Dr. Pat's Orthodox Super Sunday School Curriculum

I CORINTHIANS 12:14

Scripture verse: “For in fact the body is not one member, but many.”

Objectives:

1. Students should be able to recite the verse and understand the analogy of the Church to the human body.
2. Students should begin to see their own gifts and function in the body.

Possible Lesson Plan:

1. Open with prayer.

2. Scripture lesson: I Corinthians 12: 12-21. Read it aloud with each student taking a turn. Read also Romans 12:1-13, Matthew 25:14-30. Read and discuss. Similar? Different? Our memory verse today is quick and easy as well. Use this week to review our verses so far. Play musical chairs; when the music stops, if the student left standing can recite one of our verses, he can stay in the game!

3. Review the background of the book. What were those silly Corinthians doing now that has Paul all riled up? Each one is busy thinking that his ministry is the best and most important, boasting and putting others down!

4. Discuss human anatomy (at an appropriate level): What is the function of the various parts of the body? Draw a body on a large piece of paper or chalkboard as you talk, adding each part and discussing its function. Are the parts alone worth much? Are they even pretty to look at? Can a nose by itself do anything at all? Play 20 Questions: Can you guess what part of the body I am?

5. In what way can the Church be called the body of Christ? How does Jesus work in the world today? (through us) Do we all have the same talents? Have each student make a list of his special talents and interests and share them; are they all the same? (e.g. serious, funny, talkative, shy, good at math or music, enjoy reading, sports, crafts, art, etc.) Take the list and tie it with a ribbon, scroll-like, and place in a basket in the center of the table. How do our special talents and interests become gifts? (when we give them away!) Are we all the same? Would a shy person be the best choice for an evangelist? What talents would make a good choir director? A good child watcher? A good Sunday School teacher? A good treasurer? Are they the same? Can you think of a particular way your own special talents could serve the Lord?  Are some ways of serving the Lord more obvious than others? (e.g. the priest, choir director, etc.) Are they more important than the person who counts the money, or rings the bell, or visits the sick, or folds bulletins? Are you a foot or a nose?

6. Make a marionette. Cut out the body

parts from poster board and punch holes

for brads and strings ahead of time. Have

students color and decorate with yarn,

fabric, ribbon, etc. Then put together

with brads at the joints, tie on the strings,

and use a coat hanger to hang. Of course,

discuss the Scripture lesson while working

on the puppets.

Punch holes in heads of people and around edge of plate and hang with string or yarn.

7. Close with prayer.