“as a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for ... · “as a deer longs for flowing...

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God;

for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”

– Psalm 42:1, 5-6a

su icide

H o t t o P i c s 76

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Objective: To help groups understand that life is a precious gift of God.

Suicide“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you,

O God. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you

disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my help and my God.” – Psalm 42:1, 5-6a

USING THIS THEME This theme has been structured to optimise both your planning and the brain-based learning of Head to the Heart (H2H). It follows the same basic format as our compan-ion PowerPoint presentations. The majority of the pages included in this document do not need to be copied for your Guides and small groups—they are to aid you in your preparation. Whether your planning involves this document or the PowerPoint presentation files (or both), this and every H2H theme includes:

n Opening: Set the stage for a fun and welcoming event with songs, movement, and energetic learning games.

n Presentation: Four main sections are provided to help you build your presentation: Life Line, Images & Analogies, Bible Time and Creative Interruptions. Remember that we give you much more than you should possibly attempt to use, so pick and choose what you think will work best for your setting and audience.

n Small Group Time: The key element of the Head to the Heart system is small group time, where groups care for one another and process the material from the presentation.

n Closing: A time to pray, review the subject, and close with a blessing.n Creative Interruptions: This supplemental section is packed with

extra teaching ideas such as skits, music, the FINKmania QuizBowl and various other suggestions.

n Thought-Time Sheets: Near the end of this theme are the Thought-Time sheets for your young people. They are designed to be copied on either A3 or A4 paper. A more robust and pre-printed version of the Thought-Time sheets also exist in the Head to the Heart journals.

n Planning Pages: Plan your event and assign tasks to your helpers.

THE FOCUS THIS WEEKOne strange and amazing thing about God is this: God will give you another tomor-row and thousands more priceless gifts whether you acknowledge them and live thankfully or not. Life is a gift. Every moment. Every second. Every breath. Each heartbeat. It is all God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to God. So, how will you choose to live? God will give you tomorrow. Will you give it to yourself?

Note: You might find it helpful to refer to Apostles’ Creed lesson 10 “Resurrection and Eternal Life” for additional ideas on this difficult topic.

HOT TOPICS 7

Copyright © Faith Inkubators Australia. For use by “Head to the Heart” members only, and only during the 2013 calendar year. Any other use of this material is prohibited. www.faithink.com.au

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I. OPENING The opening sets the mood for the entire session, saying, “Something great is going to happen.” Use this time to welcome your small groups and introduce the Theme in a fun and memorable way. Be excited! Have fun! Remind your volunteers to do the same!

A. Gathering MusicThe Master Musician or Music Team kicks the event off with energy. Five to fifteen minutes before gathering time, set the mood of joy and vitality with two or three upbeat, singable, familiar camp/church songs relating to the theme. Project lyrics overhead so all hands are free to clap. Welcome groups as they enter your teaching space with some mini chocolate bars or other fun prizes.

B. Welcome & IntroductionsAt the stroke of the hour, the Master Musician or MC stages a countdown “10, 9, 8, 7…” and begins the event (think “event” not “class”). Thank everyone in advance for their attention, make key announcements, and welcome special visitors.

C. FINKmania QuizBowlInvite individuals or representatives from small groups up for a quick preview of the theme using the FINKmania PowerPoint slides or the questions provided later in this theme. Idea: Let your senior youth or Crazy Parent Committee (CPC) take ownership in this.

D. Theme IntroductionIntroduce the theme “Suicide” with the PowerPoint slides provided. An instrumental version of the theme song is embedded into the slides to help you build the mood.

E. Opening PrayerPrepare everyone for prayer by having them sit back, close their eyes and loosen their necks. With eyes closed, you may wish to say something like this:

Dear God, sometimes we feel lonely when we’re not alone. Sometimes there’s not a bruise with the pain. At those times, make yourself known, heal our pain, comfort our soul. Amen.

F. Theme SongIntroduce the theme song “Cast Down.” (The song can be found in the PowerPoint slides and via iTunes or Amazon.com search: Hot Topics: Let No One Despise.) Prac-tice this song in Huddle with all Guides, senior youth and leadership team members so you can sing with energy. Create dance, actions or a modified Auslan Sign Language to use with the chorus.

II. THEME PRESENTATION You’ve welcomed your groups and previewed the topic. Now it’s time to present the most engaging presentation you can muster. Use the provided Life Line, Images & Analogies, Bible Time, and Creative Interruptions to add punch and dimension. Lec-ture alone hits only 5% of the capacity of the brain—be visual! “QuickPick” Sugges-tions: In a time crunch this week? Our favourite teaching suggestions for this lesson are highlighted with a †. If preparation time is tight, look at these pieces first. They should do the trick for a 20-30 minute presentation.

