To search this page for a specific word hold down the 'CTRL' key and press 'f'.
THE COPTIC ORTHODOX PATRICHARCATE ST. GEORGE AND ST. RUEISS CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM
GRADE THREE
Revised Edition 2005
PREPARATION AND WRITING Father Rueiss Awad St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church Toronto, Canada
To Order Write To St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church 141 Bond Avenue Toronto, Ontario, CANADA M3B 1M1 (416) 444-1092 or (416) 447-0108
Copyright © 2005 by St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church All rights reserved No portion of this book may be reproduced or copied in any form without a written permission from St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
To my blessed two sons: Hegomain Fr. Marcous Elias Abdel Massih and Hegomain Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty.
Peace and love be with you.
Dr. Mahfouz has visited me and brought with him the suggested Sunday school curriculum for the land of immigration. I have studied with him the basic topics of the curriculum without getting into details. Although that I have pointed out some concerns on the doctrine and dogma curriculum, it is clear that the amount of work spent on preparing the curriculum is huge and worth thanking. Nonetheless, the Bible study part of the curriculum needs to be increased. God willing, I will also send you additional details on this curriculum.
May the Lord bless all the effort that our son Mahfouz has done in preparing the Sunday school curriculum, in collecting the relevant topics, and in performing the translation of subjects. May the Lord also bless all those who have joined him in preparing this project and those who revised the topics.
Let our goal be performing our best to try and arrive at perfection given what we have from abilities. Lastly, I would also suggest the addition of different recognized pictures according to our doctrine, dogma and history to the Sunday school curriculum.
May the Lord be with you. Be in peace.
Signed
Pope Shenouda III 22 August 1986 The feast of St. Mary
TABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION TO THE SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM THE LORD JESUS TELLS MATTHEW TO FOLLOW HIM El Nayrouz Feast and St. Stephen But not a Hair of your Head shall be Lost Thanksgiving to God Who Forgives all our Sins Peter Brought Tabitha Back to Life Moses Leads his People out of Egypt by the Power of God-I Moses Leads his People out of Egypt by the Power of God- II The Bronze Serpent and Review of the Life of "St Mina" The Birth of St. John the Baptist and The Birth of Our Lord Jesus are Announced St. Mary Visits St. Elizabeth, And the Birth of St. John the Baptist THE NEW YEAR - LET US TAKE A LOOK AT THE PAST YEAR AND LEARN FROM IT
Our Lord Jesus is Born in a Manger in Bethlehem And The Escape of the Holy Family to Egypt A Voice Preparing you for the coming of the Savior OUR CHURCH LOVES AND WELCOMES ALL PEOPLE - I OUR CHURCH LOVES AND WELCOMES ALL PEOPLE - II SAINT IGNATIUS' LOVE FOR HEAVEN PALM SUNDAY - JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM AS KING OF PEACE THE HOLY WEEK AND GOOD FRIDAY - I THE HOLY WEEK AND GOOD FRIDAY - II GAVE HIS DISCIPLES THE POWER TO SERVE GOD SENT AN ANGEL TO DEFEND KING HEZEKIAH CHRIST'S LOVE IN HIS ASCENSION THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT PAUL AND BARNABAS FROM WORSHIP TO STONING IN LYSTRA THE WONDERFUL LIFE OF THE YOUNG CONVERTS ELISHA'S SERVANT LEARNED TO TRUST GOD GOD HELPS A POOR WOMAN THROUGH ELISHA SUMMARY OF THE VIRGIN MARY'S LIFE AND THE TREE OF THE VIRGIN MARY IN MATARIEH GOD PROTECTS THE CHURCH FROM HERESIES: "THE PASS AWAY OF ST. ALEXANDRIUS
INTRODUCTION TO THE SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAMPrincipal Goal of Christian Up-Bringing. The child had and still has, first as a person and second as a child, a special importance to our Lord Jesus Christ. He called the children and considered them models of perfection, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:3-5). Therefore, children are beloved ones to Christ and are His friends with their simplicity and purity of heart. Christ called them, blessed them and asked His Disciples and Apostles after Him to take care of bringing up children and prepare the suitable environment for their spiritual growth. St. Paul advises parents saying, "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged", (Colossians 3:21). From a Christian point of view, the general principal goal of religious up - bringing is the formation of the perfect man of God who is following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). Also, our Lord said, "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (John 13:15). Hence, a Christian up-bringing is not merely an education to be given or a curriculum to be taught, but it is rather a life that is given through example and behavior through teaching and discipleship. The saintly Fathers of the church have emphasized this fact. St. John said about his practice of life with the Lord "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us - that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:1-3). The same fact was emphasized by St. Paul when he was talking to his disciple Timothy "But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium ... But as for you, continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:10-15). Also in the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 3:17, "Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern". Therefore, the principal goal of the Christian up-bringing is to change the life of our children to the life of Christ in them, i.e. to a life based on the work of Christ in them as true Christians and not just religious persons who fear God but deny Him. The Starting Point in Achieving the Goal of Religious Upbringing. The teacher should not start with the student from power Zero. The student comes equipped with many social and religious experiences. His religious experience, although it is limited, it has a strong basis that is ready for spiritual growth. In the Sacrament of Baptism, the student has already obtained the spiritual birth i.e. he became spiritually re-born. After his baptism he was anointed with the Holy Myroun (Chrism) and the Holy Spirit dwelt in him. St. John said "But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you; and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him" (l John 2:27). Therefore, by obtaining these two Holy Sacraments and the Sacrament of Eucharist, the student becomes a member in the body of the Lord and a living part of the body of the Holy Church. This means that religious up-bringing is not something foreign with respect to the student. The student is a temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in him. This means that it is not the teacher who makes the student live a life for Christ, but it is the inside work of the Holy Spirit that makes the whole difference. The role of the teacher is to make the student aware of the effect and the work of the Spirit. In this sense the student becomes aware of the secret grace inside him and as a result the divine word inside him grows as the seed grows inside the earth. The Difference Between Religious Education and Religious Upbringing. We should not aim at providing lessons in the form of giving information, i.e. a mere religious education. In this case religious experience will never exceed the circle of the mind and will never affect the heart and practice of the student. If we consider religious education as an element in religious bringing-up, we are in this case following Christ's plan in the development and building of the Christian personality. Christ with His example and His perfection gave us a model which should be followed and achieved. As for His teachings, they are meant to clear the way for us in order to follow them as examples and models. The Need of our Church for a Coptic Orthodox Sunday School Program. There is one basic difference between Eastern and Western theology; the latter depends on study, analysis and using scientific means, whereas Eastern theology is based on experience and depth which is mainly lead to true Christian life. The Eastern Church respects the role of the mind but it works under the supervision of faith. The majority of recent Western Sunday School programs follow a pure analytical way of explaining the Bible. For example, miracles are explained through psychological and scientific factors. The man of God must accept miracles and believe them as they are. St. Athanasius said, "Our knowledge must not control (or have authority over) the word, but the word itself must have the control and authority over the mind". Another basic difference is that our traditional Church uses the rites in education as a key in the process of living what is being taught. Over and above what was mentioned before in relation to the basic differences in religious education between Eastern and Western churches, there are also basic differences in the various beliefs and the way Christianity is lived by in actual life. We, as parents, teachers and clergy, are responsible in front of God to bring up our children according to the same spiritual Orthodox principles that we received from our saintly Fathers who shed their blood to perpetuate the perfect Orthodox faith . Therefore, our children must learn from the same source from which we learned before them. The Sunday School program in your hands is a fruit of love granted by our Lord Jesus Christ to our children and a gift from Him to them. This program is purely Coptic Orthodox. All its references without exception are Coptic Orthodox (please review the reference list at the end of the book. In this manner all the information that is in this book (as well as all the books in this series) can be used with total confidence as it is devised according to our glorified church. The spirit of the lessons is indeed the same spirit of the Coptic Orthodox Church. About the Books in Your Hands. These books in your hands are integrated series of books which were written for children from age 4 to 18. With the grace of the Holy Spirit, if the child at age 4 follows this series of lessons until age 18, he will obtain an all-rounded spiritual background. The books (covering the teachings from pre-schoolers to grade 12) cover a study of most of the major Biblical subjects of the Old and New Testaments, the celebrations of the church of our Master's feasts, the life of the Saints and their feasts, the divine liturgy with its rites and spirituality, the true Christian life and Christian behavior, church sacraments, fasting, prayers, the creed and its explanation, the Ecumenical Councils, the difference between the various major Christian sects, the Christian family, the history of our church, the major personalities in the Holy Bible, ... etc. The program is indeed comprehensive and it covers all the key areas of our Orthodox church. If these lessons were given in the spiritual way that was emphasized before, great results will be expected with the work of the Holy Spirit. General Rules and Principles to be Followed by the Sunday School Teachers. 1) The teacher must know the stage and the characteristics of growth of the children that he or she is teaching. A child who is 12 years old is different than a child who is 8 years old. The teacher must know the level of his/her students, their abilities to receive information that he/she is giving and the differences between the various abilities in the same class. 2) The positive participation of the students is very important during the lesson and the effectiveness of teaching. One of the key incentives for the student is to give importance to the lesson and have an effective communication with the teacher and, above all, to define clearly the purpose behind it and present the lesson in the form of problems that attract their attention. 3) The teacher must follow a psychological order of the facts he is presenting. Our Lord Jesus Christ used effectively the psychological method of teaching through His parables. The parables in their simplicity are drawn from the daily life of the people. We must emphasize here that the psychological method is not the only method of spiritual teaching. We should mention this method as one of the methods used. It is quite important to note that spiritual teaching must be imparted with certain goals in mind which are connected with the life of the children and related to the problems they face. We should provide guidance that is mostly needed for them. 4) The teacher must present the lesson and illustrate it with relevant information and present it as a coherent unity without ambiguity or contradiction. He may use illustrations to help him explain what he means. 5) Application of Christian principles to the actual social life must be emphasized in every lesson. The teacher should use stories (from the Old or New Testaments or from church history or church books) to attract the attention of the students and show the Christian principle in an applied manner. The teacher also may divide the subject into stages or small subjects. A good practice is to summarize the lesson or better still, ask the students themselves to summarize it. 6) The manner of expressing the lesson to the students is also very important. A teacher who is living by what he/she teaches will definitely be more effective in giving his/her message across. A teacher who is teaching under spiritual influence with compatible emotions to what he/she teaches will be definitely more effective than a teacher who is giving information.
