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 | Luke 1:26-38
Wonderings
1
When have you felt excited about doing something that is a big challenge for you?
2
How does joy come up through the process of doing something before getting to the end result?
Contemplative Movement
Dance a Yes
Materials: candle lighter or matches; Advent Wreath with five candles.
Prep: Set an unlit Advent Wreath in an accessible space for children.
Watch: Light the first three Advent Wreath candles and observe the flames move.
Ask: How do you think it feels to be a flame? How do you think it feels to be so full of potential?
Move: Step away from the candles: Invite everyone to be like a flame. Stand tall. Feel the breeze or a breath and splutter. Move like a flame! Regroup to reflect and connect.
Reflect:
- How does a flame decide to burn bright or die out, when a breath or breeze blows on it?
- What does “yes” feel like?
- How does it feel to know that you are so full of potential?
Creative Project
Joy Poem (or Song or Story)
Materials: your voices. Optional: paper and pencil to write things down; instruments to layer in sounds.
How to: Sit in a circle and select an order in which participants will take turns.
- Take turns saying one word or phrase at a time, adding to a joyful shared song/poem/story.
- The only rules are that you add to what has come before you (hint: listen carefully!), and that there are no ‘wrong’ answers. Support participation by inviting repetition, circling back to phrases, and even writing down what you hear so you can read it back.
- If the group is bold, you can put the words to music or turn it into a story to act out.
Caring for the Common Good
Share Joy with Elders
Reach out to a senior community center or nursing home. Offer to connect joyfully (potentially over Zoom) or share cheerful holiday cards with them. You could also send comfort and cheer elders through the mail with the organization Love for Our Elders.
Use this fun printable to spark your child’s imagination. Watch the video for more background on this organization (founded by a 13-year-old).
Books
Children’s Picture Book
- Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox
This simple, heart-warming story sets the stage for creative, thoughtful acts of kindness inspired by Mem Fox’s delightful characters.
