Dinner and Drive Time Tips December 3, 2017

Please read the Dinner & Drive Time below for preparation for the new unit on Megachurches, starting December 3rd.

Our next trip is scheduled for December 10, to visit a megachurch in Gaithersburg. The Church of the Redeemer (19425 Woodfield Road, Gaithersburg MD 20879) has about 10,000 people attending each week. It will be an experience. The class will attend the 11 am service, and meet with the Youth Pastor and some students after the service. Sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e44abac2aa3f49-uucc  

 Before the December 3 Session:  

• Spend some time with your youth watching one or all of the short videos below. All of them offer a new and evolving picture of Evangelicals. After watching one or all of them , have a discussion with your youth about your own assumptions about Evangelicals and Megachurches, as well as how those assumptions are changing (maybe even as a result of these videos!). Encourage your youth to talk about their own assumptions and how they are planning to work during this month to be open expanding their views.   
  • The ‘New Breed’ of Evangelicals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_afCG_coAQ 
  • Rob Bell discusses “Love Wins” on Good Morning America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufENWTtGAz0  
  • Oprah Goes Soul to Soul with Rob Bell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4vhjXQwrUc
• If you and your family are not familiar with the megachurch experience, you might want to familiarize yourself with it by watch these short clips together and comparing them to our own UU worship experience:
  • Bethel Church – worship & music:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYB_mElJtTI&list=RDg6_BLuhr0HQ&index=7  
  • Lakewood Church – worship & music:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnbxNy47XXM  
  • Joel Osteen – sermon clip:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAb3ckpi798  
  • Billy Graham – sermon clip:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c6qye-r2EA&index=7&list=PL79D3613A193294B6

 After December 3:

• In our centering worship we will listen to a rock version of “The Little Drummer Boy.” Focusing on the central line about “bringing one’s finest gifts,” we will ask your youth to think about their “finest gifts.” But just as the song lifts up the commonplace gift of playing a drum, we will ask the youth to talk about their seemingly “normal” but special gifts. For instance, their smile, artistic talent, positive attitude, ability to let things roll of their back, ability to listen. Consider asking your youth what they think their “common but finest” gifts are? Even better, consider telling them about what you think yours are.

 For You:

• Spend some time enriching your own understanding of the Evangelical Megachurch tradition by watching these videos:
  • Evangelicals and Politics: Three Generations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_SktYycndg  
  • Heaven and Hell: Pastor Rob Bell Extended Interview:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zBXuRIQ3gg