Try this one

Group, Sep/Oct 2003 by Weissling, Tammy, Binion, Chris, Kerr, Rebecca, Gallo-Lethcoe, Marie, Et al

BIBLE STUDY

ONE BODY, MANY PARTS

Use 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 to spark a discussion on how individual talent can contribute to the body of Christ.

For this activity, you'll first need to create a sculpture from various items. For example, you might use Lego construction toys, modeling clay, wood, paper, PVC pipe, coat hangers, cardboard, paints, boxes, or sheets of plastic. Then place the sculpture out of sight, and set out a selection of the same items you used to build the sculpture.

Separate your class into groups of four, and assign each group member one of the following body parts: Eyes, Ears, Feet, or Hands. Then have all the Eyes from each group gather together in one area, the Ears in another area, and so on. Use the following rules to have groups create sculptures similar to your sculpture: (1) The Eyes are the only ones who can see the sculpture. (2) The Eyes can describe to the Ears what they saw. (3) The Ears can tell the Feet what they've heard. (4) The Feet gather the materials needed and tell the Hands what they've heard. (5) The Hands create the sculpture according to the information they've received.

Continue passing information this way through many rounds, until the sculptures are complete. When groups have finished their sculptures, reveal your original sculpture and discuss these questions: How is my sculpture different from everyone else's? Would you have made the same sculpture if you didn't have the Ear in your group? the Eye? Then read aloud 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 in the following manner: Everyone reads verses 12-14; Feet read verse 15; Ears read verse 16; Eyes read verse 17; everyone reads verses 18-20; Hands read verse 21; and you read verses 22-31.

HELPFUL HINT

MINISTRY WISH LIST

This alternative to fund-raising will help you discover that God knows your needs and is able to touch the hearts of others to help you.

Instead of talking your congregation and community into buying another chocolate bar, doughnut, or auction item, try making a list of what your needs are and see if you can find benefactors! Be sure to keep your list focused on a specific project and explain what will be accomplished when your needs are met.

For example, if you'd like to raise money for your youth group's band, you might make a list such as this one:

1 Microphone repair $32

1 Set of bass strings $20

2 Microphone stands $64

2 100-foot speaker cables $100

1 Microphone $109

1 14-inch cymbal $137

3 Par 64s/1000w $188

1 Speaker $600

Have your group design the list, and then post it where most of your church members will see it, along with contact information on how to donate. Be sure to keep the list updated, crossing off items that people have helped you purchase. Your list will show church members that you have a plan of action, and they'll be able to see where their money goes. When you've checked off your list completely, celebrate with the donors in a way that shows that their generosity was put to good use. So, if you're asking for funds for your youth band, you can hold a celebration concert using your new equipment.

GAME

AFFIRMATION RELAY

Use a new twist on the relay race to encourage affirmations.

Form teams of about six people, and have each team stand in a line. Then have each team choose a leader to stand about 10 feet away from his or her team. Give each team leader a cup with slips of paper in it. Make sure that there are as many affirmations as there are team members. You might write these suggestions:

* Run to your youth leader and yell, "God loves you!"

* Run up to someone who's not on your team and give him or her a hug.

* Tell a member of the opposite sex an encouraging Bible verse.

* Give each team member a pat on the back and say, "Good job!"

* High five six people.

* Compliment someone on his or her shirt.

* Sing "Jesus Loves Me" to someone, and substitute "you" for "me" throughout.

Start the relay by allowing the first person in each line to run up to his or her team leader, grab an affirmation, complete the suggestion, and run back to the team, tagging the next person in line. The first team to complete all tasks is the winner.

Afterward, have the groups discuss these questions: Why did the Apostle Paul choose the analogy of a body to reflect everyone's role in the church? How can you rely on others in the church? How can the church rely on you? What part of the body of Christ are you?

Close in prayer, asking God to help guide each person in determining his or her part in the body of Christ.

GAME

MUSICAL MADNESS

This noncompetitive version of Musical Chairs will keep your junior highers in stitches!

Make a circle of chairs, with one chair for every person. Randomly select some of the chairs and place signs on them with silly directions, such as "Sing 'Happy Birthday' in a duck voice," "Do jumping jacks while you sing a commercial jingle," "Shout as loud as you can for 30 seconds," and "Shake hands with everyone around you."

Play Musical Chairs as you normally would, allowing kids to walk around the circle of chairs as you play music. When you stop the music, everyone must sit, and those who land in chairs with instructions must perform the tasks.