ACKNOLEDGEMENTS On behalf of the Coptic Orthodox children and youth, who are going to benefit a great deal from this revised Sunday School Program, I would like to express a word of appreciation and gratitude to: His Holiness Pope Shenouda III This program leans quite heavily on the writings of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. The majority of the contents of the lessons and their attachments are based on His Holiness' writings. This is a very bright and important aspect of this program. In 1986, during the time in which there was no Coptic Orthodox Sunday School program in the land of immigration, His Holiness reviewed the general contents of the program, commented and modified many key subjects, and then authorized the use of this program in all churches outside of Egypt, on a preliminary basis. I can safely say that, if it was not for His Holiness Pope Shenouda III's support, wisdom, and writings, this book would not exist. The whole generation is in debt to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, not only because of his great teachings and writings, but also because of his love and leadership. His Grace Bishop Reweiss His Grace Bishop Reweiss has been behind us all the way with his love and guidance. He wrote the forward for our previous version of the program in 1986. His Grace Bishop Moussa His Grace Bishop Moussa has provided constant support and encouragement in the completion of the previous program. Of course, His Grace's writings for the youth have been utilized in all the subjects directed towards the youth, in this book. Fr. Tadros Malaty and Fr. Marcos Marcos These Beloved Fathers reviewed thoroughly all of the contents of the first six books of the previous version of the program. Their dedication, experience, and wisdom have been an important factor in the quality of all the material. They contributed greatly towards setting up the lessons, in that sense. Father Tadros Malaty's deep writings, without any doubt, have been a key reference in the majority of the lessons. His latest advice to revise and enhance the previous version of the program has been held in the highest regards. Dr. Fayek M. Ishak Dr. Fayek Ishak (head of the English Department at Lakehead University) reviewed the first six books of the previous version of the program. He contributed, immensely, towards the setup of the lessons. Fr. Gawargious Michael and Fr. Mikhael Armanios These two beloved priests chose the proper songs to match the subjects of the lessons. They also arranged the proof-reading of all the books with a chosen group of youth. Fr. Makary Silwanis This beloved priest made all of the arrangements for revising the previous Sunday School Program. He single-handedly arranged to have the new program available online. His computer skills were a key factor in all areas. Tassoni Ragaa The continuous support and encouragement of Tassoni Ragaa played an essential role in the write-up of the previous version of the program, as well as in this revision. One of the aspects that kept this program centered and on track was her continuous reminder that this program is for generations to come and every effort is worthwhile for the sake of the upbringing of the children and youth. The Youth of St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church There was a key participation from Heba Khattas in this revised version. She in total love and joy contributed with great efforts in typing, checking, proof reading and commenting. All these things by her own initiative despite all the other responsibilities that she had to do towards her family, her work and her study. There was a key contribution from Marian Awad in this revised version. She proposed that the lessons for Grades 11 and 12 be totally redone in order to prepare the youth to face the challenges at the university level. This idea resulted in a huge change in the curriculum for these two grades, as well as in the writing of the "Contemporary Issues" book. Ninette Bishay sang over 100 songs in order to make sure that all the lessons were accompanied by beautiful songs in a great language and tone. Caroline Yassa typed many lessons for the author, mostly dictated over the phone, at times when his eyes were very sore from reading. Her efforts are greatly appreciated. Comments and proof-readings of many of the youth are greatly appreciated.
Fr. Rueiss Awad
TEACHER'S GUIDELINES: HOW TO USE THIS PROGRAM? 1. The teacher should realize that each lesson has been prepared to cover a specific point; starting from the title of the lesson to the end of it. 2. The teacher should read all the materials referred to in the lesson (i.e. the Holy Bible as well as any articles attached to the lesson), and then proceed by emphasizing all the points. 3. The teacher should enlarge the picture ahead of each lesson and use it as a visual aid as he or she is teaching the lesson. 4. The teacher should discuss the practical applications as he or she proceeds with the lesson. 5. The teacher should summarize the main points of the lesson with the students and give prizes.
FEATURES OF THIS SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM
A COMPREHENSIVE SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM 1. This Sunday School program was the very first program to be written in the lands of immigration. This work was initiated in 1974, and the first version was published in 1986. We thank our heavenly Father, Who has given us the opportunity to extensively revise and improve it, in 2005. 2. In this version of the program, any repetition that was in the previous program, has been removed, all lessons were upgraded in both coverage and depth. Moreover, a whole new book, on contemporary issues, has been added. 3. The contemporary issues book covers subjects that are important for children and youth in today's world. These lessons are optional. For churches with regular youth group meetings, these issues would best be discussed during those meetings. On the other hand, for churches that do not hold regular youth group meetings, those issues could be discussed as part of the Sunday School program. 4. This version of the program also includes lessons, which form a basis for a missionary service, a service that should in the ideal situation be practiced by every member of our congregation. The objective is that each child, every youth, and in the long run each Coptic individual can behave and act in a way, which is an embodiment of the teaching and tradition of the Coptic Orthodox Church. In other words, our congregation would become role models in their communities, who attract people to our Lord Jesus Christ through their good practices: sincerity, commitment, hard work and dedication, tolerance, forgiveness, and all the other good qualities that differentiate a good practising Christian from those who merely have a Christian education. 5. In this Sunday School Program, we depended heavily on the writings of H.H. Pope Shenouda III as a reference for most of the presented material. 6. The lessons in this version of the program have already been tried in Sunday School classes, reviewed, improved and tried again. This ensures that the lessons are relevant and suit the level of the students. 7. In this version of the program, efforts were put forth to ensure that every aspect of the Christian life in the Coptic Orthodox Church is covered. 8. This Sunday School Program is not merely about giving specific education on Christianity to our children and youth but it is rather an attempt to deeply affect their feelings and spirituality. It is believed that such an approach will facilitate the practical application of the various aspects involved so that Christianity becomes a way of life for the individual, with deeply rooted Christian values, that are manifested as behaviour and attitude. 9. All copyrights of other Sunday School programs, and other writers, have been fully respected. 10. In this version, each lesson comes complete with pictures and songs that are suitable for the lesson. 11. This Sunday School program comes in various formats, for convenience. In addition to being available on this website for widespread use, it is also available, upon request, in hard copy format or on CD. 12. It is our strong belief that this Sunday School program will play a vital role in the spiritual upbringing of our children. May the Lord bless this Sunday School program and all other programs, for the growth of His Kingdom in us.
THE PREPARATION OF SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
A. What is a Sunday School Lesson? 1. It is not a record of events that we convey to the students with the hopes of appearing to satisfy the required preparation process in front of other people. Neither is it a lecture that we deliver to our audience or student regardless of their interest in the matter. 2. However, it is, on one hand, a fruit of the live reaction between the servant and the lesson and, on the other hand, between the servant and the students. The Holy Spirit maturates this fruit and directs this service towards the salvation of the students and towards the glory of God. For if the servant who teaches the people does not teach himself, the voice of the Lord rebukes him saying, " You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself ? " (Romans 2:21), and again in James 3: 1: "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment." Therefore, the servant should engage himself in the lesson through prayers, relevant spiritual readings, and practical application, so that when the servant speaks with his students from experience and true knowledge, he says, with St. John the Beloved, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-" (1 John 1:1) If a servant is not aware of the spiritual level of his students, he may burden them with instructions and lessons which they cannot handle nor apply and this, in turn, may cause the students to go astray and lose their eternal life. Therefore, it is crucial for the servant to establish a healthy, trustworthy, and fruitful relationship with his students, as well as to share in their joys and cheers, and their sadness and fears, all towards Jesus Christ. This is what St. Paul refers to in his epistle to the Galatians when he says, "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you..." (Galatians 4:19). This close relationship with the students allows the servant to choose the most appropriate lesson that applies to their needs.
Hence a Sunday School lesson is: A live mixture between the personal lives of the servants and the students through the lesson; the Holy Spirit creates this mixture and allows it to result in the bearing of fruit. B. The Requirements for Sunday School Lessons 1. Humility in prayer before God. God said, "...for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) My beloved brethren, sit down in peace and tranquility with the Lord and talk to Him about your personal need for Him in your service. Ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and pray saying, " Guide me dear God. What would you like my students and I to learn this week ? " Be obedient to His voice. It would be suitable to maintain a prayer time which equals that of the lesson. 2. Accurate knowledge of the meanings contained within the lesson. This is achieved through: a) Occupying yourself throughout the week with understanding the new lesson, beginning from the end of the previous lesson until the beginning of the new one. It is wise to use your free time, time before sleep, and time with fellow servants to increase and enhance your understanding of the lesson. b) Resorting to spiritual and religious references and literature to help you develop the right understanding and concepts behind the lines. c) Resorting to general educational references and literature to embody this understanding and these concepts, making them clear in the minds of your students. 3. Aids of presentation. It is important that you transform your understanding of the lesson into a simple and clear presentation. It has been stated and proved that 85% of knowledge acquired is acquired through the sense of sight and visual learning as opposed to the 10% that is acquired through the sense of hearing. The rest of the knowledge acquired is done so through the other three senses. In reality, the least effective way of transmitting knowledge to others is by merely talking; this has the weakest influence on the students. In contrast, the most effective way to teach is to use the "Learning by Doing" method, which requires enough time as well as sound experience. What differentiate between the effectiveness of the two means of presentation are the tools used in the presentation. These tools aid the students in effectively understanding and retaining the purpose of the lesson by engaging both senses of sight and sound. These tools may include audio-visual devices such as pictures and movies, spiritual trips and outings, role playing during class, intellectually stimulating games, etc. C. Recording the lesson. It is recommended that the servant records the following during the preparation of the lesson:
Purpose of the lesson: It is necessary for the servant to clearly understand the purpose of the lesson at the beginning of his preparation. It is also necessary that the purpose of the lesson should agree with the maturity level of the students. For example, it is more appropriate for children to learn about God's love; on the other hand, learning about the power of God in their lives and in the lives of the saints is more appropriate subject matter for youth. As for young adults, learning about Christian virtues and spiritual practices is most appropriate. Most importantly, the purpose of the lessons should agree with Coptic Orthodox Christian teachings, whether in specific occasions or in general. References: References could include: a. Stories, examples, verses, etc. from the Holy Bible. b. Spiritual books and literature. c. General educational books and literature. Recording the references is very useful for the servant because it helps the servant to refer back to them, if forgotten. Preface: The preface is the background of the lesson. It cultivates the thoughts of the students and directs their thoughts towards the lesson. This allows the lesson to be implanted in their minds and to, eventually, bear fruit. It is important that the preface remain simple, short, and concise. The introduction could be in the form of focused questions, but should not be in the form of stories. Several stories in one lesson may deteriorate its effectiveness. The Lesson: The lesson could be divided into the following sections: 1. Introduction - it should be quick and concise and related to the preface. It should introduce the lesson smoothly without interrupting the chain of thoughts. 2. Body of the lesson - it contains the principle subject of the lesson, and follows these guidelines: a. You must be accurate and careful when explaining theological concepts. b. You must be careful when relating events and examples to elucidate the subject of the lesson, in order to properly guide the students' imagination without restricting it. c. You must diligently expose the Coptic Orthodox doctrine in the lesson. d. You should not use more than one story during the lesson and the story used should be relevant to the subject matter. 3. Focal Point - the point during the lesson at which the purpose of the lesson is clearly defined. (Examples: The Lord responds to the prayers of a needy person, or the angels come to give the saints their heavenly crowns and take them to heaven after many trials and persecutions.) 4. Conclusion - it should be, like the introduction, short and concise. It can summarize the purpose of the lesson, without introducing any new concepts.
