Weekend Overview
We all desire connection. In fact, we were created for it! God created us to have genuine connection with him and authentic community with others. We know middle school students are more connected than ever. They spend more time surrounded by people through activities and clubs, and have direct access to others through their devices. So why do students feel more lonely and unseen?
Turns out, having access to people at all times doesn’t translate to feeling truly connected. During sessions and small group time, we will challenge students to practice being real with the people they trust. Students will learn that taking steps of vulnerability is what leads to authentic connection to others and genuine connection to God.
This weekend, we want to challenge students to practice being real, not fake. If we begin to take steps of vulnerability, then authentic connection to others and genuine connection to God can be found.
Message Overview
Middle school can be a season that brings many exciting and challenging things to a student’s life. Students find themselves surrounded by more and more people through their school, activities, and social network. But there’s a difference between being around people and being connected to people. Access isn’t the same as connection. And without genuine connection, loneliness and isolation begin to set in. Tonight, students will learn how to make the first move to finding authentic connection with others and with God.
BOTTOM LINE
Real connection costs you something.
SCRIPTURE
A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. // Mark 2:1–4
WATCH
ACTIVITY: Web of Connection
Have the group sit in a circle. The colorful cord found in your group supply bag will be needed for this activity. Ask everyone to think about how they would answer the question: If you knew me, you would know…..
The cord is passed to each person who speaks.
After a student (or leader) shares, they hold on to part of the cord and pass or toss the remaining cord to the next speaker.
By the discussion's end, the string will form a web between the students, showing who spoke.
LEADER NOTE: This is very important! When you are done with this activity, please collect the cord and save it for Saturday morning and evening activities.
If you need help getting the activity going, here are some example statements:
If you knew me, you would know that I hate reading out loud.
If you knew me, you would know that I think math is the worst!
If you knew me, you would know that I am terrified to swim in the ocean because… SHARKS!
If you knew me, you’d know that I don’t like people coming over to my house.
If you knew me, you’d know that I don’t like new foods.
If you knew me, you’d know that I think Taylor Swift is overrated.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
Why do you think it’s hard for people to share things about themselves?
If someone is holding back, what do you think they are afraid of? (Rejection?)
Loneliness is a byproduct of being disconnected from authentic relationships. Share a time when you were surrounded by people, but still felt lonely or left out.
WHAT GOD SAYS
Read Mark 2:1–4
A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.
Why do you think there was such a large crowd of people wanting to see or hear from Jesus?
If you were in the same situation as the paralyzed man, how would you feel being carried through a large crowd, through a roof, all to get to Jesus?
The paralyzed man had no choice but to let people see his real self and his issues. Do you think middle schoolers find being authentic easy or hard? How could they do that?
WHAT WE CAN DO?
What would you need to have freedom to be your real self?
How would life be different if you did?
WRAP UP
Tonight, the speaker challenged us to start the weekend by doing one thing: be real, not fake.
Will you decide to move from behind a layer of self-protection (clear wall) and to a place where you can have authentic connection (the mat)?
Leaders, thank students for being real and opening up to the group. Remind your students that you want them to make the first move this weekend. Let’s be real with one another and experience real connection.
Close in prayer.