Podcasting is Godcasting - Orthodox Catechism Project

Asset Publisher

Podcasting is Godcasting

Title: Podcasting is Godcasting

Age: 11+ years

Direct Aims: This session aims to present the idea that in all the circumstances of a Christian's life, there are opportunities to connect with God, including when we listen to our iPod. For the Orthodox Life session, you will need enough copies of the Podcasting is Godcasting Questionnaire for each camper.

Note to the instructor: for those who do not have an iPod, make sure you reference all other media alternatives (CD, radio, movies, etc.)

Orthodox Life Session
Welcome the campers and begin with a short prayer. Introduce the theme of the session and have the campers read the following verses aloud.

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
(1 Corinthians 10:31).

"Thus said the LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).

Discussion Questions:
How often do we think of God?
How can these key verses guide our lives?
What is the meaning and importance of these verses?

At this time ask the campers to complete the Podcasting is Godcasting Questionnaire and discuss their responses with the group according to their comfort level.

Surround Yourself with God Reminders
"You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:9).

Have everyone give examples of God's reminders (icons, cross, prayer rope, a special verse on your notebook, etc.). How are they helpful?
How do we take advantage of them?
How about music, how often do we listen to music in a day?
How can music be a reminder of God?
Go back to "when you walk by the way;" in those times people walked, today we drive or ride the bus; most of us listen to something while in the driving. We can redeem or transform this time by listening to something that brings us closer to God, such as hymns, Bible passages, sermons, prayers, etc.

What does music mean to us? When do we listen to music?
Ask the campers what music means to them.
When do we listen to music? All the time? When we are in a certain mood?
If we listen all the time to music, why do we? Are we trying to cover up something like depression, loneliness, anxiety?
Can music be bad for us? How does music affect our mood, thinking etc.?
How does your mood affect the music you listen to, and how does your choice of music affect your mood?

A Christian is someone who can transform any life circumstance into something positive. Technology is good as long as it does not distance us from God, and we can always use technology to grow closer to God.

In the Street Wise Session we will try discover to together some practical ideas to use our iPods not only as entertainment tools, but also as a way to spend more time with God.

Street Wise Session
This session aims to find ways to use an iPod as a resource for communion with God and a pocket spiritual guide for when in a bad mood, joyous, discouraged, etc., to find the right song, quote, Church Hymn, or Bible verse on your iPod.

Note to the instructor: for those who do not have an iPod, make sure you reference all other media alternatives (CD, radio, movies, etc.)

Me and My iPod
When do you listen to your iPod?
How often in a day?
How many songs do you have on your iPod?
How many of them make you feel closer to God?
Do you make the choice of what song to play according to your mood?

Moods Behind My Music Choices:
How do we decide what music to listen to?
Share examples of the different moods and feelings you experience. Possible answers include: joy, happiness, anxiety, loneliness, trying to fit in, isolation, pressure of meeting expectations, excited and balancing your life, etc.

No matter what mood or feelings we might have, we can always take steps to grow and be closer to God. We should incorporate God into any situation we find ourselves in, from happiness to stress.

What music do we listen to when we are unhappy, stressed, feel unloved, unaccepted, happy, excited, rested, compassion, etc.?
Why is it important to listen to a good word or the right words at the right time?
Ask the campers to give examples of how and if they have ever been comforted by a good word in a difficult, stressful situation.

The Church and Bible Have to Offer:

When you feel scared or troubled, you can read, "Have mercy on me o Lord, for I am week; O lord heal me for my bones are troubled. My soul is greatly troubled. Return o Lord deliver me." (Psalm 5:11-12).
When you feel persecuted, read, "O Lord my God, in You I put my trust; Save me from all those who persecute me; and deliver me." (Psalm 7:1)
When you feel unsafe: "Behold the eye of the Lord is on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their souls from death and keep them alive in famine." (Psalm 33:18)
When you feel afraid: "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them." (Psalm 34:7)
When you feel broken-hearted: "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a contrite spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
When you feel weary and are weeping: "I am weary with my groaning."

The following are prayers and hymns, referencing times in which they might be prayed: