Family Stories for Peace UCC | Happy: A Children's Book of Mindfulness

 

This Sunday we will light the candle of JOY.  There is a lot happening at this time of year.  So many fun things!  It can also feel very busy and stressful, though.  Being joyful can be about remembering what makes us happy and how much we have to be thankful for.  

This week we're reading "Happy: A Children's Book of Mindfulness" by Nicola Edwards and Katie Hickey.  This book helps us to notice all of the things that can make us happy when we pay attention: food, nature, sounds, people... when we take time to be mindful, we find time to be joyful!

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Third Sunday of Advent. This week we're reading "Happy: A Children's book of Mindfulness " by Nicola Edwards and Katie Hickey. We're also using a story of the annunciation from the Children of God Storybook Bible by Desmond Tutu. These books will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing the books from today's video by using the link below: Children of God Storybook Bible

Happy

Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Buffy Guide | "Lie to Me"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 7 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Lie to Me." Stay tuned for future uploads! I'll be going through the whole series and the reboot, once available! #btvs #buffy #buffyverse #buffythevampireslayer #sarahmichellegellar #youthgroup #teenseries

Prayercast | PEACE

 

Music by Maya Solovey, Squire Tuck, (from Free Music Archive), and The Many (licensed by Convergence Music Project) and additional content licensed through Igniter Media. This service was created using iMovie and Canva. All materials are original, creative commons, or purchased through Igniter Media or Convergence Music Project. #onlineworship #virtualchurch #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #prayer #christianprayer #spirituality #spiritualseekers #progressivechurch #onlinechurch #podcast #prayer #prayermusic #christianmusic

Family Stories for Peace UCC | Peace and Me

 

This Sunday, we will light the candle of PEACE.  There is so much conflict in the world, but there are always people doing good and working for Peace-- including many of us at church!  

This week we are sharing a story called "Peace and Me" by Ali Winter.  This book is endorsed by Amnesty International "because it shows how people standing up for other people makes the world a better, more peaceful place."  This book explores some of the ways people work for peace through the lives of ten Nobel Peace Prize laureates.  

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Second Sunday of Advent. This week we're reading "Peace and Me" by Ali Winter. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing the books from today's video by using the link below: Peace and Me

Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Prayercast | HOPE

 

Today's service features music licensed by Convergence Music Project and additional content licensed through Igniter Media. This service was created using iMovie and Canva. All materials are original, creative commons, permission given for use, or purchased through Igniter Media or Convergence Music Project. #onlineworship #virtualchurch #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #prayer #christianprayer #spirituality #spiritualseekers #progressivechurch #onlinechurch #podcast #prayer #prayermusic #christianmusic

Family Stories for Peace UCC | I Am Human: A Book of Empathy

 

This coming Sunday will be the first Sunday in Advent.  Sundays in Advent each have their own theme, so we'll be sharing stories on each.  

This Sunday we will light the candle of HOPE.  Hope can be a tricky thing to hold onto when things are difficult.  Our story for the week, "Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez" is a beautifully-illustrated story about the life of a forever-hopeful figure from American history.  Cesar Chavez led the National Farm Workers Association to fight for justice.  Holding onto hope is critical in movements for justice, peace, and equality.  

We hope this story can inspire hope that we can all make a difference, and perhaps, as we gather around bountiful tables, remember to be thankful for the workers who make our abundance possible.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the First Sunday of Advent. This week we're reading "Harvesting Hope" by Kathleen Krull. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing the books from today's video by using the link below: Harvesting Hope

This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Word Made Plain at Peace UCC | Thanksgiving

 

This was the Word Made Plain at Peace UCC on November 23, 2025. Offered by Joliene Wade Gatlin, MDIV.. It's Thanksgiving Sunday! #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories

Family Stories for Peace UCC | We Are Grateful

 

This week we're reading a book by Cherokee author Traci Sorell called "We Are Grateful."  As Traci tells us in an author's note, "Cherokee culture places a strong emphasis on expressing gratitude to unelanvhi (oo-NEH-la-nuh-hee), literally 'the one who provides all,' or God.  We also show gratitude for one another, animals, birds, plants, fish, the cosmos, water, and land.  Cherokee people believe that recognizing and honoring the ways that the sacred and the duties of daily life are interwoven requires effort, ritual, and awareness, but above all, gratitude."

This week, we share this story about gratitude in all seasons as Sorell teaches us some Cherokee words and ways to be mindful of our blessings all year round.  

