Parables

Parables

What are parables? Why are they in the Bible? Which parables do you remember from your childhood? Have you ever heard an old parable in a new way?

Show me the way is the theme for the 2015 Episcopal Youth Camp - and we'll be focusing on parables and how Jesus used stories to show the way. We'll also be focusing on different themes with each of the parables. These are the parables that we will probably be using (remember, things may change in the next 10 months). 

• Good Samaritan - neighbor and diversity
• Prodigal Son (aka the Generous Father) - you are truly loved
• Workers in the Field - justice and outreach
• Scattering the seeds (aka the Sower) - spreading the Good News and being open to it, evangelism and prayer practices
• The Bridesmaids - be prepared, you don't know what your future is going to be, discernment
• The Kingdom parables (kind of lumped together) - God's world

We'll be looking at these in different ways, as is relevant to the age group. The younger children will learn about God's love and where we are in relationship with God. For the older children and youth, we'll look at what these teach us about the character of Jesus and how people need to struggle with that individually. The older group will also look at their relationships with Jesus and also take a look at the stories we read and watch today and what way they show us (theological reflection!).

For all ages, the parables sometimes seem simple and we say "this is nice" and then put them aside as not relevant - perhaps because they're told in the context of an agricultural society and use characters that we're not familiar with. So what happens when we put these stories into a modern day context? Who in your world would be the "Samaritan" that people don't think they should help?

I look forward to seeing where the staff and campers take this theme - it should be a good one, with some wonderful discussions!

Take care and God bless,
Gennie

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