Lesson Plans Grade HS
TO TITHE IS TO LOVE
2004
Lesson 1: “We Humbly Trust God”
OBJECTIVE:
The students will be able to explain humility according to one of the phrases on their handout. They will be able to state why we trust God.
TIME: 10 minutes
MATERIALS NEEDED:
“We Are Nothing, and Have Nothing, Without God” Handout (provided)
FOR THE CATECHIST:
Every week the students will be asked to bring in an offering for your class box. Check to see if it is in each lesson plan, and if it isn’t, determine when you will collect the offering and write it in. Likewise, at the conclusion of each lesson, the doorknob hanger reminders are to be given out. Check to see if that is in each lesson plan, and if it isn’t, write it in.
This is the first of four lessons on tithing. This lesson should be presented after your normal lesson for the day. For that reason, no opening prayer is given in this guide and the materials listed here are only for this segment of your lesson. Words that appear in italics provide the intent of the writer, as if teaching this lesson. Answers appear in parentheses. Do not read aloud to the children from this lesson plan!
The first lesson of the program asks the students to think about the foundational virtue for Orthodox spirituality, namely, humility. They will be introduced to its true, and life-giving meaning. They will share their feelings as they express humility through their bodies, with a prostration.
INTRODUCTION:
For a few minutes now, we are going to have a special lesson. We will have three other special lessons in the next three weeks. These special lessons are to help us understand why it is important to bring an offering each week. I have a special box here. I would like you to bring something to give to God each week. How many of you already contribute to the parish each week? We will place your offerings in the box.
CONTENT:
[Write on board: humility.] Let’s begin by word associations. What comes to mind with this word? [Write responses.] Here is the word which is at the root of humility: humus [Write on board.] Humus is decayed plant and animal matter--what everything becomes when it is ready to return to the earth. Here are some more associations. [Write “Adam” on the board. Wait for their reactions.] The meaning of
Adam is “red clay.” The association with humility is as follows: [Write on board: red clay -> Adam (humankind) -> humus -> red clay.]
Humility is the root of all Orthodox spirituality. It has been misunderstood by many to mean degrading oneself. However, in truth, humility is making a statement, about all of us. Humility says, [Pass out “We Are Nothing, and Have Nothing, Without God.” Have students read aloud each paragraph.]
Our lesson today asks us to recognize that we depend on God for everything. Let’s try using our body to describe humility. [Have students do a prostration; when their heads are touching the ground, ask them what their feelings are.] Our Orthodox spirituality leads us to a right understanding of God and humankind. We depend on God, we trust God, we worship and love God who provides us salvation. When we prostrate ourselves, our bodies are expressing these ideas.
CLOSING:
Our special program, To Tithe is To Love, begins today. To help you remember to bring an offering to church to place in our box, we have doorknob hangers that tell you about a saint who had one of four qualities that help us give back to God. Today’s quality is trust. The Theotokos, the Mother of God, had to trust that God would take care of her. She is a good example, or exemplar of trust. Take this home and put it on your doorknob so that next week you can bring your offering for our special box.
We Are Nothing, and Have Nothing, Without God
Humility says, “We are creatures, created by the almighty God. In now way are we equal to God. We are created from the earth. He is not. He is above all that is.”
We are created, but we are the summit of creation. To Adam was given dominion over the earth. We intercede for all creation. We care for creation.
Humility is recognizing our place in the created order--above all creatures, but still, a creature. Yet, the reason we exist is that we may live now and forever, with God.
Humility is encapsulated in the statement, “God is God, and we are not.”
Humility recognizes that without God we are nothing—without God we have nothing—we depend on God for everything. Recognizing our dependence on God leads us also to humility.
The icon for the large dome of our churches is called the Pantocrator. It is Jesus the Judge of All. Pantocrator, means “over all creation.” It is an icon that inspires us to humility.
TO TITHE IS TO LOVE
2004
Lesson 2: “Stewards of What God Has Given Us”
OBJECTIVE:
The students will learn the term stewardship,” and will consider how they must make a decision to put Christ and the Church first and foremost in their lives as distractions can make them lose sight of the goal.