A. Life Line StoryInvite a counsellor in to talk about the physical and emotional reality of suicide. What leads a person to that final decision? What are the signs? What can you do? Make sure to blend in theological reality of God’s gracious and faithful love. After the event, write a note of thanks and encouragement to the counsellor.

Civilizations die from suicide, not by

murder.

– Arnold Toynbee

Suicide is a perma-nent solution to a

temporary problem.

– Anonymous


B. Creative Interruption: Skit † Refocus your groups and include others in the teaching by using one of the two skits provided as a Creative Interruption.

C. Images & Analogies Choose from two or three (you won’t have time for many more than this) of the following to get your point across. Remember to stop for a Creative Interruption at least once (skit, song, activity, etc.) Idea: Take a look at the questions on the Thought-Time sheet to make sure you cover them during your presentation.

1. Art AttAck: Refer everyone to the new cover art by artist Dr. He Qi located on the Thought-Time sheets or displayed in the included PowerPoint slides. Ask groups to look at the art for a little bit, then ask for volunteers to describe what they see. Can anyone explain in their own words the “story” contained in this beautiful artwork?

2. Fruit oF creAtion: † Prior to the event, bring in a basket of fruit to be a teaching tool. Ask what people look for when shopping for fruit at the store? You will get answers like ripeness, no bruising on the skin, etc. Talk about how people can be like fruit. The outside can be perfect but opening the inside can reveal bruising and imperfection. Sometimes it’s so deep that you don’t see it unless you’re inside. Being aware of your friend’s inward pain and struggle can bring the feelings of imperfec-tion to the surface to heal.

3. MediA Mix: Bring in a mix of external songs and movie clips to illustrate your point.

Song optionS: Choose one that fits your setting:

n Head to iTunes and download the song “Wait and See” by Brandon Heath from his 2008 CD What if We. Google the lyrics and discuss the idea that God is working in our life and through us, even though we might not realise it.

n You might want to use the song “Up & Downs” by singer/songwriter Kendall Payne, from her 2004 CD Grown. Google the lyrics and ask your young people how this song relates to the suicide theme. How can life be both beautiful and ugly at the same time? What does God want of us?

n You could also play “Life’s What You Make It” from the 2006 Hannah Montana 2 CD. Google the lyrics and talk about the message of this song. Is it possible for a simple decision (attitude change) to make an impact in a person’s life?

n Another option would be be the song “Lucky Today” by the band Cloud Cult, from their 2005 CD Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus. Google the lyrics and talk to your young people about the message of this song. How can we find strength to feel “lucky” even when life is tough?

n A final iTunes option would be the song “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw from his 2004 CD of the same name. What is the message of this song? What do your young people think this song is saying? How does it relate to the main theme of this lesson?

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Video: Choose from these video options:

n Find the DVD of To Save a Life (2010) which tells the story of Jake Taylor, a young man who has it all: a basketball scholarship, the ideal girlfriend, and the right friends. But faced with the demands of the in-crowd, Jake has written off his childhood best-friend, Roger. Isolated and mistreated, Roger finally takes his anger to the extreme when he shows up one day on campus with a gun. Jake’s last-ditch effort can’t stop Roger, and the events which follow rock Jake’s world. He begins to question everything. Most of all, he can’t stop asking: “Could I have saved Roger?” In his search for answers, Jake finds himself look-ing for the next Roger. He reaches out to geeks, losers, and loners. However, crossing the strict high school caste lines threatens every-thing Jake values. This film doesn’t shy away from the real struggles facing our teenagers from teen sexuality, to abortion, to family break-down, to cutting, to drug and alcohol abuse, to suicide.

It is difficult to identify just one clip so we’ll leave it to you pick a clip. Ideally To Save a Life would have most impact if shown in it’s entirety. Consider screening it for your young people and their parents and following it with small group discussion. You will also find excellent discussion resources at www.tosavealifeleaders.com. Your young people may well see themselves in the movie so plan to listen to what they have to say. (You can purchase the movie at Christian bookstores or online.)

n You might also like to watch the Australian Story episode, The Girl Least Likely (2008). It is available online at http://www.abc.net.au/aus-tory/specials/leastlikely/default.htm. It tells the story of Hannah Modra. Hannah was a beautiful, clever, popular girl from a loving family but within the pages of her diary, she kept a secret that ultimately took her life. You can read he background to this story at www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/f2/0c057ef2.asp.

The story of Hannah’s suicide is confronting and sensitive. You may consider it too much for your group. In the first instance, the story was born out of a determination by the Modra family to tell their story. The key issue is that adolescent depression, if untreated, can kill. It was this hidden depression that led to suicide in this case, and it was a desire to prevent that happening to another family which has driven this program from the beginning. Hannah herself wrote in her diary

“Depression, like abuse, needs to be talked about more. Weaknesses also need to be talked about more. I should share my weaknesses with people if they want me to and not hold back.”

n You could also rent the movie classic Dead Poets Society (1989) and play the scene from the 12:11 mark to the 16:37 mark where teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) talks to his class about making the most out of life. After you show the clip, talk to your groups about the gift of life. God has given gifts to each of us—as difficult as that may be to realise sometimes. God also has a plan for each of us, but we’re not puppets on a string. God loved us enough to give us our life, this world, and our future. What will we do with it? Tell them, “Next time you are depressed, remember this: As long as you have life, you have hope. As long as you have breath, there’s a chance things will change—that change could be extraordinary. And as long as you have Christ, even the grave is not the end.”

4. SenSeS: Prior to the event, find three items that have a familiar scent and shape (i.e. orange, rose, etc). Invite a volunteer up and blindfold them. Instruct them to identify the item by only using their touch and smell. It’s fairly easy to identify something so specific and familiar, but ask the questions: What does shame look like? What does hopelessness smell like? What does despair feel like? The reality is that you walk

Anguish of mind has driven thou-sands to suicide; anguish of body,

none. This proves that the health of the

mind is of far more consequence to our happiness, than the health of the body, although both are

deserving of much more attention

than either of them receive.

– C. C. Colton


around everyday and pass people who carry that with them. Take the time to famil-iarise your senses for those feelings. Be an outward example of love and presence for those weighted with despair, shame and pain.

5. truSt: Invite two volunteers up for a trust exercise. The first exercise is a simple trust fall. One person will stand with their back to the other; fold their arms on their chest and, with a rigid body, fall back into hands of the other. Make sure you set up a check system to make sure both the faller and catcher are ready. After that first trust fall, raise the stakes and bring out a table for the person to fall off of and invite a few more people to help catch. Note: Don’t actually allow the person to fall, but make sure they stand up on the table to sense the danger and risk. Thank your volunteers and explain that it gets harder to trust someone, even God, when the feeling of risk, danger and fear are raised. It should be the opposite. Clearly the higher your fear, the more people you need to catch you. But it doesn’t always work that way, and people end up alone or paralysed in their fear, sadness or pain.

6. LoVe And JudgeMent: † Some see suicide as the ultimate sin. Take a poll of your groups and see what they think. Remind your young people that before making any judgments about anyone’s suicide, it is important to know that Jesus ordered his fol-lowers not to judge anyone. He said Christians should simply love one another and leave the judgment to God.

Psychologists say that the will to live is one of the strongest instincts we possess. It is normal, rational, and sane to want to live. But some people who have gone through extreme physical pain will tell you there comes a point where your will to live—even as strong as it is—simply folds under the pain. Would your groups judge a hopelessly suffering person? No. They wouldn’t need your judgment. They would simply need love and understanding. So much for physical pain. Now imagine being in so much emotional or spiritual pain that you couldn’t think rationally. Can your young people imagine being in so much mental anguish that everything seems hopeless, inescap-able and unbearable? A person in that situation doesn’t need judgment, either. Fol-lowers of Jesus don’t judge people in pain. They love.

7. tAke it SeriouSLy: Remind your young people: If your friend tells you they are feel-ing suicidal or that they want to end their life, take it seriously. Hearing this might make you feel overwhelmed or worried, especially if your friend is very upset or angry. However, if someone talks about wanting to commit suicide, the positive thing is that they are not keeping it to themselves; by telling someone they are most likely reach-ing out for help for themselves.

Invite your young people to suggest qualities of a friend that make it easier to ask them for help. Record these on a whiteboard or newsprint. Ask young people to think of ways they could help a friend if they threaten to commit suicide. Once again, record their answers on a whiteboard or newsprint. You can find a helpful list of suggestions of what to do at Reachout.com: http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/if-your-friend-threatens-to-take-their-own-life.

