Session 9: Walking Differently
Suggested Week of Use: October 27, 2019
Core Passages: Ephesians 4:17-32
News Story Summary
Marcello Giordani, an Italian tenor, died Oct. 5 at his home in the Sicilian town of Augusta at the age of 56. When a young boy, he attended a concert and wept in the back row of a modest theater. But instead of pursuing music, Marcello began a banking career. At the age of 19, he quit his job to train as an opera singer. Everyone in his life thought it was madness for him to leave a secure job to do this. But Marcello Giordani rose to become what Metropolitan Opera General Manager Peter Gelb called, “the iron man of tenors.”
(For more on this story, search the Internet using the phrase “Marcello Giordani dies at 56.”)
Focus Attention
To supplement Focus Attention, before sharing the Explain idea, share the news story summary about Marcello Giordani. Ask: What would have been noted differences between Marcello as a banker and Marcello as an opera singer? What makes life changes difficult, including becoming a Christian? Explain that Marcello did not pursue singing at first, and when he did some made it difficult for him but that did not keep him from becoming an opera singer. Complete the step as written.
Challenge
To supplement the Review idea in Summarize and Challenge, remind group members of the news story summary. Ask: What changes did Marcello experience in his life? Explain that Marcello’s commitment to excellence as an opera singer set him apart. Lead the group to reflect on what makes them different. Emphasize the importance of a commitment to growth toward Christlikeness. Complete the step as written.