Session 5: At Peace
Suggested Week of Use: March 29, 2020
Core Passage: Romans 5:1-11
News Story Summary
As countries take steps to minimize the spread of COVID-19, health officials continue to study the virus especially monitoring the ways in which the virus is spread. We are being encouraged to stay six feet away from others, limit the size of groups, thoroughly wash our hands, and avoid touching our faces. All of these actions come from the health officials understating of how the virus is spread.
(For more on this story, search the Internet using the term “Corona virus actions to take”)
Focus Attention
To replace the Direct idea under Focus Attention, invite the group to share actions they are taking to avoid contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus. After allowing time for the group to share, summarize the guidelines established by your local authorities. Ask: How do these guidelines point to how health officials understand the cause and effect of this virus?
Complete the step using the Lead idea, using the questions included at the beginning of the session in the Personal Study Guide and Daily Discipleship Guide: Why is it important to find the primary cause behind some type of events? How might a person go about identifying the specific cause that created a specific event? Complete the step as written.
Summarize and Challenge
To supplement the Reflect idea under Summarize and Challenge, remind the group of the actions encouraged to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Complete the step as written, focusing on the second question in the first question set under In My Context (PSG) or Apply the Text (DDG): How can you reflect the hope you have in Christ through these adversities? Complete the step as written.
Note about adapting: If your group is meeting using online platforms, use the Group Plans provided as a starting place to create a script. You can use the suggested group assignments as individual assignments or do them as a group all together. Focus on the questions, content, and Bible Skills included in the Personal Study Guide and Daily Discipleship Guide to encourage the group to continue to study the Bible as individuals. For more ideas on how to meet virtually, review this article: Going Virtual with Your Sunday School.