Middle School Gathering Resources: Listed by Schedule
Below is a suggested schedule if your group is meeting in-person or online for a one-day event. Pick and choose resources to best meet the needs of your group and the time you have allotted for your event.
Printable Schedule
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Middle School Gathering Resources:
It is important to make youth feel welcome as they arrive in-person or online, and set up expectations for your time together. A helpful trick is to engage youth in an activity to do while you are waiting for others to arrive.
Arrival Activity Instructions Nametag Handout (8 per page) Nametag Handout (1 per page) Safety Guidelines 
Games help build relationships and help engage youth in an event. Choose from this resource for your first session of games.
PDF: Games Option 1 Word: Games Option 1 
The large group session is designed to inspire youth, and get them thinking about the theme. Think of this as a funnel - start with high energy songs (to listen to and do actions), a crowd participation game, then slow songs down a bit to help youth focus before they listen to the faith talks and keynote speaker. End with a more upbeat song.
Songs: Adjust the number of songs based on your group. Some groups love to do actions, even if they can't sing. Others hate actions and may only want to listen to one song - or none. Song Ideas Crowd Participation Game: PDF: Crowd Participation Game Word: Crowd Participation Game Faith Talks by LYO (Choose 1-2): Emily Bohnsack Brady Johnson Else Madsen Anna Pancoast Autumn Pollock-Shimer Emma True Keynote Speaker: Keynote Speaker: Joe Davis 
This is time for your group to pause and reflect on what you are learning and experiencing. As suggested in the Discussion Guide, you may wish to do this at more than one time throughout your day-long event.
PDF: Family Time Discussion Guide Word: Family Time Discussion Guide I Believe Handout Flip Flops Question Mark 
Whether in-person or online, your group has been sitting a long time! Choose from this list of games to get them moving and interacting with each other.
PDF: Games Option 2 Word: Games Option 2 
There are more Learning Cluster options than time allowed. Choose three of the Learning Cluster options from the list below, based on what you think will work best for your group. It can be helpful to have an extra Learning Cluster ready in case your group finishes early with the three Learning Clusters you chose.
Learning Cluster 1: Overview of Apostles' Creed PDF: Discussion Guide Word: Discussion Guide Video: Apostles' Creed Overview Learning Cluster 2: Overview of Apostles' Creed PDF: Discussion Guide Word: Discussion Guide Handout: Apostles' Creed Handout: What I Believe Video: The Creed Video: "We Believe" by the Newsboys Learning Cluster 3: First Article (God the Creator) PDF: Discussion Guide Word: Discussion Guide PPT: PowerPoint to Use with Learning Cluster 3 Video: "Do Something" by Matthew West Learning Cluster 4: First Article (God the Creator) PDF: Discussion Guide Word: Discussion Guide PPT: PowerPoint to Use with Learning Cluster 4 Video: Reflections in a Mirror Video: Realities of Middle School Life Video: The Balloon Skit Video: "You Say" by Lauren Daigle Learning Cluster 5: Second Article (Jesus) PDF: Discussion Guide Word: Discussion Guide Learning Cluster 6: Second Article (Jesus) PDF: Discussion Guide Word: Discussion Guide Video: Jesus is Coming to Dinner Video Script: Jesus is Coming to Dinner Learning Cluster 7: Third Article (Holy Spirit) PDF: Discussion Guide Word: Discussion Guide Video: Holy Spirit Learning Cluster 8: Third Article (Holy Spirit) PDF: Discussion Guide Word: Discussion Guide Video: Holy Spirit Video 
Our culture rarely gives time to stop and be. This resource invites youth to spend time alone with God - thinking about what they have learned...praying...and letting God speak to them.
Instructions Journal PowerPoint 
Conclude your event with worship!
Liturgy Script and Instructions PowerPoint Song Ideas Sermon with Bishop Amy Odgren Apostles' Creed Video LYO Benediction |