Sample Schedule of Events
Challenge your students to conduct a Media Fast for at least 48 hours. During that time, your students will fast from all electronic entertainment so they can take the time to grow closer to God and develop a greater understanding of poverty in America.
Before
Before the Sound Off weekend, youth raise funds for The Sound Off for Poverty. Students can contribute their own funds by cutting back on entertainment expenses, find sponsors who pledge money for their Media Fast, or identify other ways of fundraising.
By raising funds to help the poor, your students will experience valuable lessons:
- Strengthen their commitment to helping the poor
- Learn the importance of financially supporting Christian ministries
- Discover that, by communicating with their friends and family, they are able to be a voice for people in need
During
During The Sound Off, your group conducts a Media Fast while learning about poverty, studying Bible passages about God’s love and concern for the poor, and putting their faith into action through service to the community. By "turning up the volume" on the needs of the poor, your students will discover that they have the ability to make a real difference on behalf of their neighbors in need.
Make the most of the weekend. You can encourage others in your community to participate (family members of your students, your church body, and other youth groups in your area) and make the Media Fast a multi-generational, multi-church, community-wide event!
Here is a sample schedule:
Friday Evening
Kick off the Media Fast with a rally featuring worship, a speaker to share about poverty in your community, and communion.
Conduct some of the Bible studies and youth group activities provided in the program materials.
Saturday
As your students continue to fast from electronic entertainment, serve your neighbors in need by volunteering at local ministries, ministries of your church, or your local Love INC. Or find other ways to serve – take this opportunity to be creative and find community service opportunities that your students can continue to do in the future.
Conduct some more Bible studies and group activities to incorporate Biblical exploration and learning with acts of service.
Sunday
Raise your church's awareness of poverty in your community. Your youth can conduct a presentation to your congregation on Sunday morning that gives information and examples of poverty in your community and in America, identifies ways in which congregants can participate in local ministries, and shares about their Media Fast.
Complete the Media Fast with a youth group activity, or encourage your students to spend an afternoon discovering electronic-free ways to spend their time.
After
After The Sound Off, send your group's donations to Love In the Name of Christ to provide tangible help and hope to people in need. Encourage your students to grow in their faith as they become more attuned to God's voice and His heart for the poor, to continue participating in community service projects, and to give financially to support the work of fighting poverty in America through Love In the Name of Christ.
For Churches in Love INC Communities
If there is a Love INC affiliate in your community, we encourage you to find service projects in partnership with the affiliate. Your local Love INC will be able to assist you, connect you with other youth groups that are participating, and provide further information on how your donations will impact your community.
To find out if there is a Love INC in your community, click here.