June 29: Look it up!!!

One way we can practice both lament and remembrance of God’s faithfulness is through funerals and memorial services.

Look up what kind of practices your tradition and culture have for lamenting together when someone dies.  

june 18 - june 22, 2022

The Season after Pentecost is the period between the Day of Pentecost and the First Sunday of Advent. This season makes up half of the calendar year, and its liturgical color is green. It is a time to focus on the life and growth of the Church in the world, empowered by the gift of the presence of the Holy Spirit. 12th-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen captured the essence of this season when she wrote, “The Holy Spirit is the greening power of God. Our task is to blossom.”

Scripture:

Luke 8:26–39

Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time, he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me”— for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.) Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” He said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss. Now there on the hillside a large herd of swine was feeding; and the demons begged Jesus to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the swineherds saw what had happened, they ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Those who had seen it told them how the one who had been possessed by demons had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them; for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.

Questions:

·         There are a lot of big feelings in this story. What feeling words do you remember?

·         During the season of Pentecost, we remember how God’s love in Jesus changes everything. Who are the characters in this story? How did God’s love in Jesus change their lives and relationships?

·         This story describes the man as having “demons”—this word can be scary or confusing. One way to think about a “demon” is anything separating us from a loving community or keeping us from fully living into who God created us to be. What things might be described as “demons” today? How do communities react to these demons?

·         The man was alone because his community didn’t understand what was happening or how to help. Have you ever felt afraid to share a thought/feeling/ question/experience with someone you love because you were unsure how they would respond? What is it like to feel isolated or alone?

·          Think about a time you felt truly loved and seen by your community. What can you do to help others feel the same way?

Prayer:

God of community, we thank you for being with us no matter what state we’re in. Help us support everyone as we all seek to be who you fully call us to be. Amen.

June 22: Look it up!!!

Look up a few of these common mental illnesses and talk about them

Depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, eating disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder

What are their symptoms? What happens in the brain? How can they affect daily life and relationships?

Who can you talk to about mental health and get help?

june 11 - june 15, 2022

The Season after Pentecost is the period between the Day of Pentecost and the First Sunday of Advent. This season makes up half of the calendar year, and its liturgical color is green. It is a time to focus on the life and growth of the Church in the world, empowered by the gift of the presence of the Holy Spirit. 12th-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen captured the essence of this season when she wrote, “The Holy Spirit is the greening power of God. Our task is to blossom.”

Scripture:

Romans 5:1–5

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Questions:

·         Who does Paul say we have peace with?

·         What do you notice in this passage about our connection to God?

·         Our scripture talks about hope. What are some things you hope for?

·         Paul tells us that suffering can produce endurance, which is the ability to handle difficulties in our lives. When did you build up endurance in your life?

·         Through God’s love and the Holy Spirit, we’re reminded that there is a path from suffering to hope. What are some ways we can help those suffering in our communities so we can all connect in hope and love?

Prayer:

Steadfast and comforting God, thank you for giving us hope to help us endure even when things are really hard. Help us remember we always have hope in you and share that hope with one another. Amen.

June 15: Look it up!!!

Look up “one thousand origami cranes”

An ancient Japanese legend states that who folds one thousand paper cranes will have their wish granted.

Making paper cranes takes patience, endurance, and hope, and they have become a symbol of peace.

june 4 - june 8, 2022

The Day of Pentecost is when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is also when we typically celebrate the birthday of the church. Its liturgical color is red. The Day of Pentecost was filled with rushing wind, tongues of fire, and people speaking different languages. Pentecost is a celebration of the beautiful diversity found in the church and the world, and a reminder that God’s love is for all, no exceptions.

Scripture:

Acts 2:1–12

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”

Questions:

·         On this very special, holy day, we recognize a wonderful gift God gave to us. What was the gift? Who received it in the story?

·         Summarize what the people in the crowd experienced—what they saw and heard. If you were in the crowd, how might you have felt?

·         The writer tells us people spoke many different languages. This created a chance for the Holy Spirit to perform a miracle— everyone heard the disciples speaking in their own language! Why might God have chosen a diverse group of people to see the Holy Spirit?

·          When the crowd saw the miracle, they asked, “What does this mean?” If you were a disciple, what would you tell them?

·          What does the coming of the Holy Spirit mean for us?

Prayer:

Creator God, you filled this world with all kinds of plants, animals, and people. How beautiful! Thanks for the gift of diversity. May we be gentle, brave, and kind as we learn to share your love with the world. Amen.

June 8: Look it up!!!

God is creative – God didn’t make everyone look, act, and sound the same.

Out of God’s creativity comes diversity.

One form of diversity is language.

Look up how many languages there are in the world and learn about them

may 28 - june 2, 2022

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen, indeed! Eastertide is a period of 50 days, beginning on Easter Sunday and ending at Pentecost, when we celebrate the birth of the Church. During Eastertide, we celebrate the Risen Christ and imagine how we might live as Easter people. Rachel Held Evans wrote, “God showed us how to heal instead of kill, how to mend instead of destroy, how to love instead of hate, how to live instead of long for more. When we nailed God to a tree, God forgave. And when we buried God in the ground, God got up.”

Scripture:

Acts 16:16–34

One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave-girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.” She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities...they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God.

Questions:

• Paul and Silas had a busy day. Can you retell everything that happened to them?

• The season after Easter is a time to notice and celebrate how sharing the good news of Jesus changes lives. How many ways did the good news of Jesus change lives in this story?

• Imagine the scene of Paul and Silas in the dark prison. What feelings might they have had? What kinds of songs do you think they were singing or words they were praying?

• Sometimes sharing the good news of Jesus can be difficult or costly: Paul and Silas were thrown in prison, and the guard left his job to bring prisoners home. If you asked Paul, Silas, or the guard “Is a life with Jesus really worth it?” what do you think they would say?

• How can you share the good news of Jesus with those around you, even when it feels hard, overwhelming, or scary?

Prayer:

Dear God, who knows each of us individually, thank you for all the different people who tell their stories of experiencing your presence. Help us tell our stories of your love. Amen.

june 1: Look it up!!!

Look up what happens before, during, and after an earthquake.

How can you prepare for an earthquake?

What should you do to stay safe during an earthquake?

How can you help care for communities affected by an earthquake and its aftermath?

may 21 - may 26, 2022

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen, indeed! Eastertide is a period of 50 days, beginning on Easter Sunday and ending at Pentecost, when we celebrate the birth of the Church. During Eastertide, we celebrate the Risen Christ and imagine how we might live as Easter people. Rachel Held Evans wrote, “God showed us how to heal instead of kill, how to mend instead of destroy, how to love instead of hate, how to live instead of long for more. When we nailed God to a tree, God forgave. And when we buried God in the ground, God got up.”

Scripture:

Acts 16:9–15

During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon us.

Questions:

• What places did Paul have to go to make it to Macedonia?

• How do you notice God speaking to people in this text?

• After Paul has his vision, he and his team follow God and leave for a new journey. Can you name a time you did something or went somewhere new? How did that feel?

• Paul and Lydia’s journeys come together because both of them are open to God speaking to them. What do you do in your life to help yourself be open and listen to God?

• Lydia’s openness and faithfulness led to her inviting Paul and his team back to her home. What are some ways we can share our faith by showing openness and hospitality in our churches?

Prayer:

Dear God, who always hears and answers us, help us seek your guidance in big decisions and small everyday decisions. Help us trust you to guide our paths. Amen.

may 25: look it up!

Look up the Taize community

Located in France, this ecumenical Christian monastic fraternity is a pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide.

Hundreds of thousands of people come to study Scripture, pray, and open themselves to God’s call there.

may 7 - may 12, 2022

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen, indeed! Eastertide is a period of 50 days, beginning on Easter Sunday and ending at Pentecost, when we celebrate the birth of the Church. During Eastertide, we celebrate the Risen Christ and imagine how we might live as Easter people. Rachel Held Evans wrote, “God showed us how to heal instead of kill, how to mend instead of destroy, how to love instead of hate, how to live instead of long for more. When we nailed God to a tree, God forgave. And when we buried God in the ground, God got up.”

Scripture:

Acts 9:36–42

Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Questions:

·        We are still in the season of Easter. What parts of this story remind you of Jesus and Easter?

·        Why is Tabitha so beloved in her community? What effect does her death and then resurrection have on her community? 

·        When Tabitha dies, her community tells stories about her to Peter. We do this when people die even now. Why do you think it’s helpful to share stories in this way? 

·        Despite Peter’s miracle, Tabitha will die again, as all people do. How does the impact that people like Tabitha have live on after they’re gone?

·        What can we learn from Tabitha about helping our communities and leaving a lasting legacy?

Prayer:

God of community, we thank you for bringing us together with inspiring people. Help us learn from others, support others, and inspire others around us. Amen

may 11: look it up!!!

Dolly Parton is a famous country singer, and she serves her community in ways that will outlive her, just as Tabitha did.

Look up Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which started by providing books to kids in her hometown and expanded.

april 30 - may 5, 2022

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen, indeed! Eastertide is a period of 50 days, beginning on Easter Sunday and ending at Pentecost, when we celebrate the birth of the Church. During Eastertide, we celebrate the Risen Christ and imagine how we might live as Easter people. Rachel Held Evans wrote, “God showed us how to heal instead of kill, how to mend instead of destroy, how to love instead of hate, how to live instead of long for more. When we nailed God to a tree, God forgave. And when we buried God in the ground, God got up.”

Scripture:

John 21:4–14

Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Questions:

·        What did Jesus do in this story? What did the disciples do? Retell the story together.

·        We are in the season after Easter, when we focus on sharing the good news of Jesus’ story. What part of this story is good news?

·        In this story, Jesus appeared to the disciples, caused a miracle of an abundant catch of fish, fed the disciples, and ate with them. What other stories can you remember when Jesus did these things?

·        Jesus provided for the disciples’ needs—physical and spiritual. What needs did they have, and how did Jesus meet them? List some physical and spiritual needs we might have.

·        We are called to be Jesus’ hands and feet in providing for others as he did. How could Jesus use others to provide for our needs? How could he use us to provide for the needs of others?

Prayer:

God of abundance, thank you! You never run out of what we need. Fill us up with your overflowing love, just like you filled the disciples’ nets so that we can share your love with those around us. Amen.

May 4: Look it up!!!

Isn’t it interesting that the story says the disciples caught 153 fish exactly?

Jewish authors had special meanings for different numbers.

Look up what some scholars have hypothesized about the meaning of 153 fish.

april 23 - april 28, 2022

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen, indeed! Eastertide is a period of 50 days, beginning on Easter Sunday and ending at Pentecost, when we celebrate the birth of the Church. During Eastertide, we celebrate the Risen Christ and imagine how we might live as Easter people. Rachel Held Evans wrote, “God showed us how to heal instead of kill, how to mend instead of destroy, how to love instead of hate, how to live instead of long for more. When we nailed God to a tree, God forgave. And when we buried God in the ground, God got up.”

Scripture:

John 20:19–29

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Questions:

• We are in the season of Easter. Recount what has happened in Easter so far—what stories have we told? Talk about Jesus’ resurrection and Mary’s message to the disciples.

• Retell the story of Jesus’ appearances to the disciples together, identifying what happened first, second, third, and last. Include many participants to tell different parts.

• Even though Jesus healed people and worked to bring wholeness to the world, he received wounds: he was rejected by the people, he was hated by the leaders, he wasn’t trusted by his friends. What emotions might Jesus have felt when he was hurt?

• Some people experience physical wounds, but we all have emotional wounds. Like Jesus’ wounds, those hurts heal, but we still have scars and memories. How do you feel when you hurt? How do our wounds help us understand Jesus? How do Jesus’ wounds help God understand us and help us?

Prayer:

Ever-present God, you are with us in our times of doubt and welcome us as we are. Guide us on our path of doubt and belief and hold us in your love forevermore. Amen.

april 27: look it up!!!

Look up Francesco Forgione, also known as St. Padre Pio.

He miraculously had wounds like Christ’s appear on his hands and feet.

