Hobbies And Interests
Year in Review
Ask the class, "What were the best and worst things that happened in the world this year?" Make two lists on the board as students call out ideas. Then ask, "What were the best and worst things that happened in your close circle of family and friends this year?" Have students respond by writing their answers secretly on an index card. For the final question, ask, "What were the best and worst things that happened to you personally this year?" After students have responded, have them each write a letter to God, praising him for the good things and asking for help for the bad things. Switch letters anonymously and instruct teens to pray for one another this upcoming year.
Talent Search
Hang approximately one dozen poster boards around the room. On each poster board, write a talent or skill, such as music, art, sports, public speaking, etc. Tell teens to stand by the poster board that best represents their strongest talent or skill. On the board, have them write ideas for how someone could use that talent to benefit the church. Then have students switch spots and stand next to the poster representing their second strongest talent, and repeat the activity. At the end of the activity, pass out signup sheets for various church ministries and needs, and let students commit to volunteering.
Cards of Life
Before class, prepare two set of cards, one card per student per set. On the cards, write good and bad things that could happen to a teen in the upcoming year. On one set, write things that are outside of a teen's control, such as "The U.S. declares war" or "Your dad loses his job." On the other set, write things that result from the teen's actions, such as "You start smoking" or "You get straight As." Throw the first set of cards in a pile on the floor. Have teens choose one at random and read their "fate" for the year. Let each student choose a card from the second set and read it. Talk about how in the coming year, external things will affect their lives as well as the choices they make.
New Year, New You
Ask teens, "If you could change anything about yourself, what would you change?" Have them jot down their responses on index cards. Instruct everyone to close his eyes. Next, ask a series of questions to determine what students wrote. Ask questions like, "Who wrote that they want to change something about their appearance? Their family? Their group of friends? Their academic life?" Have students raise their hands quietly to respond. Record the responses on the board. Finally, ask, "Who wrote that they wanted to change their relationship with Jesus?" Let everyone open their eyes, and discuss the responses. Is there anything surprising about their answers? What do students have in common?