Send me, lord

Group, Jul/Aug 1998 by Leuthauser, Karl

1. In Tunnel-(Supplies: Bibles, a musical instrument, a CD, and a CD player)

Before the meeting, load a CD player with a CD that corresponds to a musical instrument you can bring to the meeting. For example, if you bring a guitar, put a Phil Keaggy CD in the player. Make sure the CD player is behind or next to you during this activity.

Have teenagers sit in a circle. Put a musical instrument such as a guitar, saxophone, or flute in the middle of the circle.-Ask: Who can play something on this instrument?

Ask a volunteer to play a song on the instrument. Then -ask: How many hours of practice would you say you've put in to play like that?

After the volunteer has answered the question, or if no one volunteers in the first place, -say: I need a volunteer who's never practiced this instrument to attempt to play a beautiful song. I'll show you how to play the music.

If no one volunteers, pick a group member with whom you have a good relationship. Direct the volunteer to turn on the CD player and start the music. Thank your volunteer. While the music softly plays,-say: God can and will use the ability and talent he's given you. But he's more concerned with your availability than your ability. Anyone can do incredible things for God as long as they make themselves available. Being available to God is as simple as pushing play on a CD player, but it can be as intimidating as having to play an instrument you don't know how to play.

Have teenagers form groups of four to -discuss: How did you feel when I was looking for a volunteer to play music? How is that feeling like or unlike how you feel when God directs you to do something that's risky? Read aloud Luke 5:1-9. Then -ask: How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus told them to throw out their nets? after they followed his instruction? When have you had a similar experience?

2 Ready? Set? Freeze!-(Supplies: Bibles, markers, paper, painters tape, and trash cans.)

Form groups of three. Give each trio a stack of paper and two markers. Put a line of tape down the middle of the room. Have groups spread out along the line. Put one trash can in front of each trio about 8 feet away from the line.

-Say: We're going to have a race to help us come up with some practical ways to be available for God. During the race, everyone in your group should yell out ideas. For example, you could yell out, "Ask God to show you what he wants you to do," or "Take time to read the Bible." As your trio brainstorms ideas, two people will write the ideas on sheets of paper. The third person will crumple the papers and try to throw them into your group's trash can. You'll have five minutes. Does everyone understand how this race works? Ready? Set?

Immediately tell everyone to freeze exactly where he or she is. Read aloud Titus 3:1. Then-ask: How do you feel right now? How do the feelings you had when I said "set" demonstrate what it means to be available? How can you be available for God?

After kids answer your questions, shout "go!" After the race, have each trio describe the ideas they came up with.