We all experience wounds like Christ’s when we experience rejection, judgment, or hatred.

april 16 - 21, 2022

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen, indeed! Eastertide is a period of 50 days, beginning on Easter Sunday and ending at Pentecost, when we celebrate the birth of the Church. During Eastertide, we celebrate the Risen Christ and imagine how we might live as Easter people. Rachel Held Evans wrote, “God showed us how to heal instead of kill, how to mend instead of destroy, how to love instead of hate, how to live instead of long for more. When we nailed God to a tree, God forgave. And when we buried God in the ground, God got up.”

Scripture:

John 20:1–18

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So, she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Questions:

• Why didn’t Mary recognize Jesus at first? What helps her identify him?

• How is Mary’s experience at the tomb different from Peter’s and the other disciples? How does each respond to Jesus’ resurrection?

• Mary fulfilled a special role Jesus gave her in this story. Why was the task Jesus giving her important?

• If you were sharing good news with someone about Jesus like Mary did, what might you tell them about Jesus that is good news?

• We celebrate Easter for more than just one day. In fact, we celebrate the Easter season, or Eastertide, for 50 days until the Day of Pentecost. What are some ideas for how we can keep remembering and celebrating Easter in the days ahead?

Prayer:

God of life, we praise you, for you are more powerful than death, and your love has changed the world! May we, like Mary Magdalene, stay curious and look for you in the people and places all around us. Amen.

april 20: look it up!!!

Look up Julian of Norwich, a woman who lived in England in Middle Ages.

She had visions of Jesus and shared his good news through her writings, much like Mary Magdalene shared the good news of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter morning.

april 9 - april 14, 2022

The Season of Lent is a period of 40 days, begins on Ash Wednesday, and is a period of introspection and reflection on the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus. Episcopal author and theologian Barbara Brown Taylor says that Lent is a “springtime for the soul...Forty days to cleanse the system and open the eyes to what remains when all comfort is gone. Forty days to remember what it is like to live by the grace of God alone and not by what we can supply for ourselves.”

Scripture:

Luke 19:28–40

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”

Questions:

• Before entering Jerusalem, what did Jesus ask the disciples to do?

• How did people respond to Jesus’ arrival on a donkey?

• Jesus wasn’t the only one entering Jerusalem that day. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, came to Jerusalem every year during Passover to ensure everyone continued to follow the Roman Empire’s rules. Pilate would put on his fanciest armor and ride into the city on a tall horse, surrounded by huge armies and extravagant treasures. How is this different from the way Jesus entered the city?

• This story marks the beginning of Holy Week, the last week of Lent leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus knew the amazing and powerful things he was about to do, so why do you think he chose to show up in such a humble and unexpected way?

• How would you describe to a friend what kind of leader Jesus is?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for your son, Jesus, who modeled in his living and teachings a different way to be a leader and how to love and serve others. Help us learn from him and follow his example. Amen.

april 13: Look it up!!!

Political leaders still have parades and celebrations today.

They often mark important holidays, political achievements, or transitions of power.

Look up the ways your city or country welcomes a new leader.

How do their celebrations reveal what they care about as leaders?

april 2 - april 7, 2022

The Season of Lent is a period of 40 days, begins on Ash Wednesday, and is a period of introspection and reflection on the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus. Episcopal author and theologian Barbara Brown Taylor says that Lent is a “springtime for the soul...Forty days to cleanse the system and open the eyes to what remains when all comfort is gone. Forty days to remember what it is like to live by the grace of God alone and not by what we can supply for ourselves.”

Scripture:

John 12:1–8

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief: he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

Questions:

• We are still in Lent, which is a season of preparation. What do different people in the story do to prepare?

• Judas complains the perfume could be sold for the poor, but he really wants the money for himself. In what ways could Judas (and we) help the poor?

• Mary gives a generous gift to Jesus that Judas and possibly others didn’t understand. What generous gifts have you given or received that other may not have understood?

• Mary knows her time with Jesus will soon end. How do you feel when you know your time with someone you love will soon end?

• Mary loved Jesus and knew she would lose him soon, so she bought something special in his honor. What are some things we can do to honor loved ones we’ve lost?

Prayer:

Dear God, who in the person of Jesus died just as we die and was raised to life again, help us to honor your death and life during this season of Lent. Be near us when we experience loss and endings. Amen.

april 6: look it up!!!

Look up Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella 

At 600 years old, this pharmacy and perfume shop if Florence, Italy, was originally an apothecary run by Dominican friars.

It still uses ancient recipes to make its modern products.

march 26 - march 31, 2022

The Season of Lent is a period of 40 days, begins on Ash Wednesday, and is a period of introspection and reflection on the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus. Episcopal author and theologian Barbara Brown Taylor says that Lent is a “springtime for the soul...Forty days to cleanse the system and open the eyes to what remains when all comfort is gone. Forty days to remember what it is like to live by the grace of God alone and not by what we can supply for ourselves.”

Scripture:

Luke 15:1–3, 11b–32

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”

Questions:

·        Who was coming to listen to Jesus speak? Who complained about this?

·        What feelings do you notice our three characters have in this parable?

·        When the younger son returns, the father accepts him without any explanation. When has someone made you feel accepted?

·        The older son expresses frustration with his father and doesn’t understand why he forgave his younger brother. What do you do to help you understand something better?

·        The father shows love to his sons in different ways based on what they need. How can we show love to people in our lives based on their needs?

Prayer:

Dear God who waits for us like a parent with open arms, thank you for this season of Lent. Help us be like the younger son, working to repair relationships when we hurt others. Amen.

march 30: Look it Up!!!

Look up Nelson Mandela.

Mandela was an activist during South Africa’s apartheid, a time of racial separation.

He was put in jail for speaking out, but when he was freed and became president, he preached forgiveness and healing over revenge.

march 19 - 24, 2022

The Season of Lent is a period of 40 days, begins on Ash Wednesday, and is a period of introspection and reflection on the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus. Episcopal author and theologian Barbara Brown Taylor says that Lent is a “springtime for the soul...Forty days to cleanse the system and open the eyes to what remains when all comfort is gone. Forty days to remember what it is like to live by the grace of God alone and not by what we can supply for ourselves.”

Scripture:

Isaiah 55:1–9

Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, who will glorify you. Seek me, the Lord God while I may be found, call upon me while I am near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to me, the Lord, that I may have mercy on them, and to God, for I will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Questions:

·        What is the good news Isaiah shares with the people around him?

·        Isaiah describes a world in which no one is hungry or thirsty and everyone is satisfied. Have you ever felt hungry or thirsty? What did it feel like to finally get something to eat or drink?

·        Think about your own body, brain, heart, and soul. What are some things that make you feel healthy, fresh, and alive? What are some things that don’t?

·        Not everyone has access to life-giving, healthy resources. Think about the resources available in your community (grocery stores, libraries, school funding, language interpreters, etc.). What resources do you have access to for living a healthy, thriving life?

·        During the season of Lent, we focus on how Jesus transforms our lives. What are some ways we can help transform our communities to make sure everyone can participate in the life-giving abundance of God’s world?

Prayer:

God of abundance, we thank you for all you give us. Help us make sure everyone has what they need, and all your children have enough and are satisfied. Amen.

march 23: Look it up!!!

Look up everything God wanted the Israelites to do during the year of Jubilee in Leviticus 25.

What if our cities, states, and countries practiced this today?

What do you think a world of Jubilee would look like?

march 12 - march 17,2022

The Season of Lent is a period of 40 days, begins on Ash Wednesday, and is a period of introspection and reflection on the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus. Episcopal author and theologian Barbara Brown Taylor says that Lent is a “springtime for the soul...Forty days to cleanse the system and open the eyes to what remains when all comfort is gone. Forty days to remember what it is like to live by the grace of God alone and not by what we can supply for ourselves.”

Scripture:

Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall, I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh—my adversaries and foes—they shall stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in God’s temple. For God will hide me in God’s shelter in the day of trouble; God will conceal me under the cover of God’s tent; God will set me high on a rock. Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in God’s tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! “Come,” my heart says, “seek God’s face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up. Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence. I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.

Questions:

·        Share some ways God takes care of the writer of this psalm?

·        What feelings do you notice in this psalm?

·        The writer of this psalm knows God is always with them both in times of fear and in times of joy. When have you felt God with you when you were afraid? What about when you were joyful?

·        This psalm talks about feeling safe and protected. What things and people make you feel safe and protected?

·        The psalm asks us to, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage.” What can we do to help us feel brave when we might feel nervous or scared?

Prayer:

Dear God, who comforts us when we are afraid, help us be brave and bold as we wait for the day when you will make all things right. Empower us to be part of your work. Amen.

march 16: look it up!!!

Look up the concept of sanctuary.

Older than the Christian church, “sanctuary” is when a religious institution offers protection to a person in need.

Its even in the Bible, with “cities of refuge” mentioned in Numbers and Deuteronomy

march 17: activity time!!!

Activity

Materials: Paper, Coloring utensils, Psalm 27 stanzas

Format Psalm 27 from your favorite Bible website so that each stanza is separate. Cut out each stanza and number them on the back so they can easily be put in order.

Read through the first stanza together. It begins: “The Lord is my light” and ends “of whom shall I be afraid?” Discuss the meaning of difficult words such as salvation (safety, saving force) or stronghold (safe place). Together, identify the primary emotion in this stanza, which could be hope, courage, or trust.

Who would be praying this prayer? Maybe people who are persecuted for their faith or people who are afraid of a situation they can’t control, such as deportation or illness. When would you need this prayer? Could you pray this when you need to be brave to help someone or to stand up for someone?

Finally, come up with a symbol or logo to represent the stanza. For instance, you could use a light bulb or a strong castle. Demonstrate drawing the logo on a piece of paper.

With the remaining nine stanzas, break your group up into smaller groups or partners. If working virtually, use breakout rooms in line with your Safe Church policies. Distribute the stanzas between the groups. Have each group identify the emotions in their stanzas, a situation where the stanza would be applicable, and a logo or symbol for the stanza. Make sure to check in on each group early to define words or ideas so they can interpret the stanza successfully.

Let each group present to the whole, first reading their stanza, defining words, and then sharing their audience and logo.

Alternate Activity

Read through the provided Bible Story Booklet and define any words your audience may not understand. After each page, discuss what feelings the participants noticed in the story.

Then together develop hand motions and facial expressions to act out the psalm. Point out the emotions and help the participants respond. The first two pages of the Bible Story Booklet have been done below as an example.

1. God is my light (hands flashing to show light) and a strong (muscle arm) presence who looks after me (hands on heart), so why (arms up in a shrug) should I be afraid (scared face)? When people are mean, (mean face) or things feel scary (arms wrapped around yourself, scared face), I stay calm and confident (peaceful face) by thinking of God (praying hands).

2. I ask God (point up) for one (one finger) thing: to live and be with God forever (hug yourself, happy face). I want to see (hand binoculars) how beautiful God is and learn (tap your head) all about God. When I feel troubled (worried face), God gives me a calming place (calm and happy face) to feel safe.

march 5 - march 10, 2022

The Season of Lent is a period of 40 days, begins on Ash Wednesday, and is a period of introspection and reflection on the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus. Episcopal author and theologian Barbara Brown Taylor says that Lent is a “springtime for the soul...Forty days to cleanse the system and open the eyes to what remains when all comfort is gone. Forty days to remember what it is like to live by the grace of God alone and not by what we can supply for ourselves.”

Scripture:

Luke 4:1–13

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, God alone will you adore.’” Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, God will command the angels concerning you, to protect you,” and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Questions:

• How did Jesus respond to temptations in this story?

• This Sunday is the first week of Lent, which lasts 40 days and prepares us to remember the passion and resurrection of Jesus. How does this story remind us what Lent is about?

• Jesus is tempted by food, kingdoms, and glory. In what ways are we tempted to ignore God by physical comfort, power or control, and glory for ourselves?

• At the beginning of Lent, we remember how Jesus went into the wilderness to be closer to God. What special practice can you do during Lent that will bring you closer to God? Consider something that makes room for prayer or focus on scripture.

• It can be challenging when we try a new prayer practice or give up money or time. We may be tempted to give up. How can you be ready for temptation when it comes?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for being with us in the highs and lows, the twists and turns of life. In times when we feel stuck or confused, help us listen to you and trust you are always there to help. Amen.

mar 7: micropractice:

mar 9: look it up!!

Look up the three verses Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy – 

Deuteronomy 8:3, Deuteronomy 6:16, and Deuteronomy 6:13.

