Family Stories for Peace UCC | "A Very Big Problem"

 

April is Earth Month!

As we focus on our planet and how we can be good stewards, we are sharing "A Very Big Problem" by Rabbi Amy-Jill Levine and Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. Both Levine and Sasso create wonderful spiritual children's books, both together and individually.

In this week's story, different animals and elements argue about which things are most important to God. Is it the rain? Is it the sun? In the end, everyone realizes God's love is for everyone and that we are all made to work together!

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Second Sunday of Easter Sunday. This week we're reading "A Very Big Problem" by Amy-Jill Levine and Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using the link below:

A Very Big Problem Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. Some media may be purchased and licensed by Igniter Media. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Buffy Guide | "Innocence"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 14 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Innocence." 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 | Easter Sunday

 

This was the Word Made Plain at Peace UCC on April 5, 2026. Offered by Joliene Wade Gatlin, MDIV.. It's Easter Sunday. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories

Family Stories for Peace UCC | Easter Sunday

 

At Easter, we remember God's amazing power of resurrection. This reminds us that even when things are difficult or we feel defeated, God is with us and wants us to RISE UP! As our story this week illustrates, we can best achieve this with the support of our friends.

This week, we are sharing "Binkle's Time to Fly" by Sharmila Collins. Inspired by her daughter's journey with a rare skin condition, Collins tells a beautiful tale about a butterfly born without wings. With the help of a diverse community, Binkle learns to fly in a unique and beautiful way. Binkle's story teaches us that through community and creativity, we can all soar to new heights.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for Easter Sunday. This week we're reading "Binkle's Time to Fly" by Sharmilla Collins. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using the link below: https://www.flyawaybooks.com/book/binkles-time-to-fly Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. Some media may be purchased and licensed by Igniter Media. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Family Stories for Peace UCC | Palm Sunday

 

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, when we remember Jesus’ subversive entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. Jesus modeled servant leadership and taught that true power resides not in military or physical strength, but in the hearts and minds of the people.

This week, after briefly retelling the Palm Sunday story, we will read "Yours, Mine, Ours: A Celebration of Service and Community" by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus. This book explores service as a way of life and how gathering as a community to do good works benefits us all.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for Palm Sunday. This week we're reading "Yours, Mine, Ours" by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. Some media may be purchased and licensed by Igniter Media. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Sermon | "Can these bones live?"

 

This was the sermon delivered at Peace UCC on March 22, 2026, the Fifth Sunday in Lent. Offered by Joliene Wade Gatlin, MDIV. "Can these bones live?" based on Ezekiel 37:1-14.

Buffy Guide | "Surprise"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 13 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Surprise." 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 Wonder"

 

Many of our Bible stories, along with God and our universe, are deeply mysterious. While there is much in the world we do not fully understand, this provides us with a wonderful opportunity to wonder!  We can approach our stories with curiosity, knowing that not all the questions we have can be answered or answered easily.

As we move toward Easter and the mystery of the resurrection, may we all find ways to engage our curiosity and ask questions that spark creativity.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for Fourth Sunday in Lent. This week we're reading "I Wonder" by Annaka Harris. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Music by PulseBox on Pixabay. This video was made using iMovie, Pixabay, and Canva, using creative commons. Some media may be purchased and licensed by Igniter Media. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories #biblestories #biblestoriesforkids

Prayercast | Prayers and Songs for Lent

 

Today's worship service features music by The Many and Lea Morris (licensed by Convergence Music Project) with additional content licensed through Igniter Media. Some music by Pulsebox on Pixabay. 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.

Family Stories for Peace UCC | "Picturing God"

 

Finding stillness and quiet during Lent can be challenging when the world feels loud and fractured. This week’s story, "Picturing God" by Ruth Goring, explores various metaphors for God and the ways we can experience a divine presence through mindfulness. When we remember that God is in the water, the food, the air, and all around us, we are reminded that we are never alone in the work we do or the energy we bring to the world.

