David C Cook COVID-19 Response

An Incredible Mission

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Materials Needed:

  • Internet access
  • “Mission” activity slips (1 activity per every 4 students; master list found here)
  • Optional: Mission activity props based on missions selected (instant cocoa, hot water, disposable cups; bottled water; bag of wrapped candy and a bowl; notecard, envelope, and pen/pencil)

Prior to class time, print out a master list of “mission” activities and cut apart the options so that each group of four students has a slip with one (1) mission activity to accomplish. Be sure to read through the activities and use only those that pertain to your situation (i.e., don’t use the one for parking lot attendants if your church does not have parking lot attendants). Feel free to create your own “missions” on slips of paper if more are needed.

If your class is meeting online, email the activity sheet to students before class. Using the breakout room feature of your video chat software, invite small groups of students to choose an item from the list to complete individually in the coming week. They can report back to their groups next week how their missions went.

When your group time begins, instruct students entering your class to form small groups of four (4) to carry out a short mission. When all groups are formed, hand one member in each group a small slip of paper with one short “mission” written on it (the master mission list can be found here; print and cut apart). Be sure to provide the props each group needs for activities selected.

When all the small groups have had a chance to complete their assigned mission, regroup and have one person in each group read their mission activity to the entire group and tell if it was accomplished or not.

Mention that what made today’s missions activities fun and meaningful was working together to accomplish a shared task and having what was needed to see it completed. Today’s video clip is about just that, accomplishing a shared mission together.

Today we’re going to watch a video clip about the InSight Mission to Mars. This mission’s goal was to have the craft land safely on Mars in order for it to teach all of the world about a faraway planet, especially the planet’s core. It seems this mission was carried out perfectly—everything went without a hitch and all systems were intact and working after a safe landing!

As you watch, observe how the crew and world reacts when this space mission is deemed a success. Consider what humans can now learn about this planet so very far away from planet Earth because of this successful mission.

Play the following video for your students [1:38].
NASA Lands InSight on Mars

  • Why was the crew on earth who launched and landed this craft so excited? (The mission was a very difficult one. It took many years to complete and many things could have gone wrong, yet the mission to Mars was a success.)

This successful mission to Mars was the result of years of study and hard work on the part of the crew. It also involved working together with a joint goal to carry out a mission and technicians using the newest equipment possible.

When we attempt to carry out our mission as Christians, we won’t find success unless we utilize the best tools and knowledge possible—God’s Word! Let’s take a closer look at the Christian mission we are to carry out and learn how Jesus first carried out this mission and made the way for us!

Looking for Steps 2 & 3?

You can find Steps 2 and 3 in your teacher’s guide. To purchase a teacher’s guide, please visit: Bible-in-Life or Echoes.

Materials Needed:

  • Slips of paper
  • Pens/pencils
  • Optional: retired missionary within your church

Spread the word

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