Youth Group Lesson – St. Patrick’s Day

Opening Game – Lucky Charms

Supplies 

  • Cereal Bowls (4-6)
  • Box of Lucky Charms
  • Table Chairs for number of participants (4-6)
  • Blindfolds (4-6)

Space Needed

  • This works best as an “upfront” game where a few participants illustrate the game for others.
  • You could also do this as a group game where everyone participates.
  • Enough space is needed to accommodate the table/chairs.

Game Description

Fill the bowls with Lucky Charms cereal. If this cereal in not available, you can mix marshmallows in a bowl with any other cereal/bite-sized food choice. Select 4-6 participants and have them sit down behind the table for the rest of the group to see. Blindfold the participants. In a pre-determined allotted time (1-3 minutes works best) have the participants separate out the “charms” (i. e. marshmallows) from the rest of the cereal.

How to Play

  • Participants must keep their hands fastened behind their backs meaning they must only use their mouths.
  • The participant with the most marshmallows separated out at the end of the time wins.
  • Tip: This is potentially a very messy game. It might be wise to place towels down under the chairs.

After the game, say: That was a fun game!

Today we’re going to talk about the importance of St. Patrick’s Day. And what better way to do it then play a game involving Lucky Charms. Fun!

Now, let’s get started.

TEACH – St. Patrick’s Day

Bible Verses:

  • Romans 10: 13-15 (NLT)
  • Romans 12: 6-8 (MSG)
  • Matthew 5: 13-16 (MSG)

Introduction

Hold up or show a picture of a shamrock. Ask students if they know what it is, and what holiday is associated with a shamrock. Once they answer St. Patrick’s Day…ask them if they know why.

Give brief history of shamrock being associated with St. Patrick’s Day:

St. Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland by using the shamrock to explain the Trinity…you know God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

So, you may be asking a few questions right now. What does St. Patrick and a shamrock have to do with me? Why is this person talking about it in church?

Point #1: Why did St. Patrick share Christianity with Ireland?

St. Patrick was born in Ireland, but moved away at a young age. He was told about Jesus and what he did on the cross, and he loved his home country so much, he felt compelled to go back home and tell other people about Jesus.

Can you think about someone you love dearly?  Do you know if they have a relationship with Jesus? Do you know if they need to be saved from stuff like…

Depression?

Addictions…like drugs, alcohol, and lust?

Parents just split up and they feel like everything is falling apart?

You know there is someone willing to save us from this stuff right? It isn’t Dr. Phil or Oprah Winfrey, it’s God.

Read Romans 10: 13-15 (NLT)

13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say,“How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

So you are probably thinking “Oh great! Now they are going to tell me that I need to walk around school and work and home holding my Bible, yelling bible verses at people, beating them in the head with my bible”!

Nope, that’s not what I’m going to tell you!

Point 2: Let your life and interests tell people about Jesus

What did St. Patrick use again? A shamrock…very easy and very simple, right?

Think for a minute. What are you passionate about? What wrongs would you like to see made right in the world?

World hunger ended?

Children educated?

Elderly taken cared of, not taken advantage of?

People following Jesus?

Making sure everyone knows they are worthy and lovely and encouraged?

Read Romans 12: 6-8 (MSG)

6-8 If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

You might be saying…”it’s that simple”? Yes!

You don’t have to be a pastor to do these things (nothing against pastors we need them)!!

Take your talents, your interest and passions, take what you are good at, and use them as a way to show other people the love of Jesus!

Another question running through your mind might be “Why me”? “Aint nobody got time for that”!!

Point 3: The World needs YOU!

Wait what? Someone needs me…you must be joking?!

Read Matthew 5: 13-16 (MSG)

13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

The world needs you!

Your talents,

What you are passionate about,

Your convictions about the wrongs in this world,

The world needs you to use all of this, and show it the love of Jesus!!

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What is your favorite holiday and why?

When was the last time you needed someone to save you? From a bad grade, from feeling alone, from a bully?

What talents, passions, or gifts do you have that could be used to tell people about Jesus…St. Patrick used the shamrock, what could you use?

How could you take your answer to question 3 and make a difference in your home, neighborhood, or school?

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