AAD Session 2

Requirements Overview

Chapter 2: Baptism

BAPTISM is our rebirth into God's family and membership in the church. The water symbolizes cleansing and new life. Acts 2:38 "...you must reform and be baptized..."

Goal: As a Scout, to discover how Baptism is the start of your life in Christ and a covenant union with God.

A. Life Experience SESSION 2 IN CLASS EXCEPT A4

1. Do you remember your Scout Investiture (Initiation), your Crossover, joining a Venturing crew, or your induction into a neighborhood club? Discuss with your AAD Group/Counselor what you remember about these joining rituals.

2. What were the good experiences you expected to be part of when you joined Scouting?

3. Did your Scout unit have any expectations of you? If so, what are some?

4. In the Sacrament of Baptism, you began your Initiation (Investiture) into the Family of God. Saint Paul says that we become adopted sons of God by the covenant God makes with us through Baptism. Ask your parents when and where you were baptized. Record the date, church, and community. Have your parents tell you about that day. SESSION 2 HOMEWORK

5. Read Genesis 9:8-17, 12:1-5, 17:3-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34. These Scriptures speak of covenants between God and man. Be able to explain what a covenant, contract, and a promise/oath/vow are, and the differences between them.

6. What was Abram's response to God (Genesis 12:1-5)? How does his reply remind you of a Scout? Do you know of anyone who has responded in a way similar to Abram? Share your thoughts with your AAD Group/Counselor.

B. Activity SESSION 2 IN CLASS EXCEPT 5

1. Read Chapter 20 in the Book of Exodus. Compare the Ten Commandments with the Scout Law. Tell what teachings you think are the same in the Ten Commandments and the Scout Law. (Complete table: Commandment(s)# / Law / Why — for Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent.) (John Waynes Scout Law can be used here)

2. Do the following: a) Read Matthew 28:18-20 and John 3:3-5, what Jesus is saying about Baptism in these Scriptures. Discuss the meaning of these readings with your AAD Group/Counselor. b) After completing the above, do one of the following and share your experience or impression with your AAD Group/Counselor. What was interesting about the celebration of the Sacrament? i. If possible, attend a Catholic Baptism, or read the rite in Appendix B. ii. How did what Jesus said relate to the Baptism you witnessed or the rite you read? Explain how the rite did or did not relate.

3. You will find three code tables in Appendix H. Find which code table works with this message and use that table to decode the whole message. Place the corresponding letter from the correct code table over each number below. (Decryption puzzle — discusses making your faith "alive and burning brightly" and how current religious instruction supports spiritual growth in Scouting.)

4. The newly baptized person is also given a white garment. This is an outward sign of his or her Christian dignity. The Scouting uniform is also an outward sign. Explain how your uniform helps you to live up to your Christian covenant. Ask yourself what is more important: the outward sign, or what happens inside of you? Think about this and explain to your AAD Group/Counselor.

5. Complete one of the following: a) Make up a prayer based on the Scout Oath. b) Write some petitions that could be used in a Baptismal Renewal Service. c) Design and make a banner that would be appropriate for Baptism. SESSION 2 HOMEWORK

C. Faith Response SESSION 2 IN CLASS

With your Group/Counselor, prepare and take part in a prayer service using water and candles. Each participant should be given an opportunity to use any prayers that were written as part of this chapter. During this service, each person should renew their Baptismal Promises.

Agenda

1. Gathering Attendance

2. Prayer

3. Requirements A 1 ,2,3,4(Assign as Homework),5,6

4. break

5. Requirements B 1,2,3,4,5 (Assign as Homework)

6. break

7. Requirement C Plan and Perform prayer service.  Baptismal promises #57 and 58 on page 48 of the youth manual.  Use water candles and prayers from this session.

8. Reminder of reading and homily homework from session 1.

9. Cleanup, Have the boys make sure everyone is ready to go and the room is neat before dismissal.

10. Prayer Dismissal