THE LOVE OF GOD

Connect Week

Student Leader Roles:

• Promo – Promote the Club through social media, announcements, and any other outlets the school allows.
• Welcome – Stand at the door and welcome students to the Club as they arrive. Be sure to welcome any new students and connect them to the Club and Leadership so they feel like they have a place.
• Host – Start the Club with the Welcome, Prayer, Game (if applicable), and Memory Verse.
• Speaker – Lead the Club through Tool Time, and Dig In, using the EPIC Guide, and any supporting materials.
• Follow-up – Follow up with new (or newer) students, and students who accepted Christ for the first time or want to know more. This role requires follow-up every week, not just after INVITE Weeks.

Welcome: Welcome to First Priority! We are so glad that you have chosen to join us today! Our focus this month has been “The Love of God.” Today is CONNECT Week and we are so excited to share with you the many ways to connect with God through the local church.

Let’s start today’s club with prayer.

Opening Prayer: God, thank you for another great week that we get to be here at First Priority! I am so thankful for each and every person who joined us this week at the Club. I am also thankful for the local church and a place to gather in your name. Thank you, God, that you have placed people in groups that love you and that will help each other walk faithfully. In Jesus name, Amen.

Game – Optional (if time allows): Feel free to select a game that fits your needs best! Click here to see the list of games available.

MEMORY VERSE: 1 John 4:19(NIV) – “We love because he first loved us.

Leader Tip: do this next part in groups or ask just a few volunteers for each section.

Let’s take a moment to share about how we are connected to Christ, Club, and the local church and how we can get those around us to be connected as well!

Christ: Anyone want to share their connection to Christ story? (How they came to a relationship with Christ.)

Club: Who can we connect to this First Priority Club next week?

Church: Ask students

1. What Church do they go to? Where does your church meet and what time does it start?
2. Why do they go to their church?
3. What do they love about their church?

Leader Tip: Invite a Club Coach to share about their church!

Let’s read a verse from Lamentations.

Lamentations 3:22-23(NIV) – “22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Students’ challenges come in all different shapes and forms. From academic pressures to personal struggles, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain. But in the midst of it all, there is one constant that we can always rely on—God’s love. His love for us is unchanging and unwavering, a steadfast anchor in the stormy sea of life.

Imagine a parent who lovingly cares for their child through every stage of life. From infancy to adulthood, the parent’s love remains constant and unwavering. When the child stumbles and falls, the parent is there to pick them up, embracing them with compassion and encouragement. When the child achieves success, the parent rejoices with them, celebrating their accomplishments.

In this illustration, the parent’s steadfast love mirrors the unchanging and unwavering love of God. Just as a devoted parent remains steadfast and faithful in their love for their child, God’s love for us is even more profound. He is there to comfort and guide us through every joy and sorrow, offering His unfailing love and support.

No matter what we go through, whether in times of triumph or hardship, God’s steadfast love remains a constant presence in our lives. It is a love that endures through all circumstances, reminding us that we are never alone and that His love is unshakable. Just as a parent’s love is an illustration of steadfastness, God’s love for us is an even greater example of unwavering and unchanging devotion.

God’s love is steadfast, meaning it remains firm and unwavering, regardless of our circumstances or shortcomings. His mercies are endless, continuously flowing into our lives. And each day, we wake up to a fresh outpouring of His love and faithfulness. What a beautiful truth to hold onto!

Leader Tip: Break into small groups or have a large group discussion based on Club size. Give students 1-2 minutes per question based on Club time.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does knowing that God’s love is unchanging and unwavering impact the way you face challenges in your student life?
2. Can you recall a time when you experienced God’s love in a tangible way, despite your circumstances?
3. How can you actively remind yourself of God’s unchanging love during times of uncertainty or when you feel overwhelmed?

Take 2-3 minutes to allow students to give different prayer requests and pray for the needs of the students. Spend a few minutes praying for local churches.

Let’s close in prayer.

Closing prayer suggestion: God, thank you for the reminder of your unchanging and unwavering love today. We are so grateful that your love never fails, no matter what we face. Help us to carry this truth with us, knowing that we can always rely on you for strength, comfort, and guidance. As we go about our week, may we feel your love surrounding us and share it with those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

When we gather together next time, we will be starting another cycle! We are going to talk about SIN and how it affects our relationship with God. Be sure to join us for EQUIP Week! If you have been considering becoming a Student Leader, we would love to talk to you and see how we can get you plugged in! Feel free to come talk to one of our Student Leaders!

Leader Notes:

• Remember to file the report on this week’s Club numbers!
• Review leader roles for next week! Use this as an opportunity to recruit new leaders!

Announcement suggestions:
This is the place for the Club to make any announcements for the upcoming week and or month. This is a great spot to add Student Leaders to your team and give responsibilities to them. It is also the place to check on the upcoming school schedule for days off or breaks (your Faculty Sponsor is a great resource for this).