ability to put others before you, consistency, and the wisdom to see the big picture so you can plan for what lies ahead. The first night we’re going back to the Old Testament to the book of Joshua. Joshua was one of the leaders that took over leading Israel after Moses. He led without fear for man but a healthy fear for God. Fearing God looks more like respect than scary fear. Joshua’s partners did not have the faith in the Lord Joshua had and only Joshua would stand up for what he believed in when the others took the easy way out. His true character brought him to a position of leadership and that what we’ll be looking at.
To Recap:
1.What was Joshua and his partners sent to spy on and why?
2.Why do you think Joshua’s partners lied about what they saw?
Digging In:
1.Think of someone you know that people naturally
follow, what about that person makes people want
to follow?
2.Think of that same person, do you ever disagree
with what they are doing and still follow anyway, why?
3.When Jesus came to earth He offered people a new
way to follow God, some people followed Him and
some people didn’t but he never changed his ways.
Do you ever change your opinion to fit in, give some
examples?
4.Think of a time when you stood by your belief even
when everyone else stood by another, share it with
the group?
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