Innovative Ways to Encourage Learning

Under Construction: A Habitat for Humanity Event

Few things teach the value of Christian service as powerfully as actually “doing” Christian service. The ministry of Habitat for Humanity International has provided Christians a direct avenue for making a difference in the lives of others. When affordable housing becomes a possibility for families, more than just houses are constructed – a real community is built.

Under Construction is an emphasis that can help all ages in your church not only make a difference for others, but also learn a good deal about how an authentic Christian community is built. Under Construction does not require your church to be currently involved in a Habitat project.

What Is Under Construction?
This special emphasis provides learning opportunities for preschoolers, children, youth and adults. By gathering the entire congregation around the theme of Christian service and community building, the message is strengthened and more likely to bring lasting growth.

The church-wide emphasis uses Habitat for Humanity as an example of a way that Christians can be involved in direct service to others and their communities – living out the Gospel in our deeds. Children learn Bible stories about serving others, and about building community. They also discover that they too can make a difference through making and giving away helpful items. Youth and adults use creative learning settings to discover the value of Christian community, and how the community serves others.

Scheduling Options
There are many ways to create a church-wide emphasis around Christian community. Three ideas for scheduling are mentioned here:

Vacation Bible School
Many churches provide a Vacation Bible School each summer. Why not create your VBS around Christian community-building? Use the Under Construction materials to create an exciting VBS for preschoolers and children, as well as for youth and adults. You may wish to hold a VBS for preschoolers and children during traditional morning hours. If so, consider scheduling your adult and youth sessions on Wednesday or Sunday evenings for a month. Or, better yet, plan to hold your VBS in the evening, offering opportunities for all age groups. (Additional scheduling ideas and detailed morning or evening VBS plans are available in the Under Construction Administrator’s Guide).

A Five-week Emphasis
Choose to promote and schedule Under Construction across five Wednesday or Sunday evenings during the summer. Replace your church’s normal evening programming with Under Construction.

Session Themes
These themes and scriptures are the focus of sessions for children, youth and adults.

One: The Community Shares—Exodus 35:20-29
Two: The Community Cares—Luke 5:17-26
Three: The Community Learns—Acts 8:26-40
Four: The Community at Worship—Joshua 24
Five: The Community Celebrates—Nehemiah 12:27-43

Resources
• The Under Construction package contains an Administrator’s Guide and a teaching guide for preschoolers, plus 5 “job site” teaching guides for use with children, including a music book and CD. The package also includes promotional materials and other useful items for planning a VBS or special study in your church. A portion of the sale of each Under Construction package benefits Habitat for Humanity International. Call 800-747-3016 or visit http://www.helwys.com/uc/index2.html to obtain materials.

• Free downloads for logos, press releases (edit them for your church’s needs), church bulletin, or newsletter announcements, forms, helpful articles and more can be found at: http://www.helwys.com/uc/supplies.html

• For a teaching guide for youth and adults, visit
http://www.nextsunday.com/nextsunday/
web-content/biblestudy/youthbible/ybs_commbuilddp.html