Inferences: Inference is a method used to determine how much the students have absorbed and retained from the lesson. It should be in the form of questions with the following guidelines: a. They should clearly show the purpose of the lesson. b. They should suit the maturity of the students. c. They should be simple and direct. d. They should link to each other. e. They should not be `Yes' or `No' questions. f. They should each have one correct answer. Bible Verse: The memorization of a Bible verse is an excellent way to help the students remember the purpose of the lesson. The chosen Bible verse should meet the following guidelines: a. It should show the purpose of the lesson clearly. b. It should be short which allows it to be easily memorized. c. Children can easily memorize, as well as understand it. Homework: The height of your diligence in preparing the lesson is in choosing the proper and effective homework or application. The homework should have the following characteristics: a. It should contain practical applications that apply to everyday life. b. It should suit the maturity level of the students. c. It should help in mastering the comprehension and retention of the lesson. d. It should not include more than one instruction, in order to simplify the application of the lesson.
INTRODUCTION
Teaching in Grade 3 (age 8 to 9 years)
1) This age is characterized by an important mental development. A sense of cause and effect is developed, an ability to organize, classify and an interest in simple planning and carrying out a plan. We can see this reflected in how they play.
2) Now, there is a far more clear consciousness of "justice" than there has been before. The instinct of ownership was already present at an earlier age, but now there is a fairly clear understanding of what is "mine" and "not mine". Along with the sense of "law" and conscious "law breaking", there is a growth, and a development of finer feelings: compassion, desire to protect someone weaker than oneself and acceptance of certain moral standards.
3) Children in this age will show interest in cause and effect, and, in listening to Bible stories, will also show interest in God's plan for the world.
4) The story must be given as a story without too many comments. Lessons should be accompanied by hymns and class activities such as , cutting and pasting pictures, etc.
5) Though it is too early to discuss with children the problem of suffering, and especially the suffering of the innocent, it is sometimes unavoidable. We can establish in their minds the image of the Lord Jesus Christ as the one who was innocent and accepted suffering, but His suffering and death were not the end, but He rose from the dead. If the children have really assimilated the Passion and the Resurrection, we have provided them with a basis for a Christian approach to the problem of suffering. They will have to deal intellectually with it at an older age.
6) In addition to the above, the teacher should: start from simple to the more difficult facts, from known to the unknown and from the total to the parts and back to the total again. Children should love the teacher, the class, the lesson and come very anxiously to class.
SEPTEMBERFIRST SUNDAY
THE LORD JESUS TELLS MATTHEW TO FOLLOW HIM
Please read Luke 5:27-39, Matthew 9:9-13 and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To learn that we must obey our beloved Lord Jesus and follow Him. When we follow the Lord we will enjoy a peaceful life here on earth and also have a place in heaven.
MEMORY VERSE:
“Follow me! So he arose and followed Him” Matthew 9:9
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
U Our Saviour went out and met a tax collector. His name was Levi and was also known by the name Matthew. He was the one who later on wrote the Gospel according to St. Matthew.
U The Jews hated the tax collectors and considered them sinners because they worked with the Roman authorities in order to collect money from the Jews. This money was a symbol of the slavery of the Jews to the Romans. Also these tax collectors usually collected more money than they were supposed to, taking a lot of it for themselves.
U However, our Lord Jesus did not consider any problem in adding to His Disciples one of those tax collectors. Our Lord Jesus, Son of God, knew that Levi would change and become a good Christian, There is always hope for change for to the better, no matter how bad the previous life was. God will do the changes if we are willing to listen to Him and follow Him as St. Matthew did.
U Jesus Christ, our Lord visited Levi at the place of his work. He visits everyone at the place of their work too, whether they are students or adults; a paid worker or a volunteer doing a service in God's name. He is there with you while you are studying or doing your homework ... etc. He is anxious to help you and bless your efforts if and when you ask Him.
U Only two words from the Master, "Follow me", to the Levi were sufficient to let the latter leave his work and everything and follow the Lord. We have to obey our Heavenly Father and we have to find some time to leave everything to pray and read the Bible.
U The Pharisees did not like to see the Lord Jesus sitting with sinners because they did not understand that Jesus loves to have the sinners come back to Him. This is exactly like the doctor whose interest is to sit with the patient to know his illness and help him. Let us not judge others as the Pharisees did.
U Levi wanted to make a big celebration which was occasioned by his new life "in Christ". He invited his friends, the tax collectors, and invited the Lord Jesus as well. He wanted to show them how beautiful it was to be with the Lord, and maybe their life would change too. When we truly meet the Lord Jesus and He becomes everything in our life, we cannot stop from inviting others to meet with Him and gain salvation as we did.
WHAT DO WE
LEARN FROM THIS LESSON? We must follow our Beloved Jesus; take His life on earth as the example in our life, before we say or do anything, let us ask ourselves, "Would the Lord Jesus say that or do that?" Start by giving time to the Lord: pray, read the Bible, and attend church regularly as well as Sunday School.
SONGS
I WILL ENTER HIS GATES
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart
I will enter His courts with praise
I will say this is the day that Lord has made
I will rejoice for He has made me glad
He has made me glad, He has made me glad
I will rejoice for He has made me glad
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
SEPTEMBER SECOND SUNDAYEl Nayrouz Feast and St. Stephen
Please read Acts 6:9-15, Acts 7:54-60 the attached NOTES “In the memory of our Martyrs”, “St. Ignatius”, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
† To familiarize the children with the Coptic Year.
† To learn that the martyrs are people who loved the Lord Jesus more than anything or anyone else. A lot of miracles were performed by the martyrs. Who do we love in our life?
MEMORY VERSE:
"Lord! Do not charge them with this sin" Acts 7:60
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
U Since the early years of Christianity, the Jews and all other non-believers tried to eliminate the new religion by killing all its followers, i.e., the new Christians. The new Christians had an important decision to make: either to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and face persecution or leave Him and Christianity and no one would hurt them. Guess what their choice was? They chose to die rather than to live as non-Christians!
U "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him, I will also confess before My Father Who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father Who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32-33). So the martyrs loved the Saviour and the heavenly life much more than their earthly life. They gave up their earthly life because of their great love for Christ the King. What have we given up for our Beloved Lord Jesus? (Please discuss with the children). Our heavenly Father teaches us to love everyone, to love our people and serve them, to love our church and serve Her and to give our life and our hearts to reign over them.
U Jesus declared to His followers that persecution was coming. "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). But He also told His followers, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul" (Matthew 10:28). So the martyrs had a fixed belief that the pain to the body was not important when compared with the great joy in the heart, the crown of martyrdom and the heavenly rewards.
U The Coptic Year is named the "Martyrs' Year" in the days of Emperor Diocletian (in 283 A.D.) whom hated the Christians and had them killed and their churches destroyed. The Martyrs' Year (or the Coptic Year) started from the year 283 A.D.
U We take St. Stephen as an example of those martyrs. St. Stephen was the first martyr.
U St. Stephen was one of seven deacons. He was selected by the twelve Apostles to help distribute food and clothes to the poor and assist in several other services. Please read Acts 6:1-8. St. Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit, faith and power. "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people." (Acts 6:8)
U St. Stephen was accused falsely of speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God. Please read Acts 6:9-15.
U Please present the life of St. Ignatius (as in the attached material) as another example of the martyrs.
U St. Stephen was pleased to explain to the Jews in a very clear way his belief that the Lord Jesus is the Son of God. He did not fear all their threats. "And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God saying, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not charge them with this sin.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep" (Acts 6:59-60). From St. Stephen's last words, we can learn that his emphasis was on (1) The Lord Jesus Christ receiving his spirit, and (2) praying for the forgiveness of the people who were stoning him. "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) We must not be afraid to declare that we are Christians in front of anyone, but we have to witness to our Lord Jesus everywhere by our example (life) and words.
(2) Let us learn from St. Stephen to say "God forgive you" to anyone who does bad things to us and also pray for him that God may strengthen him and give him special help.
(3) The martyrs gave up their life for the sake of their love to the Lord Jesus. We must also train ourselves to give up something for the sake of the Lord Jesus.
SONGS THE MARTYRS AND NAIROUZ
Come, Ye faithful people, come to the heavenly Jerusalem Where there is eternal life and we’ll live in peace with our Saviour
Nayrouz is the beginning of the year when we remember our martyrs Who defended faith without fear and lived in peace with our Saviour
Our ancestors were brave for their faith their lives they gave Now in Heaven they are crowned And they lived in peace with our Saviour
Our martyrs won their crowns when they laid their lives down And they opened Heaven’s doors now they live in peace with our Saviour
Never flinched they from the flame nor from the tyrant’s sharpest aim They shed their blood for His Name Now they live in peace with our Saviour
By their faith they saw the land where triumphant now they stand They put their souls in His hand And lived in peace with our Saviour
If Satan comes to divide us the voice of God will gather us And His peace will be with us And we‘ll live in peace with our Saviour
Lord, deliver us from all sin that eternal life we may win And lead us to Thy Kingdom O our King, and our Saviour
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
IN THE MEMORY OF OUR MARTYRS
EL-NAYROUZ FEAST
U El-Nayrouz feast is the beginning of the Coptic (or Egyptian) Year. The Egyptian Year is a very old one. The ancient Pharaohs created this system 5000 years before the birth of the Lord Jesus, naming its months after the names of their ancient Egyptian gods. The Egyptian year has 13 months; they are: Tout, Baba, Hatour, Kyahk, Touba, Amshier, Baramhat, Baramouda, Bashense, Baouna, Abib, Messra and El-Nassey. Each month of these months is 30 days, except the last month, El-Nassey, which is only 5 days.
U Up until now, the Egyptian farmers are using the Coptic Year system in their timing for agriculture.
U Egypt had used the Egyptian Year system until the French came to Egypt in the reign of Ismail Basha and introduced the Western Year system (January, February, etc.).
U In the reign of Diocletian in which the numbers of martyrs increased very much, the Egyptian Year was named the "Martyrs' Year".
U The church these days celebrates the "NAYROUZ FEAST" as the "MARTYRS' FEAST". This celebration lasts for 17 days until the "CROSS FEAST". During the Coptic Year (which is the Egyptian Year), the church system, i.e., feasts, fasting and readings in the church, are divided into the following rounds:
Round # 1: This is the Nayrouz round in which the church celebrates the memory of the martyrs who helped establish the church on the sound basis of their faith and their precious blood. (Tout)
Round # 2: The church celebrates the mystery of the Nativity (Kyahk) and this terminates at Christmas.
Round # 3: The Baptism of our Lord Jesus and the manifestation of the Triune God (God in the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). (Touba)
Round # 4: The Fast of Jonah and the preparation for the Holy Forty-day fast. - (Touba)
Round # 5: The Great Lent. (Amshier - Baramhat)
Round # 6: The Easter celebration. (Baramouda - Bashense)
Round # 7: The sending forth of the Disciples on their mission and the Disciples' fast. (Abib)
Round # 8: St. Mary's fast. (Messra)
Round # 9: The short month (Nassey), and all the readings in the church in this month are about the end of the world.
