Children love to help, and teens love to make a difference by being a part of something big. Caught in the middle of childhood and adolescence, middle schoolers often display both of these qualities making middle school the perfect time to adopt a class service project. A service project can be a rewarding experience as students learn what Jesus’ command to love your neighbor can look like.
Can I Help?
I like cleaning the windows in my house. Everything looks brighter and more cheerful when the sun is coming through the glass unhindered by fingerprints and water spots. Unfortunately, my youngest son also likes to clean windows. Though after he is done you would not be able to tell that that was actually his goal. But when I hear, “Mommy, can I help you?” I always take a deep breath and hand him the paper towel. Teaching him to help others is more important than spotless glass (although you can be sure that window is getting redone the minute he is out of the room.) Teaching our students to love their neighbors is a crucial part of Christian education, and a service project is a great way to do that. Make cards for the shut-ins in your congregation. Write letters to missionaries overseas. Collect items for your local food pantry. Hold a diaper drive for needy mothers. Take a field trip to an elderly church member’s house to clean the windows!
Service Projects for Middle School
If your class would like to adopt a missionary, this site has some wonderful candidates! Secondly, making cards for shut-ins or those on your prayer list is a cinch with these free printable cards. Lutherans For Life provides support to mothers in need. Supporting them would be a great service project for middle schoolers.
If you are looking for more ready-to-use resources for your students, check them out in my store.
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