US: 800.426.6596 davidccook.com/echoesCanada: 800.263.2664 yourchurchzone.ca

ECHOESAFRICAN-AMERICAN CURRICULUM

For years, Echoes curriculum has been one of the most widely used resources for African-American

churches. Every lesson is easy to use, teacher friendly, strengthens the entire church body with a

shared quarterly theme, and is certain to keep your classes engaged with relevant Scriptural content

that applies to their everyday lives.

Features Include:• Easy-to-use four-step lessons make teaching a snap

• Bible-based lessons encourage application in real-life situations

• Shared quarterly themes, across all age levels, tie the study of God’s Word together

• ISSL lessons offered to suit the needs of your adult classes

• Flexible and affordable to meet any church budget

• Free weekly downloads through EchoesDownloaded.com tie into current news stories

and topics to take your class deeper into the lesson

Special Features Include:• Quarterly Superintendent’s handbook helps leaders unify their Sunday school

• African-American Book Review presented in high school Blueprint

• Highlights in Black History featured quarterly in teacher’s guides for preschool through adult

• Ministry tips and ideas and quick references assist teachers in each lesson

• Appealing African-American artwork and engaging content for students of all ages

US: 800.426.6596 davidccook.com/echoesCanada: 800.263.2664 yourchurchzone.ca

10

01Lesson

Lesson Overview

Faith Calls for PerseveranceThe Boldness—The Book of Hebrews tells us Christians can con-

fidently stand before God and present their petitions to Him. All

God’s children have the privilege of pouring out their hearts to Him,

talking with Him, and receiving personal answers. The Blood—Before Christ’s death, a thick veil separated the Holy Place

from the Most Holy Place, the room in the temple symbolizing God’s presence. If anyone were to go into the Most Holy Place other than the

high priest, it meant certain death. The high priest entered once a year on

the Day of Atonement with sacrificial animal blood on his hands. He was

the only one who could enter, and this was the only way to approach God

to ask for the removal of the people’s sins (Lev. 16:11-17). When Christ hung His head and died on the cross, the temple veil tore

from top to bottom, without any human effort! It was as if God Himself

declared, “My Son Jesus destroyed the dividing wall between Myself and

man.” No more sacrifices are needed to reconcile God to man. Instead we

can come to Him with arms outstretched like a little child, saying, “Thank

You, Daddy.” The Believers—The Book of Hebrews encourages brothers and sisters

in Christ, as much as possible, to gather together to encourage each other

with the promises stated in the Bible. Jesus will return soon. Brothers and

sisters need to constantly pray about ways to love and help each other stay

committed and grow in the Lord. The Ban—The Gospel message is all over television, billboards, and

the Internet, yet many people are still deceived and blinded. “I’ll get into

heaven my way,” they think, by giving money, going to church, trying to

be good—all manmade ways to try to reach heaven. But God is serious;

there is only one way into His presence. The blood of Jesus has paid the

price of our sins.

Suggested Material for As Your Students Arrive:A cross and something opaque to cover it with, such as a towel or a handkerchief

1 Life NeedDiscuss ways that someone’s perseverance was rewarded.2 Bible LearningLearn why we need to persevere in believing what we know to be true about Jesus.

Suggested Material:Adult Teacher’s Resource Kit: Poster and reproducible sheet—Hebrews: A Definition of Faith3 Bible ApplicationDiscuss what we can do so we persevere in our faith.Suggested Material: • Adult Teacher’s Resource Kit: Reproducible worksheet— Persevering Together• Two sheets of newsprint, colored markers, adhesive tape4 Life Response Make a commitment to perse-vere in your faith.

Photo: © Shutterstock

Week of September 2

Lesson Scripture:Hebrews 10:19-31

Lesson Focus: Together we persevere in faith.

Church/Home Theme:God Our Creator Calls Us

Perfect for All Ages

Scope & Sequence

Format

With Echoes, you can select curriculum by a specific age level or customize it to provide one solution for all.

