Join Rev. Sara Morse and family from Hazel Park Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Paul for this week’s conversation and reflection.
Music
When We Are Afraid by Richard Bruxvoort Colligan
For Reflection
Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay. Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously. Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky. Our ears can still hear the voices of our loved ones. ~Thich Naht Hanh
Scared is what you’re feeling. Brave is what you’re doing. ~ Emma Donoghue, Room
Caring for the Common Good Project
Amplify Kindness
Big-hearted actions speak louder than fear. Amplify the impact of kindness by creating a display to celebrate the way you help and are helped by community. Add to your display throughout the Lenten season.
Who helped you? How did someone else make your day better?
Inspired by your wondering, decorate a “kindness is…” square.
Assemble squares into a display. Consider hanging them with clothespins along a ribbon. Tape or glue them onto poster paper to make a quilt. Or create your own one-of-a-kind display.
Contemplative Movement
Outdoor Explore
What: Walk to a place you associate with a garden. Find some melting snow or puddling rain; enjoy the mud!
Reflect/Ask:
Consider negative associations people have with mud. Wonder about all the life in that mud.
Consider how mud goes from ‘yuck’ to new life; how fear can be met with courage.
Explore where God is in our fear; in courage.
Films
Short film: Coin Operated (all ages) A young boy dreams of a moon-rocket and space travel.
Full-length movie: Inside Out (ages 5+) 11-year-old Riley moves to San Francisco and her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness – conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.
Creative Project
Melt Our Fears
Materials: paper & coloring utensils; scissors
How to: Invite each person to draw a word or symbol naming a different fear on separate pieces of paper. Cut the pieces of paper into snowflakes. As you cut, talk about why you hold onto these fears. Hang them in a window to share with others!
Additional reflection:
Gather snow from outside. As it melts, talk about the importance of fear and the difference between courage grounded in faith vs. pride.
Consider how naming and owning our fears can make us stronger.
Books
The Dark by Lemony Snickett (picture book ages 4-10) Ghost by Jason Reynolds (chapter book ages 10+)