Getting Acquainted:
“...Treasure In Earthen Vessels...” II Corinthians 4:7
This month we are experiencing the change from Summer to Autumn. Our choice of clothing changes as the weather brings us cooler temperatures and shorter days. The trees become brilliant with the changing colors of the leaves. A small farm setting would be a wonderful place for your group activity this month. A Bible Treasure Hunt is fun if you have the space for people to roam safely and freely. Small children can also enjoy this activity if placed on a team with adult supervision. Teams may collect any items found in the Bible, but some words are underlined in these verses to give quick ideas. Give each team a print-out of the verses and a bucket or bag for their collections. A red marker is also helpful for them to circle the items they find and to write additional treasures on the back. A loud bell or some other type of signal is needed to end the game.
“He Entered Into A Ship, And Passed Over...” Matthew 9:1
We are celebrating Columbus Day this month. You may wish to have a Columbus Day Relay if you have a big space. It can be played by a group of various ages. This game could also be used when studying the missionary journeys of Paul and the Apostles.
“... In Jeopardy” Luke 8:23
Another activity older guests may enjoy is the Bible Jeopardy for October. All the Bible Questions fall under the categories of: Columbus Day, "It's The Great Pumpkin", Falling Leaves, Longer Nights, and Sweater Weather.
Door Prize:
“...Marvelous Things Without Number” Job 5:9
The object of this game is to guess the number of things in the jar. Fill a decorative jar with candy corn. (Count the number of pieces before anyone arrives and seal the answer in an envelope.) Write "Name" and "Guess" on the top of a sheet of paper. Everyone should put their name and the number they guess on the paper. Explain that no one can use a number someone else has guessed. The person nearest the actual number wins the jar of candy. Have a second jar on hand in case of a tie, or explain that "the closest number without going over is the winner."
Refreshments:
“...Feast Of Harvest...” Exodus 23:16
Cook a pot of beef stew or boneless chicken pieces in advance. Ask everyone to bring a can of vegetables to make your Harvest Stew. (When adding the vegetables you may choose to pour off the water from some of the cans if necessary.) Cook, stirring occasionally, in a large stock pot over low heat until thoroughly warmed. If you have too many cans, donate them to a needy family, or charity organization.
Devotions:
“...The Harvest Truly Is Plenteous...” Matthew 9:37
Jesus said to the disciples, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:37) Don't pass up this opportunity to tell your guests about Christ. You may have special visitors that will come to a group outing, although they don't usually go to church. You can prepare a Bible lesson for the group or print copies of one of the Bible Puzzles on the Questions page for completion and discussion. Harvest Grapes is a linking-letter word puzzle. The Fruit of the Spirit Crossword Puzzle or a tic-tac-toe game of Love, Joy, Peace can be used if you wish to tie in your theme of harvest time with the fruit of the Spirit.
“...Great Is Our God Above All Gods...” II Chronicles 2:5
Many children enjoy watching "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". It is a good time to explain that the idea "it doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you are sincere" is not true. People who believe this may as well believe in the Great Pumpkin. Linus was sincere in his heart, but this did not make the Great Pumpkin real. We must believe in the one and only true living God. Go to Great Verses for a crossword puzzle on "Great" things found in the Bible.
Out Reach:
“...Be Witnesses...” Acts 1:8
There are many seasonal tracts that can be ordered or purchased at Christian Book Stores. A special way to make sure everyone takes home the Word is to ask each person, or family, to bring a bag of candy or fruit. Fill paper lunch sacks with the collected assortment and include the tracts. Your guests will be excited to have a "take-home" treat.
Projects:
“... Every Good Work” II Corinthians 9:8
A good project this time of year is collecting food for the needy. If you do this through your church, it is good to place the food in a special place where people can see it and be reminded to bring their donations each time they walk by. A good way to start the collection would be to ask each person to bring two cans of food for your meeting and use only as much as needed for your Harvest Stew.