Could you memorize these like Jesus did to comfort you when facing something difficult?

mar 10: activity time!!

Activity

Materials: Music, Colouring utensils, Paper

In our story, Jesus spends forty days in the wilderness to get his body, heart, mind, and spirit ready for the work he is about to do. Even though we’re not living in the wilderness right now, there are still ways we can get our bodies, hearts, minds, and spirits ready for the important things God invites us to do in our everyday lives! In this activity, participants will engage in three practices that help regulate their bodies, name their feelings, and imagine the different ways God is always with us.

1. Freeze Dance: Get your wiggles out and practice controlling your body.

Turn on some fun music and play a few rounds of freeze dance. When the music plays, dance and be silly. When the music stops, freeze and be still.

2. Heartbeat Breaths: Take deep breaths and practice slowing your body down.

After dancing, lay or sit down on the floor. Place your hand over your heart. Can you feel/hear your heartbeat? Is it beating fast or slowly? Can you feel/ hear your heartbeat anywhere else in your body? Now, place your hands on your stomach and take four deep breaths. As you breathe in and out, notice how your hands move with your body. Then place your hand once more over your heart. Has your heartbeat slowed down?

3. Creative Reflection: Name your feelings and practice responding to God through creativity.

Pass out paper and colouring utensils. Fold the paper in half, then fold it in half again the other way (just as you fold the Bible Story Booklet). For each page, think of a time you felt these four emotions: happy, scared, sad, and calm. Draw a picture of that moment. Where was God? What was God doing/saying/feeling?

Alternate Activity

Materials: Paper plates, Pipe cleaners, Tape, Colouring utensils

Prayer Labyrinths are a special way of praying that invites our bodies into the faith journey’s twists and turns and creates spaces for our brains and hearts to talk with God. They can be large enough to move through with your whole body or small enough to move through with just a finger. 

In this activity, you will create finger Prayer Labyrinths using paper plates and pipe cleaners.

Give each participant a paper plate facing up. Then draw a spiral beginning in the center of the plate moving outward. The spiral should stay simple and loose. (Depending on the age of participants, spirals can be drawn on the paper plates ahead of time.) 

Now, shape the pipe cleaners to lay on top of your spiral outline and use tape intermittently to attach them to your plate. Participants can twist the pipe cleaner ends together to create one long string or leave them unattached and place the ends next to each other on the plate.

Once your finger Prayer Labyrinth is complete, create space for participants to practice using them. You can trace your finger on top of the pipe cleaners, in between, or both.

february 26 - march 2, 2022

The Season after Epiphany began with the three wise ones following the star and ends with the bright lights of Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain. Epiphany means “showing forth,” and it is during this season when we are called to look for how God makes Godself known throughout the world. In his poem, Epiphany, Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann wrote the following: “We are—we could be—people of your light. So, we pray for the light of your glorious presence as we wait for your appearing.”

Scripture: Luke 9:28–36

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and, in those days, told no one any of the things they had seen.

Questions:

• Tell the story as if you were Peter, James, or John. What did you see or hear?

• The disciples saw Moses and Elijah, who are some of Israel’s prophets. Today, it might be like meeting someone you admire from history. Who would you want to meet, and how would it feel to meet them?

• Moses and Elijah rescued and led God’s people. Their appearance is a reminder of how God always rescued and led God’s people. Jesus would soon head to Jerusalem and be crucified and resurrected. What does the presence of Moses and Elijah tell us about Jesus’ mission?

• Lent begins next Sunday when we prepare for Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. How might witnessing this miracle help prepare the disciples for journeying with Jesus as he prepares for his death?

• During Lent, we can do things to strengthen our faith. This could include special prayers or giving time or money to the church or people in need. What could you do during Lent?

Prayer: Dear God, you have spoken to us throughout the ages and you are always finding new ways to reach out to us. Help us listen to you with wonder and follow you in curiosity. Amen.

feb 28: micropractice:

mar 1: look it up!

The Bible doesn’t tell us which mountain this story takes place on, but scholars think it could be Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon.

Look up pictures and maps of these two mountains.

Imagine the story taking place in those pictures.

mar 2: activity time!!

Transfiguration Sunday is the last Sunday during the Season of Epiphany. Next week, we will move into a new part of the church year: Lent! Before we do that, though, we have a story about a time some of Jesus’ disciples experienced Jesus in a special and new way. They learned new things about Jesus not just by hearing words about him, but by seeing him transform before their eyes! It was a very exciting moment that helped them prepare to follow him to Jerusalem.

Sometimes, when God sends messages, God uses images and actions. Seeing these images and actions helps us experience and understand things in new ways. Let’s use our actions and eyes to learn a bit more about each other by telling silent stories.

Each person in the group will get a turn to tell the story of their day. When it’s your turn, your leader will read the following prompts and you will act out the answers for others in the group to guess:

• When I woke up this morning, I felt...

• One thing I ate for breakfast was...

• One fun thing I did today was...

• Something I hope to do tomorrow is...

It’s okay if it takes a little time for people to guess what you’re acting out. Even the disciples didn’t understand what was happening right away. 

The goal is to practice a different way of listening and communicating that can help us better understand God and each other.

Alternate Activity

Materials: plate, water, pepper, dish soap

Our scripture today talks about the transfiguration of Jesus. In this story, Jesus’ disciples watch as his face changes and his clothes turn dazzling white.

They had never seen this happen before, and it is one of the many things that happened to encourage them to follow Jesus. How do you think they felt?

Let’s do a transformation experiment of our own. Take a plate and pour some water on top. Sprinkle pepper on top of the water until it covers the surface. Dip your finger into the water.

Did anything happen? If you don’t like getting your finger wet, you can ask your leader to do this while you watch.

Next, put a small amount of dish soap on the tip of your finger and dip it in the water and pepper again (if you don’t like getting your finger wet, your leader can do this).

Did anything happen now? How was the pepper transformed? How did you feel when you saw it happen?

february 19 - 24, 2022

The Season after Epiphany began with the three wise ones following the star and ends with the bright lights of Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain. Epiphany means “showing forth,” and it is during this season when we are called to look for how God makes Godself known throughout the world. In his poem, Epiphany, Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann wrote the following: “We are—we could be—people of your light. So, we pray for the light of your glorious presence as we wait for your appearing.”

Scripture: Luke 6:27–38

“But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Highest; for God is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Questions:

• Describe the setting of our story. Where was Jesus teaching? Who was listening to Jesus?

• Many people were curious and excited to hear Jesus teach. As you listened, what words did you hear Jesus repeat?

• This story is part of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain,” when Jesus preached to a large group of diverse people gathered in a field. Imagine sitting in the grass that day. What questions would you want to ask Jesus after his sermon?

• It can be hard to love people who are not kind to us. Why does Jesus want us to do this?

• During the season of Epiphany, we focus on God showing love, grace, and mercy through Jesus and on the ways, Jesus invites us to share love, grace, and mercy. What is one way you can be loving, kind, or generous to someone this week without expecting anything in return?

Prayer: Merciful God, you call us to show your love to everyone, not just those we like. Help us love others even when it’s hard and remind us to be kind as you are kind. Amen. 

feb 21: micropractice:

feb 23: look it up!!

Look up images of the landscape of Galilee. What do you notice about the terrain, plants, weather, sky? Imagine what it was like to sit in a crowded Galilean field. Do you think it was easy for everyone to hear Jesus?

feb 24: activity time!!

In our story today, Jesus talks about how we should treat each other. He tells us we shouldn’t judge each other but should show love and kindness to each other. Even if people don’t treat us well, Jesus tells us we should show them mercy, love, and forgiveness. This can be hard but is also a really good thing.

When people are unkind to each other, they spread unkindness. When someone is kind to someone, even when that person was unkind to them, it stops the unkindness and spreads love instead.

Becoming kind and forgiving when others are unkind to us takes practice. One way to practice is writing forgiveness letters. Think of a time when someone was unkind to you which you are ready to forgive them for.

Take some time to write a letter saying you forgive them. This letter is just for you; you do not need to give it to them, and it is always your choice to offer forgiveness when you are ready.

Writing the letter can help you notice what feelings arise when it comes to forgiveness.

Alternate Activity

Our passage comes from a part of the Bible called the “Sermon on the Plain.” In it, Jesus talks about how we should treat people. He tells us we should show kindness, mercy, and love to all people, even people we don’t like or people who might not like us. Jesus tells us not to judge people and assume bad things about them, but rather, treat people the way we’d like to be treated. He reminds us God is merciful and we should be merciful, too.

 Following Jesus’ instructions is good because it spreads God’s love in the world, and it can also be difficult. It’s hard to be kind to someone who isn’t kind to you. When you don’t like someone, focusing on other feelings can be a real challenge.

It’s helpful to express our feelings in healthy ways so we can focus on kindness and mercy. One way we can do that is through a body shakedown. 

Give yourself lots of space for your body to move around. Close your eyes and allow yourself to feel any hard feelings you might have. Maybe you are angry about something that didn’t go your way during the week. Maybe you are frustrated about something that happened. Maybe you are disappointed or annoyed or hurt. It’s okay to have any of these feelings.

As you think about them, pull your arms and legs in tightly against your body and count to ten. When you get to ten, release your feelings through your body by shaking your arms and legs.

Make sure you take a deep breath as you do this. Feel free to repeat this if you still need to release some feelings. 

february 12 - 17, 2022

The Season after Epiphany began with the three wise ones following the star and ends with the right lights of Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain. Epiphany means “showing forth,” and it is during this season when we are called to look for how God makes Godself known throughout the world. In his poem, Epiphany, Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann wrote the following: “We are—we could be—people of your light. So we pray for the light of your glorious presence as we wait for your appearing.” 

Scripture: Luke 6:17–26

He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Then he looked up at his disciples and said:

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. “Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.”

Questions:

• Jesus spoke to a large crowd of people. Where did they come from?

• Jesus compares several things together in this passage. What ideas did Jesus place side by side?

• To be blessed means to speak or do something bringing wholeness and connection with God. Jesus blesses people whom society might not recognize as blessed. How would you feel if someone blessed you on a day you felt down, sad, hungry, sick, or poor?

• In this passage, Jesus says those who are struggling now will later get what they need. What would the world look like if everyone got what they needed when they needed it?

• Jesus talks about turning struggles people have into blessings. What are some ways you and your faith community can bring blessings to those struggling in your community?

Prayer: Dear God, help us be a blessing to those we encounter. Strengthen us to comfort those who weep and feed anyone who is hungry. When we ourselves are weeping or hungry, help us remember your promises. Amen. 

feb 14: micropractice:

feb 16: look it up!!

Look up Clara Barton – teacher, patent clerk, and hospital nurse during the American Civil War! She was known for her humanitarian and civil rights works. She also founded the American Red Cross.

feb 17: activity time!!

Materials: Index cards/paper (four per participant), Colouring utensils

Jesus teaches that people who are poor, hungry, sad, and hated are blessed, while those who are rich, full, laughing, and well-liked have woe, or distress, coming to them.

 What do you notice about the consolations, or gifts, to those who are blessed? People who are lacking what they need to thrive will receive in the kingdom of heaven. What do you notice about the woes Jesus says?

We need all these things—food, money, joy, community. The problem, Jesus points out, is the imbalance of those things in his community. It hurts people when those who have resources do not share them properly.

Distribute four blank cards to participants. Instruct them to draw each resource on the front of one card: money, food, joy, and community, then write the name of the resource at the bottom front. Leave the back blank.

If leading virtually, have participants play with one person in their household or make two sets of cards.

Collect and shuffle the cards. Give four to each participant. Participants have four minutes to trade. They win the game if everyone has all four resources at the end. If even one person has too much or too little, they all lose. Play until they all win, increasing the time if necessary. If playing solo with two sets, draw and exchange cards with the deck of four. Try playing with these variations: shorter time, no showing or discussing cards before a trade, no talking at all, or some start with no cards while others start with eight.

After the game, talk about what was easy or hard.

• How is this game an example of Jesus’ teaching?

• What is hard or easy about redistributing our own gifts to others?

Activity Adaptation

Materials: Pennies/rocks/small objects (four per participant)

Jesus says those who are poor, hungry, sad, or don’t have friends will receive gifts in the kingdom of heaven. Those who are rich, full, happy, and have friends, will not receive those things. People who have resources, or useful things, but don’t help others, are not helping build the kingdom of heaven.