Toddler (18-36 months)

Preschool (3 years-Pre-Kindergarten)

Early Elementary (Kindergarten-1st Grade)

Elementary (2nd-3rd Grade)

Upper Elementary (4th-5th Grade)

Toddler through Early Elementary – 2 Year Cycle

Elementary through High School – 3 Year Cycle

Adult Comprehensive Bible Study – 6 Year Cycle

Adult Understanding the Bible – 8 Year Cycle

To view the complete Scope & Sequence visit www.DavidCCook.com/Echoes

Family-friendly

Classroom model

Printed curriculum

Additional online resources available

Middle School (6th-8th Grade)

High School (9th-12th Grade)

Adult – Comprehensive Bible Study (ISSL)

Adult – Understanding the Bible

(book-by-book study)

8 Lesson 1

lesson 1

UnderStanding the

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Memory VerseThe heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

—Psalm 19:1

In Genesis 1 we see God as Creator, Designer, and Molder of our magnifi-cent universe. We see God intimately

concerned about His work, bringing it all into being in an orderly way. We see humanity presented as the crowning work of Creation, with specific tasks to do and responsi-bilities to fulfill. We see humanity in fellowship with God until sin enters the picture (Gen. 3). And we see God’s continuing and persistent love for humanity even after that intimate fellowship was broken by sin. Several New Testa-ment passages comment on the nature of God’s creative work and how Creation tells us what God is like.

“What is seen was not made out of what was visible” (Heb. 11:3). Here the author of Hebrews expresses the doctrine later called creatio ex nihilo (creation out of nothing). The universe is not eternal; only God is eternal. He spoke the universe into existence (Ps. 33:6, 9).

In different ways some people today mistakenly worship creation rather than the Creator. For instance, some scien-tists devote their lives to studying nature but fail to believe in God. Unbelievers see but do not perceive, hear but do not understand (Isa. 6:9-10) because of a lack of faith. Ever since Adam, sin has interfered with the human ability to perceive God. It takes a work of grace to open spiritual eyes and ears.

Bible Basis:The God who exists is eternal and can be known (the thrust of Gen. 1 in light of Rom. 1:19-20 and Heb. 11:3).

Bible Truth:Creation gives evidence to the existence of God.

Lesson Aim:That your students reaffirm their faith in God through an examination of His creation.

STEP 1 . Life Need (5–10 minutes)

•  Discuss the reality of God’s existence.•  Optional: Talk about the limits of science.��� “4 Views of Creation” from Blueprint��� Whiteboard��� Markers��� Optional: index cards

STEP 2 . Bible Learning (15–20 minutes)

•  Observe how nature reflects the presence of God.

•  Talk about the different ways God reveals Himself.��� Copies of Blueprint��� Pencils or pens

STEP 3 . Bible Application (5–10 minutes)

•  Complete an exercise about faith. Discuss how to convince skeptics of God’s exis-tence.��� Optional: Coordinate an imaginary panel discussion.��� “It Didn’t Just Happen” poster from Blueprint ��� Optional: index cards

STEP 4 . Life Response (about 5 minutes)

•  Consider how to deal with doubt about God’s existence.��� Paper��� Pencils or pens � Optional: “4 Views of Creation” from Blueprint

Unit 1 Theme:The God Who Created Us

The Heavens Declare

Lesson 1 9

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Understanding Your StudentsSome students in your group were practically raised in church.

It may surprise you when they begin to have doubts about what they’ve been taught concerning God. It is a step toward maturity for them to question and make their faith their own. Remember, God is not scared of their questions, and there is no need for you to panic either.

A few of your teens may go so far as to question the very existence of God. After all, if God doesn’t exist, it’s a whole different ball game. What does one have to lose if there is no one to answer to when all is said and done?

Today’s Scripture makes it clear that people are without excuse if they come to the

conclusion that God doesn’t exist. The design and beauty of nature gives overwhelming evidence of God’s existence. One of the functions of Creation is to point people to God— this is called general revelation.

Scripture tells us of our separation from God, and also explains how to enter into a relationship with Him. The Bible (Scripture) is called special revelation.

In this lesson, you will be using both types of revelation to reaffirm your students’ faith in God’s existence.

Some students may question more than others. If students are honestly seeking the truth, they will find it with God’s grace.

The Name Game

Objective: That your students get to know each other’s names.

This is a fun icebreaking activity that will help students get to know one another a little better.

Have students think of one adjective that describes them and begins with the ini-tial letter of their first name; for example, Awesome Andraé or Rappin’ Rita.

Choose one person to start. Each person must repeat the first person’s descrip-tive name and then give his or her own. This continues until the last person has repeated the descriptive names of all the people in the class.

In Step 3 of this lesson your students will express some personal views, and perhaps doubts, about the existence of God. Encourage an open forum.

By this point in the lesson you already will have considered the posi-tive evidence of God’s involvement in Creation. If any doubts are registered, ask students to reconsider their uncertainties in light of what you just studied together.