Some important points in closing:

n Just knowing that somebody cares about them can be reassuring as they may feel very alone and as if no one cares.

n Talking about suicide openly does not increase the risk.n If you’re not sure what to say, you might try saying “I’m worried about

you. You told me the other day you felt like ending your life, do you still feel that way?”

n When you are worried about a friend, you might feel stressed or over-whelmed and forget to look after yourself. It is important that you take care of how you are feeling. Speak to someone you trust, such as a fam-ily member, friend, Pastor or counsellor.

Suicide, like a great work of art, is pre-pared in the silence of the heart.

– Gustave Flaubert

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n It’s also important to remember that even though you can offer support, you are not responsible for the actions or behaviour of your friend. If they are not willing to help themselves it is not your fault.

n If you need help now, please call Kids Helpline 1 800 55 1800 or Life-line on 13 11 14. If your friend is in immediate danger please call 000.

Source: www.reachout.com.

D. Creative Interruption: The Weakest FINK (Weekly Terms)Refocus groups once again by exploring the key terms found on the provided PowerPoint slides, the Thought-Time handout, or the Head to the Heart journal.

E. Bible Time † Get young people into their Bibles by having them look up the verse of the week, Psalm 42:1, 5-6a and highlight it. Suggest they write “Hope in God!” in the margins. King David had plenty of depression in his life.

1. Spirit intercedeS: Read Romans 8: 26-27,38-39. God’s spirit is in us. Paul states that the spirit of God intercedes for us when our burden is too great to bear and we sigh with despair. That means that we, as the spirit-bearers of God, intercede and bring God into the midst of people in pain. There is a great quote that says, “A friend is someone who learns your song and can sing it for you when you can’t.” Are you that kind of present, caring friend?

F. Cartoon of the WeekReinforce the theme by introducing this week’s cartoon using the PowerPoint slides or an enlarged version of the cartoon provided.

III. SMALL GROUP TIMEWith the Theme Song playing, dismiss into groups and have them share Highs & Lows and discuss the topic. Photocopy and distribute copies of the Thought-Time Sheets to each group, or turn to the “Suicide” chapter in your Head to the Heart journal. Tip: Plan at least 30 minutes for Small Group time.

IV. CLOSINGPlease don’t let your small groups fade away after meeting. Bring everyone back together for a contemplative closing. Dim the lights, light a candle, and play the instrumental version of the theme music softly to set the mood for this moment of quiet reverence.

A. Theme Song ReviewGather groups back with a quiet version of the theme song.

B. Wrap-up ReflectionThank everyone for their attention once again, then reflect on the Bible verse and theme one final time. You may wish to say:

One strange and amazing thing about God is that God will give you another tomorrow and thousands more priceless gifts whether you acknowledge them and live thankfully or not. Life is a gift. Every moment. Every second. Every breath. Each heartbeat. It is all God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to God. So, how will you choose to live? God will give you tomorrow. Will you give it to yourself?

C. Prayer JourneyLead your group through a series of stretching and breathing exercises. Play the theme song embedded on the PowerPoint slide softly. Then invite the group to sit down, relax, close eyes and reflect on:

Suicide is man’s way of telling God, “You

can’t fire me. I quit.”

– Bill Maher


Everyday you see it. It’s as normal as seeing a jacket or a new pair of shoes. Back-packs—a sea of backpacks. You look closer, and see a hallway of backpacks; some new, some used, but all look heavy. You now notice this like you opened your eyes for the first time. Postures strain, with a glimmer of sweat on a furrowed brow. What could be so heavy? It’s just books, right? What could they be carrying? They don’t look full. As you pass by more quickly, your senses are filled with the whispers of their con-tents. “Pain” hisses as you walk by the nerdy maths whiz. “Hopelessness” sighs from the “beauty queen” by her locker. “Worthless” mumbles from the pack of the football star. A chorus of darkness fills the hallway. The walking wounded make their way from classroom to classroom.

You’re desperate now and afraid. You want to shout out a hopeful word to each per-son—but your voice is masked by the growing and building whispers of all the others. What can you do? Instantly you react. “Can I carry that for you?” you ask maths whiz. Just as you slip the pack off his shoulder you hear, “hope.” Joy that is shared is doubled, burdens that are shared are halved. Every day is an opportunity to share someone’s burden, and, in even a small way, to quiet the heavy voices of the walking wounded. Will you carry?

D. PTA (Praise, Thank, and Ask) PrayersInvite each small group to bring at least one PTA Prayer to this closing time. Invite other young people with special concerns to pray aloud at this time or write their con-cerns on slips of paper and hand them to you for public reading. Continue with the soft version of the theme song to maintain the mood.