Using beautiful mosaic artwork, "Picturing God" helps us imagine and encounter God in our everyday lives. May we all find God's presence throughout this season.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for Third Sunday in Lent. This week we're reading "Picturing God" by Ruth Goring. 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: Picturing God 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 | Second Sunday in Lent

 

This was the Word Made Plain at Peace UCC on March 1, 2026. Offered by Joliene Wade Gatlin, MDIV.. It's the second Sunday in Lent. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories

Prayercast | The First Sunday in Lent

 

Today's worship service features music by Sherri Hansen and Paul Demer (licensed by Convergence Music Project) with additional content licensed through Igniter Media. Some music by Pulsebox on Pixabay. 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.

Family Stories for Peace UCC | Ash Wednesday

 

Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. As we enter this contemplative season, we are sharing the story of Jesus spending 40 days in the desert preparing for his ministry. During this time, we are reflecting on how to listen to God and the universe, as we remember Jesus’ retreat into the wilderness.

Our featured story this week is "Listen" by Holly M. McGhee. This beautiful book illustrates how to engage with the world around us—breathing, tasting, and listening with our hearts to the story of the universe. May this season be a time for all of us to consider how we can become better listeners and citizens of the world.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for Ash Wednesday and the First Sunday of Lent. This week we're reading "Listen" by Holly M. McGhee. 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: Growing in God's Love Story Bible Listen 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 | Transfiguration Sunday

 

This was the Word Made Plain at Peace UCC on February 15, 2026. Offered by Joliene Wade Gatlin, MDIV.. It's Transfiguration Sunday. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories

Family Stories for Peace UCC | The Velveteen Rabbit

 

This February, our theme is LOVE AND ACTION. This Sunday, we celebrate the Transfiguration, a story where Jesus is transformed before his followers. The Transfiguration has always reminded me of the classic story of the Velveteen Rabbit, which explores how a beloved toy becomes real through the power of love.

This week, we are sharing a shortened version of Margery Williams' tale to illustrate how love is transformational. When we experience love for ourselves and others, we are called to live and exist in new ways. Jesus' ministry demonstrates the power of love and how it can change the way we understand and act in the world. May the story of a beloved stuffed rabbit remind us that love is the most real thing in the world.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for Transfiguration Sunday. This week we're reading "The Velveteen Rabbit" by Margery Williams. 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: The Velveteen Rabbit

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 | "Bad Eggs"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 12 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Bad Eggs." 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 | "Just Shine"

 

Our February Theme is : LOVE AND ACTION!

With so much happening in the world that requires our attention, we believe that acting with love is the best path forward. This week, we are sharing a book by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor titled "Just Shine!" This book tells the story of Sotomayor’s mother, Celina, and how she led a life rooted in love.

Born in Puerto Rico, Celina navigated a complex and sometimes difficult life to build a rich community of beautiful, interesting people. We are sharing her story this week to learn how we, too, can use love to guide our actions and our lives.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany. This week we're reading "Just Shine" by Sonia Sotomayor. 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: Just Shine 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 | February 1, 2026

 

Febraury 1, 2026.

We are talking about Micah 6:8 and the Beatitudes.

Family Stories for Peace UCC | The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights

 

This week, we are reflecting on Micah 6:8: "Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." Our featured book celebrates historical figures who lived out this calling, serving as examples for us as we contribute to the ongoing work of civil rights.

In honor of Black History Month, we are sharing "The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights" by Carole Boston Weatherford. A prolific author of children's books focused on Black history, Weatherford highlights the stories of African American icons—including MLK, Barack Obama, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, and Harriet Tubman—through the framework of the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. These figures exemplify the mission of justice and equity for Black Americans.