“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command” (Heb. 11:3). Christians have faith in God and in God’s revelation. The fingerprints of God are all over His creation.

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STEP 1 . Life Need (5–10 minutes)

10 Lesson 1

Lesson Aim:

Objective: That your students consider the reality of faith in the existence of God.

Materials:��� “4 Views of Creation” from Blueprint��� Whiteboard, markers��� Optional: Index cards

. Can you prove God exists? Does it make sense to believe in Him? Does nature say anything about the existence of God?

Write these statements on the board before class begins: “Faith is unscientific. The existence of God cannot be proven by faith.” Carefully read the statements I’ve written on the board. Think about how you would attack them or show their weakness. (Possible response: Reason and experimentation go only so far. Even scientists put faith in theories they believe are accurate. Faith carries us further than reason.)

. Can we know for sure what Creation tells us and what it means to our faith? Perhaps we can find some answers to this question by examining evidence in light of Scripture’s interpretation.

Have students turn to pages 9-10 in Blueprint and read “4 Views of Creation.” On a whiteboard, create a chart of the four viewpoints of Creation. Use the following categories in your chart:

1. Length of time 2. What was the role of God in Creation? 3. Were there other forces at work?4. Is this view compatible with the Bible?

. How do these views point toward a creator? Explain.

OpTiOnal acTiviTyDivide your class in half. Have each group refute one of the following statements and then present their argument to the class. Write the following two statements on cards so your students can remember them clearly as they are coming up with arguments.

. 1. An astronaut claimed that on his flight into space he could not see God; therefore God must not exist. (Possible response: According to the astronaut, if you don’t see something, then it must not exist. Scripture says God is a Spirit and we must worship Him in spirit and in truth. It doesn’t say we should wait to worship Him until after we see Him.)

. 2. It’s only a matter of time until scientists know all the answers to nature’s mysteries. Scientific investigation will eventually explain the universe. (Possible response: Some questions will never be answered by scientists. They weren’t there to observe how things began, and there are many mysteries they are far from solving. Some mysteries, no matter how sophisticated the technology, will never be solved by people. Scientists can gather only so much evidence; then they must theorize about these mysteries.)

gg

That your students reaffirm their faith in God through an examination of His

creation.

Free! Downloadable Options for Steps 1 and 4. RealLifeDownloaded.com

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STEP 2 . Bible Learning (15–20 minutes)

Bible Basis:

Lesson 1 11

The God who exists is eternal and can be known (the thrust of

Gen. 1 in light of Rom. 1:19-20 and Heb. 11:3)

Objective: That your students consider evidence from Scripture that shows God can be recognized in nature.

Materials:��� Copies of Blueprint��� Pencils or pens

Today’s Scripture and the Bible study on page 7 of Blueprint illustrate how we can know God exists, and also know what He is like.

Text is reprinted below for your convenience.

n From Blueprint—Reflections of GodRead through Genesis 1 as if you didn’t know anything about

God except what this Scripture tells you. On the chart, list all His characteristics that you can know for certain or that are implied in these verses.

For example, for Genesis 1:1 you could write the fact that God is the Creator.

You might also put on your list that He is eternal because this is implied. You can assume that if God was present in the beginning, He Himself had no beginning. Now you try it. (See “Characteristic of God” chart below for possible student answers.)

When your students finish filling in the first side of the chart entitled “Characteristic of God” on page 7 of Blueprint, have them read their answers out loud. Be sure to ask which characteristics the text states plainly and which ones are only implied.

Read Romans 1:19-20. On the chart below, make a list of things in nature that display the characteristics of God found in Genesis 1. For instance, moun-tain ranges display God’s creative pow-er, and sunsets show His love for beauty. (Again, see “Characteristic of God” chart for possible student answers.)

Read Romans 1:19-20 out loud to the class. Now have students fill in the second half of the chart on page 5 entitled “As It‘s Seen in Nature.”

. In light of these verses from Romans, how would you explain to a small child the way God can be seen in creation? (Romans 1:19-20 tells us God reveals Himself through His creation. For example, we see God’s power when we look at the huge oceans He created. His stars are even bigger. His galaxies are still bigger. The order of our solar system shows God’s wisdom. Our planet works with the sun and moon to make climates and seasons. Planets

Characteristic of God

1. God is the Creator of the universe

2. God is eternal

3. God is all-powerful

4. God is creative and purposeful

5. God loves that which is good and beautiful

6. God is the provider of daily needs

7. God is the source of all authority

As It’s Seen in Nature

1. The very existence of a created order implies there is a creative force behind it

2. God was present before anything created existed, so God Himself must have no beginning

3. Mountain ranges, powerful rivers

4. The design and order in nature

5. Sunsets, beautiful flowers

6. Nature is a source of food for human beings and animals

7. God gave mankind dominion over all the earth

12 Lesson 1

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move around the sun in the same direction. God’s concern for His creation can be seen in the natural and mysterious survival instincts He built into wild animals, birds, and reptiles.)