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 29). This week we're reading "We Are Grateful" by Traci Sorell. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing the books from today's video by using the link below: We Are Grateful

Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Family Stories for Peace UCC | Gratitude is my Superpower

 

Our theme for November is GIVE THANKS!  At this time of year, many of us are reminded to practice gratitude with intention.  This week's book, "Gratitude is my Superpower," helps kids create a practice for remaining thankful.  In this story, a little girl struggles with sad or nervous moments, but her mother teaches her a practice to help her think about being grateful: a gratitude stone.  

This is a practice we can all learn and share, no matter the time of year.  

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28). This week we're reading "Gratitude is my Superpower" by Alicia Ortego. Please consider purchasing the books from today's video by using the link below: Gratitude is my Superpower

Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Family Stories for Peace UCC | The Thankful Book

 

This month our theme is GIVE THANKS!  We are celebrating ways that we can be thankful for our lives and the people, places, and things in them. Gratitude is a practice-- it takes practice!  Sometimes the world is hard and confusing, but there are always things to be thankful for when we take time to notice.  

Our book this week is another selection from Todd Parr, a wonderful, silly children's book author based in Berkeley.  His books are simple, colorful, and great for all ages.  "The Thankful Book" is exactly what it sounds like!  Todd reflects on things he (and we!) can be thankful for.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 27). This week we're reading "The Thankful Book" by Todd Parr. This book will be available during worship on Family Worship Sunday and at Kids' Night Out! Please consider purchasing the books from today's video by using the link below: The Thankful Book

Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Family Stories for Peace UCC | Hope

 

This week we will be celebrating All Saints Day and remembering those in our community and outside of it who have helped create our world and who we are in it.  

Our story video is reading "Hope" by Matthew Cordell.  This story, written in the voice of a grandparent, expresses the hope that we have for our future generations and tells the story of how our children walk the paths of their ancestors and do new, beautiful things with what they have been given and shown.  It's a lovely story that celebrates the generational wisdom we carry forward and the hope that lives in the future of our children.

This Sunday we'll have children's programming during the service (story and song celebrating gratitude) and celebrate communion, another way that we pass down the wisdom and stories of our ancestors.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 26). This week we're reading "Hope" by Matthew Cordell. This book will be available during worship on Family Worship Sunday and at Kids' Night Out! Please consider purchasing the books from today's video by using the link below: Hope

Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Buffy Guide | "Halloween"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 6 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Halloween." Stay tuned for future uploads! I'll be going through the whole series and the reboot, once available! #btvs #buffy #buffyverse #buffythevampireslayer #sarahmichellegellar #youthgroup #teenseries

Family Stories for Peace UCC | How to Apologize

 

This month we have been talking about forgiveness.  At Kids' Night Out we read two books, so we're sharing one of them online again!  It's a somewhat silly book called "How to Apologize" and the title tells you most of what you need to know!  We all need to say we're sorry sometimes and this book helps us think about how to do that: sincerely and without making excuses.  There are different ways to apologize and different people to whom we may need to say sorry.  This book can help us think about how!

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 25). This week we're reading "How to Apologize" by David LaRochelle. This book will be available during worship on Family Worship Sunday and at Kids' Night Out! Please consider purchasing the books from today's video by using the link below: How to Apologize

Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Buffy Guide | "Reptile Boy"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 5 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Reptile Boy." Stay tuned for future uploads! I'll be going through the whole series and the reboot, once available! #btvs #buffy #buffyverse #buffythevampireslayer #sarahmichellegellar #youthgroup #teenseries

Word Made Plain at Peace UCC | Blessing of the Animals

 

This was the Word Made Plain at Peace UCC on October 19, 2025. Offered by Joliene Wade Gatlin, MDIV.. It's the Blessing of the Animals! #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories

Family Stories for Peace UCC | Each Kindness

 

This month our theme is forgiveness.  This week, we're looking first at Luke 18, in which a woman tries to get help from a mean judge.  Then we're reading "Each Kindness" by Jacqueline Woodson.  This award-winning book looks at how students treat a new student at school.  The new student, Maya, has dingy clothes and toys and the students at her new school don't treat her well.  How can we learn to be kind to others?  How can we forgive ourselves when we don't make the right choices?

