Teen Trends
The Plan UK released a study that concluded that more than half of the girls aged 14-21 in the UK have admitted to being sexually harassed at school. It's being labeled the "#EveryonesInvited" movement, which is similar to the "#MeToo" movement. However, it had little traction until a young woman named Sarah Everard was allegedly murdered by a police officer in London back in March. It's important to note, however, that the study's definition of sexual harassment ranges things such as being "wolf-whistled" or "unwanted sexual comments" to the other extreme. Regardless of what "type" of harassment it is, it's unacceptable, and it's unbelievable that it's occurring at such an alarming rate at schools. Schools are supposed to be a safe place where kids can learn. Everyone should keep these things in mind as they reach out because it is an excellent opportunity to share the love of Christ as long as those affected are willing to talk about their experiences. In many instances, the one making sexual advances is also forfeiting their chance to speak Christ into that person or social circle not only because of their actions, but their perceptions about how they are to best love and treat them.
Song of the Week
Phil Wickham just released a new single titled "House of the Lord". It is a part of his upcoming album called PW*7. The song comes from a season in which God has been teaching him about joy amidst all of the chaos going on in the world right now. This joy is something that we can celebrate and revel in as we seek God. Hopefully, this song can usher you into that place of joy.
Game of the Week
You've probably heard of Connect4 before. This large-scale variation of it can be a great way to get everyone involved. Start by creating a 4 by 4 grid of hula hoops. Then, give each individual (or team and have them rotate throwers) several bean bags or something else that can be thrown. Then, create a line several steps back from the hula hoops that will serve as the throwing line. The farther back, the more challenging it is. Have the throwers aim their bean bags into the hula hoops. If a bean bag doesn't land in a hula hoop or if it lands in an already occupied hoop, it does not count. Simply return it to the throwers so that it can be used again. If it does land in the hoop, however, it has to stay there, even if it rolls into a different hoop than the thrower was intending. Also, just like Connect4, the other person/team will be trying to connect 4 of their own or can block the other team. The first team to throw bean bags into 4 hoops to make a row wins. Here are two examples that give you an idea of the fun, but are different approaches. Here are two kids playing tic tac toe to help you see the suspense of hoping students make the right choice. Here's another example where students run up to a much larger grid of hula hoops instead of having a line you have to throw from with only 4x4.
Sermon Illustration
Christ has blessed us with a seat at his table. Whether we deserve it or not, there's a spot for us. He wants us to join Him. We see this in 2 Samuel 9. After a king dies, his relatives are typically killed to prevent a revolution. King David acted differently. After becoming king, he wanted to bless Saul's relatives. He was able to track down Mephibosheth (Try pronouncing that!) who was lame in both feet. Mephibosheth was prepared to be killed by the new king, but instead, King David offered him a seat at his table for the rest of his life. Even though he didn't deserve it and could've been killed, he was taken care of for the rest of his life without conditions. This grace and mercy was based solely off who he was and who he was related to. The same goes for us. Even though we deserve to suffer in Hell for our sins, God provides us a seat at His table. He promises to take care of us and love us unconditionally because of who we are and whose children we are through Jesus's forgiveness- We are children of God.
Encouraging Thought
This is much easier said than done, but we have to actually take our spot at the table when it's offered to us. Be willing to accept God's unconditional love and promise of provision. You are worthy of it! Regardless of who you've been and what you've done, God has a seat saved for you. It's not because of anything we've done though. It's because we are His children. There are blessings to give away, but also rejoice in unexpected blessings and answered prayers God may have for you today!
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The vision of the Student Leader Weekly is to empower high schoolers (alongside adult leadership) with practical ministry ideas.