United Church of Christ
United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.
The Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ (UCC) equips a courageous Church alive with Christ’s transforming love.
Scripture Text | Matthew 1:18:25
Wonderings
1
When have you or someone you know taken a risk to help someone in an unpleasant situation?
2
How do you see Joseph’s situation being similar to social justice issues today?
Contemplative Movement
Share the Light
Materials: candle lighter or matches; Advent Wreath with five candles; optional: print the instructions
Prep: Set an unlit Advent Wreath in an accessible space for children. Light all four Advent Wreath candles.
Watch: Invite everyone to observe how the flame moves from the lighter or match to the candle.
Ask: How do you think it feels to share?
Move: Step away from the candles: Invite everyone to be a shared flame. Jump or hop from one spot to another. Spread out across the floor. How do you pass your light to a wick, or can you be a wick, ready to receive light? Regroup to reflect and connect.
Reflect: How can a flame become only more and brighter by giving itself away? How can love spread all over?
Creative Project
Pet Portraits
Materials: paper, colored pencils or markers
How to: Invite participants to draw portraits of their favorite furry (or scaly!) friends, either a pet at home, from their classroom or in the neighborhood. If they don’t have a pet, it’s a great chance to use their imagination!
- Help them invoke the love they feel for this creature by asking questions about it, including how they take care of it and how it takes care of them.
- Portraits can also include: Names, ages, favorite treats, activities, etc.
- Do a pet portrait share at the end of your time together!
Caring for the Common Good
Giving Plates for the Caregivers
How can we “fill the buckets” of those who share their love with the world? Our teachers, caregivers, and health care providers are all in need of extra support and encouragement. Use these instructions to create a Giving Plate together. Encourage youth to take their decorative plates home, fill them with treats, and share them with a caregiver in their life.
Have your children choose one of the poems below, or write their own.
Enjoy these treats,
We think you’re GREAT!
Because of you
we celebrate!
Enjoy these sweets,
And this gift of art.
Our world is brighter
Thanks to your big heart
Books
Children’s Picture Books
- Love by Matt De La Pena
What is love? Even young children will appreciate the complicated, sometimes heart-breaking, always essential feeling that is love.