July Mentor Monthly
July Mentor Monthly
July Focus: Freedom
“So if the Son [of God] makes you free, you are really free.” John 8: 36 (ERV)
Week 1
Happy Independence Day! Our focus this month is on freedom, and this week we’re celebrating the Fourth of July.
WHY WE CELEBRATE:
Explain to your mentee the reason we celebrate the Fourth of July. Tell them that the United States used to be a part of Great Britain (what is now called the United Kingdom). King George III ruled over the people who first settled in the United States. He made them pay so many taxes that it was very hard for the colonists to pay for the things that they needed to survive. The king also made them follow all sorts of laws, like letting British soldiers live in their houses without their permission. The colonists could do nothing to change the laws because the king would not listen to them. Share that the Fourth of July celebrates the day when the American colonies declared they would no longer be ruled by the king in Great Britain.
CELEBRATE TOGETHER!
Whether you are able to watch with firework display with your mentee or not, a fun way to celebrate together is by making “Fireworks in a Jar”! This is an activity you can do with your mentee in person or over video chat.
SUPPLIES:
You probably already have the supplies for the experiment around your home! You will need:
- Warm water
- Liquid food coloring
- Vegetable oil
- Tablespoon
- Large jar
- Small glass jar or bowl
HOW TO MAKE FIREWORKS IN A JAR:
- Fill a large jar 3/4 way full with warm water.
- In a small glass bowl, add 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 4 drops of each color food coloring. Use a spoon or fork to slowly mix around the drops of food coloring to break them up into tinier droplets.
- Slowly and carefully pour the food coloring and oil mixture on top of the water.
- Watch the jar to see what happens.
If you and your mentee try this activity, be sure to share pictures with us on the Mentors Only Facebook page!
Activity and Photos from https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/fireworks-in-a-jar/
Week 2
Remind your mentee about the story of King George III from last week. Ask them if they remember anything he did or why the American colonists wanted to be free from him.
Now, share about another king, King Jesus. Explain to your mentee that King Jesus was unlike any other king who has ever lived. While King George III was happy to tax the people and live in his palace without caring at all for the people, King Jesus left his palace to be with the poorest of the poor. Not only that, but he offered everyone an invitation to his kingdom, where he has prepared a place for them to live too! Jesus did not steal people’s money or set harsh rules for them. Instead, he healed sick people, helped the poor, and multiplied fishes and loaves of bread to feed the hungry. He walked on water and even raised people from the dead. (Please feel free to share one of your favorite stories about Jesus with your mentee.)
Talk with your mentee about why you believe King Jesus was the very best king of all. Tell them about how Jesus was God’s son, and that makes him the King of all kings. Explain that best of all, the whole reason Jesus came to earth was to set people free! He wanted the world to be free from every bad thing like sickness and sadness, and he also wanted to set people free from sinning and doing things that hurt others. Share that Jesus is the only person who has ever lived who has the power to save people from the bad things that happen in the world. Read John 8:36 with them, “So if the Son [of God] makes you free, you are really free” (ERV).
Week 3
This week we’re still celebrating freedom, but with a twist! Mentors, give your mentees a little “freedom” by letting them choose what you all do together! There is one catch, though – whatever activity they choose must be free of charge. 😊
You may need to give your mentee a few examples to get their mind working:
- Design a scavenger hunt. Work together with your mentee and family to decide what you all search for!
- Visit a playground
- Take a walk, jog, or bike ride in the park
- Play a board game you already own
- Make a treat or snack together using things already in your pantry
- Create a masterpiece on the sidewalk using chalk
We hope you and your mentee have so much fun with this! Be sure to share a picture of what you all come up with on the Mentors Only Facebook Page.
Week 4
In our world today, freedom can seem like the chance to make our own decisions or to do whatever we want, whenever we want but that is not the freedom that Jesus promised us. While that may seem like freedom, it is really selfishness.
When we know Jesus, we know real freedom (John 8:36). We know that Jesus sacrificed himself for us to guarantee that we have a place in his kingdom. That means we are able to live and not worry about whether God loves and accepts us. We are free to worry less about ourselves, and instead we can think about those around us.
Remind your mentee of how much fun it was for them to choose the activity you two did together last week. Explain to your mentee that while you have the “freedom” to choose what you all do together every week, it would be selfish of you to use your freedom to do whatever you wanted without thinking of your mentee. Describe how you try to choose activities that you know your mentee will enjoy or that will help them develop skills they need or build their character.
In the same way, when we have freedom through Jesus, we are not free to just do anything we want. We use our freedom to do things that will bless other people around us too. Discuss 1 Peter 2:16 with your mentee, which says, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (ESV)
Week 5
1 Peter 2:16 says, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (ESV)
This week find an activity you and your mentee can do together to serve someone!