I hope you will join the church in celebrating these nine rounds so that you keep in touch with all the events, and hence partake in the system, remember it, learn from it and be blessed by it too.
Let me give you an example of one of our beloved martyrs: Saint Ignatius
U He is one of the Apostolic Fathers - the Apostolic Fathers are the early church fathers who lived in the age of the holy Apostles and were their disciples.
U Although they were few in number, they succeeded in spreading the Christian faith in many parts of the world.
U The Emperor Trajan, condemned SAINT IGNATIUS to exposure before the wild beasts in the Roman amphitheatres. Before leaving for Smyrna, the Saint wrote to the Romans saying:
U "I am bound with chains for the love of Christ. But I fear that your love for me will bring me harm. I do not want you to prevent my death. For if I am deprived of martyrdom now, on account of your love, it may be very difficult to be martyred later. I long for martyrdom in order to prove myself a Christian, not only in word, but also in deed. Let me then be thrown to the beasts, and may the beasts eat up all my body, so that its remains will be a burden to no one. May the blessing of his prayers be with us; AMEN.
SEPTEMBER THIRD SUNDAY
But not a Hair of your Head shall be Lost
Please read Luke 21:12-19, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To learn that despite troubles and persecutions that the non-believers will do to us, our Saviour Jesus Christ takes care of us completely.
MEMORY VERSE:
"But not a hair of your head shall be lost” Luke 21:1
PLEASE
EMPHASIZE: 1) Whenever we meet any troubles, what should we do? 2) Would God ever let anything bad happen to us without protecting us?
Here is a story to illustrate how God always protects his children in their time of need.
U The Lord Jesus told His Disciples that the Jews "will lay hands on you and persecute you" (Luke 21:12). A few days later, the Lord Jesus' words were fulfilled and the Jews laid their hands on Him and crucified Him. Then, He arose from the dead, appeared for 40 days to His Disciples at various occasions and then on the fiftieth day, the Holy Spirit came down on the Disciples. After that, the Disciples started their preaching and the Jews started their persecutions. Examples of these persecutions were as follows:
U St. Peter and St. John were put in prison (Acts 4:1-6)
U They killed St. Stephen (Acts 7:58)
U They killed St. James (Acts 12:2)
U They tried to kill St. Peter (Acts 12:4)
U They stoned St. Paul (Acts 14:19-20)
U But in all these troubles, the Holy Spirit provided the Apostles with complete peace and joy. They were singing and praising God while in jail; they were spiritually vibrant and stronger than those who were persecuting them and they were happy to have the opportunity to witness to the name of the Saviour Jesus Christ. This is a clear picture of the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus Christ to His Disciples "But not a hair of your head shall be lost," and the effect of the Holy Spirit on them.
U These trials and persecutions that the Apostles had to go through were very successful means for them to show others and tell them about their beliefs. Therefore, so many new Christians were added daily to the Church. When the people saw their faith and love to our Lord Jesus they were convinced and became Christians following their example.
U The Disciples were not well educated. They were a simple people. Our Beloved Jesus wanted to comfort and encourage them so that they did not have to care about what to say in front of all these very well educated Jews. "For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist" (Luke 21:15). Sometimes we feel that there are things and situations that are too difficult for us. However, if we recognize that our Lord will strengthen us, then we should not fear anything. "I can do everything in Christ Jesus Who strengthens me”.
U The Disciples loved Jesus with all their hearts. This love eliminated any love for the world. Hence, it was their decision to follow the teachings of the Master Jesus Christ and reject the world.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) As the Lord Jesus took care of His Disciples, the Apostles and all His believers who witnessed their faith, He will also take care of us in our daily life. When we resist the temptations of the devil and all his attempts against us, we must ask for God's help in our prayers.
(2) As the Disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ were good examples to others by their Christian behaviour, we also must show our faith by our good deeds. "You are the light of the world."
SONGS
JESUS, JESUS “we love Him because He first loved us” (1Jn 4:19)
Jesus , Jesus can I tell You how I feel? You have given me Your blessings I love You so
Love, love, love, love the Gospel in a word is love Love your neighbour as your brother love, love, love
Holy God Holy and Mighty Holy and Immortal One have mercy on us
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
SEPTEMBER FOURTH SUNDAYThe Day of the Cross Feast
Please read the attached sheets on "The Appearance of the Cross in the Sky", and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON
To learn that the Cross is a subject of glory to the Christians. We must look at the Cross and meditate on the love of God for us.
MEMORY VERSE:
"But God forbid that I should have glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me and I to the world." Galatians 6:14
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Questions 1) What does the cross remind us of? 2) Why do we sign ourselves with the sign of the cross at all times?
U The Cross Feast is 16 days after the Nayrouz Feast. Our church celebrates the feast of the Cross twice: first feast is on Tout 16 (Tout is the first month of the Coptic Year) and on Baramhat 10 (Baramhat is the seventh month of the Coptic Year).
U In the first Cross Feast, we celebrate the finding of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by Saint Helena the mother of Emperor Constantine the great. This happened in the year 326 AD. When the people could not recognize our Lord Jesus' Cross from the three crosses that they found, they put each of them on a dead person and only with Jesus' Cross did the dead person rise 'from the dead. Please tell the details of finding the Cross of the Saviour using the attached material.
U In the second Cross Feast, we celebrate the second finding of the cross in the year 628 A.D. by Emperor Heracles which happened as follows:
When St. Helena found the Cross in the year 326 A.D., she built a very nice church in Jerusalem and kept the Cross in it. When the Persian army was defeated by Emperor Heracles and while they were passing by Jerusalem, a Persian king saw a very luminous light coming out from a piece of wood surrounded by God's glory inside the church. The king stretched his hand to touch the Cross and a fire came out of it and burnt his fingers. The Christians in the army informed him that only Christians can touch the Cross. He found two Christians (who were not actually true Christians) and gave them a lot of money and asked them to carry the Cross to his homeland and they did. Then, King Heracles heard of what happened and sent a big army to the Persian country and defeated them and went around searching for the Cross because the king of Persia had buried the Cross in his garden. Then with the help of God he was able to find the Cross. He took it to the city of Constantinople and built a church on it.
U Concentrate on the Cross as a sign of glory for Christians because salvation happened through the Cross. Therefore, Christianity without the Cross is not Christianity at all. St. Paul, as we can see in the memory verse, would like to emphasize that the only glory of his life is the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the Cross our Lord Jesus paid the price for our salvation. The price was His precious Blood. Since then we became entitled to be the children of God.
U This means that we have to concentrate on the Lord Jesus and His love towards us and not on loving the world.
U On the Cross our Lord Jesus proved His love for us. When we carry the cross with us we remember the power of the Cross in our life and what our Saviour did for us. Let us have a Cross (or more than one) hung on the walls in our homes.
U The sign of the cross is a sign of victory over Satan and death. This is the reason that we put the sign of the cross on us during the day several times. Explain.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) We gain great peace every time we look at the cross
U Every time I look at the Cross, I remember that Jesus died on my behalf so that I can live and have a share in eternal life. He died not only for me but for all who believe in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of God.
U Let us make the sign of the cross on ourselves several times during the day.
SONGS MY CROSS
My cross, my cross my glory is in you! I place you on my bosom and in my bedroom too.
REFRAIN My cross, my cross you’re made of lowly wood But in my heart, my cross you’re more precious than gold
My cross, my cross is with me everywhere I sign you every morning and whenever I fear
My cross, my cross My victory’s in you the pledge of my success in whatever I do
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
This happened THREE times:
1. The FIRST time it appeared in the sky, was to the Emperor Constantine The Great to assure him of victory in the prospective war. He and his officers saw it like a pillar of light in the sky surrounded by the following words: "With it (the Cross) you will conquer". Constantine was encouraged, became a Christian, went to war and was victorious.
2. The SECOND time the Cross appeared to Julius Caesar on the doors of the city of Antioch. It appeared in the East like a pillar of light which startled all those who saw it.
3. The Cross appeared again for the THIRD time to all the people of Jerusalem. This happened in the sacred days of the Pentecostal Feast, to be exact, on the 8th of May, A.D. 351 at 3:00 pm (about 9:00 am our time). A big Cross appeared in the sky on Golgotha stretching to Mount Olive. It was very clear and was seen not only by one or two, but by all the people of the city. It remained for many hours shining brighter than the rays of the sun. All the people of the city came out to see the apparition. They were astounded, and scared, but with great joy they witnessed that heavenly scene. Old and young, men and women of all ages, Christians and non-Christians, from all places praised Jesus Christ, our Lord.
THE DAY OF THE CROSS FEAST
In the day of the Cross Feast we remember the appearance of the glorious Cross of Jesus Christ our Lord. When the Jews found out the very large number of miracles done in the name of Jesus' tomb, they became angry and asked everyone in the Jewish nation to collect all the garbage and put it on top of the tomb to bury it. The Jews continued to do that for over 200 years until a very large pile of dirt was formed. Saint Helena, the mother of King Constantine, went to Jerusalem and asked about the location of the Cross, Nobody told her until she met an old man who told her that the Cross was underneath that pile of dirt. She then ordered that the pile of dirt must be removed. It was then easy to get out the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ. Afterwards she built a church on that site and the Christians went to visit the Cross and the Church.
St. Helena did that because she loved the Cross that appeared to her son King Constantine before he went to war and won that war.
For the success
of this Sunday HOLY BIBLE
in his/her preparation
OCTOBERFIRST SUNDAY
"Do Not Tell a Lie”
Please read Acts 5:1-11, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To learn that we must never tell a lie. We hurt ourselves when we lie.
MEMORY VERSE
You have not lied to men but to God” Acts 5:4
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Questions: 1) Have you ever undergone a difficult situation, where you felt that lying would be the only solution? 2) In that case, by lying what have you gained and what have you lost? 3) Do you think that liars can ever inherit a place in heaven?
U In the Apostles' Church, money is placed in an interesting place. It is "at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4:35). This is to emphasize that the church has been relying on the power and the work of the Holy Spirit to do his work. The church has never been dependent on money to do its work.
U In the Apostles' Church, they were sharing all things. They brought the money, laid it at the Apostles' feet and the "apostles distributed to each as anyone had need" (Acts 4:35). For example Josses (who was named Barnabas by the Apostles) sold his land and brought the money and laid it at the Apostles' feet (Acts 4:36-37). Do we share our toys with our friends?
U Ananias and Sapphira his wife sold their possession. They thought they could keep part of the money for themselves and put the rest at the Apostles' feet and still show the rest of the church that they were like others who donated all their possessions. "Who would know?" They thought no one would know. God knew and He also let St. Peter, who was full of the Holy Spirit, know. So, they lied and did not get away with it.
U St. Peter said to them "You have not lied to men but to God" (Acts 5:4). Everything we say or do, we must remember that even if the people do not know the reality of things, God is looking and He knows everything.
U As Ananias heard St. Peter's words, he fell dead. Three hours later his wife came, not knowing what had happened, she also lied, St. Peter said to her, "You have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord" (Acts 5:9). She also fell dead.