E. Benediction & BlessingGive a group bene dic tion. Then invite small groups to step to the font and bless one another with the sign of the cross on each forehead and the following words or their own favourite blessing:

“(Name), child of God, may you learn to love yourself as Jesus loves you. Amen.”

The crime of suicide lies in its disregard for the feelings of those whom we leave behind.

– E. M. Forster

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TCreative Interruptions are various brain-based teaching pieces designed to supple-ment your presentation and keep your audience connected. At least once during the presentation, take time for a Creative Interruption that refocusses your young people, and brings a brain-based, multi-faceted aspect to the teaching. Use one of the sugges-tions below, or create your own. You may wish to ask or assign small groups to create an interruption.

Art GalleryUse the PowerPoint slides provided plus scans of your own original art to celebrate the theme in images. Weave in quotation slides plus music. For added impact, invite a group to create a large banner, poster or wall-hanging with the verse of the week and the art from the cover of this theme. Raise this new piece of art into the air on fishing line at the moment you introduce the theme.

FINKtoonCreate an original cartoon based on the verse of the week, the theme or one aspect of providence. Or add your own punch line to the cartoon template provided in the supplemental PowerPoint slides. Display the cartoon in front for all to see. As an alternative, enlarge and colour or paint one of the cartoons in this theme and use it during the presentation time.

Prayer JourneyUse the guided meditation provided or write your own prayer journey on the theme “suicide.” Play the theme song embedded on the PowerPoint slides or a favourite hymn as background music. Consider lowering lights, warming the group up with a stretching and breathing exercise and adding the senses (smell, taste, touch, hearing, sight) to your prayer experience to build the mood. Speak quietly, clearly and slowly. Include the theme verse at the core of the journey. Leave room for the Scripture to sink in and the Holy Spirit to speak.

Rap, Chant or CheerTry the following or write your own base on the theme “Suicide.”

God brings you hope, not hopelessYou’re not alone in your loneliness.God pulls you up when you need a liftGod sees you like you’re a precious gift

SkitsAsk or assign a small group to perform one of the skits provided or to create an origi-nal three-minute skit on the theme. Be as elaborate and imaginative or as simple as you wish in creating the dialogue, costumes and props.

HOT TOPICS 7

That it will never come again is what

makes life so sweet.

– Emily Dickinson

Extras:Creative Interruptions


Theme Song with MovementAsk a musician, small group or a member of your Music Team to perform and teach the theme song “Cast Down” or to create their own new song based on the verse of the week. After you’ve learned the song, add movement or Auslan Sign Language to make the song even more memorable.

Video GodmercialCreate a three minute video on the theme “Suicide.” Involve every member of the small group in some way (either in front or behind the camera). For an interview piece ask young people one of the following questions: “What’s the greatest source of stress and pain for young people?” “Where do you turn in times of emotional need?” Intersperse suicide quotes and statistics between the clips.

Weakest FINKMake up your own key terms to supplement the theme using the template slide provided.

You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving for-ward. How much you can take, and keep moving for-ward. That’s how winning is done.

– Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa in the film “Rocky Balboa”

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chArActerS: Announcer, Randi, Panelist 1, Panelist 2, Panelist 3, Scene: Studio showpropS: Mic, chairs (set in a semi circle), applause sign, boo sign

Announcer: And now, it’s time again for your favourite talk show, and time to welcome your favourite talk show host, licensed joyologist Randi! (Holds up applause sign)rAndi: Thank you! Today, we welcome back some folks who have experienced the depths of pain and the mountain-top of hope. NEW BEGINNINGS on today’s Randi! (Announcer holds up applause sign)rAndi: Our first guest was in the funk of an abusive relationship and at the end of her hope-rope, but she’s back today to share her road to the top! Please wel-come, Panelist #1!pAneLiSt 1: Thanks for having me Randi. When I was here just six months ago, I was a defeated person. Beaten by the love of my life, addicted problems, I was a mess and ready to end it all. Until… rAndi: Yes, until?pAneLiSt 1: Your show about the gifts of God. You and God helped me locate some things very important to turning it around: the precious, unique gift of God’s creation that is ME! Now I am a helpful, sober and healthy part of my community. (Looking up) You’re the best, God! And you too, Randi.rAndi: How sweet, girlfriend. You’re liv-ing the kind of life we all should live, (to herself, under her breath) but some-how the network and stardom won’t

