At Church: 

We learned that we need to work hard to build a world without racism. We can imagine a better world.  We learned how important it is to notice other people and to reach out to them if we want to make our world a better place, a more just place.

Morning Time:

The Freedom Burrito or Mindful Moments with Lea

Consider these thoughts by James Baldwin ~ “Nobody is more dangerous than he who imagines himself pure in heart.”

Drive Time: 

Listen to: Talkin’ About a Revolution by Tracy Chapman

Weekly Chalice Lighting:

(By Rev. Ashley Horan)

Another world is possible.

We say it, again and again,

even when the proof lies somewhere beyond the horizon,

beyond our reach,

beyond our imagination.

This is our faith:

Another world is possible…

…There are many routes toward liberation;

toward freedom.

But the abundance of options does not absolve us of

the responsibility of acting.

Another world is possible…

Meal Time: 

Discuss: When you imagine life 100 years from now, what do you see?  What’s the same?  What is different?

Bed Time:

Read: Hands Up by Breanna J. McDaniel

I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoet

All Because You Matter by Tami Charles

Family Time:

What’s Inside? 

For this activity, you will need two raw eggs: one white and one brown. 

First, invite the child(ren) to examine the eggs. Have them describe what they notice about the eggs. Next, ask them if they think the eggs are the same or different inside. Ask them why they answered the way they did, for example “Why do you think the brown egg has brown ‘stuff’ inside?” or “How do you know they’re the same inside?” Next, crack the eggs into the bowl. Show the bowl so the children can see the yolks are the same. Ask the child(ren) if they still believe the brown egg is different inside. Our insides are just like the eggs – we are the same on the inside no matter what color we are on the outside.  This activity may open a discussion about why people do have different skin colors, different appearances, and different cultures.

Blessing of Imagination

When we imagine liberty–true freedom–for all people everywhere, may we grant our spirits a dance of joy.  When we imagine friendship and understanding among siblings across all cultures, may we reach out our hands in anticipation of that one-day clasp of mutuality.  When we imagine our loved ones coming to harm, may we feel the warmth of the Source of Love that lives in each of us, and here find faith that all will be well.  When we imagine the fragility of our democracy, in our own muscles may we feel the strength of those working for voices and votes for all.  When we imagine what has never been, what isn’t, what could not be, may possibility dawn, as well as a vision of a beautiful, new future, beginning with our very next thought and action… So may it be, and we imagine it so.

-Teresa Honey Youngblood

Monthly Meditations

The Freedom Burrito

Sometimes we get wrapped up in an emotion, an argument, a project, or a hug.  This meditation helps us practice letting go of the parts of each day, both good and bad, so that we are free to rest and move forward.  It requires your imagination!

To make the Freedom Burrito:

1. Start by laying down comfortably at the edge of a blanket you like the texture of.  Close your eyes, breathe, and relax. Pay attention to the feel of the blanket against you.  
2. Imagine something you got wrapped up in during your day, or something you would benefit from letting go of.  As you add details to the picture you’re imagining, slowly roll yourself up in your blanket.  Keep your eyes closed, and focus on the event or emotion from your day as you roll.
3. Once you’re rolled up in your blanket like a burrito, take a pause and notice how you feel.  Can you move your arms and legs?  How does your belly feel?  Depending on what you got wrapped up in during your day, your blanket burrito may feel good… or it may feel like too much!  That’s okay.
4. Once you’re aware of how you feel, imagine yourself in the most comfortable, reassuring hug anyone has ever given you.  Try sharing that hug with however you’re feeling, like two puppies meeting in the park.
5. Imagine letting those puppies go; watch them run around in the park in your mind’s eye.  Let your emotions and the events of your day go with them.  Let them be free.
6. Slowly start to unroll your blanket burrito, and start to stretch your arms and legs.  Let your body and whatever you were wrapped up in go, like those puppies.  Feel the freedom in your heart, mind, and body.

Mindful Moments with Lea IMAGINATION

• Remind the children about the importance of calming ourselves so we can better focus on each other and our time together.
• Tell them that a special friend named Lea has written a song for us to learn and it is a song that teaches us about the importance of this month’s theme: Stillness.
• Since you are using the 4-minute (longer version) video, tell the kids that we are going to sing along with Lea and her children and then listen to their conversation. Tell them that afterwards you will have your own conversation.
• Center the children before playing the video.
• After the video talk and listen with your child to discover all the things you heard together