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I AM Series Leader's Edition 1A: Introduction and Additional Resources

Note:  It is recommended that the word document provided in the "related assets" below should be used when printing the Leader's Edition of the I AM series.

I AM Leader’s Edition with Instructional Notes

Title:  I AM Series: Introduction and Additional Resources

Age:  8 to 12 years

Liturgical Time:  Any

Direct Aims:  The I AM series aims to help young people understand their relationship to Christ and to others based on the I AM statements found in scripture.

Indirect Aims:  An additional aim is for young people to understand specific ways that they may emulate Christ.

Materials for the Lesson Plan:
Participant Workbook, one per participant
I AM Series Leader's Edition Workbook
No Man Ever Spoke as This Man: The Great I AM’s of Jesus by Fr. Anthony Coniaris
Suggested Age: 10-12 years

Introduction:
The lessons in this workbook will help us to learn more about the theme of “I AM!”  Throughout His time here on Earth, Jesus told His followers about the many ways He can be involved in our lives. He is the Door, the Bread of Life, the One from Above, the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the Resurrection, the True Vine, the King, and the Alpha and the Omega. He gave us these examples to help us to know that God is always with us and to help us to see His guiding hand in everything we do. The lessons in this book often ask you to look for further information in No Man Ever Spoke As This Man: The Great I Am’s of Jesus. These passages are written in italic print.

This curriculum is designed to be carried out in one lesson per meeting; however, adjust in response to the participants. If you find that they want more time to discuss a particular idea or lesson, others may be shortened or abbreviated, as long as the main understandings above are addressed. The curriculum is to be used in conjunction with the book by Fr. Anthony Coniaris, No Man Ever Spoke As This Man: The Great I Am’s of Jesus. It is suggested that a copy of the book be purchased for each participant. They may be obtained through Light and Life Publishing.

This leader’s guide includes many suggested topics and activity ideas, and notes are in bold face. Modify based on your group and their maturity. Be sure to check with your Spiritual Father if any significant changes are made.

The Participant Workbook may be utilized in two ways:

  1. Needed section copied and provided on an as needed basis;
  2. Full workbook printed and bound (suggested use).

General Notes and Suggestions:
Professional Development: You may be interested in reading more about the theme before teaching. The Office of Youth Ministry website provides additional resources or the OYM office may answer any questions you may have. Also, the commentary included in the Orthodox Study Bible can be very useful to your understanding of the content, as well as that of the youth, and you are encouraged to read the passages and commentary before the session. Modifications: This curriculum is written for the median age level of 10-12 years, but the maturity and academic abilities of youth can vary greatly, as well as their familiarity with the topics being discussed.

Although there are some specific ideas for modification listed throughout the curriculum, here are a few general suggestions:

  • Modifying for younger participants/lower abilities:
    • Paraphrase the Bible passages for participants. It is important for participants to become familiar with the process of finding specific passages and reading the language, but if you feel a particular passage will be far too difficult to understand, you may want to put it in your own words. This may also be useful if you find the participants need more time working on a different section of the lesson.
    • Answer questions together. In most cases, the participants are given a space to explain concepts and main ideas after reading the Bible or learning about a saint. If you feel participants may need more explanation, ask them to answer together using the white boards or large paper, and have them all write down an answer the class is comfortable with.

Additional Resources
Music
Fight the Good Fight by Gigi Baba Shadid
Light of the World
Photini

Icons
Icons in this curriculum provided by Archangel Icons. Additional icons of the I Am sessions may be made available by them at their website: www.archangelicons.com

Line Drawing
Most line drawings contained within are available from the Department of Religious Education, Orthodox Church in America. www.oca.org

Fruit of the Spirit Tree provided by Crafting the Word of God

Written by Natalie Kapeluck-Nixon and Kira Senadak
Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
2014

 

Series

Click on the title below to obtain each lesson currently available within the series.
 

Camp Emmanuel 

Children's Parables 

The Christian Life 

Consecration 

The Great Feasts 

I AM (Leader Edition)  

I AM (Participant Edition)  

Introduction to Orthodoxy  

Parables Bible Study  

The Prophecies  

Retreats   

Second Sundays