Show the objects. These “gifts” represent money, food, happiness, and community. We want all those things, right? But sometimes someone doesn’t have enough of one or has too much of another. Have them close their eyes. Pass out the gifts, giving some seven or eight, some one or two, and some none at all.

Tell participants they have to share them until everyone has exactly four. Then they will win the game! Play more rounds with a time limit, where they can only talk in a whisper, or where they can’t show how many they have to their friends.

This game teaches us about the kingdom of God because we share what we have until everyone has enough. God promises in the kingdom, everyone will have plenty, but only when we work together.

february 5 - 10, 2022

The Season after Epiphany began with the three wise ones following the star and ends with the bright lights of Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain. Epiphany means “showing forth,” and it is during this season when we are called to look for how God makes Godself known throughout the world. In his poem, Epiphany, Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann wrote the following: “We are—we could be—people of your light. So, we pray for the light of your glorious presence as we wait for your appearing.”

Scripture: Luke 5:1–11

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake: the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So, they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Questions:

• We are in the season after Epiphany, where we see how Jesus is shown to be the Son of God. How did Jesus reveal his identity here?

• The fishers worked all night and did not catch any fish. How do you feel after a long day of work? How do you think they felt?

• Jesus provides the disciples with an abundance of fish. More than enough! The kingdom of heaven will be full of abundance. Besides food, what else might be abundant in the kingdom of God?

• After the miracle, Jesus invites Peter, James, and John to follow him. This is a “call story.” God calls each of us to follow. What kinds of “call stories” have you heard from friends, families, or in sermons?

• We are called every day to follow God in everything we do. What could God be calling you to do this week? 

Prayer: O God of abundant love, like fish in the disciples’ nets, you have caught our curiosity and wonder. Help us be brave, like the disciples leaving the boat, as we learn to trust and follow you. Amen. 

feb 7: micropractice:

feb 9: look it up!!

Look up the “Ancient Galilee Boat” or Jesus Boat”, a first-century fishing boat discovered in 1986. Read how it was discovered and carefully removed from the lakebed.

feb 10: activity time!!

Materials: blank paper, colouring utensils

Jesus invited the fishermen to follow, listen, and learn from him using a metaphor (or picture) he knew they would understand: “If you follow me, we will catch people instead of fish.” Imagine how this story would be different if Simon, James, and John were painters or farmers. What do you think Jesus would have said instead? Jesus meets us where we are—in fishing boats, art classes, or soccer fields—and invites us to use our skills and passions to share God’s love with the world.

Walk through this guided imaginative prayer together:

• Close your eyes and imagine you’re doing something you love. What is it?

• Now imagine Jesus walks up to you with a big smile on his face and joins you.

• He looks at you and says, “You are so happy doing what you love. Do you want to use that to share my love with the world?”

• How do you feel at this moment?

• Now open your eyes.

Reflect together as a group. Pass out paper and colouring utensils and invite participants to draw a picture in response to this imagination exercise. How can you share God’s love with the world around you by doing what you love to do?

Alternate Activity

Materials: recycled materials, scissors, string, tape

Simon, James, and John were fish experts—they knew everything about fish! They knew the best places, times of day, and techniques to catch fish. Maybe that’s why they were confused when Jesus told them to cast their nets at a time and place, they thought there wouldn’t be fish. That’s also why they were so amazed when they caught more fish than their boats could carry!

As a group, brainstorm a list of everything you know about fish: Where do they live? What do they eat? How many different species can you name?

Set out an assortment of recycled materials (newspaper, cardboard tubes, etc.) or encourage participants to look through their recycling bins.

• What do you notice about these items?

• What are they made of?

• What are they used for?

Cardboard, glass, and plastic are useful, but they don’t disappear when we throw them away. While some of it is recycled to be used again, most of our waste ends up in a landfill or oceans, rivers, and lakes. Look up pictures of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and explore the problem of water pollution.

• How does waste end up in our oceans, rivers, and lakes?

• How does our pollution affect these ecosystems?

Did you know . . .

• It takes most types of plastic over 400 years to completely decompose. Until then, it simply breaks into smaller and smaller pieces known as microplastics.

• Only about 9% of plastic waste is recycled.

• About 80% of plastic waste in the ocean comes from land.

After exploring water pollution, instruct participants to create fish sculptures using only scissors, tape, and recycled materials. Optional: When finished, tie a string around the fish to easily hang.

january 29 - february 3, 2022

The Season after Epiphany began with the three wise ones following the star and ends with the bright lights of Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain. Epiphany means “showing forth,” and it is during this season when we are called to look for how God makes Godself known throughout the world. In his poem, Epiphany, Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann wrote the following: “We are—we could be—people of your light. So, we pray for the light of your glorious presence as we wait for your appearing.”

Scripture:  Jeremiah 1:4–10

Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.” But God said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” Then God touched my mouth and said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Questions:

• In this story, Jeremiah remembers the day God called him to be a prophet. What does a prophet do?

• How old was Jeremiah when God called him? What did you notice about the way Jeremiah responded?

• Jeremiah wasn’t sure he was old enough to be a prophet. Have you ever felt like you couldn’t do something because of your age? What does that feel like?

• God noticed Jeremiah’s big feelings about being a prophet and promised to always be with him. Sometimes we need a little help to be brave. When you have big feelings, who helps you be brave?

• In the season after Epiphany, we focus on ways we can know, see, and experience God. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are; God invites us all to be a part of this revelation! How do you help the world around you know, see, and experience God?

Prayer: Thank you, God, for blessing us with many gifts. We know we are capable of many things, regardless of our age. Be with us, God, and help us have courage to use our gifts for justice. Amen.

jan 31: micropractice:

feb 2: look it up!!

Kids can change the world!

Look up how Robby Novak (aka Kid President) has used videos on the internet to spread compassion and kindness in the world. Can you find any other stories about kids who changed the world?

Feb 3: activity time!!

Materials: Blank paper, scissors, colouring utensils, yarn/string

When God calls Jeremiah, he is a boy. For this reason, Jeremiah doubts whether or not he can do what God wants him to do. He doesn’t think he knows how to speak the way God wants him to. God, on the other hand, doesn’t think Jeremiah’s age is a problem. God knows Jeremiah has the gifts necessary to do what needs to be done, regardless of his age. God doesn’t make assumptions about Jeremiah, honors his gifts, and promises to be with him as he uses them.

Sometimes, we might feel the way Jeremiah feels. We may get asked to do something—or even want to do something ourselves—but we might have doubts about ourselves. We may feel we’re too young, too old, or don’t have the proper gifts. It can be helpful for us to remember we are enough, we are blessed with gifts from God, and, with help from God and others, there are plenty of things we can achieve. One way to do this is by making a Gift Mask.

Take a piece of paper and cut it in half lengthwise. Cut out two holes for your eyes and a triangle at the bottom center of the mask for your nose. On your mask, draw some things that make you feel good about yourself. They can be pictures of happy memories, activities you enjoy, or things that make you smile. Next, draw pictures of people in your life who help and support you. When you’re done, attach yarn/string to your mask and put it on. Look at yourself in a mirror and remember all the gifts God has blessed you with.

Alternate Activity

God needed Jeremiah to deliver a message to the people. Jeremiah knew this was a big deal, and our text tells us about some of his feelings. Maybe he was nervous about what he was asked to be, protesting because he believes he’s just a boy. Since God told him, “do not be afraid,” maybe he was also afraid.

Whatever he was feeling was completely okay; all our feelings are valid. If you were in Jeremiah’s shoes, how would YOU feel? Listen as your leader reads the following sentences out loud. After each one, make a face to show how you would feel in that situation.

Would you be happy? Sad? Nervous? Scared? Angry? See if you feel the same or different than Jeremiah might have felt. 

january 22 - 27, 2022

The Season after Epiphany began with the three wise ones following the star and ends with the bright lights of Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain. Epiphany means “showing forth,” and it is during this season when we are called to look for how God makes Godself known throughout the world. In his poem, Epiphany, Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann wrote the following: “We are—we could be—people of your light. So, we pray for the light of your glorious presence as we wait for your appearing.”

Scripture: Luke 4:14–21

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because God has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. God has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Questions:

• What did you notice about the role the Spirit plays in this passage?

• Jesus travels to towns all over Galilee, including Nazareth, his hometown. Why do you think it was important that Jesus went to speak in the place where he grew up?

• Both Jesus and the people in the synagogue would’ve been familiar with the text from the book of Isaiah. Why do you think hearing Jesus read it this time was special?

• What does it look like to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, sight to the blind, and freedom for the oppressed?

• Through reading Isaiah, Jesus shares a message of hope with his community. What hopeful message would you like to share with your community?

Prayer: Dear God, you sent Jesus to tell us your mission and plan for the world. You want to bring freedom to the oppressed and good news to the poor. Thank you for inviting us into your good news work! Amen.

jan 24: micropractice:

jan 26: look it up!!

Look up Meals on Wheels.

With programs in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK, and the United States, Meals on Wheels is a program where volunteers bring hot meals to home-bound seniors, preventing hunger, malnutrition, loneliness, and even economic hardship.

jan 27: activity time!!

Materials: Your church’s vision/mission statement, blank paper, colouring utensils

In today’s passage, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah. You can find the passage he read in the book of Isaiah in our Bibles. The passage from Isaiah tells us Jesus’ mission—what he intends to do in his ministry.

The passage lists five things: 1) bring good news to the poor; 2) proclaim release to the captives; 3) proclaim recovery of sight to the blind; 4) let the oppressed go free; 5) proclaim the year of God’s favor. Discuss these with the participants and define words or ideas the group may not understand.

Jesus knows his mission on Earth, and what he reads could be called his “mission statement.” Mission statements tell us what a person or business wants to do. For example, Nike’s mission statement is: “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.” McDonald’s mission statement is: “To be our customers’ favorite place and way to eat and drink.”

Have the participants suggest other companies and look up their mission statements. Look at your church’s mission statement and discuss how the church fulfills the statement. Look at Jesus’ mission statement and your church’s mission statement together. How are they similar or different?

What would you add or change to your church’s mission statement to make it closer to Jesus’ mission statement? Consider how your church fulfills or could fulfill that mission.

In small groups, discuss messages of affirmation and hope participants would share with their congregation about how the church puts (or could put!) Jesus’ mission into action. Write “(Church name) can fulfill Jesus’ mission of (one thing) by (action).” Draw what this would look like. Where can you put these to inspire your church to keep living Jesus’ mission?

Alternate Activity

Jesus chooses this reading to tell the people what his mission is going to be! Listen closely to the mission—Jesus says he will bring good news to many people! Jesus says it is the year of the Lord’s favor, which means God’s blessings are coming now.

We have a mission as followers of Jesus—to tell the good news to everyone that God loves them, and we love them. We can tell this with our words and show it with our actions. When you pray for someone, you show them you love them, and God loves them! We will make prayer cards to give as good news! Think of someone who you want to bless today.

Depending on the participants, you may lead a group prayer with a moment of silence for everyone to think of their person. If participants know prayers by memory, they can say those.

Make a card that says something like, “I prayed for you today!” Decorate the cards with beautiful holy artwork that will make the receivers think about God’s love. If you have time, you could do more rounds and make many cards!

january 15 - 20, 2022

The Season after Epiphany began with the three wise ones following the star and ends with the bright lights of Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain. Epiphany means “showing forth,” and it is during this season when we are called to look for how God makes Godself known throughout the world. In his poem, Epiphany, Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann wrote the following: “We are—we could be—people of your light. So, we pray for the light of your glorious presence as we wait for your appearing.”

Scripture: John 2:1–11

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to those waiting on tables, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them,” Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the caterer.” So, they took it. When the caterer tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servers who had drawn the water knew), the caterer called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Questions:

• Think of all the characters in this story (Jesus, the disciples, the servers, Mary). Who stood out to you and why?

• What might your character have been thinking/feeling? What might they have said? Retell the story from the perspective of your character.

• Mary knew it was time for Jesus’ miracle, even though he was not sure at first. She encouraged him to use his talents to help others. Who encourages you to use your talents?