TIME: 10 minutes
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Index Cards
Icon of Christ Saving Peter (provided)
Chalkboard
FOR THE CATECHIST
If you have more than 5 in your class, copy the icon for each five students and arrange them in small groups. The lesson begins by asking the students to write names of teen idols and desirable things. They then talk about any time or money that teen’s devote to what they have written. The question is posed as to whether these people and things are good or bad? The students then hold their cards until the conclusion of the lesson. At that point, after they know the term, “stewardship,” the teacher poses the question of how much of our time, talent, and treasure goes to the church? Do we give our attention each day first, and foremost to Christ and the Church, or are we distracted by the many “things” in a teen’s life?” While these people and items are not bad in themselves, the sum of them can distract us so that we lose sight of Christ.” We need to make a decision, and a plan, so that we are good stewards of our time, talent, and treasure.
INTRODUCTION:
[Have index cards available to the students. On the board write these categories: movie and music stars, athletes, fashion divas, “hot” items to own, anything you are devoting time and energy toward.] Look at the board. I’ve written some categories of people and things. Use an index card to write the name of, for example, a movie star you like. Use one index card per name. Keep them with you until I tell you. [Teacher should participate as well.]
CONTENT:
Last week we considered a fact that many people try to forget. Do you remember the title of the worksheet we used? “We are nothing, and have nothing, without God.” This week we will consider all that God has given to us, and what our response should be. The key word for today’s lesson is “stewardship.”
Let’s pretend that all of us own a candy factory business together. What kind of candy shall we produce? [Write responses on the board.] In order to run efficiently, our business has some departments. Let’s name two of them, and make up a name of a person who is in charge of each of these departments. [Write responses on board.] Now let’s say that there is a possibility of opening a new plant in an area so all of us are chartering a flight to check out this lead. We give instructions to the two department heads, and we make sure that these two employees have all that they need to continue production, and then we depart for two weeks.
Two weeks go by. When we return, we ask for the two to come into the board room. To our dismay, we find that (name of first department head), has been lazy. He has slipped behind in his schedule. His employees are confused, and there is little to show for his department’s effort. He has no excuse to offer.
On the other hand when (name of second department head), gives his report, it is obvious that he has run an efficient department. He has exceeded the production schedule, and has even improved some of the candy. He offers to us the best of the production from his department.
And at this point the story will end. [Allow responses to:] As the Board of Directors, what might you say to each of them? Would you keep on the first department head?
What does the word “stewardship” have to do with the story? (The two department heads were stewards, or caretakers of their departments.)
Let’s switch to the present day. In God’s eyes, each of us is a steward. Of what are we stewards? (Our lives, and the earth.) When God gave Adam dominion over the earth, Adam, and by extension, all of us, are to be caretakers of creation. We are to be stewards of all God has entrusted to us. Remember, we are nothing and have nothing with God. It is all “on loan,” or “entrusted to our care.” We need to pay attention to three items in particular: our time, our talent, and our treasure. We need to return a portion of each to God.
When we offer our talent and our time to church, are we “giving” or “returning.” [Allow responses.] (We are returning, because all we have is Gods, we are just stewards.)
In our attempt to be good stewards, we can fail, if we lose sight of our goal. [Pass out the icon to each group.] Remember when we spoke about how much time, or money, we spend on what is written on these index cards? I want you to keep that in mind, and one by one, place your cards on the paper icon. [Allow a minute to do so.] I am sure you are all aware of the word “devil.” It’s meaning is “to dissipate, or create chaos.” When our life is pulled in so many directions, it is easy to lose sight of Christ. We, like Peter, can begin to drown. I think we all want to be good stewards in Christ’s. We need to make a plan to put Christ, and His Church, at the top of our “life list.” We need to be good stewards of our time, talent, and treasure; and of our whole lives.
CLOSING:
St. Nicholas was a very good steward. He had a lot of money from his family, and he gave it to poor people to help them out. We are good stewards when we use our talents in church. Think about your particular talent—how can you give back to God in the Church? We are also good stewards when we bring an offering of what we have to God. St. Nicholas is on our doorknob reminder for this week.