allow it.pAneLiSt 1: What?rAndi: Nothing. Anyway just one year ago, our next guest hooked on Internet shopping, going over $50,000 in debt. He was ready to CASH in but then he encountered… pAneLiSt 2: You Randi, and your show about “first fruits”—tithing to God in response to God’s gifts to me. I was look-ing for fulfillment in what I could get, and found it in giving. Thanks to your suggestions, I found the strength to find help to manage my life and money. Now I own my own Internet shopping site where I donate 10% of everything I make to the homeless. I feel totally balanced and in control. Thank you Randi!rAndi: You deserve a good life. (Tone turns sad) In fact we all deserve a good life; not a life where everyone wants a piece of you; Randi lotion, Randi mints, Randi, Randi Randi! (Shouting) I’m a person, not a product!pAneLiSt 2: Huh? I’m confused.rAndi: (Comically holding back tears) Our next guest was once blah, blah, blah and then was yada, yada , yada. That’s it. I can’t take it anymore! (Cries)pAneLiSt 3: Randi, are you okay?rAndi: (Crying) Of course I’m okay. I’m a licensed joyologist. But it seems the pressure of taking on everyone’s pain and sadness has driven me to my end. (To the camera) Are we still rolling?pAneLiSt 3: Randi, you let it out. This is a safe place. You are the person who exemplified God for us and now we’re gonna do the same for you.

(Randi lays down)pAneLiSt 1: That’s right Randi. We are here for you ready to take on your pain and lift you up to where you belong. (Pause) But first, let’s start by sitting you back in your chair.pAneLiSt 2: That’s right, Randi. Give yourself up to the One who made you. That’s your strength. We love and sup-port you because you loved and sup-ported us. And you are a precious part of God’s creation.Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, Randi is a published author, licensed joyologist, and very human. This show, has helped millions of people cope with their pain and fear. Now today, on a very special Randi, this show will help the helper.rAndi: (Tears subsiding) I never rea-lised that there were so many who love and support my feelings, or that I talk in soundbites. My road to recovery has started and you were here to cheer me on. (Enthusiastic) SO, stay tuned next week as we kick off the Randi “book of the month club.” Until then, remember, God is good! Bye, bye!

(Applause)


The Randi

SHOWSkit of the Week by PJ McCluskey


chArActerS: Chris and PatpropS: A desk, two chairs

(The scene begins as Chris is tutoring Pat in History)

chriS: Are you ready to hunker down and get ready for this history test?pAt: (Excited) Just call me the James T. Cook of this test. I will discover a new world of grades!chriS: (Pause) Okay, Captain Cook. My guess is that, like Cook, you will search but find a world you weren’t looking for. A much lower world.pAt: Can we just start, please?chriS: Question number one, name the year of the discovery of Australia by Cook.pAt: (Pause) 1728! What do you think of that smart guy?chriS: I’m sure Cook made many dis-coveries that year in his cot! That was the year he was born. You might want to think about 42 years later. Try 1770.pAt: Ahh! I could just kill myself. Give me another question.chriS: (Pause) A little harsh, but okay. Name the year of the Eureka Rebellion.pAt: (Pleased) 1874! Eureka!chriS: 1854! Eureka!pAt: (Getting agitated) Aww, c’mon! Just shoot me now!chriS: What is your problem? What’s with all the dark, suicidal language?pAt: I’m sorry. I get so frustrated with this junk.chriS: You could die, figuratively or lit-erally?pAt: (Blank stare) Don’t go using a for-

eign language with me. Of course I don’t mean I could die. It’s an expression.chriS: Well that expression shouldn’t be taken so lightly.pAt: (Rolling eyes) 2012: (or current year), Chris’ one millionth overreac-tion.chriS: I’m not kidding. There are class-mates of ours that internally think those thoughts every day. You need to have sensitivity to the pain and emptiness that people around you feel.pAt: Emptiness and pain? You mean there are people we know that feel so much pain and emptiness they would actually hurt themselves?chriS: Of course, pain can be like a thirst that can’t be quenched. The emptiness grows faster than it can be filled. pAt: But everyone feels pain and empti-ness at one time. Right now my pain is history and my emptiness is... chriS: Your brain? Just kidding. Of course people feel that pain and emptiness.pAt: Okay, Dr. Phil. Why do some peo-ple deal with the pain and some people just can’t?chriS: Now that’s a good question. I think there are people that feel the pain and emptiness can be filled with things in the world: possessions, status, fame, drugs. It’s like eating empty calories—they fill you but don’t nourish you. pAt: You’re totally Oprah right now. So what fills people that lasts?chriS: I think it’s knowing God’s heal-ing, gracious presence. To feel confident enough in God’s love to be totally vul-nerable and allow the people that God puts in our lives to love and support us.

pAt: (Looking around) Are we on T.V. right now? That’s amazing. I knew God would show up in this conversation.chriS: Well, good. That’s the only thing you’ve known so far today. Why don’t you live a little more conscious of who’s around you and how you relate to them? Maybe God can work through you.pAt: Maybe, you’re right. ‘Cause I don’t think God’s working through me to be a history teacher.


