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 26:36-38
Three Wonderings
1
I wonder about a time when you felt there was too much going on in your life of the world?
2
I wonder what helps you when life is overwhelming and is too much for you?
3
I wonder what God does when the world feels like too-much to handle?
Caring for the Common Good Project
Amplify Kindness
Practice mindfulness with this simple, meditative craft project intended to focus on the present moment.
Materials: I Feel Peaceful” Mandala Templates printable; Colored paper, Scissors
Films
Short film: Yes-People (All ages) This Oscar-nominated animated short, “Yes-People,” follows several Icelanders as they navigate minor daily conflicts—on their way to work, or to school, or while grocery shopping.
Full-length movies: Inside Out (ages 6+) Common Sense media review,
Contemplative Movement
Outdoor Explore
What: Bring to mind reasons you feel overwhelmed. Notice how a sense of too-muchness feels in body, mind, and heart. Walk toward a quiet place. Find a rock along the way.
Reflect/Ask:
- Share some gratitudes, one by one.
- Repeat each gratitude. Let the weight of the rock draw the sense of gratitude deep into your being.
- Notice how gratitude feels in body, mind, and heart.
- Where is God in overwhelm; in gratitude?
Creative Project
Word Clouds
Materials: paper & writing utensil; optional access to the internet & printer
How to: Using one or two words, have each person name three things about which they feel overwhelmed and three things for which they are grateful, right now.
- Record responses in two separate lists or drawings.
- Explore ideas for how to manage feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.
- Using a website or as a family art project, create one word cloud containing both sets of responses.
- Reflection: What are the tensions between overwhelm and gratitude?
