DISCUSS
Think of as many different people you can that we put our trust in. What makes us fully trust someone?
POEM
Give each member a copy of the poem (selected verses) ‘I trust in Jesus’ by Michael P Johnson (poemhunter.com). Perhaps a member would read it out:
Discuss the poem together.
- Which line spoke to you and why?
- Is there a line you would add? I trust …
- What parts of God’s character and his actions do you find it easier or more difficult to trust and why?
Psalm 11
Some translations of Psalm 11 start with ‘a statement about trust in God’ – or something similar. Ask members to share what they think a psalm about trust in God might say.
Read though Psalm 11 in various translations.
- What surprises you in this psalm? What is expected?
- What does the psalm say to you?
- What are the common words that crop up?
TASTE
Provide some different ‘tastes’ for members to try. Don’t tell them what they are and see if they can guess. Put some ‘unusual’ ones in there. Who is brave enough to try them blindfolded? Warn members who have severe dietary requirements.
Afterwards share:
- What did it feel like to put your trust in someone knowing you may not like the result?
- Were there any tastes you were pleasantly surprised about?
BAKE
Why not bake and enjoy a Victoria sponge – perhaps using a National Trust recipe? This simple but yummy staple is an all-time classic.
Thought
Can you go wrong choosing a Victoria sponge? We have faith in the recipe and trust that the sponge will rise in the oven. Our previous knowledge will let us know to expect a light sponge and sweet raspberry jam. And we know from experience what it will be and that it will taste good.
That’s just like our faith in God. We have put our faith in him in the past and we know good things come from trusting him – and not just cake!
CRAFT
Design a ‘rock verse’ using a garden stone and acrylic paints. An example is shown below, but you can decorate however you prefer, eg with ‘Jesus is my rock’.
Thought
Rocks are the foundation of many structures, like buildings and walls. Man has always used rocks, trusted rocks, to provide stability and protection. It is no wonder that the Old Testament describes God as a rock:
‘He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just’
(Deuteronomy 32:4).
In what ways do we choose to trust Jesus as our firm foundation?
GAME
Play a game of What’s in the pillowcase? Have items in a pillowcase and pass it around. Each member has to try and identify an everyday household item without being able to see what’s inside.
Thought
It’s not always easy to identify objects when we only use our sense of touch. We want to see, to validate it, with our own eyes. When do you find it hardest to trust when you don’t have all the facts? How does Psalm 11 encourage trust when life feels uncertain or shaky?