• Who realized Jesus performed a miracle? (servers, Mary, disciples). Who didn’t realize it? (guests, caterer, groom). What do the people who witnessed the miracle have in common?

• Jesus didn’t tell everyone about his miracle. During this season after Epiphany, we focus on revealing God’s work in the world. What kind of acts can we do for others? How might we do these quietly or without much attention?

Prayer: Miraculous God, you spoke the universe into existence and turned water molecules into wine. Your loving hospitality knows no bounds. Teach us to use what we already have to create spaces of welcome, hospitality, and love for all. Amen.

jan 17: micropractice:

jan 19: look it up!!

Look up images of stone water jars from antiquity.

Then solve this problem: There were six jars. Each held twenty to thirty gallons. How much water was there in total? One-gallon fills five wine bottles. In bottles, how much wine was there?

jan 20: activity time!!

Materials: 6 bowls and 6 cups, 180 red and/or purple pom-poms, 180 blue pom-poms, masking/painter’s tape

Filling the six stone jars from this story was no easy task. Each jar held about thirty gallons of water, meaning 6 jars x 30 gallons = 180 gallons of water. Can you imagine 180 gallons (681.37 liters) of water or juice?

The jars weren’t easy to carry either, so the people in charge of refilling them likely used smaller containers to fill up the jars a couple of gallons at a time. Did you know one gallon of water weighs about 8.34pounds (3.78 kilograms)? So 180 gallons of water x 8.34 pounds = 1,501.2 pounds. That’s a lot of work, like carrying six giant pandas or 150 cats!

It’s one thing to read all these numbers; it’s a very different thing to touch, see, and play with these numbers. This game will help participants imagine how big Jesus’ first miracle was. Split into teams or work together to complete the two phases of this game.

Phase One: Collect Water

Use masking/painter’s tape to make a throwing line on the floor. Set six bowls in front of the tape. Depending on your group’s skill level, the bowls can be close, far away, all together, or spread apart. The group/teams must try to throw as many of the 180 blue pom-poms into the bowls as they can.

Phase Two: Make Wine

After completing Phase One, replace the bowls with empty cups and give the group/teams red and/or purple pom-poms. Now try to throw as many of the 180 red/purple pom-poms into the cups as they can.

Up for a challenge?

• Add a time limit, use your non-dominant hand, or close your eyes.

Alternate Activity

Materials: 6 glass bottles or jars per person/group (all the same size), wooden spoon/stick, dry erase marker, water, food colouring (optional)

It’s pretty spectacular how Jesus turned six jars of water into wine, so let’s do something slightly less spectacular and turn six glass jars into a xylophone!

This activity may be done as one large group, broken into smaller groups, or individually. Begin with six empty glass jars for each xylophone. Using a dry erase marker, mark how full you want each jar to be. Each jar should have different amounts of water, and none should be empty. As you pour water to the fill-line in each jar, predict which jars will make the highest sounds and the lowest sounds. Arrange your jars from emptiest to fullest, then use a wooden spoon or stick to tap the sides of each glass jar.

For bonus fun:

• Add food colouring to each jar.

• Can you make up a song?

• Does the pitch change depending on where you tap

the glass?

• What does it sound like using a plastic or metal mallet?

january 8 - 13, 2022

The Season after Epiphany began with the three wise ones following the star and ends with the bright lights of Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain. Epiphany means “showing forth,” and it is during this season when we are called to look for how God makes Godself known throughout the world. In his poem, Epiphany, Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann wrote the following: “We are—we could be—people of your light. So, we pray for the light of your glorious presence as we wait for your appearing.”

Scripture: Luke 3:15–16, 21–22

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Questions:

• John had an important job: get people ready to meet Jesus. How did John do this?

• In the season after Epiphany, we focus on God’s revelation through Jesus. Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of his public ministry—what do you notice about how God introduced Jesus?

• Jesus was praying when God spoke. Praying can sometimes feel silly or confusing, but we can talk to God just like we talk to our friends and family. What do you like to talk about?

• Conversations include both talking and listening. If we can talk to God through prayer, we can also listen to God through prayer. What helps you pay attention when people talk to you? What distracts you?

• Close your eyes and imagine God saying this to you: “You are my child! I love you, and I love who you are.” What thoughts or feelings come to mind?

Prayer: Loving God, we know your Spirit moves through our lives like a dove. May the Spirit move us to do your will and spread your love throughout all the Earth. Amen.

jan 10: micropractice:

jan 12: look it up!!

Look up pictures of the Jordan River. What do you notice about the water, foliage, and landscape? Does it look like what you imagined in your head? How does this location compare to where your church practices baptism?

jan 13: activity time!!

Materials: blank paper, scissors, colouring utensils

In today’s story, Jesus gets baptized. Beforehand, his cousin, John the Baptist, tells the people he baptizes about Jesus, and John tells them Jesus is special. John says that while he baptizes folks with water, Jesus will baptize them with the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus gets baptized by John, something pretty special happens: The Holy Spirit comes down in the form of a dove! Doves appear in the Bible a lot as symbols of the Holy Spirit, and they can remind us that, much like a bird, the Spirit is with us, moving and flying among us in our lives. We can even create our own symbols of this by making hand doves.

Take your hand and squeeze all of your fingers close together while holding your thumb away from them. Next, while keeping your hand in that position, place your hand on a piece of paper and trace the outline of your hand, like a mitten (do not trace individual fingers).

Remove your hand. Using your colouring utensils, draw an eye and beak on the thumb portion of your tracing. The fingers portion makes up the dove’s wing. This is now your hand dove!

When the dove comes down to Jesus, he hears a voice calling him “Beloved” and saying God is “well pleased” with him. What are some words or images that remind you of how much God loves you? Write or draw them on your hand dove as a reminder of God’s love flowing throughout your life. Add any other decorative details to your dove.

When you’re done, cut out your hand dove and place it somewhere you can see it and remember that, just like Jesus, the Holy Spirit is at work in your life.

Alternate Activity

In today’s scripture, a dove comes to Jesus after he participates in the act of baptism. When the dove comes down, Jesus hears a voice say he is “beloved”, and that God is “well pleased” with him.

Like Jesus, God loves all of us and is well pleased with us for being who we are. Our story reminds us how powerful it can be to hear those words spoken out loud.

Let’s take some time to remember we are all loved. The leader of the group will have a bowl and a cup of water. For each member of the group, everyone can say the following:

“___________, you are a beloved child of God! God is pleased you are who you are!”

Each time the phrase is said, the leader will pour some water from the cup into the bowl. Don’t forget to include the leader in this, too! By the end, everyone will have heard words—as well as seen and heard water pouring—reminding them of how much God loves them.

january 1 - 6, 2022

On the Day of Epiphany, we remember the three wise ones who followed the light of the star to find Jesus. Epiphany means “showing forth,” and Epiphany begins a season where we are called to look for how God makes Godself known throughout the world. In his poem, Epiphany, Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann wrote the following: “We are—we could be—people of your light. So, we pray for the light of your glorious presence as we wait for your appearing.”

Scripture: Matthew 2:1–12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Magi from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the Magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Questions:

• In this story, the Magi discover the new king is baby Jesus. What did you discover as you listened to this story?

• The Magi and Herod react differently to the news of the new Messiah-King. What feelings do they share? What feelings are different?

• The Magi noticed something in nature (the star) that led them to Jesus. What beautiful or amazing parts of nature make you think of God?

• Today is the holy feast day of Epiphany! On this day, we celebrate how the star led the Magi to Jesus, and they worshipped him. Who or what in your life has led you to Jesus?

• The Magi were open and curious about Jesus. They didn’t know what he would be like, but they were eager to learn instead of nervous. What steps can you take to be open and curious about new things in your life?

Prayer: O God who painted the stars in the sky, your light shines brightly all around us. May we, like the wise ones, follow the warmth of your world-changing love as it leads us into humble and unexpected places. Amen.

jan 3: micropractise

jan 5: look it up!!

Look up a star app that helps identify stars!

Sometimes, what appears to be the brightest “stars” are actually planets, such as Jupiter or Saturn. What can looking at the stars remind us about God?

jan 6: activity time!!

Materials: Blank paper, Colouring utensils

The wise ones encountered many unexpected twists and turns on their journey following the star in the sky. They didn’t know the new king they came to worship was born into a humble Jewish family, and they did not expect to take a different route home to avoid King Herod’s trap.

Sometimes the journey of following Jesus can be filled with twists and turns that, in the moment, seem like they’re leading nowhere. But, eventually, you may catch a glimpse of the big picture and see how it all comes together to create something beautiful!

As we remember the story of the wise ones twisting and turning on their star journey, let’s make our own stars filled with different colours, patterns, and shapes. Give each participant a blank piece of paper and colouring utensils. Have them draw an outline of a star.

Draw lines connecting points inside the star to create different sections within the shape. Then colour each section with different designs and patterns (the twistier, the better!) until the entire star is filled in.

As participants are colouring, try some of these prayerful practices:

• Pray for or think about someone as you colour each new section.

• Every time you grab a new colour, say, “Thank you God for ________.”

• How are you feeling today? Use shapes and colours that express how you feel. You can even use the different sections to express more than one feeling!

• Can you incorporate names, words, or pictures into your star patterns? Think about the people you love and the words you want to say as you colour.

When you’re done, look at the entire picture and take a deep breath. Where do you see God in your colours, patterns, and shapes?

Alternate Activity

Materials: Chalk Black, construction paper

On the day of Epiphany, some church traditions use chalk on door frames to bless their homes and churches as a way of remembering when the wise ones visited Jesus’ home.

The chalking is written as the current calendar year split in half by the letters C+M+B written in between. The letters stand for “Christus mansionem benedicat,” which is Latin for, “May Christ bless this home.” For example, it will look like this for 2022: 20 + C + M + B + 22

Practice this tradition as a group and encourage participants to do this with their loved ones in their own spaces. Begin by using this chalk blessing together or create your own! 

O God of the universe,

Bless this chalk made from the earth,

A favored tool we use to play, learn, and create.

Give each participant a piece of chalk and black construction paper. Write 20 + C + M + B + 22 (replacing the 22 if you are in a different calendar year) in chalk on the paper as you read this blessing aloud.

Peace be to this space and all who live, play, and visit here.

May all who come and go from this space,

Find welcome, kindness, gentleness, and love,

Because you, God, live here with us.

december 25 - 30

Christmas continues beyond December 25’s celebration of Jesus’ birth. The Christmas season—Christmastide—begins on Christmas Day and ends on Epiphany. Howard Thurman says it best with his poem, The Work of Christmas: “When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flock, the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among the people, to make music in the heart.”

Scripture: Luke 2:41–52

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.

Questions:

• Jesus was only twelve years old when he stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents. What feeling words did you notice in this story?

• Why did Jesus want to stay in the temple instead of walking home with his family?

• After Advent, we enter the season of Christmas— which is twelve days, not just one! During this time, we celebrate the birth of Jesus and remember he was a kid who grew up, just like us. What is something you can do now that you couldn’t do when you were a baby?

• As Jesus grew up, he and his family needed to learn how to support each other in new ways. How Mary and Joseph supported Jesus as a baby was different than when he was a kid or teenager. How do you think Mary and Joseph grew as parents while Jesus got older?

• What kinds of things are you interested in being involved with? Or what problems do you want to solve? How can the grown-ups or people in your life support you and help you make that happen?

Prayer: Growing God, thank you for giving us the ability to learn and explore. As we try new things, help us communicate with the adults in our lives so they can support our independence and show us love. Amen.

dec 27: micropractice

dec 29: look it up!!

Walking from Jesus’ home in Nazareth to the temple in Jerusalem took about 4-5 days.

First, find Nazareth and Jerusalem on a map, then plan a road trip!

How will you travel?

Where will you stop?

What will you eat, play, or listen to?

dec 30: activity time!!

Today’s story shows Jesus as a boy. He goes to the Passover festival and is eager to learn from the teachers but doesn’t tell his parents where he is, which worries them. It’s important for Jesus to do things that are important to him, but it’s also important that he talk to the adults in his life about his plans. They need to know where he is and how they can help him.

Like Jesus, we need to discuss with guiding adults in our lives what we want to do and how they can support us. We can practice doing that by playing a game.