U Was St. Peter unkind? No. He used the power given to him by the Holy Spirit to declare to all people not to tell a lie in the church or anywhere else.
U A great fear came upon the whole church after they saw what St. Peter said.
U When we tell a lie, we commit a sin and lose the trust of other people.
U If we keep lying, God is going to wait and wait for us to repent and change our ways. But if we don't, in His love for us He might take away His blessing from us in order that we realize the gravity of our sins and lies and come back to Him telling the truth always.
U We have to avoid and fear the anger of God.
U When you give something to God, be honest and avoid boasting. Give in secret and avoid the praise of others. Do not do as Ananias and Sapphira did but follow the teachings of our Lord as stated in the Sermon on the Mount. Please read (Matthew 6:1-4).
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
In every situation at home, school, church or anywhere, we must always tell the truth. Sometimes in difficult situations, we may think that a lie will help overcome difficulties. However, ultimately we can never win that way but always lose and complicate matters by lying. Moreover, lying is a sin that deserves punishment.
SONGS
JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD “Now you are the body of Christ and members individually.” (1Cor 12:27)
REFRAIN
Jesus Christ our Lord Saviour of my soul
Let my thoughts be Your thoughts that is all in all
Let my senses be Your senses that is all in all
Let my heart be Your heart that is all in all
Let my will be Your will that is all in all
Let my deeds be Your deeds that is all in all
Let my way be Your way that is all in all
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
OCTOBER SECOND SUNDAYThanksgiving to God Who Forgives all our Sins
Please read Psalm 103:1-18, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
We must give thanks to the Lord at all times. Emphasize the aspect of His mercy on us to accept us back and forgive our sins.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and all that is within me,
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Questions: 1) What do you think is one of God's greatest blessings that we should always be thankful for? 2) Why do you think forgiveness from God is considered a blessing?
U It is very hard to count the blessings the Lord has given us. They are too many, but let us try. Ask the children to mention some of the things they are thankful for. Did anyone mention that we thank God because He forgives our sins?
U Let us discuss this in more detail. God forgives our sins. He is our Father and He treats us very kindly. Because God is merciful, we are encouraged to go back to Him admitting that we have sinned against Him and that we are seeking His forgiveness. "Remember, 0 Lord, Your tender mercies and Your loving kindness for they have been from the old. Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, for Your goodness' sake, 0 Lord." (Psalm 25:6-7)
U What are the steps for forgiveness? First, when I do something wrong I must admit that I am wrong and decide that I am not going to do the same again. Second, I go to Abouna in my confession and declare in front of him what has happened, seeking his advice, prayers and absolution as well. Thirdly, I go and take Communion because the Blood of Jesus Christ will wash away my sins and give me the strength to overcome them in the future.
U Jesus gave us His Body and His Blood in communion that our sins may be forgiven.
U Every time we sin, repent and come back to the Lord, He welcomes us. "... there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance" (Luke 15:7), Jesus said a parable that a farmer had 100 sheep, one of them was lost. The farmer left the 99 and went to look for the lost sheep and when he found it he came back full of joy.
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy" (Psalm 103:8). There are large numbers of examples for God's mercy in both the Old and the New Testaments, some of these examples follow:
In the Old Testament:
U When Adam and Eve sinned against God, He gave them leather clothes because they were naked and promised that He would get them back to paradise through the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God Who would complete the salvation and the forgiveness of sins.
U David had sinned, but when he cried to God, God told him that He forgave his sin.
In the New Testament:
U On the Cross, Jesus asked for the forgiveness of the people who were insulting Him and crucifying Him, “Father forgive their sin”.
U When Peter denied his master, the Lord did not reject him but He was so kind to him and accepted him back.
U In the Parable of the Lost Son, the tender mercy of the father to his son when he was coming back home was fully exemplified. "And he (i.e. the lost son) arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him". (Luke 15:20)
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) We must thank our Lord Jesus Christ Who is merciful to us and accepts us back when we repent.
(2) We must never delay repentance. We just have to go back to our Heavenly Father without any delay and say as the prodigal son said “I will rise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you." Acts 9:36
SONGS KUM BA YA
“Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” ( Eph 5:19)
kum ba ya my lord, kum ba ya (3) O lord kum ba ya, O lord kum ba ya
Someone is singing my Lord, kum ba ya O lord kum ba ya, O lord kum ba ya
Someone is crying my Lord, kum ba ya O lord kum ba ya, O lord kum ba ya
Someone is laughing my Lord, kum ba ya O lord kum ba ya, O lord kum ba ya
Someone is praying my Lord, kum ba ya O lord kum ba ya, O lord kum ba ya
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
OCTOBER THIRD SUNDAYPeter Brought Tabitha Back to Life
Please read Acts 9:36-4, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To learn that helping the needy and the poor is a true expression of our love to God and to people. We will be rewarded handsomely for that.
MEMORY VERSE:
"This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did” Acts 9:36
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Questions: 1) Why do you think we should do good deeds with people around us on earth? 2) Does God see these deeds and do they count for something?
The story of Tabitha can be used to illustrate this point.
U The compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ is manifested in His prophets and people. We can see in this miracle of raising Tabitha from the dead a mark of the deep compassion which God's people have for those in trouble. As the Saviour Jesus Christ had "compassion on the multitude", so St. Peter saw the grief of all these people who were bereft by the death of Tabitha. St. Peter came immediately from Lydda to Joppa, went to the upper room where Tabitha was laying dead; prayed, said "Tabitha arise", gave her his hand and lifted her up alive.
U In the wonderful healing of Aeneas (please read Acts 9:32-35), St. Peter seemed to have taken the initiative and he boldly announced to each one that he was to be made well. But in this case of Tabitha, the Disciples sent two men "imploring him not to be delayed in coming to them" (Acts 9:38).
U Tabitha was helping the poor people. The poor people asked on her behalf after she died and St. Peter brought her to life again with the power of the Holy Spirit in him. When we help the poor, we will be rewarded handsomely here and in heaven.
U Tabitha did not have money to help the poor, but she thought of sewing clothes, selling them and giving the money to the poor. Also she made clothes and gave them to the poor people. Let us love and help other people as Tabitha did. Let us think of ways and means to help others.
U St. Peter prayed before he said "Tabitha arise". We have to pray at all times. Whatever we ask in our prayers with complete faith will be granted to us.
U It must have been a moment of rejoice when Peter lifted her up and called in the saints and the widows and presented their saintly benefactress alive!
U The people in town, when they saw what St. Peter had done, became Christians and they had faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the promise of the Lord Jesus to His Disciples "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs" (Mark 16:20).
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
Tabitha used her talent in making tunics and garments to help the poor. We must also use our talents to help others. Can we help our younger brother or sister do their homework? Can we collect money for the poor? Can we participate in car washes to raise money for our beloved church? Can we help the handicapped? Can we help the older people?
SONGS LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
Love, love, love, love The Gospel in a word is love Love your neighbour as yourself Love, love, love
Pantocrator You are my Creator You created heaven and earth I adore You.
Jesus Christ You are our Redeemer You are our Sacrifice I love You
Holy Spirit You are our Comforter You sanctify our souls I need You
Coptic Church You are our blessing and pride. Through Your Sacraments we are saved I serve you
Agios O Theo-os Agios Ees- shiros Agios Athanatos Eleison ymas
Recitation Curriculum :Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
OCTOBER FOURTH SUNDAYReturn Good for Evil
Please read I Samuel 24, 26, the attached summary "Return Good for Evil", and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below..
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To learn to love other people even the enemies. As Christians we must practice returning good for evil.
MEMORY VERSE:
"For when the Lord delivered me into your hands you did not kill me" 1 Samuel 24:18
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Questions: 1) If someone did slap you on one cheek, would you have the courage to do as our Lord Jesus taught us and give them the other cheek as well?
2) Do we actually apply what we are taught in our daily life as Christians?
U A very strong man, named Goliath, from the camp of the Philistines insulted God's people. David, a young boy at that time, was given power from God to go and kill Goliath. "Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing to meet king Saul with tambourines, joy, and musical instruments. So the women sang as they danced, and said, Saul has slain his thousand, and David his ten thousand"' (1 Samuel 18:6-7). From this moment on King Saul hated David and wanted to kill him, King Saul was pursuing David to kill him, David hid in caves and in woods, but he was not alone. The Lord was with him and He gave him new friends.
U David had two chances to get even with Saul but he did not do so. Tell these two chances in detail.
David's Chances to Get Even And How Saul Responded First:1 Samuel 24:11 and 17, Second: 1 Samuel 26:12 and 21.
U Do you think David did the right thing? Why? Yes, the right thing was done because we should not repay evil for evil. God takes care of us if we do this and we will win in the end. David became the king and Saul was killed in a war later on.
U Our Lord Jesus did not punish the people who were crucifying Him; on the contrary, He forgave them, "Father forgive their sins". He returned good for evil. Similarly, while the Jews were stoning St. Stephen, he said, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin" (Acts 7:60),
U Can we do that in our daily life? Yes; we do this if we pray for the people who hurt us. If you want, you can avoid them so that they may not hurt you again.
U "See that none render evil for evil unto any man, but always pursue what is good both for yourself and for all,"(1 Thessalonians 5:15)
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
God is more powerful than any enemy. Hence, if we rely on Him to protect us as He is our heavenly Father, no one can hurt us. But if we are His children we must return good for evil as He did and as He taught us. Let us pray seeking God's guidance so that we do good to others regardless of what they do to us.
SONGS LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
Love, love, love, love The Gospel in a word is love Love your neighbour as yourself Love, love, love
Pantocrator You are my Creator You created heaven and earth I adore You.
Jesus Christ You are our Redeemer You are our Sacrifice I love You
Holy Spirit You are our Comforter You sanctify our souls I need You
Coptic Church You are our blessing and pride. Through Your Sacraments we are saved I serve you
Agios O Theo-os Agios Ees- shiros Agios Athanatos Eleison ymas Eleison ymas
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
Saul is out to get David: David was always on guard watching for Saul and his soldiers. Saul was still hunting for David. David hid in caves and in woods, but he was not alone. The Lord was with him and He gave him new friends. Men who were in trouble or who were unhappy joined David. They became a brave group of men. David was tired of running away. One day the Lord gave him a surprise. His best friend, Jonathan, visited him, They talked about the Lord's love and care.
David Has a Chance to Get Even: One time Saul was looking for David among some cliffs. After a while, Saul and his soldiers went into a cave to sleep. Later David and his men saw them. One of David's men said, "Now is your chance to kill Saul," David went secretly up to Saul who was sleeping. He did not kill him, instead, he cut off a part of Saul's robe. Later Saul left the cave. David shouted to him, "My lord the king". Saul turned around in surprise. David bowed to Saul. David asked, "Why do you think I want to hurt you? I will not hurt you for you are the Lord's chosen king. I could have killed you today but I did not. See, I have a piece of your robe in my hand". Saul cried because David had been so kind. He said, "You are a better man than I. You return good for evil. I return evil for good." Then Saul and his soldiers went home. David and his men stayed in the woods. After a while, Saul began to hate David again. He wanted to kill him. David and his men found out where Saul and his soldiers were camping. Then one night David and one of his men went secretly to Saul's camp. The man said, "Let us kill Saul now. It will be easy." David said, "No. It is a great sin to kill the king whom the Lord has given us".