TO TITHE IS TO LOVE
2004
Lesson 3: “We Obey God”
OBJECTIVE:
The students will be able to cite Abraham and Jacob as two figures who began the tithing tradition.
TIME: 10 minutes
MATERIALS NEEDED:
At least 3 Bibles, marked at 1) Genesis 14:17-20, 2) Genesis 28:10-22, 3) Leviticus 27:30-32 and 4) Malachi 3:6-10.
Chalkboard and chalk or large paper and markers
FOR THE CATECHIST:
The lesson provides some of the many scriptural passages where tithing is mentioned. It is a tradition that began with Abraham, and was given to Moses as one of the laws of the covenant. While some may say that tithing is a Protestant development, the scriptures make it clear that it is our tradition, and our law as God’s people.
INTRODUCTION:
Our first lesson’s key word, or spiritual quality to develop, was trust. The last lesson’s key word was stewardship. Any idea what the key word for this lesson is?
CONTENT:
What is the first book in the Bible? (Genesis) In the book of Genesis we learn about the beginnings of creation, humankind, evil, to name a few concepts. We meet Adam, Eve, Noah, and Abraham, and others. Abraham is our person to learn about today. After the fall from Paradise, God wanted to create a people into which His Son would be born. He began by calling Abram out of Ur. He promised him that he would be the father of a people who would be more numerous than the stars. Although this sounded to good to be true, Abram and his people followed God on a journey. Abram was obedient to God.
In another story, Abraham was asked to bring his son Isaac up to the top of a mountain, and then to slay him. This was almost unbearable to think about, but Abraham was obedient. God stayed his hand before he could harm Isaac. Abraham is a model of obedience.
During their journey, Abram and his people run into the people of a place called Chedorlaomer. Abraham’s family conquers the opposition, and bring the livestock and other riches back with them from the battle. A mysterious figure appears, Melchizedek, and Abraham recognizes him as a priest of God. Let’s listen to what happens.
[Have a student read Genesis 14:17-20.] What did the priest offer Abraham? (A blessing, bread, and wine) What did Abraham do in return? (Offered a tithe, or tenth of all he had.) So begins the understanding that the proper worship of God involves returning 1/10 of all we earn and receive. [Write on the board: “We learn tithing from: Abraham.” Leave room for three other names.]
[To make sure the students can easily figure a tenth, put a few examples on the board.]
[Make three groups of students, and give each a Bible. Assign each one passage to read together, paraphrase to the class, and read aloud the verse that has the word “tithe” in it. 1) Genesis 28:10-22, 2) Leviticus 27:30-32 and 34. 3) Malachi 3:6-10.]
[As the students report, write on the board for each as noted. Write: “Jacob” on the list. Preface the first report with:] The first reading is from the book of Genesis, which tells the beginnings of God’s people. Jacob is Abraham’s grandson.
[Write: “Moses.” Preface the second with:] The book of Leviticus tells the laws that God’s people are to keep.
[Write: “Prophets.” Preface the third with:] The book of Malachi is a book of prophecy. The job of the prophet was to call God’s people back to the covenant—back to the obligations to God.
Just as the people of God have tithed from the beginning, so we continue. Who are the two that began the tradition? (Abraham and Jacob)
We are to determine 1/10 of all we receive and earn, keeping in mind that all belongs to God, we are just returning what is due Him. I challenge each of you to bring a tithe next week, for our box.
CLOSING:
Obedience is our key word this week. Abraham was obedient to God long before the passage on tithing. He was both obedient and trusting. He knew that God was God, and he was man. He knew that it was only right to return to God what God had given him. Abraham is our exemplar of obedience.
TO TITHE IS TO LOVE
2004
Lesson 4: “All Our Life Unto Christ Our God”
OBJECTIVE:
The students will review the mandate to tithe and add to it the understanding of tithing from the first fruits. The students will be able to explain that the Greatest Commandment is Christ’s measure for how much we are to dedicate to God—namely ourselves, in totality.