The youngest person in the group gets to be “The Chooser” first. The Chooser is the person who gets to decide what they want to do. It can be active (like jumping jacks), silly (like making a funny face), interactive (like giving someone a high five with someone—with permission), or calm (like sitting in place). The Chooser will tell the rest of the group what they would like to do, starting with the phrase, “I would like to...”

For example, if The Chooser wanted to do ten jumping jacks, they would say:

“I would like to do ten jumping jacks!”

The rest of the group will respond:

“As people who love you, how can we support you?”

If The Chooser wants the group to join, they can say, “Join me!” If they want others to sit and watch, they can say, “Watch me!” If they don’t want to be watched, they can say, “Close your eyes!” (If there’s a safety concern in the chosen action, the leader may talk with The Chooser and group about safety and perhaps redirect toward another action)

When they’re done, The Chooser picks someone else to take their turn. Each person goes until everyone has had at least one turn.

Alternate Activity

In today’s story, young Jesus wants to learn from the teachers in the temple. He is excited to do something that he wants to do on his own. Doing this makes him feel empowered. When we feel empowered, we make decisions about our own lives that make us feel good and in control

What are some things that make you feel empowered? Take a moment to make a list of choices you can make that make you feel good and in control. Some examples are:

• Trying something new

• Reaching out to someone you’ve been thinking about

• Learning a new thing

• Writing down your thoughts

• Making something creative

Our story also reminds us it’s important to tell the adults in our lives about what we want to do so they can help us without worry. As you think about your list, consider the ways the adults in your life can support you in your empowerment goals.

december 18 - 23

Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year. Advent lasts for four weeks and is followed by twelve days of Christmas and the Day of Epiphany. Depending on who you ask, Advent’s liturgical colour is either blue or purple (with Christmas being white). Advent is a time when we prepare and wait in expectation of the birth of Jesus on Christmas. More than anything, it is a time of great wonder and mystery. Author Madeleine L’Engle wrote the following of Advent: “This is the irrational season, where love blooms bright and wild. If Mary were filled with reason there would have been no room for the child.”

Scripture: Luke 1:39–48

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for you, God, have looked with favor on the lowliness of your servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed...”

Questions:

• What things did you notice Mary and Elizabeth have in common? What else did you notice about this story?

• Mary wanted to share her big news with Elizabeth. When have you wanted to share big news? Who did you share it with?

• Elizabeth’s child leaped when Mary greeted Elizabeth. How do you react when something exciting happens?

• While they were together, Elizabeth rejoiced that both Mary and Mary’s baby were blessed. Who are people in your life that feel like blessings?

• Mary knew others would know God looked upon her in love. What are some ways you can show love to people in your life?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent where we welcome you. Help us welcome other people just like Elizabeth welcomed Mary and Jesus. We love you, and we know you are here with us. Amen.

dec 20: micropractice

dec 22: look it up!!

Curious about another pair of loving, supportive women?

Look up Mayumi Narita and Kay Espenhayn.

Both are Paralympic swimmers, and their love and support for each other led them to be swimming greats in the pool and blessings in each other’s lives.

dec 23: activity time!

Note: The bold section below will also be used for the Activity Adaptation.

In this reading, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth. She had many different feelings—maybe she was worried, excited, happy, and scared all at the same time! All of us have events that happen in our lives that give us strong feelings. When we talk about these events with others, we can feel heard and valued or misunderstood based on how they respond. When we actively listen, we give a wonderful gift! Recount the story of Mary’s visit with Elizabeth and identify how they listened and cared for each other. First, Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting. What does it look like to listen? Next, Elizabeth exclaimed that God blessed Mary and that she had strong faith! What Elizabeth said showed that she heard Mary. Wonder together about how Mary felt to know Elizabeth heard her.

With the participants, practice a posture of listening by making eye contact, calming your body, and not interrupting. Have a participant tell you something. Demonstrate active listening. Then demonstrate non-active listening. Discuss how you feel when someone listens or does not listen to you. Let participants practice in small groups by telling a simple story.

When we hear someone tell a story, if we repeat back what they said or identify how they might feel, we can show we are listening to them! Give an example to the group, such as telling them your family pet died or you were sick this weekend. Ask for some possible responses that show they are listening. Try an uplifting example next, such as going to a fair or seeing a movie! Let participants take turns telling stories and identifying emotions.

At the end of this story, Mary says her soul rejoices in God. She is so happy to be listened to and loved by Elizabeth.

How does it feel when someone listens to you? Who can you give the gift of listening to this holiday season?

Activity Adaptation

Using the bold section from the main activity, walk through the story in the same way, explaining that Elizabeth first listened to Mary’s greeting and then showed Mary she listened. Instead of working in a large group, break the participants up into smaller groups with one adult in each group.

Sit in a circle and practice a listening stance vs. a non-listening stance. Then choose one person to be a storyteller and one to be a listener. Everyone else will be watchers. Let the storyteller tell a story for about a minute while the listener shows us what listening looks like. Give prompts if needed. After a minute, ask the watchers what they saw or noticed that helped them know the listener was listening. Next, ask the listener, then the watchers, what feelings they thought the storyteller had. Let other participants take turns listening and telling stories!

After the game, talk about how it feels to be listened to when you have a story to tell. Who listens to you? How do you show people in your life you are listening when they share with you?

december 11 - 16, 2021

Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year. Advent lasts for four weeks and is followed by twelve days of Christmas and the Day of Epiphany. Depending on who you ask, Advent’s liturgical colour is either blue or purple (with Christmas being white). Advent is a time when we prepare and wait in expectation of the birth of Jesus on Christmas. More than anything, it is a time of great wonder and mystery. Author Madeleine L’Engle wrote the following of Advent: “This is the irrational season, where love blooms bright and wild. If Mary were filled with reason, there would have been no room for the child.”

Scripture: Philippians 4:4–7

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. God is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Questions:

• Paul gives a lot of advice in this passage. Invite participants to close their eyes and listen to the scripture or story booklet again. Slowly read the advice from Paul two times. What piece of advice stuck out to you?

• Paul addresses the people fighting in the Philippian church. Paul tells them to rejoice and let their gentleness be known. If you were them, what would you think about this advice?

• In what ways can rejoicing and being gentle with ourselves help during difficult situations?

• During Advent, we prepare to celebrate Christmas. This third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday! “Rejoice” refers to our scripture phrase for today, which Christians used to sing at the beginning of a church service. What things bring you joy?

• Joy is a gift from our faith. In what joyful ways have you been preparing your heart for Christmas, or can you prepare your heart for Christmas?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for being with us on days when it’s easy to find joy and days when it’s not. Help us build and discover joy in our everyday spaces and share it with those around us. Amen.

dec 13: micropractice

dec 15: look it up!!

Look up mindful glitter jars.

Part of gentleness means having the strength to wait until our emotions settle.

If you let your emotions settle, you can make a gentle decision!

How do you feel when you watch the glitter swirl?

What about when it settles?

dec 16: activity time!!

Materials: Wooden craft sticks, couloring utensils, rocks, two blocks/books for each bridge

Share with the participants how sometimes, it’s really easy to feel joy—like when life feels happy, full, and exciting—but is it always easy to feel joy? When life feels lonely, scary, or confusing, it can be hard to feel joy. That’s why, in difficult times, it helps to step back, take a break, and build joy. Ask what building joy means.

Explain that building joy in our lives is a lot like building a bridge:

• It requires time and patience to build

• It’s made up of many small things coming together

• It supports us while we cross something big and scary

To help visualize the creativity, strength, and importance of building joy, participants will work together to build a “joy bridge” out of popsicle sticks. This activity can be done as one group, in teams, or as individuals. Brainstorm together some different things or activities that bring you joy (i.e., friends, nature, pizza, hugs) and write or draw each item on a popsicle stick.

Give each group/team/individual two blocks (or two books at least 1 inch thick) and a pile of rocks. Place the blocks close enough together so one popsicle stick can connect them. Then, use the popsicle sticks to design and build a bridge between the two blocks that can hold the weight of all the rocks.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun!

• How many rocks can one popsicle stick hold? How about two or three?

• How many popsicle sticks does it take to hold all your rocks?

• What unique bridge designs can you create?

Alternate Activity

Materials: Two dice

We can’t force our brains and hearts to feel joy, but we can move our bodies in certain ways to help our brains and hearts get what they need to discover joy in every circumstance. Each participant gets a turn rolling the dice. The number they roll corresponds with an activity that embodies joy (listed below). After each roll, do the activity together as a group. Note: There is no #1 activity listed because the minimum you roll with two dice is a “2.”

Activities:

1. Dance party!

2. Smile for 30 seconds.

3. Reach your hands up high, bend down and touch your toes, and then slowly roll back up.

4. Yawn for 30 seconds.

5. Lay down and be as quiet as you can. What sounds can you hear?

6. Take four deep breaths.

7. Think of an animal, then walk around the room pretending to be that animal.

8. Sit down, close your eyes, and imagine you’re at your favorite place in the whole world.

9. Look someone in the eye and say something you appreciate about them.

10. Close your eyes and notice how your body feels. Does it feel tired? Sore? Wiggly?

11. Laugh for 30 seconds.

After the game, discuss these questions together:

• What emotions are you feeling right now?

• Which activity did you enjoy the most? The least?

• How can you practice some of these activities at home?

december 4 - 9, 2021

Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year. Advent lasts for four weeks and is followed by twelve days of Christmas and the Day of Epiphany. Depending on who you ask, Advent’s liturgical colour is either blue or purple (with Christmas being white). Advent is a time when we prepare and wait in expectation of the birth of Jesus on Christmas. More than anything, it is a time of great wonder and mystery. Author Madeleine L’Engle wrote the following of Advent: “This is the irrational season, where love blooms bright and wild. If Mary were filled with reason there would have been no room for the child.”

Scripture: Luke 3:1-6

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make the paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

Questions:

• John did two things to get the people of Israel ready for Jesus. What were these two things?

• The Hebrew word for “repent” is teshuvah, which means to turn around or return. Where did you notice “turning around” movements in this story? Why might this be an important part of getting ready for Jesus?

• How might the Jewish people, living under all those Roman political leaders and rule-makers, have felt when they heard John’s good news about a Messiah coming to save them?

• On the Second Sunday of Advent, we explore what the peace of God looks and feels like. John quotes Isaiah and the good news Isaiah shared with the people of Israel during exile—a time when many were forced to leave their homes and live in other places far away. How might remembering God’s faithfulness in history bring peace to difficult experiences in the present?

• When you feel nervous, scared, sad, confused, etc., what are some things you do to remember God’s peace is with you?

Prayer:

Gracious God, we know you are with us during Advent and always. Help us live in peace and bring love to all. Show us how to prepare for the amazing things to come. Amen.

dec 6: micropractice

dec 8: look it up!!

Who are the political leaders and rule-makers in your neighborhood, school, city, state, country? Look up their pictures and learn a bit about what they advocate for.

Then, take a moment to pray for God’s peace over them and the people they govern.

dec 9: activity time!!

This week is the second week of Advent, the start of a new church calendar year. During Advent, we prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus by lighting candles, reading Scripture, and celebrating the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus brings.

The theme for the second week of Advent is “peace.” We are reminded God wants us to be peacemakers in the world by showing love, spreading justice, and giving comfort to those who need it.

In today’s Scripture, John, son of Zechariah, went around quoting the book of Isaiah, saying, “prepare the way of the Lord!” Like John, we, too, can prepare ourselves to be peacemakers by going on a journey. Our journey can be around our neighborhoods, buildings, houses, and even the rooms we are sitting in. The distance we go does not matter, nor does the place we end up. What matters most is preparing ourselves for peace.

How do we prepare ourselves for peace? Take a short journey of your own around your chosen space (if you’re virtual, invite folks to journey and come back after).

As you journey, take a look around you. Notice the people, places, and things nearby. What do you see needing comfort? What do you see needing healing? What do you see needing repair? What do you see needing love? Make a note of what you see and, once your journey is over, think about ways you can help. Making a plan to help is one way you prepare to spread peace in your community.

After your journey, come back to share your experiences and your plans.

Alternate Activity

Advent is a season where we wait and prepare for the coming of Jesus. While waiting is important, it can sometimes be hard. When something big is coming, we can get excited or anxious and struggle with waiting for it. It can be helpful for us to take a break to calm our minds because it allows us to settle ourselves when we feel overwhelmed by big feelings.

