A Blog by Rev. Roberta J. Egli
“Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” ( Matthew 5:9)
Sacred time of Peace with Global Friends
We had a sacred time of praying for peace on the first evening of our International Messy Church Leaders conference in England. Earlier that day, we received the news that the United States dropped bombs in Iran. As representatives of the United States at our gathering, we shared our own prayers of lament in addition to prayers for peace. Being held in love and prayer by our international colleagues brought healing as well as hope.
I have been wondering… how do we approach difficult topics in our Messy Churches?
Where are the places where we can not only pray for peace but be peacemakers in our communities?
Exploring Peacemaking at Messy Church
Messy Church is a natural place for exploring peace because we gather across generations. Children, parents, grandparents, and neighbors — all ages together bringing their real lives and experiences into the same space. And in that holy messiness, we can learn from one another. Peace, after all, isn’t just about the absence of conflict. It’s about how we live together with compassion and courage.
A downloadable resource, Peace and Reconciliation was created by Messy Church /BRF and the London Diocese of Children and Youth. In describing the resource that can be taken home or used in group setting the instructions state that the “important thing when discussing war and conflict is to “create an open space for (all-ages) to think, reflect and process feelings and thoughts.” Creating safe space through our value of hospitality is foundational to our Messy Churches.
Messy Church Resources to Teach Peace
Messy CHurch UK
Peace and Reconciliation– A free downloadable resource
Messy CHurch USA Messy Sessions
Messy Activity Ideas
- Create Peace doves out of paper plates
- Build bridges with blocks or recycled materials
- Create painted “kindness stones” to give away
- Create a mural with places to write responses or draw a picture to the following questions: 1) What does Peace feel like? 2) Where do you see peace in your neighborhood? 3) Where do you see peace in the world?
May Peace prevail on Earth
Hopefully this will start the creative juices flowing for your own local setting. Let us know your ideas of how you talk and work for peace in your Messy Church. Share your ideas at roberta@messychurchusa.org.
Roberta