Let us all look to the examples of greatness from history to inspire our work going forward.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany. This week we're reading "The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights" by Carole Boston Weatherford. 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: The Beatitudes 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 | "You Have a Voice"

 

Last week at Kids' Night Out and in Sunday School, we learned and shared about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how he used words and peaceful protest to bring change to the world. While there is still much work to be done and progress can sometimes feel slow, the legacy of Dr. King reminds us that change is possible. We continue to dream big for a future that is better for everyone.

This week, we are reading "You Have a Voice" by Vera Ahiyya. This story reminds us that we all have the power to use our voices to fight racism and prejudice. Just like the life of MLK, this book encourages us to speak up for ourselves and others to help make the world a better place.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Third Sunday After the Epiphany. This week we're reading "You Have a Voice" by Vera Ahiyya. 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: You Have a Voice

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 | "Ted"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 11 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Ted." 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 | "Let the Children March"

 

This week we are celebrating the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an important figure in American history and in the Civil Rights movement.  At this moment in history, his lessons for us are very important.  Dr. King taught us to stand up for our neighbors, no matter their cultural or ethnic background, and to dream for a world in which all people can be free and have equal rights.  We are still fighting for these things in today's world!

Our story this week celebrates a group of children who marched during the Civil RIghts Movement after hearing Dr. King speak.  Our story is "Let the Children March" by Monica Clark-Robinson, an author, educator, and Unitarian Universalist minister.  Please enjoy this week's story about children who were very brave during the Civil Rights Movement.  May they inspire our own bravery and commitment to justice.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Second Sunday After the Epiphany. This week we're reading "Let the Children March" by Monica Clark-Robinson. 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: Let the Children March

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 | "What's My Line? Part Two"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 10 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "What's My Line? Part 2." 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

Prayers of the People | Baptism Sunday

 

This was community prayer at Peace UCC on January 11, 2026. Offered by Joliene Wade Gatlin, MDIV.. It's the Baptism of Christ.

Prayercast: Prayers and Songs of the Season | Epiphany

 

Today's worship service features music by Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, (licensed by Convergence Music Project) and JulisH with additional content licensed through Igniter Media. Some music by Pulsebox on Pixabay. 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.

Family Stories for Peace UCC | Home By Another Way

 

This week we're continuing to tell the story of the Epiphany, when the wise ones made their way to the holy family with gifts for a king.  Our story this week is by Barbara Brown Taylor, a "spiritual contrarian" who served in the Episcopal Church for decades.  While most of her books are for adults, "Home By Another Way: A Christmas Story" is a wonderful telling of the Epiphany that follows the magi from the moment they get stars stuck in their eyes (while minding their own business!) until they leave baby Jesus and the holy family to follow a different path.  

Each of us can find a light this season to follow-- something bright, hopeful, and unique that can lead us, perhaps, to make whatever changes we might desire in this season.  This story recognizes that there are corrupt rulers in the world, but that we do what is in our power to change the story and follow a different path.  

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for Epiphany Sunday. This week we're reading "Home By Another Way" by Barbara Brown Taylor. 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: Home By Another Way

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 | "What's My Line? Part 1"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 9 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "What's My Line? Part 1." 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 | Refuge

 

As we continue to tell the stories of Jesus' life, this week we will focus on the Epiphany and the magi arriving with gifts for baby Jesus. Our story this week tells the story of our holy family through the eyes of the donkey that we imagine carried and accompanied them on their journey to find a place for Jesus' birth and a place of safety for Jesus to grow up.  

At this point in history there are so many people who are displaced, in danger, and seeking a place to live in peace and comfort. Perhaps it is important to remember that Mary and Joseph likewise journeyed to places that were strange to them to find safety for themselves and their son. May this story be a call to compassion and love as we each follow the light toward goodness, peace, and love.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for Epiphany Sunday. This week we're reading "Refuge" by Anne Booth and Sam Usher. 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: Refuge

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 | New Year's

 

Today's worship service features music by Igniter Media, The Many (licensed by Convergence Music Project), and Borrtex with additional content licensed through Igniter Media. Some music by Pulsebox on Pixabay. 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.