Sit/lie down in a comfortable space. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. As you breathe, think about things that bring you peace 

They may be people who make you feel calm, personal items that bring you comfort, pictures that bring happy memories, or even memories of nice times in the past. Think about those things and how they make you feel.

Keeping your eyes closed, think about ways you have brought peace to others. Maybe you helped a friend in need or calmed down a sibling when they were upset. Maybe you helped spread love or justice in your community. Think about those things and how they make you feel.

Take one more deep breath and open your eyes. If you are with a group and feel comfortable, feel free to share.

november 27 - december 2, 2021

Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year. Advent lasts for four weeks and is followed by twelve days of Christmas and the Day of Epiphany. Depending on who you ask, Advent’s liturgical colour is either blue or purple (with Christmas being white). Advent is a time when we prepare and wait in expectation of the birth of Jesus on Christmas. More than anything, it is a time of great wonder and mystery. Author Madeleine L’Engle wrote the following of Advent: “This is the irrational season, where love blooms bright and wild. If Mary were filled with reason there would have been no room for the child.”

Scripture: 

Jeremiah 33:14–16: The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

Questions:

• Jeremiah was a prophet who told his community God’s message in this scripture reading. What part of God’s message stuck out to you?

• In this prophecy, Jeremiah tells the people God promised to bring someone to save them from their current troubles. If you were in Jeremiah’s community, what would you feel in hearing this message?

• What promises has God made to us which give us hope in difficult times?

• This Sunday is the first Sunday of a new church season called Advent. What do you already know about Advent?

• During Advent, we prepare to celebrate Christmas—when Jesus came to Earth to be with us. What can we do to prepare ourselves to celebrate Jesus’ birth?

Prayer:

Creating God, we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent with you! Fill us with hope for new things to come. Guide and inspire us as we listen for your voice. Amen.

nov 29: micropractice

dec 1: look it up!

This Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent!

Look up the Advent wreaths!

Have you ever noticed if your church uses one?

Do you know why?

Do you know what the evergreen branches mean?

Why is it a circle?

What do the candle colours mean?

dec 2: activity time!

This week is the first Sunday in Advent, the first season in the church year. The theme for this Sunday is “hope.” Whenever we start something new, we often have many hopes for how things will go, how we will grow and change, and what amazing things will happen. Today is a day for us to prepare and celebrate the hope God brings to us. 

There are lots of different ways people prepare for something new. One way to prepare is to stretch out our bodies. People will often stretch before doing physical activity as a way to warm their bodies up or even to help wake themselves up in a brand new day. So as we start this new Advent season, let’s take some time to stretch in the name of hope. 

Plant your feet firmly on the ground. As best as you can, lift your arms above your head. Take a deep breath and count to five as you hold up your arms. If you have to drop your arms before you count to five, that’s okay. You should do whatever feels comfortable for your body. 

Open your arms wide so they stretch in opposite directions from each other. Take a deep breath and count to five as you stretch out your arms. If you have to drop the stretch before you count to five, that’s okay. 

Drop your arms and reach down toward your toes. Take a deep breath and count to five as you reach toward your toes. If you have to stop reaching before you count to five, that’s okay. 

Stand back up and shake out your body. You are now warmed up and ready to start this new Advent season!

Alternate Activity

This Sunday is the start of Advent, a brand new season in the church year. Each Sunday in Advent has a special theme. This week’s theme is “hope.” It is a day for us to remember that, even when things seem hard, God reminds us there is always a reason to have hope. 

One way people celebrate Advent is by lighting candles. We use candles to remind us of God’s light in our lives and to pray for God’s transforming presence and hope in our lives. 

Have a helper light a candle for you. As you look at the candle, think about the hopes you have for this time of year. Maybe you are:

• hopeful for yourself

• hopeful for your family

• hopeful for your friends

• hopeful for the world

Silently pray for each person or thing you think of. Then, when you are done, you or a helper can blow your candle out.

november 20 - 25, 2021

The Season after Pentecost is the period between the Day of Pentecost and the First Sunday of Advent. This season makes up half of the calendar year, and its liturgical colour is green. It is a time to focus on the life and growth of the Church in the world, empowered by the gift of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Twelfth-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen captured the essence of this season when she wrote, “The Holy Spirit is the greening power of God. Our task is to blossom.”

Scripture: 

John 18:33–37: Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “Am I Jewish? Your own people and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If it belonged to this world, my people would have fought to keep me out of the hands of the Temple authorities. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for one purpose – to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 

Questions:

• Pontius Pilate was the Roman prefect (or governor) over Judea. He allowed the Jewish people to keep their laws and government, only stepping in when the Jewish courts found someone guilty of breaking a major Roman law—like murder or insurrection. Did Pilate think Jesus was guilty of anything?

• What did you wonder about when you heard this story?

• Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” What does a human king/ queen/ruler do on earth? What do you think Jesus’ realm or kingdom is like, and how might it be different from our human governments and institutions?

• This week is the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar. It’s also known as “Reign of Christ” or “Christ the King” Sunday. On this day, we celebrate the ways we see God’s rule and reign already on earth, just like it is in heaven! We also look forward to the day when God’s realm fills our entire world. How does today’s story connect with this Sunday’s theme?

• Next week marks the beginning of Advent—a season of waiting for God’s bright light to shine in the darkness and fill our world with hope, peace, joy, and love. As we wait for Jesus’ realm, how can you practice sharing hope, peace, joy, and love with the world?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for all we have learned this past liturgical year. Open our hearts and minds to learning new things in the upcoming liturgical year. Help us grow with each other and with you. Amen.

nov 22: micropractice:

Nov 25: activity time!!

Materials: Paper, Pencil, Colouring utensils, String/Yarn

We are about to enter a new season in the church. We’ve finished a whole year in our liturgical (church) calendar, and next week, we start a new year. We’ve learned so much about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and even ourselves throughout this past year. And yet, there’s still so much more to learn! When we come to an ending, it can be nice to stop and remember some of the things that happened. When we do this, we take the feelings and lessons from those memories with us. 

Using the paper, pencils, and crayons, write and/or draw one or all of the following from this last year:

• Something that made you smile

• Something that made you feel loved

• Something that reminded you of God’s love

As we approach the beginning of something new, it can also be helpful to think about our hopes for the future and what we wish to learn or do. Using the paper, pencils, and crayons, write and/or draw one or all of the following:

• Something you hope to learn about this year

• Something you hope to do for someone else

• One way you hope to spread God’s love

When all your writings and/or drawings are completed, connect them together by poking a hole in the paper and tying them with some yarn or string. Put them up somewhere in your home as memories of the past liturgical year and a symbol of hopes for the next liturgical year!

Activity Adaptation

This is the last Sunday in this particular season of the church. We have made it through a whole year of the church calendar. We call that a “liturgical year.” During a liturgical year, we hear so many stories about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God’s people. We learn about the church, God’s love, and ourselves.

Next week, we will begin a new liturgical year and get to start all over again. It will be a new opportunity for listening, learning, and coming together!

Whenever we start something new, it can be helpful for us to take time to remember and share things that happened during the past year. 

Can you think of any of the following?:

• Something that made you smile

• A time when you felt God’s love

• A story from the Bible you liked

• A time you helped someone this year

Think about this yourself or share it with the people around you. This is one great memory you have, and the new year means there are more to come.

november 13 -18, 2021

The Season after Pentecost is the period between the Day of Pentecost and the First Sunday of Advent. This season makes up half of the calendar year, and its liturgical colour is green. It is a time to focus on the life and growth of the Church in the world, empowered by the gift of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Twelfth-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen captured the essence of this season when she wrote, “The Holy Spirit is the greening power of God. Our task is to blossom.”

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1–8a

If time allows, recap the story of Hannah before reading the scripture.

Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God.

My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your deliverance.

“There is no one holier than you, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.

All bragging must cease, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for God is all-knowing, and weighs all actions. The bows of the mighty are broken, while those who stumble gain renewed strength. Those who were full now sell themselves for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil.

Childless women bear seven children, while mothers of many children are forsaken. It is God who deals out both life and death; God who casts down to Sheol and raises up.

It is God who makes poor and makes rich; it is God who both humbles and exalts.

God raises up the poor from the dust; and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with the mighty and inherit a seat of honor.

Questions:

• What are some ways Hannah mentions God helps those in need?

• Hannah prayed to God to help with her troubles, and God listened. When you first read or heard Hannah’s song, what did you wonder?

• Hannah sings about God helping her during a difficult time. When was God with you during a difficult time?

• Hannah is one of many women in the Bible who sing about how God helps those in need. When have you seen God’s help in your life, family, church, or community?

• Hannah sings about God’s saving work and how it helps those in need. What are some ways you could respond when help arrives?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for all you have brought us through. Help us remember all the hard times when you helped us. When we go through difficult things, let us remember you are with us. Amen.

nov 15: micropractice

nov 17: look it up!!

Look up Emma Lazarus’ poem, “The New Colossus”.

Found on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, this poem speaks of deliverance, nurture, and freedom. It reminds us what liberty means.

nov 18: activity!

Materials:

The song “Glory” by Common & John Legend

Copies of lyrics of “Glory”

God’s deliverance describes how God saves suffering people. God’s deliverance brings hope. God’s deliverance also saves people from unfair treatment, like when God delivered the Israelites from Egypt. What moments of deliverance through history can you think of? From what things have we been delivered? Can you remember a time you were struggling, and God delivered you? In today’s story, Hannah felt hopeless. When God delivered her, she sang a song to remember what God did! Have you ever sung a song to remember something? Even today, people write songs of hope when they are going through struggles. An example of a song that has this message is “Glory.” Listen to the song together or discuss other songs the group knows about having hope in God’s deliverance. What parts of the song remind us of God and God’s promises? What parts show the songwriter’s hope that God will deliver? God doesn’t promise our lives will be easy, but God does promise that justice will come.

Go around in a circle, filling in this sentence about God’s deliverance:

I was (sad, hurting, frustrated, etc.)

but God delivered me when ______. I know God will

always (love me, deliver me, help me, listen to me, etc.).

Alternate Activity

What things are delivered to you? For example, do you receive presents in the mail or have your food delivered by a waiter at a restaurant? When something is delivered to you, it is brought to you. When God delivers us, God brings justice to people who are hurting. We can also help God deliver the people around us. When you receive a present in the mail, the mail carrier delivers it. But is the present from the mail carrier? No. The present is from someone else, but the mail carrier delivers it. In this way, we can bring God’s deliverance to others when we give them a kind word, a hug, or even a smile.

Play this game:

Sit in a circle. One person pretends to be sad, lonely, or scared. Then, another person gets to be an agent of God’s deliverance and offers something to make them feel better! It could be something pretend (like a snack or a present), or it could be a hug or a kind word. How does it feel to help someone feel better? How does it feel to receive a kind word?

november 6 - 11, 2021

The Season after Pentecost is the period between the Day of Pentecost and the First Sunday of Advent. This season makes up half of the calendar year, and its liturgical colour is green. It is a time to focus on the life and growth of the Church in the world, empowered by the gift of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Twelfth-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen captured the essence of this season when she wrote, “The Holy Spirit is the greening power of God. Our task is to blossom.”

Scripture: Mark 12:41–44

Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Questions:

• Jesus noticed people gave money to the temple, a place of worship. What did you notice about the story?

• For most of history (and even now), women couldn’t earn money as easily as men, so  widows had a difficult time providing for themselves. This scripture tells us the woman was a poor widow. What did Jesus say about the woman who gave all she had to the temple?

• The Bible reminds us to take care of those who need our help, specifically people who don’t have others to help them. Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and everyone is our neighbor in the family of God. What other stories from the Bible remind you of this, too?

• Part of the money given to the temple helped widows and orphans. Many places of worship use part of their collection to help people in their community. In what ways does your church, school, or family help people in need?

• The widow in the story had very little money or power, but she had a lot of love for God and her neighbor. She was poor in money but rich in love. What resources can you use to love people in your community?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you! You are kind, generous, and always looking out for those who need help. Fill our hearts with love for everyone around us and help us share what we have so all may thrive. Amen.

nov 8: micropractice:

nov 10: look it up!!

Look up the story of Mari Copeny.

