Martin Luther King, Jr., Day

January 6th, 2012

Supplies: Bibles, excerpts from King's speeches and/or writings

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is a day that affords youth the opportunity to reflect on issues of justice, inclusiveness, race, and minorities' continuing struggle for recognition and opportunity. Toward that end, here are two thought-provoking activities that can help teens reflect on biblical themes related to this important day.

FULFILLING THE DREAM

Beforehand, look for speeches and/or writings in which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., articulated his vision for the United States and the world. He is most famous for doing this in his "I Have a Dream" speech, which he delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. His other famous works include 1963's "Letter From Birmingham Jail" and 1968's "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech, which he delivered the evening before his untimely death.

Bring in several pairs of prescription eyeglasses. You can gather these from youth and their parents or other members of your church, or purchase inexpensive over-the-counter reading glasses at a pharmacy or discount store.

After gathering your group, invite each teen to wear a pair of eyeglasses and to observe objects up close, at a distance, and far away. Have them jot down some of their observations and think about the following questions:

What did the eyeglasses do to your vision?

How did looking through the glasses help or hinder your ability to see clearly?

How did looking through the various lenses "shock" you into seeing things in a new way?

Read aloud an excerpt from Dr. King's, speeches or writings. (See the description above.) Then read Acts 2:14-21 together. Ask:

What new vision for our world does this prophetic text describe?

How is the "American dream" similar to or different from this vision?

Through what "lenses" do we look at other people? Does our vision need correction?

How, do you think, has Dr. King's vision for America been fulfilled? How has this vision remained unfulfilled?

Close with a prayer for the nation, for racial healing, and for the vision of God's holy and just kingdom to be realized.

Preparation: Obtain excerpts from speeches or writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. OR listen to them I Have a Dream, Mountaintop Speech

Supplies: Bibles, excerpts from King's speeches and/or writings,

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is a day that affords everyone (not just youth) the opportunity to reflect on issues of justice, inclusiveness, race, and minorities' continuing struggle for recognition and opportunity. Toward that end, here are two thought-provoking activities that can help your group reflect on biblical themes related to this important day.

FULFILLING THE DREAM
Beforehand, look for speeches and/or writings in which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., articulated his vision for the United States and the world. He is most famous for doing this in his "I Have a Dream" speech, which he delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. His other famous works include 1963's "Letter From Birmingham Jail" and 1968's "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech, which he delivered the evening before his untimely death.

Bring in several pairs of prescription eyeglasses. You can gather these from members of your church, or purchase inexpensive over-the-counter reading glasses at a pharmacy or discount store.

After gathering your group, invite each person to wear a pair of eyeglasses and to observe objects up close, at a distance, and far away. Have them jot down some of their observations and think about the following questions:

What did the eyeglasses do to your vision?
How did looking through the glasses help or hinder your ability to see clearly?
How did looking through the various lenses "shock" you into seeing things in a new way?

Read aloud an excerpt from Dr. King's, speeches or writings.
(See the links above or do additional research)

Then read Acts 2:14-21 together as a group
Discuss:

What new vision for our world does this prophetic text describe?
How is the "American dream" similar to or different from this vision?
Through what "lenses" do we look at other people? Does our vision need correction?
How has Dr. King's vision for America been fulfilled? How has this vision remained unfulfilled?

Close with a prayer for the nation, for continued racial healing, and for the vision of God's holy and just kingdom to be realized.

Add to Bin

Create a New Bin

My Bins