Monday Morning
We Belong…to God
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 “The Shema” (pronounced She-mah)
Israel, listen! Our God is the Lord! Only the Lord! Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength. These words that I am commanding you today must always be on your minds. Recite them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting around your house and when you are out and about, when you are lying down and when you are getting up. Tie them on your hand as a sign. They should be on your forehead as a symbol. Write them on your house’s doorframes and on your city’s gates.
Our theme this week is “We belong.” Belonging is defined as: “be rightly placed in a specified position.” Which is not literally in the right spot, although there are times God places us in the right place at the right time. Belonging is the deep knowledge that you are part of the group. When we talk this week about belonging, we are digging into why we belong and what we do with our belonging, which is to say how we respond to our belonging to God. Each of us know what it feels like to be left out and I hope each of us know what it feels like to be included. Belonging is being included and knowing your inclusion is just because of who you are, a child of God. The Shema is a traditional daily prayer of our Jewish siblings. It is a prayer Jesus recited as a faithful Jew. It is a prayer we can pray too. The Shema is a reminder of our love for God and God’s love for us. Listen, site team, listen! Listen, homeowner, listen! God is our Lord and we love God and God loves each of you.
Challenge or “Look for it moment”: Today as we begin, look for ways to make sure everyone in the group feels like they belong, your teammates and home family. Look for ways that God is showing you that you belong to God. The physical work we are doing is important, but remember folks don’t always remember what you say or do. People remember how you treat them. You belong to God. You are loved.
Prayer: Dear God, We belong to you. Help us today as we work and serve you. Amen.
Note to site leaders and adults: Model taking a moment to connect with each youth. Get to know them and remind them that they belong to God.
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