Mari sent a letter to Former President Obama telling him about the struggles in her community when people in Flint, Michigan didn’t have clean water to drink.

From her small action, she created a change!

nov 11: activity!

Materials:

Paper

Colouring utensils

Pair of dice

Have you ever wondered why generosity is so important? Being generous with what we have (time, empathy, money, food) is one way of actively loving our neighbors. When we practice generosity, we help people thrive! In this activity, participants will expand their understanding of generosity by designing Generosity Robots. As a group, brainstorm a list of ways to practice generosity. How many ways can you think of? Encourage participants to be specific by thinking about their social contexts.

Example: “I can be generous with my time,” narrows down to, “When I’m at school, I can take an extra minute walking to class and pick up trash in the hall.” Break into small groups and give each group a few sheets of paper and colouring utensils. If virtual, with your safe church practices, consider using breakout rooms and whiteboard features. Note: If there is a small number of participants, do this activity as one group. Assign each group one of the following spaces in your community, or think of your own: school, park, library, hospital, animal rescue, assisted living facility, emergency/temporary shelter. Consider what’s needed for each space to thrive. Then explain that each group will design a Generosity Robot to be “placed” in their chosen space. Design a robot with features that can generously help meet those needs—but there’s a twist! Before you begin, each group must roll the dice. Whatever number is rolled is the number of features their robot must be equipped with to practice generosity in their community space. After a designated amount of time, come back together and invite each group to share their Generosity Robot design and how each feature helps their community space thrive.

Activity Adaptation

Begin by talking about how we can be big helpers in our families and communities through generosity. Then, take turns sharing ideas of how you can practice this at your home, school, church, or neighborhood! After sharing ideas, design a Helping Robot together as a group. Select one of these community spaces: school, park, library, hospital, animal rescue, assisted living facility, emergency/temporary shelter. Encourage each participant to design one part of the robot that can provide help in that space. “Place” the robot in the community spaces and share how each part helps your community. Depending on age, participants can share their ideas, or they can draw their contributions on the page.

Virtual adaptation: 

If you’re doing this activity virtually and using Zoom, participants could use the whiteboard feature to draw their contributions.

october 30 - november 4, 2021

oct 30: scripture & questions to ponder

The Season after Pentecost is the period between the Day of Pentecost and the First Sunday of Advent. This season makes up half of the calendar year, and its liturgical colour is green. It is a time to focus on the life and growth of the Church in the world, empowered by the gift of the presence of the Holy Spirit. 12th-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen captured the essence of this season when she wrote, “The Holy Spirit is the greening power of God. Our task is to blossom.”

Scripture: 

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’—this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.

Questions:

• Jesus told the people there were two greatest commandments. What were they?

• Back during Jesus’ time, the people of Israel followed the Ten Commandments and other books of laws. The people thought these laws were very important, but the scribe asked Jesus what law is the most important. What stood out to you as Jesus answered the question?

• Loving God helps us grow in virtues—patience, kindness, respect, etc. How might loving God help us love our neighbors?

• We are all made in the image of God, which means we have God in each of us. In what ways does loving our neighbor honor God in each of us?

• Jesus uses the word “neighbor” to mean anyone around us—any member of the human race. Your family, friends, and even people you’ve never met are your neighbors. What are some things you could do this week to love your neighbor?

Prayer:

Dear God, we love you with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. We also love our neighbors. Help us show this love to everyone we meet and treat them as our neighbors. Amen.

nov 1: micropractice:

nov 3: look it up!!

Look up the Shema Prayer, which is one of the most important prayers in the Jewish faith.

In this story, Jesus says, “Hear, O Israel”.

“Shema” means to listen or hear which is the first word of the prayer.

nov 4: activity!

Materials:

Paper

Writing utensils

Art supplies

Snacks

This scripture talks about loving God and loving our neighbors. Our neighbors can be the people who live near us, the people in our community, or anyone we show care to. It reminds us there are many different ways we can show love: with our hearts, with our souls, with our minds, and with our strength. Think about neighbors in your life and make one or more of these projects to show your love for them! Make a plan to send it to them.

Show your neighbor you love them with your:

Heart: Make something from the heart for your neighbor. It could be a drawing, a painting, a poem, a scarf, a song—whatever creative thing you like to do to show your love to others.

Soul: Write a prayer or blessing for your neighbor. You can write your own or fill in the blanks on the one below:

To ______________,

May God bless you in everything that you do. Please

know God loves you, and I love you, too!

Your Neighbor,

______________

Mind: Write a note to engage your neighbor’s mind. You could write down a joke to make them laugh, a riddle for them to solve, something you like about them, or even a question you’ve always wanted to ask them.

Strength: Find a small snack to help nourish your neighbor’s body and keep up their strength. Make sure it is in a wrapper or container so that it stays together until it’s time for your neighbor to eat it.

Alternate Activity:

Our story says we can love with our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. We can show our love for both God and our neighbors by praying for our neighbors and ourselves! 

Find some space and focus on your beating heart. As you do this, say out loud, “God, I love you, my neighbors, and myself with all my heart!” Say the names of people you want to pray for. 

Focus on your breathing. As you do this, say out loud, “God, I love you, my neighbors, and myself with all my soul!” Say the names of people you want to pray for. It’s okay if you repeat names. 

Focus on your head. As you do this, say out loud, “God, I love you, my neighbors, and myself with all my mind!” Say the names of people you want to pray for. It’s okay if you repeat names. 

Focus on your arms and legs. As you do this, say out loud, “God, I love you, my neighbors, and myself with all my strength!” Say the names of people you want to pray for. It’s okay if you repeat names.

october 23 -28, 2021

oct 25: micropractice:

oct 27: LOOK IT UP!!!

Look up television host and pastor Fred Rogers.

Mr. Rogers taught and cared for children by being curious, staying humble, and listening to others.

By following his example, you can learn more about God and the world around you.

A great movie for family movie night is “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” staring the amazing Tom Hanks.

oct 28: activity time!!

Activity

Materials:

Blank paper, writing utensils

Your local library is an excellent tool to learn something new, but with so many rows of books, it can be confusing to know where to start. Let’s play a game about curiosity, questions, and library exploration.

What do you like to learn about?

Set a timer for 1-3 minutes and direct participants to write or draw as many answers to this question as possible before the timer goes off. Then invite participants to share what they came up with and discuss what resources they could use to learn more. (i.e. internet, library, fiction/non-fiction, teacher, grown up, documentary)

Show/read aloud this list of common non-fiction classifications and explain how libraries organize nonfiction books by subject instead of the author. Look at your list; which categories do your topics fall under?

• Human thoughts and emotions

• Religion, culture, society, and politics

• Languages

• Natural world

• Math, science, technology

• Art, music, and recreation

• Literature: poetry, jokes, and plays

• History and geography

• Biography/Autobiography

Have one participant choose a category from the list and name one topic that fits in the category. Then have the next participant name a different topic for the same category. Continue taking turns until everyone has shared—or until you run out of ideas. You can go in a circle, popcorn-style, alphabetically, or whatever order works best for your group. See which category gets the most topics!

For more of a challenge, each topic named must start with the last letter of the previous answer. For example, if the category is Natural World: solar system, mammals, skeleton, Newton’s Laws of Motion, etc. 

Activity Adaptation

Materials:

Painters tape Picture books

Give each participant a picture book. Introduce how libraries are a great way to learn something new. Have you ever been to a library? What are some things you can find in a library?

Explain how picture books have their own section in a library and, to keep them organized, librarians put them in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. Can you work together to help organize some of your favorite picture books in alphabetical order, like the library?

Pretend you are a librarian putting books away, and the participants (and their books) are the books. Use painters’ tape to make a long line on the floor—this is the bookshelf. Work together to identify the first letter of each author’s last name. For each “book,” sing the ABCs. Stop when you get to the first letter of the author’s last name. Guide the “book” to its new spot on the line. Repeat until all the “books” have been put on the “shelf.” Or have participants place their books on the “shelf.” 

Virtual adaptation: 

Invite participants to share some of their favorite books from home, then sing the ABCs to help alphabetize their books.

october 16 - 21, 2021

LOOK IT UP!!!

Look at the sky and learn about what’s happening in Earth’s atmosphere

Is it cloudy?

Find out what types of clouds are in the sky.

Is it raining?

Learn about the water cycle

Is it sunny?

Explore how photosynthesis works.

october 9 - 13, 2021

The Season after Pentecost is the period between the Day of Pentecost and the First Sunday of Advent. This season makes up half of the calendar year, and its liturgical colour is green. It is a time to focus on the life and growth of the Church in the world, empowered by the gift of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Twelfth-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen captured the essence of this season when she wrote, “The Holy Spirit is the greening power of God. Our task is to blossom.”

Scripture: Mark 10:17-22

As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’”

He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Questions:

• Mark’s Gospel tells stories about how Jesus showed compassion (he saw people’s hurt, felt their hurt, and helped ease their hurt) to people who didn’t have what they needed to thrive and live a whole life. What did the man ask Jesus?

• There were some moments of surprise in this story. What surprised you in this story?

• The man felt like he was missing something he needed in his life, even though he said he lived a moral life. To live a moral life means to follow rules in your life based on what you believe is right and fair. What morals do you live by?

• This story says, “Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing.’” Jesus asked the man to sell his dearest possessions—his family home and land—so he could have the treasures in heaven he wanted. Why do you think the man was deeply saddened when Jesus told him to sell his possessions?

•  This man held on tightly to his money, but Jesus didn’t ask everybody he met to sell everything they owned. Good news can look different for each person. Many people were generous with what they had who followed Jesus as he shared the good news of God. What does good news look like for you, and how do you use what you have to share God’s good news?

Dear God, help us love our neighbors more than the things we own. Show us how we can find wholeness and love in Jesus instead of riches. We trust in you. Amen.

LOOK IT UP!!!

Look up St. Francis of Assisil!

Born to a wealthy family, Francis gave up his rich lifestyle to follow God.

He lived simply and worked to spread peace and God’s love for people, animals, and the environment.

ACTIVITY TIME!!!

The young man had everything he wanted, but he did not feel whole. When Jesus invited the young man to come along on his travels, the young man went away sad. 

If your hands are full, can you pick up anything else?

The young man held onto his possessions too tightly to take Jesus’ hand and join the adventure.

When we feel strong emotions, our muscles tense up. We may not realize it, but this tension can make it difficult to think about how we feel or how we should react to a situation. Practicing letting go can help us find peace.

It is important to tell participants to slowly increase the tension over 15 seconds and slowly release it over 30 seconds. Then, a leader can count and remind the participants to breathe deeply. Sit in a comfortable position.

If we feel angry, our hands may tense into fists. It’s okay to be angry, and sometimes our feelings of anger are too big for us to carry. Squeeze your hands into fists as hard as you can, then relax your hands, saying, “Jesus, I give you my anger.”

If we are worried about something, our forehead may tense up. Make a thinking face to show tension. Sometimes we worry so much that we start to feel afraid. Tense your forehead, then relax, saying, “Jesus, I give you my worry.”

When we are excited, we may tense our cheeks and jaw. Clench your jaw and show a big smile to show excitement! Even happy feelings like excitement can make our bodies tense! When we feel overwhelmed by excitement, we can ask God to help us. Clench your jaw and cheeks, then relax. When fully relaxed, say, “Jesus, I give you my excitement.”

If we feel scared, we may tense our legs. This is our body’s way of getting us ready to run away. Sometimes we feel scared even though our brain knows nothing is wrong and everyone we are with is safe. This tension in our legs can make it hard to control our bodies, especially in school or other places where we can’t run around. Squeeze the muscles throughout your legs, then relax, saying, “Jesus, I give you my fear.”

When we are bored, we may feel restless. When we are waiting for something we want, we may feel eager. Both these feelings may make us feel impatient and make our feet feel tense. We can ask God to help us grow in patience. First, squeeze your toes and feet. Then release them, saying, “Jesus, I give you my restlessness.” 

You may repeat the cycle, skipping the explanations. Otherwise, discuss how the participants felt during the activity. Could they feel their body relaxing as they released the tension? Which body part was the easiest to tense and relax? Do they feel calmer or more peaceful after the activity?

Activity Adaptation

When doing this with younger children, practice clenching and releasing your fists as a group before you begin leading. Encourage them to lie flat on the ground while doing the activity.