Lent is already underway and Easter will be here before you know it. But what about all the other important events this season?
We have the resources to help you out! And, if you still need some help planning Easter, click here.
It's Graduation Time!
High school youth will be graduating soon and going off to college or into the workforce. Below are studies that are perfect for this time of year. Spring Teaching Tip: Starting this April, be sure to make time for your youth who are graduating. They are under a lot of pressure and would love to have some one-on-one time with you or small-group time with other youth who are graduating. You might even want to have a special study group to go through some of the studies listed below.
Spring Teaching Tip: Also consider making a packet of materials for youth for when they go off into the world. Below are some good "reference" studies that will not only help the youth through these possible situations, but will also remind them that they have a strong community in their church. You might also want to choose some adult studies that you feel each youth would enjoy. Be sure to write a personal letter to each of them—they'll never forget it!
Parents "Graduate" Too!
While you're working to prepare your youth for the world, don't forget about the parents. Whether their first child is going off to school or their last child is moving out, parents need support during this time of change. Spring Teaching Tip: E-mail parents the following studies and let them know that they are not alone during this time by inviting them to meet during the youth group meetings.
Spring Teaching Tip: Much of the stress on parents comes from the fear that they won't be there to "protect" their children anymore. There's so much to worry about in the world that they're not sure what might happen to their "little girl" or "baby boy" and they feel out of control. Help parents not only steer away from that sense of loss, but also gain a greater connection to and understanding of their teen with the following studies. If you have enough graduating youth, try having a get together of all parents and children. Have a "question box" for youth to ask questions of the parents and parents to ask questions of the youth. This takes off some of the pressure, allows important questions to be asked, and lets everyone know that they are not alone.
Spring into Study!
After Easter is a great time to begin a long-term study group. Get your group together and decide what you want to study. We have a great list of both books below that each have a free, downloadable study guide! Spring Teaching Tip: In a hurry? Don't have time to order books? Check out our list of downloadable study packs. We have topics covering faith exploration, the Bible, and contemporary issues.