Then David had an idea. He said, "Let us steal his spear and the water bottle near him". Carefully they went secretly up to Saul as he slept and took his spear and water bottle.
Then David stood on the top of a hill at a safe distance away and shouted to the general of Saul's soldiers, "Why haven't you kept better watch on the water bottle?" Saul recognized David's voice. He said, "I have sinned. Come back home, I will not harm you."
David answered, "The Lord rewards every man for being faithful and doing right. As I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life". So David went on his way. Saul returned home.
For the success
of this Sunday HOLY BIBLE
in his/her preparation
OCTOBER FIFTH SUNDAYThe Good Samaritan
Please read Luke 10:30-37, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show that we must have compassion on people regardless of their skin colour, age, sex, nationality or religion.
MEMORY VERSE:
"When he saw him, he had compassion on him," Luke 10:33
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Questions: 1) Which do you think is more important, to learn our religion by ways of rules and laws or by ways of action and daily practices?
2) If your enemy was down and needed your help, would you walk away from him or stop to help him because our religion teaches us to love our enemies?
U Our Lord Jesus used parables in His teachings to illustrate an idea to the people using a story or as a typical example from their life.
U A certain lawyer (who knew a lot about Moses' Law) stood in front of the Lord Jesus Christ and tried to test Him on the one hand and to "justify himself' on the other hand. This lawyer had no true compassion or love for others, but relied only on his knowledge of Moses' Law without applying it to his life. Hence, the Lord Jesus wanted to teach him and others that religion is not the mere knowledge that we keep in our heads or the words that we say, but rather that religion must become a way of life and should be the transformed action and deeds of love towards others. The Lord Jesus, therefore, gave him the parable of the priest and the Levite who failed to apply religion and have compassion on the wounded man. Although as a priest or Levite, one would expect that they would practice what they preach. On the other hand, a Samaritan who had the least knowledge of the Laws had compassion. This is what counts and we call him "The Good Samaritan".
U A man was going from Jerusalem to Jericho when robbers hurt him badly.
U A priest and later on a Levite passed him by, looked at him and did not help him.
U The Samaritan (although the Samaritans are known to be bad people) had compassion on the injured man. He helped him, took him to an inn and took care of him.
U Our Beloved Lord Jesus told the man who asked Him "Who is my neighbor?", that his neighbor is the person who helps him when he is in need. Jesus then, asked him to be like the Good Samaritan, i.e. have compassion on others.
U Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
U The Son of God came down to our world to become our friend. He carried us not to an inn but to His church. He did not give us two denarii as the good Samaritan did, but He gave us His own Body and Blood so that He abides in us and we in Him. In His second coming, the Lord will take us with Him so that we live with Him forever.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) Have compassion when you deal with all people: younger or older brothers and sisters, mommy and daddy, all children at school regardless of their sex, color or religion. Most important have compassion on anyone who asks you for help. Go the extra mile with the needy.
(2) We must have compassion on others as the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour has great compassion on us.
(3) When we deal with people in a merciful way God will also have mercy on us.
SONGS LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
Love, love, love, love The Gospel in a word is love Love your neighbour as yourself Love, love, love
Pantocrator You are my Creator You created heaven and earth I adore You.
Jesus Christ You are our Redeemer You are our Sacrifice I love You
Holy Spirit You are our Comforter You sanctify our souls I need You
Coptic Church You are our blessing and pride. Through Your Sacraments we are saved I serve you
Agios O Theo-os Agios Ees- shiros Agios Athanatos Eleison ymas Eleison ymas
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
NOVEMBERFIRST SUNDAYMoses Leads his People out of Egypt by the Power of God-I
Please read the attached material "Moses leads his People out of Egypt I" and review Exodus Chapter 2 to Chapter 12, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To learn that with a strong hand the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt. The Lord supports us in all our difficulties. No matter how strong the devil is, God is much stronger and he will make us victorious over the devil.
MEMORY VERSE:
"And he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, but the bush was not consumed." Exodus 3:2
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Questions:
1) Did you ever face a situation where you felt unable to handle it by yourself?
2) What should we do then in order for us to be victorious over this difficult problem?
Here is a story to illustrate how asking for God's help always leads to victory.
U Joseph brought his father Jacob and the Hebrews to Egypt. Joseph was lord of all Egypt. After Jacob died and as the years passed, the Hebrews multiplied greatly and grew strong. A new Pharaoh came who did not know anything about Joseph. He feared the large number of the Hebrews, so he made them slaves, "So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor" (Exodus 1:13).
U Use the above introduction to proceed with the birth of Moses, his preference not to stay in Pharaoh's house and his departure to Midian. (Exodus 2:1-15)
U He looked upon the burning bush, yet unconsumed. It was a symbol of St. Mary who was pregnant with the Lord Jesus, the Son of God (the fire of the Divine) and was not burnt.
U Moses was afraid at the beginning, but the Lord showed him that He will support him with miracles and he will assign his brother Aaron to help him. 'And the Lord said: "I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt ... So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, ... Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh,.." So God said, "I will certainly be with you ..." (Exodus 3:7-11).
U To prove that their mission was from God, He supported them with miracles. Aaron threw down his staff and it immediately turned into a snake. Pharaoh summoned his court magicians who did the same thing, all of their staffs became snakes when they threw them down. But Aaron's staff ate up all of their staffs. "And Pharaoh's heart grew hard, and did not heed them, as the Lord had said," (Exodus 7:13)
U Describe briefly the ten plagues as per the attached material.
U Pharaoh's heart was hard. He did not want the Lord's people to go. The Lord wanted to prove to His people that He will get them out of Egypt by a strong hand so that their faith would grow in spite of the hardening heart of Pharaoh.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) God is more powerful than all our enemies. If God is with us, we will be victorious.
(2) If we need something, we must mention it in our prayers, and then leave it in God's hands. We have to be patient. The Lord will answer our prayers and give us all our needs and more; at the right time and in the most suitable way. We can see this very clearly in the way through which God delivered His people out of Egypt.
SONGS OUR SAVIOUR HAS SUMMONED US
REFRAIN Our Saviour has summoned us to all stay by His side He gave us a new covenant His love which does abide
He took bread and gave thanks He blessed and sanctified it He broke and gave the disciples saying: this is my Body, eat of it
From the chalice, He gave them this is the covenant My Blood is shed for mankind to forgive all sins
It is the heavenly manna; the Body of Jesus The Remedy for our souls and the Healer for us
The mercy of our God is indeed abundant Mercy and love together in this sacrament
The angels and all creatures submit to Him in fear He’s the only Lord to worship with love and awe indeed
Our Lord is the true God He is magnified and praised Now I am closer to Him because in my heart He stays Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
MOSES LEADS HIS PEOPLE OUT OF EGYPT - I
(A) MOSES' FLIGHT TO MIDIAN The story finally reached Pharaoh about Moses' killing an Egyptian and Pharaoh decided to punish him by death. By this time, Moses had fled out of the country. He went to Midian. One day he was sitting all alone by a well when he saw seven girls, the daughters of a Midianite priest, who came to draw water. They were just watering their flocks when along came some rude shepherds who pushed them out of the way. Moses took the side of the girls and helped them water their flocks. When the girls arrived home, their father asked, "Why are you home so early today?" The girls answered that an Egyptian had defended them from some shepherds and had also helped them draw water for themselves and for their sheep.
"Where is this Egyptian?" asked their father. "And why didn't you invite him to come and eat with us?" So Moses was welcomed into the priest's household. He eventually married one of the girls whose name was Zipporah. When she had a son, Moses named him Gershom, for he said, "I have been a stranger in a strange land."
In the meantime, the Pharaoh whom Moses feared died and another took his place. But still the oppression of the Hebrews continued as before, and they cried out to the Lord for help. God heard their moaning and saw their condition of slavery. Then He remembered His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
He recalled to mind the promises that He had made - that these people would be His people and that someday they would be as numerous as the sands of the sea.
Therefore, He resolved to free them from the yoke of slavery under which they were suffering in the land of Egypt. And He resolved that He would send His angel to call His servant Moses and appoint him to be the Saviour of His people.
(B) THE CALL OF MOSES One day Moses was pasturing the flocks of his father-in-law when he came to Mount Horeb. There he suddenly saw a bush which seemed to be on fire. Yet it was not consumed. He was just going to investigate when he heard a voice coming out from the midst of the bush calling him by name. When he answered, the voice said, "Come no nearer. Take off your sandals for you are standing on holy ground." The voice then continued, I am the God of your father and of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. I have heard the cry of My people in Egypt, and I have seen their great affliction. Therefore, I plan to free them from their slavery and bring them into a land flowing with milk and honey, the land of Canaan. I hereby send you to Pharaoh, to bring My people out of Egypt."
Moses said, "But I am unable to do this". The Lord answered, "I shall be with you and you will bring the people to this very mountain to worship God."
Moses again protested that he was not eloquent, and did not believe he could persuade Pharaoh.
Then the Lord grew angry with Moses and said, "What about your brother Aaron? He can speak well. I will tell you what to say and you will tell him."
Then Moses saw his brother Aaron coming towards him, and he explained to him all that the Lord had said. Together they went down to Egypt to free the people. When they first told Pharaoh that the Hebrews were complaining because they did not have enough work to do, he therefore made their work harder.
Moses and Aaron went back to Pharaoh. To prove that their mission was from God and to be respected, Aaron threw down his staff and it immediately turned into a snake. Pharaoh summoned his court magicians who did the same thing; all of their staffs became snakes when they threw them down, but Aaron's staff ate up all of their staffs.
(C) THE TEN PLAGUES
The Lord said to Moses, "Pharaoh's heart has hardened, he refuses to let the people go. So tomorrow, when he goes to the river, you and Aaron are to stand on the bank and warn him that I the Lord gave you power to change the water to blood if he continues to be so stubborn."
You shall say to him, "The Lord God of the Hebrews has sent me to tell you that you must let the people go into the wilderness to worship." Then the Lord said to Moses, "Tell Aaron to stretch out your rod over the waters of Egypt, over their streams, rivers and ponds and all their pools of water, so that all may become blood."
Moses and Aaron did what the Lord commanded. In front of Pharaoh they changed the waters of the river to blood by smiting it with the rod. And all the fish that was in the river died, and the water began to smell so bad that the Egyptians could not drink it. But the Egyptian magicians could do the same thing, so Pharaoh's heart was hardened. He refused to listen to Moses and Aaron just as the Lord had predicted. So Moses and Aaron threatened to bring about another disaster. Should Pharaoh refuse to let the people go out and worship, a plague of frogs would overrun the country. And the frogs did come in swarms, into the bedrooms and into the beds, into the ovens and kneading bowls and over all the people.
Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and promised to let the people go if they would only get rid of the frogs. They did so, but Pharaoh changed his mind.
