TEENS

Blood Donation Sunday School Lesson

Writing Activity + Discussion

  • 1.

    Ask students to find a blank piece of writing paper. Explain the idea of a ‘freewrite*’ to them. Give them the topic: “blood.” Set timer and begin.

  • 2.

    When the timer dings, ask students to put their pens down. Explain that you’re interested in what they think of when they think of blood. Would anyone like to share—either their whole freewrite or maybe just a word or two that came up during their writing?

  • 3.

    Write their words and ideas on a board for everyone to see.

  • 4.

    Once everyone has shared, begin a discussion of what blood means to Christians. Is the symbolism of blood different for Christians than secular, American culture? (For example, many people will think of death, injury, murder, Halloween, vampires, etc. when they think of blood. But for Christians, blood symbolizes life, health, gift, sacrifice, the cross, love).

  • 5.

    Pass out the sheet below and ask students to reflect on the images. Ask students to consider the difference between what the church teaches about blood and what, for example, TV shows teach about blood. Here are a few passages of scripture that might add focus to your discussion.

    • “For the life of the creature is in the blood.” —Leviticus 17:11

    • “Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’” — Luke 22:19-20

    • “And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” — Colossians 1:20

  • 6.

    Turn towards the subject of blood donation. Ask students why people might be afraid of blood donation (especially in light of the conversation you just had). What do they think about donating blood?

The Symbolism of Blood

Compare the different images, discussing the various messages we receive about blood.
Are both true? Why or why not?

Blood: Symbol of Death

 

Blood: Symbol of Life

What is a Freewrite?

A ‘Freewrite’ is an activity during which students are given a topic or theme of some kind and asked to write without restraint for some period of time (often 5-10 min). The idea is to prevent the inner critic from slowing the writing process. Grammar doesn’t matter. Spelling doesn’t matter. The only thing that does matter is that students do not put their pens down for the duration of the activity.