Did You Learn Anything Today? It's Your Move Road Work and Trek Groups Gather in the gym. Welcome, & introductions Ask for someone to make the announcements. (See if anyone knows what's going on?) Take a few minutes to pray silently. Offer a prayer then anyone that wants to can add, the leader finishes. Which Way Are We Moving Work Zone & High Way Begin with a large group&ldots;  Did you learn anything today? Any child raised in the church knows the story of the boy Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52). Jesus' parents find him "in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions" (verse 46). Luke concludes this by saying, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor" (verse 52). Jesus understood the importance of dialogue. Throughout his ministry, he responded to his followers' and critics' questions with metaphors, parables, and additional questions. Jesus was not one to dodge questions or dismiss concerns. Of course, not everyone liked what Jesus had to say. Oftentimes, Jesus was critical of the leaders in his own faith tradition. But Jesus was always honest and sincere; he always listened. Did you learn anything today? Youth coming to church aren't trying to pass standardized tests. They are trying to grow as disciples. Discipleship is an ongoing endeavor that requires entering into covenant with other Christians. This covenant is based on trust and on love. If we are not completely honest with each other and if we do not respect doubts and concerns, we have violated this covenant. For some, the wounds suffered as confused youth are never healed. Did you learn anything today? You will ultimately make your own decisions. As you grow in wisdom and in years, those of us who work with you will listen to your concerns and questions. We will talk to you honestly and sincerely; we are willing to continue the conversation. Break into Journey Groups Moving In Work Zone & High Way Read: "I believe I was 12 years old when I began to feel in my heart that something was not quite right with [Christianity]; but unfortunately, I was not encouraged to think freely or question. In fact, it was just the opposite. Don't question God-just accept it, do the little rituals, and be like everybody else. This whole attitude of non-questioning servitude seems to have been effectively controlling billions of human sheep for at least 2,000 years. . . ." "At age 16, I got involved again with Christianity once more, but for a very valid reason to a 16 year old. I was interested in a young lady.  Tonight we are going to discuss Friends, Dateing, and Morals! Moving on Work Zone & High Way Friends, Friends and More than Friends Ask: · What are 3 qualities you want to have in a friend? (examples: loyalty, honesty, encouraging) - Do all of your friends have these qualities? · Is it hard for you to make friends?  Why or why not? · Do you like having a lot of friends, or just a few close friends? Moving on Work Zone & High Way Read: Pro 18:24  There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Discuss: · What's the difference between acquaintances and friends? - How many acquaintances do you have? - How many good friends would you say you have? · Do you have a best friend? - How long have you been friends? - How has your best friend "stuck close" to you?   · What is the difference between Love and infatuation? (See Sheets II) · What is the difference between Love and Lust? · Is it easy to go on a date and think about Christian values? - List some easy Christian dates. (See Sheets III) · What are the guidelines for making a date successful? (See Sheets IV) · Is it possible to still be friends after you have unsuccessfully dated someone? - List the least painful way to break up. - Is there a healthy way t break up? (See Sheets V)   Moving up Work Zone & High Way Read: Pro 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. Jam 4:11  Do not speak evil against one another, brethren. He that speaks evil against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. ·What do these two verses say can destroy a friendship? (gossip, criticism) - Does this hold true in dating as well? · Have you ever been the subject of rumors? - How did it make you feel? · Has a friend ever gossiped about you? - How did it affect your friendship? · If you were in a group that started talking badly about one of your good friends, what would you do? - Have you ever talked badly about a past boyfriend or girlfriend? - Is it possible to not talk badly about a sour relationship? Act 9:26  And when he had come to Jerusalem he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. Act 9:27  But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. · What does Barnabas do here to show his friendship with Saul? · Barnabas means "son of encouragement" Do you know someone like Barnabas that stands up for others? - Tell us about him/her. Pro 11:14 Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors [there is] safety. · What is being said in this Scripture? - How does it apply to our youth group? Moving out Work Zone & High Way Friends Through Thick & Thin A Short Game · What do these two verses say can destroy a friendship? (gossip, criticism) - Does this hold true in dating as well? · Have you ever been the subject of rumors? - How did it make you feel? · Has a friend ever gossiped about you? - How did it affect your friendship? · If you were in a group that started talking badly about one of your good friends, what would you do? - Have you ever talked badly about a past boyfriend or girlfriend? - Is it possible to not talk badly about a sour relationship? Act 9:26  And when he had come to Jerusalem he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. Act 9:27  But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. · What does Barnabas do here to show his friendship with Saul? · Barnabas means "son of encouragement" Do you know someone like Barnabas that stands up for others? - Tell us about him/her. Pro 11:14 Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors [there is] safety. · What is being said in this Scripture? - How does it apply to our youth group? Moving out Work Zone & High Way Friends Through Thick & Thin A Short Game Now imagine the jars full of what could be syrup, honey, or some other liquid about the same color&ldots; Picture one being tipped over and honey oozing out. Now, the second one tips and vinegar pours and splashes everywhere! When a jar is upset, whatever is in it comes out. Until the jars were upset, they looked alike. The difference was within, and could not be seen. When they were upset, their contents were revealed. Until we are upset we put on a good front. But when we are upset, we reveal our innermost thoughts and attitudes.  What if someone tipped you over today?? What would flow out?? Would you reveal the "honey" of love and patience, or the "vinegar" of anger and sarcasm? 1 Ptr 4:8 "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." Remember, if someone upsets you, they may be just looking for some honey - Don't give them vinegar! Did you learn anything today? UMYF Benediction and turn out in to the world!