. Look at Hebrews 11:3. According to this verse, how did God create? What materials did He use? How are we to respond to something like this, something that cannot be proven by the technical tools available to us? (God created out of nothing. He simply spoke Creation into existence—there was no “stuff” with which He created. The Christian responds to this truth by faith. Just because we don’t have the tools to prove this doesn’t conclusively show it didn’t happen. All it says is that we don’t have the tools to observe it.)

Some people refuse to believe a Creator exists, even though reason tells them something outside of the created order started the ball rolling. God could do this because He had no beginning; He is self-existent or eternal.

On the other hand, no one can ever totally discover God and develop a relationship with Him just by looking at His creation.

. Even so, the evidence of Creation is enough to condemn unbelieving people (according to Rom. 1:20). Why is this? (Creation is like a sign God put up for everyone to see that says, “Look, I exist.” This sign is so conspicuous that anybody saying “I don’t believe in God” has deliberately ignored the sign. For that, he is to be condemned. Or if he comes to the conclusion there is a God, he still doesn’t know this God, because nature can’t bring him all the way to God.)

Today’s memory verse Psalm 19:1 talks about how nature tells us about God. Let’s read it together. You can find the verse on the first page of this lesson, on page 8 of Blueprint, or look it up in a Bible.

God didn’t create the skies, stars, and trees to communicate His salvation message. Instead, He allows them to simply point to Himself. He gave the job of communicating the Gospel to His followers (with the help of His Word).

Nature doesn’t prove God’s existence to the world; but it gives enough evidence that only rebellion would cause us to refute it. It’s through God’s specific revelation, the Bible, that we are told how to be reconciled with Him. It is through faith that we must take the final step in establishing a friendship with God.

Today'S SCripTure

Romans 1:19-2019What may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Hebrews 11:3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Lesson 1 13

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STEP 3 . Bible Application(5–10 minutes)

Objective: That your students study and discuss a step-by-step rationale for faith in the creator.

Materials��� “It Didn’t Just Happen” poster from Blueprint��� Optional: index cards

Have students turn to the “It Didn’t Just Happen” poster on page 6 in Blueprint. If possible, have a science teacher or scientist who is a Christian join in your discussion here.

. In this lesson we examined Scripture that teaches how Creation points to our Creator. Some scientists believe nature teaches us nothing about God. Can this conflict between science and Scripture be resolved? Is it irrational to believe in the Creator?

Have a volunteer read aloud Genesis 1:1 found on the poster.

. Have you ever tried to explain to a skeptical friend, classmate, or teacher why you believe God created the world? What kind of response did you get?

. How did you feel about the response you got?

The Bible is not a science textbook. It doesn’t claim to make technical statements. Yet we can believe what it says about scientific things. Science proposes theories and hypotheses, statements that often change as people gain more knowledge.

Whenever the Bible and science seem to disagree, we must ask questions. We must consider the limitations of the tools used to get the scientific information. We should also make sure we understand the language of the Bible and intention of the author.

OpTiOnal acTiviTyWrite the following statements on index cards. Assign each one to a different student. Students not assigned statements will be part of the jury. Set up a table for those who will present statements. The jury decides whether the statement is:

• reliable or unreliable in determining how the world was created.• biblical or scientific.• fact or theory.

Statements for Creation-of-the-Earth Hearing:1. Mr. Moses: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”2. Mr. Chamberlain: “The solar system developed when the sun collided with another

star. The resulting debris became the earth and the planets.”3. Mr. Rice: “Using His power, wisdom, and intelligence, a loving, intelligent God

created the earth and the solar system.”4. Mr. Hoyle: “By chance, vast clouds of cosmic matter condensed here and there into

larger bodies of cosmic matter, giving rise to the sun and surrounding planets.”

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14 Lesson 1

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STEP 4 . Life Response(5–10 minutes)

Bible Truth:Creation gives

evidence to the existence of God.

Objective: That your students discuss their perspective on God’s existence.

