Copyright @ The UCC GO Project 2022
The Story
This one time... Jesus fell asleep during a major storm!
Here's the story:
Jesus Stills a Storm (Mark 4:25-41, NRSV)
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Wondering
I wonder what it feels like when you feel worried?
I wonder what it takes for you to feel calm in times of stress?
I wonder why Jesus was sleeping during a storm?
Music
Watch the music video from our friend Josh:
Response Activity Ideas
Lenten Toolkit – Option 1: Gratitude Journal
Gratitude and mindfulness are healthy for our brains and help us connect to the abundance of life and bring us closer to God. Often we get stuck on what we have to do, or the pressures we feel or stuck in a rut of complaining. Gratitude and mindfulness can transform our day to day activities.
Make a journal to keep in your toolkit! Materials needed: Cardstock, plain or lined paper, stapler (or hole punch and string), writing tools
Fold a piece of cardstock and paper in half to make a cover. Cut the plain or lined paper in half and insert it into the cardstock cover. Staple the book together or use yarn and a holepunch to create a booklet. Decorate the cover if desired.
Each day, find a time to think about what you are thankful for, or what brings you peace. Print out the list of Gratitude Prompts if you need some ideas to get started. You may might want to write or draw what they are grateful for, or use it as a bedtime reflection with parents.
Lenten Toolkit – Option 2: Mindful Breathing/Grounding
Noticing things with our senses helps us be more fully present in our bodies instead of worrying about what might happen later or what has already happened. Jesus reminded Martha to be present in the moment. When we are feeling all over the place or worried about stuff, this can help us to rest in God’s peace, and to be present right now.
We have five senses in our bodies - sight, taste, touch, smell, and sound. This grounding activity can help to calm us with our five senses when we are anxious, nervous, impatient, sad, or any other emotion we're working through.
Take two deep breaths, then name:
5 things you can see around you
4 things you can touch around you
3 things you can hear around you
2 things you can smell around you
1 thing you can taste
Draw your own cue card with the 5-4-3-2-1 mindful grounding technique instructions to include in your Lenten Toolkit!
Movement: Yoga
Yoga is a great practise to help bring calm and mindfulness and settle our mind, body and spirit. When we do yoga or other mindful practises, we can rest in God’s peace. Try one of these routines together.
(5 min sun salutation)
(15 min - kids)
(15 min – teens)
Movement: Music/Dance
Make up your own dance moves (or a whole routine!) to this song and think about the things you’re grateful for!