In our first session (10/4) we went over the first of 4 movements in our Kerygma book

Discover God's Love 
page 3 of the Middle School I Workbook

Opening Prayer:
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly, Faither, we come before You today to discover Your intimate love for us and to better understand and appreciate the gift of Your Son, Jesus.
Send Your Holy Spirit to be with us as we learn and pray.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

If you missed the session:
Go over page 3
Read The Father's Love Letter to your children (and anyone else in the house.
Explain that it is God reading this to them through you.
Ask all to listen carefully and underline or write down what jumped out at them.
Then discuss.
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Over the next few weeks before we meet again, on November 1st, continue with
Discover God's Love found in the
Middle School II Workbook and
Middle School III Workbook.

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Middle School II Workbook
page 3
Discover God's Love

Opening Prayer:
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, 
We know that we aren't perfect and that sometimes we make mistakes, but you love us anyway. Help us to come to a deeper awareness of Yourintimate love for us and help us to come to know Your Son Jesus, Send Your Holy Spirit to be with us as we learn and pray. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Discuss and go over the questions under:
You don't have to Change to be Loved by God

Then watch this video:

Sometimes people think they have to be perfect in order to be loved by God, but that is not true. In the story of the Prodigal Son there is a young man who has made BIG mistakes! His father welcomed him back to the family. This story was written JUST FOR YOU! It is all about God's love for YOU!

Open your Bible to Isaiah 49:15-16

Say: When we are busy with school, sports and other activities, sometimes it's hard to hear God's voice, but when we quiet ourselves and pray, it gives us the opportunity to encounter Him.

Quite yourselves and relax by breathing in slowly through your nose and slowly out your mouth. 

Have someone read the Bible passage outloud

Then read this, once for every person in the room, inserting their name in the blank.
Remember this is God talking to each and everyone of you.

Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore?
Even if a mother forgets her child,
I will never forget you _____________!
I have carved your name,____________, in the palms of my hands!

Answer this question...
How does it feel to know that God will never forget you?
 

Middle School Workbook III
page 3
Discover God's Love

Opening Prayer:
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, 
Sometimes it seems like you are far away and unaware of what's going on in our lives. Help us to know that you are near. Send your Holy Spirit upon us to help us encounter your Son, Jesus, and know your great love for us. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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***Parent note: In a recent study of religion and spirituality among US teens, God is preceived as a creator that watches from above but not involved in people's lives unless He is needed to slove their problems.
Here you will explore with your child the nearness of God in their lives and the truth of His intimate love for each of us.
It is normal at this age for kids to question their parents' religious beliefs and values. It is important to create a space where they can freely ask question and challenge beliefs. It is also important for youth to understand that their lives have tremendous value and that they really do matter to God.***
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Starting at the top of page 3
You Don't Have to Change to Be Loved By God
Discuss the questions and have everyone in the house put an X where they feel that God is in their relationship with Him.

(in this exercise all I can think of is Grover from Seseme Street in his Near and Far skit)