TIME: 10 minutes
MATERIALS:
Bible marked at Matthew 23:23, and Luke 10:27.
FOR THE CATECHIST:
In this final lesson all the qualities discussed earlier are brought together. The students are taken one step further with the concept of offering their entire lives to Christ. They are challenged to offer a tithe of all they will receive for graduation, in an act of solidarity with God whom they will be calling on to guide them in their college and adult lives.
INTRODUCTION:
Our key words thus far have been: trust, stewardship, and obedience. Last week we learned that tithing is the measure of proper worship of God. Who began the tradition? Did God ever dictate it? (Yes, to Moses in the book of Leviticus). So begins the understanding that the proper worship of God involves returning 1/10 of all we earn and receive. Do most people think of the words “proper worship” and “money” in the same phrase? [Allow responses.] What is our key to understanding these together? Let’s explore other words that tell about the money we give. [Write responses on board. The words that are best are “offering” or “returning.”]
CONTENT:
If you recall our first lesson, we discussed humility as realizing that we are nothing without God. In the second lesson we learned that we are “stewards” of what God gives us—not owners. In the third lesson we learned that we are to return to God 1/10 of what he gives us. “Return” is a good word to describe why we bring money to church. The word “offering” is even better.” What is the difference? [Allow responses.] Offering includes the idea of humility. We hope that what we offer will be pleasing to God.
In some of the passages from the Old Testament last week, the phrase “first-fruits” came up. In the story of the two department heads, the good steward offered the owners the best of what had been produced. First-fruits are the best. Today we speak of “seconds” or ‘second-hand” as not the best, so the concept is still around. What does that mean for tithing? If any of you are aware of “payroll deduction,” you
know the idea of first-fruit. Let’s say you get a paycheck of $100 each week. Before you do anything else with that money, you make out a check for $10 to the church.
It is easier to do that than to try and find $10 left at the end of the week. Also, it shows God where your priorities are.
Although it may seem hard, God never, ever asks of us what is not for our own good. It may not seem so at the time, but if we follow God’s commandments, we will discover why He has asked for our obedience. It will be for our own good.
In a few years, or months, you will be done with high school. You will have decisions to make about your life direction. You will pray, and trust God to be there for you to guide you and help you. Begin now to honor God in your life, by following His commandment to offer a tithe, of your earnings, and of what you will receive, especially when you graduate. I think you will find that by putting your tithe aside for God, you will think of God more often, and he will honor your attention with His presence in your life.
Did Jesus ever speak about tithing? [Allow responses, if time permits.]
Indirectly, He did. Have a student read Matthew 23:23. Jesus is denouncing the Pharisees for only paying attention to the outward observance of the law without matching it with a right heart. Notice how he tells them to pay attention to the spiritual while not neglecting to tithe.
Most importantly, Jesus repeated the Greatest Commandment that was given to God’s people in the Old Testament. Do any of you know the Greatest Commandment? Let’s hear it in this passage.
[Have student read Luke 10:27]. Does God ask us for a tithe of our heart, our mind, our soul, and our strength?
Rather, we are to understand in this passage, and others such as, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God,” (Matthew 6:32-33) that God wants our total allegiance, and love God is to be not only our first priority, but the very life within us, through His Holy Spirit. God wants us to offer ourselves to Him. God wants us to be His hands, and His heart in the world. Together, as church, through the Holy Spirit, we are God’s hands and heart.
As you know you will need to trust God for the big things soon, begin now, one day at a time. Ask, “What would YOU like me to do this day, Lord?” Find a quiet place to pray this each morning, and hopefully also read a few passages from scripture. We are “God’s team” in the world.
CLOSING:
Our exemplar for giving oneself to God is St. Thekla. She heard St. Paul speak about Jesus, and decided to travel spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. This was very dangerous work for a woman in those days. She gave her whole life to serving Jesus Christ. She is our exemplar of giving oneself to God. This is the end of this mini-unit. I hope you have been enriched, and challenged by what you have learned. We will continue bringing our offering to class each week, to place in the box.