Materials:��� Paper��� Pencils or pens��� Optional: “4 Views of Creation” from Blueprint

Have students break into pairs. Assign one of the following questions to each pair. Ask them to discuss the problem, decide on a solution, and be prepared to present it to the class. If your class enjoys roleplaying, ask several pairs to prepare short readings to present to the other students.

. 1. How would you use today’s text and other things you know about God to explain His existence to a friend who doesn’t believe in Him?

. 2. A friend tells you he used to believe in God before seeing the miracles of medicine. But now science has done many things he used to think only God could do. Now he doubts there is a God. How would you respond to this friend?

Close the class in prayer. While you are praying, make the point that you are not just talking to the air, but to a living, personal God who does exist.

OpTiOnal acTiviTyReread “4 Views of Creation” on pages 9-10 in Blueprint. Encourage students to divide into pairs and practice refuting the false theories and defending the Bible’s instruction on creation. Have students use this time as practice for lovingly, yet convincingly, refuting the beliefs of those who don’t accept the truth about creation.

gg

4 SEP OCT NOV

The students held their breath as the bus ground gears all the way up the mountain. Jamie climbed out and leaned against the rail, taking in the Rocky Mountains. What an amazing way to kick off the school year, with a geology field course.Yet looking around made her realize, “I’m a long way from home.” It wasn’t just the change in scenery that made her feel a thousand miles away; it was the idea that she was there, on top of a mountain, with a bunch of people she didn’t know…including the guy standing 10 feet from her. They had met the first day of class, just last week. He sat in front of her. Going to college was a huge step of faith. She loved college. She liked her classes, at least most of them. She loved the freedom. And she liked this guy… “Hey.” She turned around. He smelled great, always did. That loopy half smile did something to her heart. “Hey yourself.” “Want to collect samples with me?” “Aren’t we supposed to stick together as a group?” “Nah, everyone’s doing their own thing,” he said. He pointed to a trail just over her shoulder. “Want to explore that path?” He checked out her shoes. “You have your walking boots on. We’ll be fine.” Jamie ignored her hesitation, and followed. After all, what was wrong with collecting rock samples? That was the assignment after all. He held back branches so she could pass safely. Small rocks rolled underfoot as she gripped his arm to steady herself. The view was spectacular, but the trail was windy and steep and at times perilously close to the edge. When they finally reached a wider part of the path, she grabbed her water bottle from her pack and sat down on a nearby boulder. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Beautiful.” “You’re right. Where I live, you can see for miles it’s so flat.” “I’m not talking about the mountains.” He pulled her chin around and kissed her lightly. He put his hand on the back of her head and pulled her in for a second kiss. After several seconds, she drew back. “Wait.” “Seriously? No one’s around.” Later they emerged from the trail. Students were sitting, their lunches open, talking and laughing. “Where have you guys been?” the professor asked. “Just collecting samples,” he said, shaking the bag. Jamie brushed pine needles and a dead leaf off of her hiking shorts. She bristled when she saw him exchange a knowing smile with another guy. As he walked away, she realized that she didn’t know him at all. Worse, she wasn’t sure if she knew herself.

Who Am I

Like Jamie, 19-year-old Tierney Edwards wasn’t sure she knew herself either when she

stepped into college life. It was kind of a culture shock. “Before college I was in a nine-month

discipleship program with a mission organization. My only job was to serve God,” she said.

But in college she had a lot of things pulling at her. It was up to her to wake up early and go to

class, to be involved, to study and write papers. Soon it became hard to find time to pray.

To find a church. “I struggled every day with my faith,” she said. “It’s like when you don’t

water a plant, eventually it withers and maybe even dies.”

“My temptation wasn’t guys,” she said. “I know what I want in a husband, and I don’t feel

like I have anyone to impress. My problem was that I had to learn how to stop trying to be

a Christian and play the part and realize that I am one because of what God did for me.”Tierney Edwards

blueprint 5

So…How do you stay on track when your support system is no longer in place?

You claim your identity. Galatians 3:26 says, “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (NLT). You’re His. Your relationship with God doesn’t disappear just because you’ve stepped on a college campus. When you know whose you are, you don’t have to look to someone else to keep you from taking a wrong turn, and you don’t have to hit a dead-end of regrets.

You nurture your faith. Any relationship that is important needs to be nurtured. Pray. Tell God what’s going on. Invite Him to show you how to live wisely, and to shine a light on temptation.

Connect with real friends.Find friends who love God. When you surround yourself with real friends, they’ll pray for you and they’ll be honest with you when you need it. You don’t have to try to figure out if they have hidden motivations.