Then God told Moses to have Aaron strike the dust with his rod, so that it would turn into mosquitoes. He did so and the mosquitoes attacked men and animals throughout Egypt. Pharaoh's magicians told him that this was God's doing but as usual, he refused to listen.
The next plague was gadflies. They swarmed over all the Egyptians, but there were no flies in Goshen where the Hebrews lived. This was to prove that God distinguished between His people and the Egyptians. Pharaoh relented only insofar as letting the Hebrews worship within Egypt. But Moses said they must go for three days' journey into the wilderness. Pharaoh yielded, but as soon as the flies were gone, he refused again.
Next, God killed all the livestock of the Egyptians, all the cattle and horses, the asses and camels, the oxen and sheep; but not one animal of the Hebrews was stricken. Pharaoh refused again.
God then told Moses to take ashes from the kiln, throw them up in the air, for when they would come down on the Egyptians, all the people would break out with terrible boils and sores on their skin. Still Pharaoh said "no",
Then Moses promised a hail storm such as had never been seen in Egypt before. All the crops would be ruined. And so it happened. Thunder and lightning and hail went on striking down every plant and shattering every tree. Only in the land of Goshen was there no hail. Pharaoh promised Moses to let the people go, if he would only pray that God make the hail storm cease. But when there was no more hail, Pharaoh forgot his promise.
The Lord then sent a plague of locusts to eat every green leaf and plant that remained after the hail. By this time, the whole country of Egypt was nearly mined. Pharaoh's servants urged him to let the Hebrews go. But still he refused.
Then God sent thick darkness, so dark that the people could not see each other, nor could they even get up for three days. Pharaoh allowed the people to go, but insisted that they leave their herds behind. Moses, however, said that they must have animals to sacrifice, Then Pharaoh ordered Moses to go out of his presence and told him never to look upon his face again.
Then the Lord came around midnight and went into the midst of Egypt and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt died except for the children of Israel. There was a great cry throughout Egypt. Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and asked them to take the children of Israel and depart from Egypt. So, the Hebrews led by Moses left Egypt. God kept His promise to Moses and delivered His people out of Egypt with a very strong hand.
NOVEMBER SECOND SUNDAYMoses Leads his People out of Egypt by the Power of God- IIAnd The Quail and the Manna
Please read the attached material "Moses Leads his People out of Egypt - II" and also Exodus Chapter 16, and give the lessons with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To learn that the Lord gives us all our needs.
MEMORY VERSE:
"1 will sing to the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously" Exodus 15:1
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
U Review the previous lesson and continue to describe the tenth plague in detail. The Hebrews put the blood over the lintel and the posts of their doors. So when the Angel passed through that night to let the destroyer smite the Egyptians, He saw the blood on the doors of the Hebrews and passed-over. Since that time the Hebrews’ most important feast is the "Pass-over" as they remember how the Lord got them out of Egypt.
U For us as Christians our Pass-over Lamb is our Lord Jesus Christ because through His Blood on the Cross we gained salvation and were transferred from death to life. This new life was granted to us by the Risen Lord on Easter which has become our new Pass-over.
U Please describe the Red Sea crossing as per the attached material. "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea ... Then the Lord said to Moses, 'stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians' ... And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; ... the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it."
U Please let the children read the rest of the song of Moses and his people (Exodus 15:1-21). "I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously!... The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him ..." Our Lord is capable, our Lord loves us and when we are with Him we are very happy.
U At the sea of Marah, the water was bitter, they could not drink it and Moses cried to the Lord. Moses threw a tree in the water according to God's command and the water became sweet.
U After they had exhausted their food supplies in the wilderness, the Lord gave them flesh (quail) in the evening and bread (manna) in the morning.
U The Hebrews lived on God's food for forty years in the desert. As the Lord took care of the Hebrews at that time, He takes care of us now.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) When we take communion, the Lord Jesus gives us His Body to eat and His Blood to drink. This is the heavenly food that is given to us now to be able to gain eternal life. When the Hebrews were in the desert God gave them regular food to eat, i.e., the quail and manna.
(2) We have to be very careful of the temptation of the devil who wants us to fall in sin. But we must not be afraid of the devil because God is much stronger and he is with us.
SONGS OUR SAVIOUR HAS SUMMONED US
REFRAIN Our Saviour has summoned us to all stay by His side He gave us a new covenant His love which does abide
He took bread and gave thanks He blessed and sanctified it He broke and gave the disciples saying: this is my Body, eat of it
From the chalice, He gave them this is the covenant My Blood is shed for mankind to forgive all sins
It is the heavenly manna; the Body of Jesus The Remedy for our souls and the Healer for us
The mercy of our God is indeed abundant Mercy and love together in this sacrament
The angels and all creatures submit to Him in fear He’s the only Lord to worship with love and awe indeed
Our Lord is the true God He is magnified and praised Now I am closer to Him because in my heart He stays
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
(A) THE TENTH PLAGUE: THE DEATH OF THE FIRST BORN Then God told Moses that He would kill every first-born in Egypt that night at midnight.
Moses summoned the elders of Israel and told them to have all the Hebrew families kill a lamb, then sprinkle its blood over the lintel and the doorposts of their doors. So when the Angel passed through that night to let the destroyer smite the Egyptians, He would see the blood on the doors of the Hebrews and "pass-over" them. Moses told them also that when they eventually came to the land that the Lord would give them, they were to keep this ritual.
That night at midnight, the Lord struck down all the first-born in the land of Egypt, from the first-born of Pharaoh who sat on the throne to the first born of the prisoner in the dungeon. He even struck the first-born of the cattle. Pharaoh got up that night, along with all his household and all the Egyptians, and a loud wail rose up throughout the country, for there was not a single house without its dead.
(B) THE DEPARTURE FROM EGYPT AND THE CROSSING OF THE RED SEA When Pharaoh heard that the Hebrews had departed and had taken their flocks and herds with them, along with jewels of gold and silver that they had borrowed from the Egyptians, he had a change of heart and wished he had not given them permission to go. Accordingly, he decided to pursue them and bring them back, so he made ready his chariot and six hundred other chariots, all with their captains, and he overtook them as they were encamping by the sea.
When the Hebrews looked up and saw all the chariots and horsemen of Egypt bearing down on them, they were terrified. And they were angry with Moses.
"Is it because there were not enough graves in Egypt that you have brought us out to die in the wilderness?” they asked scornfully. "It would be better to live as slaves in Egypt than die out here."
But Moses said, "Fear not. Just behold the salvation that the Lord will work for you today. These Egyptians you will never see again. For the Lord will fight for you."
Then the Lord told Moses to stretch his staff out over the sea. He did so and the waters of the sea were divided in two; the children of Israel went through the midst of the sea. The waters were like a wall to them on the right hand and on the left.
When they were all safely crossing, Moses saw the chariots of the Egyptians also crossing right behind them. So he raised his staff again, and the waters rolled down on top of the Egyptians and covered their chariots and their horsemen until there was not one left.
That was the way the Lord saved Israel that day from the hands of the Egyptians. The people saw it and revered the Lord, and believed in Him and in His servant Moses. And they made up a song of thanksgiving to God.
(C) THE QUAIL AND THE MANNA About six weeks after leaving Egypt, the sons of Israel came into the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai. By that time their supplies had nearly run out, and they grumbled to their leaders about their condition.
"We wish we had died by the hand of the Lord back in Egypt, where at least we had pots of flesh enough to eat. You brought us out here so that we can all die of hunger", they said.
Then the Lord said to Moses, "I will bring food to these people, flesh in the evening and bread in the morning, so that they will know that the Lord brought them out of the land of Egypt."
On that very evening, quail flew in and covered the camp, so that there was plenty of quail for everyone. And in the morning, when the dew was melted, there lay on the ground something like hoar frost. The people did not know what it was.
"This is the bread which the Lord has given you", said Moses. "Gather as much as you want". It was white as coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. The Hebrews called it manna; they lived on it for forty years.
NOVEMBER THIRD SUNDAY
The Ten Commandments
Please read the attached "The Ten Commandments", read Exodus 20:1-17, Exodus 31:12-18, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
This lesson is a continuation of the series of lessons about Moses and his people as discussed in the previous two lessons. In this lesson we will learn about the Ten Commandments.
MEMORY VERSE:
"And He gave Moses two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God." Exodus 31:18
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Questions:
1) Why is Moses considered a very important character in the Old Testament? 2) After spending forty years in the desert, what did Moses receive from God? 3) Why are the Ten Commandments important for us as Christians?
U Discuss the ten commandments. We as Christians are supposed to follow these commandments and even more. We should love not only our neighbours but also our enemies. "You shall have no other gods before Me.., You shall not make any carved idols... You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.., Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy... Honor your father and your mother... You shall not murder... You shall not commit adultery... You shall not steal... You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour,.. You shall not covet your neighbour's house, You shall not covet your neighbour' s wife nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbour's." (Exodus 20:3-17)
U Our Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled Moses' Laws. He said, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." (Matthew 5:17)
U The commandments were given to Moses for the people of Israel to follow in their life. The people at that time did not have the grace of the Holy Spirit as we now have him when we are baptized. So, the commandments were the basics and we as Christians are required to do a lot more. For this reason the Lord Jesus said, "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20).
U Sabbath (Saturday) is the Lord's Day of rest. God commanded His people to keep that day holy so that they continue to remember His mighty works in creation. Adam's disobedience took away God's rest. "And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth and He was grieved in His heart," (Genesis 6:6). When did rest return to God? On His Resurrection when He gave life back to man. Therefore, Sunday has become our day of rest ... our Sabbath.
U The people of Israel had to keep the Sabbath (remember that the word Sabbath means rest). But they kept it in a very rigid way. When our Beloved Jesus came and performed some of his miracles on the Sabbath, they were angry. For example, our Saviour healed the man at the pool of Bethesda on a Saturday, please see (John 5:1-17). The Jews were very angry. "For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him because He had done these things on the Sabbath." (John 5:16). The Jews were wrong. They should have realized that the Lord Jesus is the Son of God and He could do any merciful deeds at any time even on the Sabbath. God does merciful deeds at all times. Even ourselves we can do merciful deeds on Sunday.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) I must know and follow God's commandments and all the teachings of the Bible, both the Old and the New Testaments. I follow their commandments for my goodness sake.
(2) Sunday, the day of the Lord's Resurrection, has become our day of rest ... our Sabbath. We can make Sunday as a very special day in which we remember the Lord's Resurrection and the new life that He gave us. We go to church and take communion and family members get together dedicating time for prayers and hymns. Let us make Sunday an ideal day of our life in behaviour, prayers and happiness.
OUR SAVIOUR HAS SUMMONED US
REFRAIN Our Saviour has summoned us to all stay by His side He gave us a new covenant His love which does abide
He took bread and gave thanks He blessed and sanctified it He broke and gave the disciples saying: this is my Body, eat of it
From the chalice, He gave them this is the covenant My Blood is shed for mankind to forgive all sins
It is the heavenly manna; the Body of Jesus The Remedy for our souls and the Healer for us
The mercy of our God is indeed abundant Mercy and love together in this sacrament
The angels and all creatures submit to Him in fear He’s the only Lord to worship with love and awe indeed
Our Lord is the true God He is magnified and praised Now I am closer to Him because in my heart He stays Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
In the third month of the journey, the Hebrews camped in the desert, near Mt. Sinai. And the Lord called Moses and told him to sanctify the people and have them wash their clothes, for in three days He would appear before them on the mountain.
