3 Ways Into Sunday’s Stories for Children: Revolutions Big and Small

Third Sunday After the Epiphany

Jesus went around and made new friends. He said and did such amazing things that many of his new friends changed their lives on the spot to follow Jesus and learn more. In present times, being an “influencer” in popular culture has become a goal in itself. But is there a TikTok or even a single person who could say or do something that would cause you to leave your home and family to follow?

We just celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Like Dr. King, there were some people who dedicated their lives to the civil rights movement, just as there are some now doing the same for other important causes with tangible goals for change. Of course, most of us don’t feel like we could do that, no matter how deeply we care about something — and no one is saying it is a requirement for following Jesus.

The name of the curriculum that is framing our Children’s Time is Mini-Revolutions. “Revolutions” refers to two ideas: One is about the year-long revolution, or cycle of liturgical seasons and stories. The other is about the ongoing revolutions, big and small, that bring us closer to God’s kin_dom — in the world, in societies, in communities, and, first, in ourselves, which prompt a change, or turn-around (“repentance”), in our hearts.

Print, fold, read, and color the story booklet.

1. Sing and Dance

Sing and move to Jump Up, Turn Around. Bonus challenge: Think about a feeling and show it with your face and posture. When you turn around, think about and try to change the feeling to its opposite (e.g., sad to happy, scared to brave, nervous to peaceful).   

2. Play and Pray

Play Reverse Chess or Checkers. Position pieces so that they can be taken. When it’s your turn, if you can take an opponent’s piece, you must take it and then also move another piece. Try to get rid of all your pieces. Losing is winning in this game.

Pray: God of new paths, you call us to turn around and follow you. Help us to hear you and to answer your call. Allow us to be open to you and to be transformed by you. Amen.

3. Create

Change can include repairing or repurposing something that is broken or used. Be aware of all the non-perishable things in your home that are about to be discarded or recycled this week. Choose one or more and try to repair it, restore it, or upcycle it for a different purpose.