Remote-Ministry Conversation Starters and Devotions
I’ve used these with good success when doing remote ministry with my youth since the start of social distancing. I’ll post more on this list as I create them:
Pride flag activity
Youth leader learns about the history of the modern pride flag (which incorporates the colors on the transgender flag, and brown and black stripes to remind us all to center the experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color), and about some LGBTQ+ non-profits and advocacy groups in your area. Open a discussion with your youth about the symbolism of rainbows - why do they think the pride movement uses a rainbow as the basis for its flag? Refer to the story of Noah and the rainbow as a symbol of God’s covenant to not destroy the world. The flag was NOT created with this in mind (tell the kids the story of how it came to be and how it’s changed over time!) but discuss possible connections between God’s promise of protection and the risks and joys that come with proudly identifying as LGBTQ+. Ask the kids to create a rainbow with whatever they have laying around: books, boxes, clothes, and offer a prize to whoever makes the most vibrant and creative option. After judging, tell the kids about the organizations doing good work in your area and allow the winner of the rainbow contest to choose one that you will donate $10 to as their prize!
Stained Glass Tour
Our church as beautiful stained glass but none of the kids know any of the symbolism within it. I was able to take close-up photos and shared my screen and we talk about our 12 panel window, the stories it depicts, and all of the iconography imbedded in it. It actually worked much better over Zoom that it would have in person. Totally recommend if your church has stained glass!
Value of a life
Youth leader listens to the Planet Money podcast about how economists calculate the value of a life. (Episode 991). When opening up the discussion with youth, read together Luke 12: 6-7. Explain what you learned from the podcast with them, starting with asking about how much a human life is worth. What goes into that calculation for them? How do they think the government values lives? Do Christians value lives differently than the economy? Why or why not? How do we exist as both practical people and people who celebrate the lives of all people?
Acrostic poems
Youth leader introduces the book of Lamentations as a series of 5 long acrostic poems detailing the horrors of the destruction of Jerusalem, written by Jeremiah. Remind them about what acrostics are, and explain that, even though we might associate them with early elementary school, sometimes big feelings and big experiences and big ideas are really hard to express without some kind of structure. Invite everyone to choose a word related to their experience of the time of social distancing, and use the letters to write a poem. It could be a list of associated words or use a different structure. Share relaxing music from your screen as you do this and allow 7-10 minutes. Allow time to share, if they so choose.
Example: (TOGETHER)
Today On again Getting snacks Every need met Two small ones Humans I love Every good thing but Rest
Balancing competing goods
Youth leader listens to Planet Money podcast episode about the amazing personal connections and rule-breaking public servants that are replacing a coordinated federal response to shortages of critical equipment during the pandemic - in this case, in Illinois (Episode 992). Retell the story of to the youth and highlight the challenge of needing to compete with your neighbors for necessary resources. How do we live generously in times like this? What rules are ok to break? Jewish tradition recognizes 613 commandments in the Hebrew Scripture, but many authors/characters in scripture summarize the main rules for living a good life with God in different ways. Divide up the following scripture and read them aloud: Exodus 20:1-17 (10 commandments), Psalm 15 (David’s 11 rules), Isaiah 33:15 (6 rules), Micah 6:8 (3 rules), Mark 12:28-35 (Jesus’ 2 Great Commandments). How do we decide what rules we should follow in times like this? [This prompt comes in part from A.J. Levine’s Entering the Passion of Jesus, pp 76-79 (2018)].
A Lectio Divina exercise
Matthew 6:25-34, with 4 different translations of the passage. Email it out or share your screen so different voices can read the scripture. Play relaxing music or hymns during the reflection times - I like Audrey Assad for this kind of activity. Allow a time to share after each reading, or at the end, if desired.