On the third day in the morning, there was thunder and lightning and a thick cloud covering the mountain. Then came great clouds of smoke for the Lord descended upon the mountain in the form of fire. When Moses spoke, God answered him with a voice.
Then God called Moses to come up to the top of the mountain, and He gave him these commandments:
1. You shall have no gods except Me. 2. You shall not make any carved idols. 3. You shall not use the name of God profanely. 4. Remember to keep the Sabbath day Holy. 5. Honor your father and mother. 6. You shall not kill. 7. You shall not commit adultery. 8. You shall not steal. 9. You shall not give false evidence. 10. You shall not covet anything of your neighbor's.
Moses was on the mountain so long that the people became impatient. They went to Aaron and asked him to make them gods to go before them. So Aaron had them contribute their golden jewelry, which he melted down and formed into a golden calf.
When Moses came down the mountain, he heard the people singing. Then he saw them dancing naked in front of the golden calf and worshiping it. Moses was in a fury. He broke the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments on them. Then he took the golden calf and burned it and ground it to powder.
Later, Moses returned to the mountain and received the stone tablets engraved with the commandments a second time.
For the success
of this Sunday HOLY BIBLE
in his/her preparation
NOVEMBER FOURTH SUNDAYThe Bronze Serpent and Review of the Life of "St Mina"
Please read Numbers 21:4-9 and also review briefly the life of St. Mina in commemoration of his feast, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To complete the series about the Lord's care for Moses and his people. He also takes care of us. Let us all train ourselves not to be complainers.
MEMORY VERSE:
"If a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent he lived" Numbers 21:9
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
U The people were continually complaining against both God and Moses.
"Why did you lead us out of Egypt in order to die in the wilderness?" was their constant cry. 'There is no bread, no water, and we are tired of manna."
Then the Lord sent stinging serpents among the people which bit them. Many of them died from serpent bites.
Then the people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned in speaking against the Lord and against you. It is because of our sin that these serpents have been set upon us. Would you pray to the Lord for us, that He remove these serpents?"
So Moses prayed for the people, and the Lord told him to construct a bronze serpent and place it on a pole. If anyone should be bitten by a serpent, all he had to do was to look at the bronze serpent on the pole, and his life would be spared.
U The Jews were complainers in the days of Moses and also in the days when our Lord Jesus Christ was on earth in the flesh. "And the Lord said to what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: We played the flute for you, and you did not dance, we mourned to you, and you did not weep. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon,' The Son of Man has come eating and drinking and you say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by all her children." (Luke 7:31-35). We should not be complainers at home or at school or at church or at any place we go to.
U The Bronze Serpent was a symbol of Jesus when He was crucified. As the Bible said, "As Moses raised the serpent in the wilderness, the Son of Man will be raised on the cross so that who believes in him will inherit eternal life." (John 3:14-15).
U Imagine a Hebrew child bitten by a stinging serpent and then he was healed when he looked upon the bronze serpent. Should he just go to his tent or go and play afterwards? No. He should go to other people and tell them about the glory of God and the miracle that was performed on him. We should do the same. We must tell people about the Lord Jesus, who saved us with His Blood on the Cross.
U Please review the four lessons of the month of November as one series for what the Lord did to the Israelites.
U Review the life of St. Mina. Ask the children, what do they remember about St. Mina's life from the Sunday School lessons of previous years?
U The church is celebrating on November 25 (FIFTH of Hatour) the martyrdom of St. Mina.
U He was called the Miracle-Maker for the very large number of miracles performed through his prayers and intercession.
U Pope Cyril the sixth (the late pope before Pope Shenouda) had a very large monastery built for St. Mina. Many Copts visit this monastery for the blessings of St. Mina.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) We must be thankful for all that we have from God. We must not complain as the Israelites did.
(2) God is very merciful. When the Israelites repented and confessed their sins to Moses, God healed them through the bronze serpent (the symbol of the Cross). Similarly, God accepts us when we repent.
SAINT MINA "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul." (Mat 10:28)
St. Mina the martyr beloved of Jesus Always among us we truly love you
Oh hero you were not afraid in front of the crowds You called with courage "Oh my Lord Jesus“
Through the sufferings you kept our strong faith You stood unyielding Jesus gave you strength
Your happiness was great when they killed you Angels carried you to the eternal joy
The martyrdom's crown you received from God Intercede for us before our Lord
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
DECEMBERFIRST SUNDAYST. NICHOLAS
Please read the attached material on "St. Nicholas", and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To clear all doubts about Santa Claus and to tell the true story behind it about "St. Nicholas". We will also touch on the real meaning of Christmas and how our church prepares for it.
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
U Describe in detail the story of St. Nicholas, He was from Asia Minor. Clear all doubts about Santa Claus. Ask questions as you go along. Make sure the children understand that there is no Santa Claus who comes from the North Pole or from the chimney.
U Helping the poor was the main purpose in St. Nicholas' life. We have to learn to help other people. We have to bring good news to other people.
U Use the example of Santa Claus to show how society changes reality into meaningless commercialism. The spirit of Christmas in the Bible is very different from all the materialism we see during Christmas.
U We must not be attracted by the decorations around us and forget the essential meanings of Christmas.
U In preparation for Christmas we must be very happy. But we have to be careful not to forget the real meaning of Christmas: Our Lord Jesus came for me to dwell in my heart. He came for our salvation. The Son of God came to our world to declare to us the love of God and the glory of God; When God Himself took flesh and dwelt among us, He honoured and blessed our human nature and opened the door for us to have eternal life.
U How does our church prepare for Christmas? - Special hymns for our Lord Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary the Mother of God.
- Fasting is meant as preparation for the special blessings of Christmas.
- Additional evening prayers.
- Additional readings in the Bible.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) St. Nicholas was a bishop of Myra who gave all his inheritance to the poor. There is no reality behind Santa Claus who comes from the North Pole or from the chimney.
(2) We have to be careful not to lose the real meaning of Christmas. Namely, Jesus Christ the Son of God who came to our world to save us.
SONGS
THEY WILL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS “If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.” (1 Jn 4:12)
We are one in the spirit we are one in the Lord And we pray that our unity will one day be restored.
REFRAIN And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
We will walk with each other we will walk hand in hand And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land
We will work with each other we will work side by side And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride
Our praise to the Father from whom all things come And our praise to Christ Jesus His only Son And our praise to the Spirit who makes us one
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
The great veneration with which this saint has been honoured for many ages and the number of altars and churches which have been everywhere dedicated in his memory are testimonials of his holiness and the glory which he enjoys with God. He is said to have been born at Patara in Lycia, a province of Asia Minor. Myra, the capital, not far from the sea, was an Episcopal sea, and with this church falling vacant, the holy Nicholas was chosen bishop, and in that station became famous by his extraordinary piety and zeal and many astonishing miracles. The Greek histories of his life agree that he suffered imprisonment for the faith and made a glorious confession in the later part of the persecution raised by Diocletian, and that he was present at the Council of Nicaea and there condemned Aryanism.
We are assured that from his earliest days Nicholas would take nourishment only once on Wednesdays and Fridays and in the evening according to the canons.
At the age of five he began to study the sacred sciences, and day by day the teaching of the church enlightened his mind and encouraged his thirst for sincere and true religion. His parents died when he was a young man, leaving him well off, and he determined to devote his inheritance to works of charity. An opportunity soon arose. A citizen of Patara had lost all of his money; moreover, he had to support three daughters who could not find husbands because of their poverty; so the wretched man was going to give them over to do degrading type of work. This came to the ears of Nicholas, who thereupon took a bag of gold and, under cover of darkness, threw it in at the open window of the man's house. Here was a dowry for the eldest girl, and she was soon duly married. At intervals Nicholas did the same for the second and third; at the last time the father was on the watch, recognized his benefactor, and overwhelmed him with his gratitude. Coming to the city of Myra when the clergy and people of the province were in session to elect a new bishop, St. Nicholas was indicated by God as the man they should choose. This was at the time of the persecutions at the beginning of the fourth century, and, as he was the chief priest of the Christians of this town and preached the truths of faith with a holy liberty, the divine Nicholas was seized by the magistrates, tortured, then chained and thrown into prison with many other Christians; But when the great and religious Constantine assumed the imperial diadem of the Romans, the prisoners were released from their bonds and with them St. Nicholas, who, when he was set at liberty, returned to Myra. According to the tradition, he was not only at the Council of Nicaea in 325, but he did not hesitate to give the heresiarch Arius a slap in the face. Whereupon the conciliar fathers deprived him of his Episcopal insignia and committed him to prison; but our Lord and His Mother appeared there and restored to him both his liberty and his office, as he was against Aryanism so he was too against paganism. St. Nicholas was tireless and took strong measures; among other temples he also destroyed was that of Artemis, the principal in the district, and the evil spirits fled howling before him. He was the guardian of his people as well in temporal affairs. The governor Eustathius had taken a bribe to condemn to death three innocent men. At the time fixed for their execution St. Nicholas came to the place, seized the hand of the executioner, and released the prisoners. Then he turned to Eustathius and unceasingly reproached him until he admitted his crime and expressed his penitence. There were present on this occasion three imperial officers who were on their way to duty in Phrygia.
Later, when they were back again in Constantinople, the jealousy of a man called Ablavius caused them to be imprisoned on false charges and an order for their death was procured from the Emperor Constantine. When the officers heard this they remembered the example they had witnessed of the powerful love of justice of the Bishop of Myra and they prayed to God that through his merits and by his instrumentality they might yet be saved. That night St. Nicholas appeared in a dream to Constantine and told with threats to release the three innocent men; Ablavius also experienced the same thing. In the morning the emperor and Ablavius compared, and the condemned men were sent for and questioned. When he heard that they had called on the name of Nicholas of Myra who had appeared to him, Constantine set them free and sent them to the bishop with a letter asking him not to threaten him any more but to pray for the peace of the world. For long this was the most famous miracle of St. Nicholas, and at the time of St. Methodius it was the only thing generally known about him.
The accounts are unanimous that St. Nicholas died and was buried in his Episcopal city of Myra, and by the time of Justinian there was a basilica built in his honour at Constantinople. An anonymous Greek wrote in the tenth century that, "the West as well as the East acclaims and glorifies him. Wherever there are people, in the country and the town, in the villages, in the isles, in the furthest parts of the earth, his name is revered and churches are built in his honour. Images of him are set up, panegyrics preached and festivals celebrated. All Christians, young and old, men and women, boys and girls, revere his memory and call upon his protection. And his favours, which know no limit of time and continue from age to age, are poured out over all the earth: the Scythians know them, as do the Indians and the barbarians, the Africans as well as the Italians."
|
