24/05/2026
RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT MANUAL
SUNDAY, MAY 24TH, 2026
LESSON THIRTY-EIGHT (38)
TOPIC: WIDOWHOOD AND SINGLE PARENTHOOD
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I'll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
MEMORY VERSE: "A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habita-tion." Psalm 68:5.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 21:9-19.
[9]And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.
[10]Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.
[11]And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.
[12]And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
[13]And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
[14]And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
[15]And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
[16]And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
[17]And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.
[18]Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
[19]And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
INTRODUCTION: A single parent is a parent without a marriage partner, widowed, separated, de-serted, divorced or never married; one who is in charge of his or her household. The reason for becoming a single parent is diverse. For some, it is a deliberate desire/preference while other situations such as single-person adoption, unwanted pregnancy, r**e, etc. force others into it. Widowhood is the state of a man or a woman whose spouse is dead. On some occasions, the experiences of both single parents and widows/widowers are quite similar. God, therefore, commands us to protect these people in our churches and communities (Exodus 22:22).
OUTLINE
1. GOD'S DISPOSITION
2. OUR RESPONSIBILITY
GOD'S DISPOSITION
God is highly concerned about single parents and widows/widowers. He is the Father to the fatherless and the protector of widows (Psalm 68:5). God does not want them to be afflicted or treated badly. He hears them when they cry. God save anyone who maltreats them may invite His wrath (Exodus 22:22-24). To maltreat could be to ne-glect, abuse or take advantage of. God wants us to defend them (Isaiah 1:17). He sustains and relieves widows (Psalm 146:9). God makes provi-sions for them in His law (Deuteronomy 10:18; 26:12-13). He preserves the fatherless children and expects widows to trust Him (Jeremiah 49:11).
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Irrespective of the cause, single parents and widows/widowers should be treated with love and acceptance. Provision of a support system such as financing the repair of properties/belongings, giving scholarships for the children's education, welfare support, etc. will go a long way in helping widows and/or single par-ents live a better life. Sharing words of encour-agement via text messages or phone calls will provide emotional stability.
Encourage single parents and the widowed to discover/fulfil their purpose from God's view-point. Provide an environment for single parents and the widowed to learn skills that can help them sustain and provide for themselves and their children. Help them to develop a close relationship with God who can heal them from wounds, bitterness and resentment they might be experiencing. Family members are enjoined to take care of them so that they will not suffer. This is seen as proof of commitment to God (Matthew 25:34-40). The widowed and children of single parents should not be abused, stigmatised or en-slaved but should be helped (James 1:27. Galatians 6:10).
CONCLUSION: The church should be a family of faith, a real community where burdens are shared, friendships are formed and support is given as we journey in faith together.
QUESTIONS
1. What are the likely causes of single-parenthood?
2. Mention five responsibilities of believers to sin-gle parents, widows and widowers around them.
FURTHER READINGS:
SUN: Jeremiah 49:11.
MON: Psalm 68:5.
TUE: Isaiah 1:17.
WED: James 1:26-27.
THUR: 1Timothy 5:14.
FRI: Galatians 6:10.
SAT: Psalm146:9.
ASSIGNMENT: 1. Project: Sunday school classes at the Parish level should contribute money or materials (as the Lord provides) to support the widows, widowers, single parents and their chil-dren. Those who contribute should be prayed for by the Pastor.
2. Mention ten (10) things you can give to sup-port widows, widowers, single parents and their children. (1x10=10 Marks)
