Note: Gather colored pencils, pens or markers and paper for a doodling exercise. Welcome  Invite various persons to bring a designated item and use this liturgy to begin your time of learning together.  One:    Come, let us gather around and see how the Spirit will nurture our faith today. All:      Who is with us? One:    Christ, the light of the world. (Place a candle on a table in your gathering place and light it.) All:      Who is with us? One:   The Love of God, who came to meet us in the world. (Place a cross on a table in your gathering place.) All:      Who is with us? One:    The Wisdom of God, who speaks through the Scriptures. (Place an open Bible on a table in your gathering place.) All:      Who is with us? One:    The Grace of God, who proclaims we are children of God. (Place a symbol of baptism – a bowl of water, a seashell – on a table in your gathering space.) All:      Who is with us? One:    Our risen Lord, who meets us at the … [Read more...]

  Note: Gather colored pencils, pens or markers and paper for a doodling exercise. Welcome  Invite various persons to bring a designated item and use this liturgy to begin your time of learning together.  One:    Come, let us gather around and see how the Spirit will nurture our faith today. All:      Who is with us? One:    Christ, the light of the world. (Place a candle on a table in your gathering place and light it.) All:      Who is with us? One:   The Love of God, who came to meet us in the world. (Place a cross on a table in your gathering place.) All:      Who is with us? One:    The Wisdom of God, who speaks through the Scriptures. (Place an open Bible on a table in your gathering place.) All:      Who is with us? One:    The Grace of God, who proclaims we are children of God. (Place a symbol of baptism – a bowl of water, a seashell – on a table in your gathering space.) All:      Who is with us? One:    Our risen Lord, who meets us at the … [Read more...]

  Children are often our best teachers.  They approach the world with wonder and acceptance.  They seek community, even as they sometimes struggle to share what they have.  They are undeterred in their quest for justice and fairness.  It’s not clear Jesus saw these traits in children, but we do know he implored the disciples to embrace them.  He saw children and those who approach God with a childlike faith to be mirrors reflecting the image of God.  In this lesson, children will explore their role as people called by Jesus to demonstrate the love of God to world. Begin the time with your group of children by discussing what it means to be a child in today’s world.  Ask your children to share a list of places or activities where they feel welcomed. Then have them consider what spaces they can think of where children aren’t welcomed.  Why aren’t children allowed in them?  Are there times when it is good for kids to not be involved in an activity?  Are there spaces or … [Read more...]