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?
Games/Movement
Share the Light
Materials: candle lighter or matches; Advent Wreath with five candles; optional: print the instructions
How to: Set an unlit Advent Wreath in an accessible space for children. Light all four Advent Wreath candles and 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? How do you think it feels to spread out, without going away or getting thinned out?
- Then, stepping 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 does it feel to hop around?
- 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
Hosting a reverse advent calendar donation drive? Check in with kids to learn how their Daily Giving Challenge is going and offer encouragement to keep going (or restart relaxed efforts). Share donation drop-off instructions as the due date approaches.
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
Reflect:
- How would we know if someone was having a bad day and may need a little extra kindness?
- Have you ever thought of doing a kind thing for a neighbor or friend, but decided not to out of nervousness? How could you overcome your shyness in the future?
Books
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. - The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denis
When an adorable group of forest friends discover a lost love letter, they set off a chain reaction of kindness and discover the joys of friendship.
Chapter Books
- When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jameison
A National Book Award finalist, this story of love between brothers – and other refugees – is a delightful read. - Almost Home by Joan Bauer
With the help of a rescue dog named Shush, an amazing teacher, and her own love of poetry, 12-year-old Sugar manages to stay calm in the stormy chaos of her life.
Additional Resources
- More service-minded ideas:
- Decorate signs of gratitude for youth to share at home with delivery workers.
- Craft bouquets of colorful Forever Flowers to share with caregivers.
- Books: May All People and Pigs Be Happy by Micki Fine Pavliceck; Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson; browse more titles on this list of Picture Books about Love and Living Generously