History

LESSONSkit of the Week by Pete Erickson

12 — suicide

THE TEN QUESTIONSQueStion: God’s gift of life is: A.) One big cosmic joke, and the joke’s on us, B.) A precious gift, C.) Lived in God’s love and care., D.) B and CQueStion: Life is God’s gift to us, what we do with our lives is: A.) Nobody’s business but our own, B.) Our gift to God, C.) A response to the love and blessings God gives to us, D.) B and C (and your body is a temple that belongs to God, remember?)QueStion: Suicide is: A) A permanent solution to a temporary problem, B) A per-manent solution to a temporary problem, C) A permanent solution to a temporary problem, D) All of the above, except that it doesn’t really solve the problemQueStion: The sad thing about suicide is: A) That suicide is final, B) A life with all of the potential for joy and happiness that lie before it is suddenly and tragically ended, C) Many other lives are changed forever, D) Sadly, all of the above and moreQueStion: Suicide only affects this type of person: A) The nerds, B) The athletes, C) The neglected, D) All of the above and moreQueStion: If a depressed friend suddenly seems cheery and starts giving all of their favourite possessions away, you should: A.) Confront them—it’s one of the warning signs that they may be close to suicide, B.) Say nothing—it’s their business, C.) Get them some help, D.) Both A and CQueStion: This King wrote some beautiful, sad and gripping poems and prayers of anguish to God which were fueled by his depression: A.) King Lear, B.) King Kong, C.) King David, D.) ElvisQueStion: This is a gift of God that awaits you when you are in pain and despair: A.) Dr. Phil, B.) Oprah, C.) The Psychic Friends Network, D.) The Comforter (one name Jesus called the Holy Spirit)QueStion: If someone you know is contemplating suicide, you should: A.) Get help immediately, B.) Tell them to quit being so stupid, C.) Tell them they are going to hell for even thinking about it, D.) Leave them alone and hope for the best

FinkMAniA FinAL QueStion: The gift King David talks about that can fill our longing is: A.) Material things, B.) Status, C.) Hope in God, D.) None of the above

theFinkmania

Quiz Bowl HOT TOPICS 7

Three Ways to Play

High Tech: PowerPoint ProjectedChoose individuals, small groups or random teams to serve as con-testants. Distribute buzzers, bells or coffee tins to each team to use to signal they know an answer. Proj-ect the PowerPoint slides over head as you read them. The team with the most points wins.

Mid Tech: PowerPoint on TV If you don’t have a projector but do have a television, display the PowerPoint slides on your screen by hooking up your computer to the tube with a converter. See your local computer store or Har-vey Norman outlet to source one.

Low Tech: Team versus TeamGather teams up front and read questions one by one. Have each team choose a “human buzzer” to make a sound. When they know an answer, tap their buzzer’s head for the sound.

Quiz Answers: D, D, D, D, D, D, C, D, A, C,

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Quiz Bowl Key: D, D, D, D, D, D, C, D, A, C,

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I. Check-in (Highs & Lows)Sharing Highs & Lows is very important and sets the stage for more meaningful discus-sions on the theme of the week. Split your group into pairs and go one-on-one to share the best things and worst things that happened last week. Get back into small group and have everyone share their partner’s highs and lows. Hold hands or lock elbows in a circle prayer, inviting young people to pray for their partner.

II. Thought-TimeYou might not get through each section in the Thought-Time handout—pick and choose the parts that best fit your group and time frame. A. Verse of the Week: Review the theme verse by saying or singing it together. B. Quotations of the Week: Ask young people to choose a quotation and tell why they like it.C. Cover Art/Cartoon: Look at the cover art or a cartoon and talk about the story it tells.D. Thought-Time Questions:

1. Do you think suicide is an unforgivable sin? Why or why not? Tough question. Affirm all thoughtful answers. Ask your pastor to be around to help out with this one.2. What are three things you can do for friends when they are depressed? Will you be enough of a friend to yourself and do these things for yourself next time your spirits are down? Affirm all thoughtful answers.Role Play: (Get up and act it out!)1. A friend who has been very depressed for months is suddenly extremely happy. They start giving all of their favourite possessions away. Confront them.2. After a painful break up, your best friend tells you he wants to die. Respond.