Jamie almost lost her footing, but thankfully she figured out who she was. Or at least who she wasn’t. And Tierney? She’s getting back on track. When asked what advice she’d offer an incoming freshman, she said, “You are the only one who has control over your life and your happiness. No one can decide that for you. Don’t be a copy. Be you.”

Great advice, because when you know who you are, you’re never a long way from home. You’re right in the heart of God’s will.

Anyway?Anyway?

6 SEP OCT NOV

I n t h e b e g i n n i n g G o d c r e a t e d t h e h e a v e n s a n d t h e e a r t h .

– G e n e sis 1 : 1

It Didn’t Just Happen

blueprint 7

cut

here

Romans 1:19-2019 What may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Hebrews 11:3By faith we un der stand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Read through Genesis 1 as if you didn’t know anything

about God except what this Scripture tells you. On the chart, list all His char ac ter is tics

that you can know for certain or that are implied in these verses.

For example, for Genesis 1:1, you could write the fact that God is the Creator.

You might also put on your list that He is eternal because this is implied. You can

assume that if God was present in the beginning, He Himself had no beginning. Now

you try it.

& Read Romans 1:19-20. On the chart below, make a list of things in nature that display the char ac ter is tics of

God that you found in Genesis 1. For instance, mountain ranges display God’s creative

power, and sunsets show His love for beauty.

Characteristic of God As It’s Seen in Nature

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

6. 6.

7. 7.

& Look at Hebrews 11:3. According to this verse, how did God create? What materials did He use? How are we to

respond to something like this, something that cannot be proven by the technical tools

available to us?

Reflections of odselections from Romans and Hebrews 1 B

ible S

tudylesson 1 Bible Study

8 SEP OCT NOV

devos

The heavens declare the glory

of God; the skies proclaim the work of his

hands. —Psalm 19:1

»monWith the most powerful telescope, we can now look 14-16 billion light-years into space. But there is still no end to it. Praise God for the infinite aspect of His divine nature.

»tuesOne astronomer said that if you counted the stars in our galaxy, the Milky Way, counting one per second, it would take you 2,500 years. Think about how these stars demonstrate the power of God.

»wedIf the earth were any closer to the sun, we’d all fry. If the earth were any farther away, we’d freeze. Verses 5 and 6 of Psalm 19 picture God in control of the heat of the sun. Thank Him for that perfect control.

»thursCreation is one way God tells us about Himself. Those who choose to ignore God or doubt His existence have to climb over a universe full of evidence. Thank God for the way He reveals Himself in nature.

»friThe heavens silently tell us that an almighty God must have created them. Look into the sky tonight and consider the majesty of God.

»satThere’s plenty of evidence in outer space to show us God exists. He can speak to us, however, in our inner space as well. Are you tuned in to that frequency? Pray for the sensitivity to hear what the Spirit is saying to you through His Word.

8 SEPT OCT NOV

Dirty snow melts

faster than clean snow!

stuff about the earth and our Creator

A “day” on Jupiter is a

bout 9 hours,

50 minutes, 30 seconds at the equator.

Hey, school would be s

horter! But would you be abl

e to get all

your homework done? Who needs sleep, right?

The amount of

water in the Amazon river is greater

than the next eight largest rivers

in the world combined. Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipuka-

kapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu

is the name of a hill in New Zealand. Aren’t you glad

the locals just call it Taumata?!?

Space shuttle Discovery was operational from its first

flight on August 30, 1984, until its final landing on March 9, 2011. By

its last mission, Discovery had flown 148 million miles--238 million km--in 39 missions,

completed 5,830 orbits, and spent 365 days in orbit in over 27 years.

HIGH SCHOOLPerfect for classroom use or alongside your youth ministry program, Echoes provides teens with an engaging Sunday school experience designed to help them make a successful transition to owning their faith. With in-depth Bible studies, Scripture knowledge, devotionals, and real-world application, the high school curriculum is well rounded to provide spiritual growth in each teen.

Teacher’s GuideThe 13 easy-to-use lessons built around toddler versions of favorite Bible stories help you set up learning activities that provide ways to present the Bible story while the children move and explore.

One per teacher recommended.

BlueprintThis quarterly magazine is the student component for your high school curriculum. Blueprint combines all the relevant topics and cool design teens crave with the deeper Bible study that you desire for your students. It’s the perfect resource for use in Sunday school, youth groups, outreach, and more!

Need one per student plus extras for the classroom recommended.