Supplies:

Sticky notes
Markers, pens, or pencils
Small stickers (any shape- stars, circles, etc.)

Note to the Teacher

This week, we are talking about how the story of Jesus abides with us. Teens may not be familiar with the word abide. To abide is to keep showing up, to stay connected and close, to stay rooted. In this lesson, we talk about how God shows up for us and to us, where we see God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus in our lives. The words “God,” “Holy Spirit,” and “Jesus” are used interchangeably in this lesson to demonstrate the different ways we see God in our lives.

Icebreaker (15 min.)

Supplies:
None (but students may request items such as paper for their lesson)

Everyone is an expert in something! You may be an expert at curling your hair or doing yo-yo tricks. You might be an expert toast toaster. You may be an expert in silence or in folding a paper football. You have sixty seconds to teach me something, anything. If we don’t have the supplies you need (for example, if you want to teach how to ride a unicycle), you will have to simply describe what you would use if you had it!

Read Scripture (5 min.)

Supplies:

Bibles or handouts with John 14:15-21.

This is a continuation of what Jesus told his disciples at the Last Supper. In the midst of explaining that he would soon be going somewhere that they could not, Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would always be with the disciples.

Read John 14:15-21.

Discussion (10 min.)

What words in this scripture passage describe the Holy Spirit?
How have you heard someone else describe the Holy Spirit?
Even though Jesus says that the world “doesn’t see” the Spirit, how might you see the Spirit in the world today?
What’s the difference between memorizing a story and living it?
Where do you see the story of Jesus alive today?
How do you compare, experience, or understand God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? (If your pastor or another church leader is interested in joining this time and discussing the Trinity, it is an opportune moment!)

Activity: Sightings Gallery (25 min.)

Supplies:

Sticky notes
Markers, pens, or pencils
Small stickers (any shape—stars, circles, etc.)

We talk a lot about God being with us. Sometimes that is hard to understand. Today, we are thinking about where we see God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus in our lives. Sometimes, these are personal sightings when we see Jesus in the people around us or in our experience of peace and hope. Sometimes, we see God at school, in our family, or in our community. Sometimes we see God when we read scripture and find comfort or meaning.

In today’s “Sightings Gallery,” we will think about where we see the Spirit in many forms and many places. Take four to six sticky notes and write on each one a different place you have seen God. You can be as specific or as general as you are comfortable. Once you have written your sightings, place your sticky note on the wall. After you post your sightings on the wall, quietly take a walk through our “Sightings Gallery,” carrying your small stickers. You have three small stickers to place on sticky notes that resonate with you—whether you agree, disagree, or just like it!

Break into small groups to discuss any sightings with a lot of stickers. Why do you think these sightings resonated with so many people? What does this tell us about where we should pay attention and look for the Spirit this week? As a group, finish this sentence together: “God, help us notice you when…” We will share these with the larger group.

For today’s closing, we will stand in a circle so that we can see one another. Think of one word you want to carry with you throughout this week to help you remember that God is there. God abides with us. We are rooted in God’s story. We will go around the circle and share our word. It’s okay if your word is the same as someone else’s. You do not have to share if you are not comfortable. Simply say “pass” if you do not want to speak.

Blessing: Invite the students to join you in a simple breath prayer as you dismiss them. Practice this together three times before the group parts ways.

Inhale: “You are with me.”

Exhale: “Help me notice.”