Getting Acquainted:
“Who Am I?”... II Samuel 7:18
Since January is the beginning of a New Year, it might be fun to see how your friends looked in their beginnings. Ask everyone to bring a picture from their early years. Line the pictures on a table with a corresponding number next to each photograph. Let everyone number their paper and write down who is in each picture. You may award a prize for the most correct guesses. You could ask if anyone wants to share a funny story from childhood.Bible Puzzles with the theme of a New Year and New Beginnings are Bible Firsts, Fantastic Firsts, and Creation.“Alpha And Omega”... Revelation 1:8
Alpha and Omega is a Bible game that can be played with teams. Bible verses are read and teams take turns telling which book the verse is from and if it is the first verse of the Bible book or the last verse.“Sword Of The Lord” Drills... Judges 7:18
Sword of the Lord Drills is another Bible game that can be played with teams. Players try to be the first to look up Scripture references provided. The verses used give directions for Christian living.Door Prize:
“As the Cold of Snow”... Proverbs 25:13
A useful door prize for winter would be a coffee mug with packs of hot chocolate mix or instant apple cider mix. If you wanted a little more, you might find a hat, scarf, or gloves that could be useful for "the cold of snow".Refreshments:
“Feed Me... That Same Red Pottage”... Genesis 25:30
A simple meal could be a pot of chili beans. It would be a nice hot dish on a cold day. And it would be easy for guests to hold a bowl of chili and eat even if you don't have room enough to sit around the table. If others want to help with refreshments, they can bring crackers, chips, salsa or finger-food desserts such as cookies or brownies.Another crock pot can hold hot apple drink. Heat a gallon of apple juice and add any of the following: cinnamon sticks, orange slices from one orange, a little brown sugar, frozen lemonade, red hot cinnamon candies or a peppermint candy cane. Devotions:
“What Have I Now Done?”... I Samuel 17:29
David asked, "What have I now done? Is there not a cause?" The New Year is a good time to look back at what you have done for the cause of Christ. We have so many avenues in our lives today and are pulled from place to place, but we need to keep our eyes in the right direction. We are here to glorify God. It is a good time to talk about things you can do, right where you are, where you live and work and play to forward the cause of Christ. You can talk about goals each one can set, and also other things you can do as a group. Stand up for what is right. Start the New Year with a purpose. Follow the example of Daniel, "Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself..." (Daniel 1:8) For Scripture ideas She Hath Done What She Could. You may want to talk about making the right choices throughout the year, Biblical Choices. For a Puzzle on Biblical Choices go to Making Choices.Out Reach:
“Teach Us To Number Our Days”... Psalm 90:12
The Psalm continues, "that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Many times you can find pocket calendars with scriptures throughout the months. Daily walks in God's Word and daily talks with Him in prayer can indeed make you wise. If you are able to supply a calendar for each guest it would be a good way to give them scripture daily. A fun activity could be guessing snow days. Each person could guess three days that he or she thinks it might snow. Appoint a "snow pal" to record all the days on a group calendar and keep up with actual snow days. At your spring meeting, the "snow pal" could announce a winner, if you have one.Projects:
“Distributing To The Necessity Of Saints”
... Romans 12:13Look around your community and choose a group in need. You may be able to collect blankets, gloves, or scarves for the homeless. You may want to have a food drive for a nearby shelter. Pick a project that everyone can participate in and work together to make a difference in the lives of others.
