(10 minutes)
Supplies Needed: Pencils, paper
Dear Friend
Begin class by giving each student a pencil and piece of paper. Instruct them to write a letter to a good friend they have not seen in a while. (If they do not have a close friend who has moved away, ask them to imagine that their best friend has moved.) The students will need to explain why they have not been able to visit as well as what they plan to do when they finally are able to visit them.
When the students are finished, ask them to share their letters with the class. Then ask them the following questions:
How many of you have had close friends move away?
How did you feel not being able to see them for long periods of time?
If you were able to visit them, what feelings or emotions would you probably experience leading up to your visit?
Today’s Treasure Story is found in the first chapter of the book of Romans. Paul is writing a letter to the church in Rome, and he begins his letter by sharing feelings that the students probably expressed in their letters. Paul was unable to visit the church at Rome, but he strongly wanted to visit the believers there. At last, he is able to do so and has many things that he wants to share with them.