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24). This week we're reading "Each Kindness" by Jaqueline Woodson. This book will be available during worship on Family Worship Sunday and at Kids' Night Out! Please consider purchasing the books from today's video by using the link below: Growing In God's Love Each Kindness

Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Buffy Guide | "Inca Mummy Girl"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 4 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Inca Mummy Girl." Stay tuned for future uploads! I'll be going through the whole series and the reboot, once available! #btvs #buffy #buffyverse #buffythevampireslayer #sarahmichellegellar #youthgroup #teenseries

Family Stories for Peace UCC | I Am Human: A Book of Empathy

 

This week, we're looking at a Bible passage from Luke in which Jesus heals some people with Leprosy-- even a Samaritan!  Back in Jesus' time, the Samaritans and Jews didn't get along very well, but Jesus knew that our humanity is the most important thing-- not what tribe we come from, not whether we are sick or well, but that we are beloved children of God.

We're also reading "I Am Human: A Book of Empathy" by Susan Verde.  Part of her "I Am" series of books, this book explores in simple, beautiful ways, how we are all human.  We all have wonderful qualities, but also the capacity to make mistakes and be hurtful.  It also means that we have the ability to grow, change, and make better decisions!   

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23). This week we're reading "I Am Human" by Susan Verde. This book will be available during worship on Family Worship Sunday and at Kids' Night Out! Please consider purchasing the books from today's video by using the link below: Growing In God's Love I Am Human Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Word Made Plain at Peace UCC | World Communion Sunday

 

This was the Word Made Plain at Peace UCC on October 5, 2025. Offered by Joliene Wade Gatlin, MDIV.. It's World Communion Sunday! #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories

Buffy Guide | "School Hard"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 3 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "School Hard." Stay tuned for future uploads! I'll be going through the whole series and the reboot, once available! #btvs #buffy #buffyverse #buffythevampireslayer #sarahmichellegellar #youthgroup #teenseries

The Week | Divergent Spirit Ministries | World Communion Sunday

 

This long form service is the week in summary. Full videos can be found below: Children's Story Video Prayercast Communion Service

This service was created using iMovie and Canva. All materials are original, creative commons, permission given for use, or purchased through Igniter Media or Convergence Music Project. #onlineworship #virtualchurch #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #prayer #christianprayer #spirituality #spiritualseekers #progressivechurch #onlinechurch #podcast #prayer #prayermusic #christianmusic

Virtual Communion Ritual | World Communion Sunday

 

Today's service features music by Trace Howe and The Many (licensed by Convergence Music Project) and additional content licensed through Igniter Media. This service was created using iMovie and Canva. All materials are original, creative commons, permission given for use, or purchased through Igniter Media or Convergence Music Project. #onlineworship #virtualchurch #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #prayer #christianprayer #spirituality #eucharist

Family Stories for Peace UCC | "Gathered at the Table"

 

We're happy to be expanding our Sunday School offerings to twice a month starting this Sunday!  We'll be celebrating World Communion Sunday with a special lesson for kids about communion (with song and story... and maybe a craft, if we have time!).  We hope you'll join us and note Family Worship on first Sundays going forward.

Our theme for October is FORGIVENESS.  Sometimes it can be hard to forgive ourselves or others, but we know that part of following the path of Jesus is learning to forgive.  That doesn't mean we let people keep hurting us (God doesn't want us to hurt!), but it means that we learn how to let go of yucky feelings toward ourselves and others.

This week is World Communion Sunday!  Communion can be a regular reminder of God's forgiveness.  Just like loving parents will make sure their child has dinner at night, even if they got in trouble at school, God wants us to be nourished and do better.  God forgives and we are always welcome at Jesus' table, just as we are!

Our story book for this week is "Gathered at the Table" by Glenys Nellist.  The story explores the story of the eucharist and how we participate in communion to remember the life of Jesus.  There are many different ways that people around the world participate in communion.  This Sunday especially, we remember our place in God's beautiful web of Christian community.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22). We are talking about communion. This week we're reading "Gathered at the Table" by Glenys Nellist (some language changed for theology). This book will be available during worship on Family Worship Sunday and at Kids' Night Out! Please consider purchasing the books from today's video by using the link below: Gathered at the Table We Gather at This Table

Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

World Made Plain at Peace UCC | Blessing of the Animals

 

This was the Word Made Plain at Peace UCC on October 5, 2025. Offered by Joliene Wade Gatlin, MDIV.. It's World Communion Sunday! #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories

Prayercast: Prayers and Songs of the Season | World Communion Sunday

 

Today's service features music by Brian Schroeder and Tracy Howe (licensed by Convergence Music Project) and additional content licensed through Igniter Media. This service was created using iMovie and Canva. All materials are original, creative commons, permission given for use, or purchased through Igniter Media or Convergence Music Project. #onlineworship #virtualchurch #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #prayer #christianprayer #spirituality #spiritualseekers #progressivechurch #onlinechurch #podcast #prayer #prayermusic #christianmusic