FINAL DEVOTION PROJECT

Explanation of project: You and your class will lead all MRE classes in a sacrament of one of the Western Religions we’ve studied (Judaism, Islam, or Christianity).  The goal of this project is to educate your peers, more thoroughly, on the rituals and liturgies found in these religions. You must provide the class with a “shared experience”, meaning: the class must participate in this devotion in some way.  After your research, you will find that some of the more common shared devotional experiences are: responsive readings and prayers, partaking in a meal, or singing. At the least, if your sacrament is difficult to “share”, you must provide the class with a “fill-in-the-blank” worksheet of your presentation.  

I.                    Determine which religion you would like to research their sacraments/tenants. Some of the more common are:

Islam: Salat, Shahada, Hajj(or any portion of it)

Judaism: Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Sabbath, Passover meal, or any one of the festivals

Christianity: Baptism, confirmation, Easter/Christmas/Pentecost Sunday service, Lord’s Supper

If you have an idea of a devotional experience, not on this list, please discuss it with me first.

II.                  During your devotional you must include these elements:

a.       History of the origin of the sacrament

b.      Scripture from the holy book that recounts this experience or which will be recited

c.       Leading of the sacrament including the “shared experience”- you can show a video of actual worshippers engaged in this sacrament to help your ‘congregation’ understand what typically happens during this, but there must also be something for your congregation to engage in as well, led by you and your partners.

III.                Length: 15-20 minutes (this includes any ‘set-up’ that needs to happen)

IV.                Due Date: Semester Exam time- Conflict C: 11:00-1:00 on Friday, January 18^th

V.                  Total point value: 50 points- Historical perspective: 10 points, Scriptural reference: 10 points, Shared experience: 30 points

Enjoy this experience and getting to lead your ‘congregation’ of 60 people towards a more personal fulfillment of one religion’s understanding of worship!

Jesus in the Carols

Jesus in the Christmas Carols

For Christians all over the world, Christmas is more than just presents and family get-togethers. He is the “reason for the season” as some would say. So, to begin our look into the Christian religion, please complete this assignment at some time from now until January 4^th.

Attend a Christmas Carol concert or other service where Christian Christmas carols are sung. Get a short video (less than 30 seconds) or picture of yourself at this concert/service. While you are there, pick one of the carols that is unfamiliar to you (or one of the ones you know least).

Research that Christmas carol online. When was it written? By whom? What part of the Christmas story is it talking about or celebrating? Is that part of the Christmas story even in the Christian scriptures? (Read Luke, Chapter 2 in the Bible or at biblegateway.com). Finally, how is Jesus portrayed in this carol? What is he called? What does he “bring” or give to people?

Upload the picture or video, your research (less than a page of reflection on this) on your blog page by January 4^th.

Here is a list of potential Christmas carol services and concerts here in Seoul before you leave:

•       Friday, Dec. 7^th : 9 Lessons and Carols

•       British School concert at 7pm in the Lyso Center

•       Monday, Dec. 10^th- 5:15 in the Choir Room- Caroling around SFS

•       Meet the Psalms singers and carol around campus. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. There will be hot chocolate in the CM office afterwards!

•       Saturday, Dec.15^th- Handel's "Messiah" by the Camarata Music Company

•       7PM at Chungdong First Methodist Church.  

•       Tickets are 15,000 won in advance (see Mrs. Lyso) and 25,000 won at the door.  

•       Christmas Eve services in the churches around the world

•       Look into any Christian church website for services on Dec. 24^th.

Islam Video

In case you wanted to go back and watch the video from the Mosque trip :) 

40 Most Beautiful Mosques Article

http://thewondrous.com/40-most-beautiful-mosques-around-the-world/

Check out this link! It shows 40 of the most beautiful mosques in the world!

Researching Islam Project

Choose one option below and work with others in class. This group project completion will be your “quiz” grade for Islam; 3-4 students working on the same project. Due: the next class period after the field trip.

Choice1- Symbols and Architecture of Islam: What are the symbols associated with Islam and what do each mean? What kinds of decorations will one see in a mosque (What can and cannot be used)? What are some of the major holy sites/buildings in Islam?

            Create a PPT “Brochure” of sights that one person “sells” or create an artistic recreation of Islamic art with caption

Choice 2- The Hajj In-Depth: Where, what, why, how many, etc. of the pilgrimage to Mecca.

            Create a board game of the Hajj- for 4 people to play

Choice 3- The ABCs of the Koran: How was Koran created? Search out the scriptures of the Koran and learn the holy words along with the design.

            Create a PPT “ABC” book using Scripture and explanation as if you were teaching young children about the Koran

Choice 4- Islam in the News: Explore different news sites and find articles within the last 3 months pertaining to Muslims, Muslim controversy, celebrations, or other news events.  How is Islam portrayed in the media?

            Create an iMovie or other video & music/voice over presentation of how Islamic countries/events are covered in the media.

Choice 5- Festivals and Holy Days: How do Muslims celebrate their faith or remember Allah? How is it affected or changed depending on the different countries that celebrate it?

Create a new festival that is consistent with Islamic beliefs and the Korean culture.  Consider the length and purpose of this holy festival and share/lead others in the class. Food? Clothing? Prayers? Offerings/Actions? Be able to “lead” the class in this festival.

O'Dreidel

I have a little dreidel

I made it out of clay

And when it's dry and ready

Then dreidel I shall play

CHORUS

Oh dreidel dreidel dreidel

I made it out of clay

And when it's dry and ready

Then dreidel I shall play

It has a lovely body

With legs so short and thin

And when it is so tired

It drops and then I win!

CHORUS

My dreidel's always playful

It loves to dance and spin

A happy game of dreidel

Come play now, let's begin!

CHORUS

A Boy Shares His Perception of Heaven

A 4-year old boy goes through a near death experience during surgery and claims that he saw God and heaven. Colton, the boy, shares his perception of heaven and God.

Things To Think About:

Surprisingly, Colton's parents shared that people quickly believed their story and encouraged to spread the word.

Do you think that people were quick to believe this story because it contained some kind of answer to their questions about life?