Session 4: Reconciled
Suggested Week of Use: September 22, 2019
Core Passages: Ephesians 2:11-22
News Story Summary
On the Monday following the August 31 mass shooting in Odessa, Texas, one hundred Odessa High School and Permian High School students met to find ways they could support the victims and their families. The long-standing rivalry between these high schools have been featured on the TV series, Saturday Night Lights. However, students placed their rivalry aside as they gathered to pray and brainstorm on how they could help the families of the seven people who were killed and other victims.
(For more on this story, search the Internet using the phrase “odessa texas high school rivalry.”)
Focus Attention
To supplement the Explain idea under Focus Attention, share the news story summary followed by the sharing of the explanation. Lead the group to identify ways reconciliation that took place in this story. Then ask: How can a shared experience bring people together? How does a shared faith bring people together? Complete the step as written.
Challenge
To supplement the Challenge idea under Summarize and Challenge, begin by reminding the group of the news summary. Ask: How is the willingness of these students at these rival high schools a step toward promoting unity? Then lead the group to discuss their response to the first question set under In My Context in the Personal Study Guide or Apply the Text in the Daily Discipleship Guide.