E. Terms of the Week: Discuss terms and write definitions.Depression: The condition of feeling sad or despondent, characterised by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, loss of appetite, feelings of extreme guilt, helplessness and hopelessness, and thoughts of death.Despair: To lose all hope.Hope: A wish or desire, and a confident expectation of its fulfillment.Hopelessness: Having no hope.Suicide: The act of ending your own life.

F. Optional Review: If you’re using the Head to the Heart journal, read through the FINKmania Quiz Bowl questions together asking what main teaching points your group wants to remember. (See answer key below.)

III. Group Business A. Servant Event Idea: Consider hosting a screening of To Save A Life mentioned in the media mix section of this lesson (ask your Pastor for more information.) You could consider holding it in a local high school. Invite young people and their parents. You could also invite a youth counsellor to talk about surviving teenage pressures.B. Family Check-in Time: If your church uses them, discuss the devotions contained in the Head to the Heart journal. Encourage young people to continue to take time with their families each night.C. Closing Prayer: Discuss special concerns and choose a prayer to bring back to the closing. Assign someone to pray it during PTA Prayer time.

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God;

for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”

– Psalm 42:1, 5-6a

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Suicide

Thought-Time Sheet

HOT TOPICS 7

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“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”

– Psalm 42:1, 5-6a

Begin small group time by sharing Highs & Lows of the week with one partner. Listen carefully and record your partner’s thoughts along with your prayer in the space below. Then return to your group and share your partner’s highs and lows. Close with hands held in a circle prayer, asking members to pray aloud for their respective partner’s needs.

My partner’s high this week was:

My partner’s low this week was:

My hope and prayer for my partner is:

Choose one of the following quotations that speaks to you and share why you chose it.

You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.

– Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa in the film “Rocky Balboa”

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. – Anonymous

Suicide, like a great work of art, is prepared in the silence of the heart.

– Gustave FlaubertQU

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1. Do you think suicide is an unforgivable sin? Why or why not?

2. What are three things you can do for friends when they are depressed? Will you be enough of a friend to yourself and do these things for yourself next time your spirits are down?

Role Play (Get up and act it out!): 1. A friend who has been very depressed for months is suddenly extremely happy. They start giving all of their favourite possessions away. Confront them. 2. After a painful break up, your best friend tells you he wants to die. Respond.

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Choose questions from the following to feed the discussion on the topic.

Discuss the following terms and write a definition.

Depression

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1) Share: How are things going? Find out by sharing Highs & Lows for the day. 2) Read: Read and highlight the verse for each day in your Bible, reflecting on how it applies to today’s Highs & Lows and asking God, “What does it mean for our family today?

Week 1 Week 2 Day 1 Psalm 42:1 Day 1 Psalm 22:1 Day 2 Psalm 42:5-6a Day 2 Romans 5:3b-5 Day 3 Psalm 40:1-2 Day 3 Romans 8:1 Day 4 Psalm 27:1 Day 4 Romans 8:26 Day 5 Nahum 1:7-8a Day 5 Romans 8:28 Day 6 Jonah 2:7 Day 6 Romans 15:13

3) Talk: Read and reflect on one of the quotations, questions or terms from this handout. More family devotions and activities are also available in the Head to the Heart journals, available at www.faithink.com.

4) Pray: Lift up a PTA prayer. Praise God, Thank Jesus, and Ask the Holy Spirit as you pray for the day’s Highs & Lows and for one another. Close in Jesus’ name.

5) Bless: Close by marking one another with the sign of the cross on the forehead or back of the hand and recite this or a similar blessing: “(Name), may God bless you this day and every day. Amen.”

Family Covenant: We have checked-in this week, shared Highs & Lows, read and highlighted verses assigned, prayed for and blessed one another.

_____________________ _____________________ __________ Parent’s Signature Teenager’s Signature Date

FAITH 5 Home HuddlesParents: Care to keep your family communicating each day and grow in your understanding of God? Try this simple, five-step, Faith Acts In The Home (FAITH 5) process for the next six days or nights and see if it doesn’t help! New to the process? Focus on Step 1 initially, and grow from there!


Go deeper online using FINKLink code:

@ www.faithink.com.auLF27

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