Family Stories for Peace UCC | A Voice in the Storm

 

Our theme for this month is "Calm in the Storm."

The start of a new school year is a busy time filled with new relationships and requirements. Beginning these new routines can feel stormy—exciting, worrying, stressful, and busy all at once.

This week, we are reading A Voice in the Storm by Karl James Mountford. In this story, Rat feels stormy inside, which mirrors an actual storm she tries to navigate. While Rat initially tries to run and hide from her emotions, she discovers with the help of friends that talking about her feelings helps her feel better. She also learns that her friends care about her and worry when she is struggling.

Putting anxious, stormy feelings into words can be difficult. This book beautifully illustrates how challenging these emotions can be and how allowing friends to support us helps everyone.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This week we're reading "A Voice in the Storm" by Karl James Mountford. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using this link. 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 | The Don't Worry Book

 

This month, inspired by one of our Bible stories, our theme is "Calm in the Storm."

August is a busy time of year. Whether we are returning from travels, heading back to school, starting new activities, or making new friends, the busyness can feel chaotic. New experiences can make us feel nervous, excited, happy, and worried all at the same time.

Throughout the month, we will read books to help us find a calm place within ourselves when things feel stressful or overwhelming. Our first book is "The Don't Worry Book" by Todd Parr. Through bright colors and silly illustrations, this book reminds us that worrying is normal and shares practical ways we can feel better when we are anxious.

You can find this week's story video here.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the eleventh Sunday after Pentecost. This week we're reading "The Don't Worry Book" by Jon Agee. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using this link. 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

Children's Moment at Peace UCC | Loaves and Fish

 

This was the Word Made Plain at Peace UCC on August 2, 2026. Offered by Joliene Wade Gatlin, MDIV.. It's the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories

Family Stories for Peace UCC | The Wall in the Middle of the Book

 

Continuing our theme of FREEDOM, this week we are reading "The Wall in the Middle of the Book" by popular British children's author Jon Agee. Endorsed by Amnesty International, this story celebrates freedom of movement and thought.

In the book, a little knight explains how a wall keeps him safe from the other side. However, by the end of the story, he learns that the other side isn't so scary after all.

This story teaches us that we should all be free to move around and connect with others. When we let go of our fear of people who are different from us, we are free to become our best selves and build an authentic community.

You can find this week's story video here.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the tenth Sunday after Pentecost. This week we're reading "The Wall in the Middle of the Book" by Jon Agee. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using this link. 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 | "I Only Have Eyes for You"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 19 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "I Only Have Eyes for You." Stay tuned for future uploads! I'll be going through the whole series and Angel! #btvs #buffy #buffyverse #buffythevampireslayer #sarahmichellegellar #youthgroup #teenseries

Family Stories for Peace UCC | The Trouble with Giraffes

 

This month, as we explore the theme of freedom, we are reading "The Trouble with Giraffes" by Lisa Mantchev. In honor of Disability Pride Month, which celebrates the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this story follows a young girl and her pet giraffe who discover that their favorite gathering, Pet Club, is not accessible to them.

To ensure everyone is truly free, we must make sure everyone can participate. This book teaches us how to create space for others so that everyone feels welcome and included.

You can watch this week's story video here.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the ninth Sunday after Pentecost. This week we're reading "The Trouble with Giraffes" by Lisa Mantchev. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using this link. 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 | She Persisted

 

This month, as we continue our discussion about freedom, we are reading "She Persisted" by Chelsea Clinton. Inspired in part by Elizabeth Warren, this book launched an entire series celebrating women who achieved extraordinary things.

"She Persisted" illustrates that when we have freedom, we have the power to accomplish great things and inspire others to do the same. The featured individuals, who exercised their freedoms across a variety of fields, serve as an inspiration to us all.

You can find this week's story video here.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the eighth Sunday after Pentecost. This week we're reading "She Persisted" by Chelsea Clinton. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using this link. 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 | "Killed by Death"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 18 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Killed By Death." Stay tuned for future uploads! I'll be going through the whole series and Angel! #btvs #buffy #buffyverse #buffythevampireslayer #sarahmichellegellar #youthgroup #teenseries

Sermon | "What is Our Inheritance?"

 

This was the sermon delivered at Peace UCC on July 12, 2026, the seventh Sunday after Pentecost. Offered by Joliene Wade Gatlin, MDIV. "What is Our Inheritance?" based on Genesis 25:19-34. #progressivechristianity #progressivechristian #christian #christianity #spirituality #jesus #spiritled #stayinlovewithgod #godislove #faith #church #progressivechurch #progressive #holyshift #heartchange #community #santacruz #christains #sermon #sermons #sermons2026 #unitedchurchofchrist #ucc #queerchurch

Family Stories for Peace UCC | We Are All Born Free

 

This July, we are exploring the theme of freedom as we celebrate our nation’s birthday and enjoy the summer break.

This week, we are sharing "We Are All Born Free," a book by Amnesty International that presents the International Declaration of Human Rights through words and pictures designed for children. We will explore how freedom is more than just doing what we want; it is about thinking and speaking for ourselves, and living in peace and fairness. Through illustrations by various international artists, we will learn what it truly means to be free.

You can find this week’s story video here.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the sixth Sunday after Pentecost. This week we're reading "We Are All Born Free: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Pictures" by Amnesty International. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using this link. 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 | "Passion"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 17 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Passion." Stay tuned for future uploads! I'll be going through the whole series and Angel! #btvs #buffy #buffyverse #buffythevampireslayer #sarahmichellegellar #youthgroup #teenseries

Family Stories for Peace UCC | The Declaration of the Rights of Boys and Girls

 

This week, as people around the country celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, our online story is called "The Declaration of the Rights of Boys and Girls," by Elisabeth Brami.  

Sometimes people will tell us that girls or boys should only do or enjoy certain activities, but we know the truth is that we're all created in the image of God to be our authentic selves, whether or not we adhere to cultural stereotypes about our gender.  We all get to be who we are, whether or not the things we do are considered masculine or feminine by others.  This book, endorsed by Amnesty International, shows kids that boys and girls are allowed to be who they are and do, dress, play, study, and act, and love who they desire, no matter what other people think!

You can find this week's video here.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This week we're reading "The Declaration of the Rights of Boys and Girls" by Elisabeth Brami and Estelle Billion-Spangol. Please consider purchasing the book from today's video by using the link below: The Declaration of the Rights of Boys and Girls Music by Maksym Malko from Pixabay Music by Viacheslav Starostin from Pixabay This video was made using iMovie and Canva. #childrenstorieswithamoral #kidstorytime #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity #progressivechurch #kidschurchonline #onlinechurch #kidschurch #sundayschoolstory #christianstories

Buffy Guide | "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 16 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered." Stay tuned for future uploads! I'll be going through the whole series and Angel! #btvs #buffy #buffyverse #buffythevampireslayer #sarahmichellegellar #youthgroup #teenseries

Sermon | "Creating Life"

 

This was the sermon delivered at Peace UCC on May 31, 2026, Trinity Sunday. Offered by Joliene Wade Gatlin, MDIV. "Creating Life," based on Genesis 1:26-2:3.

Family Stories for Peace UCC | Intersection Allies

 

This week, we're sharing a favorite: "Intersection Allies" by Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi. This story explores a group of friends from diverse backgrounds and how they each support each other in their passions and identities. It's an important message for PRIDE Month because it reminds us that no matter who we are, how we identify, or whom we love, that our authentic living and support of others helps others to live their fullest selves, too! You can find this week's story video by clicking this link!

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for Pride Sunday. This week we're reading "Intersection Allies" by Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using this link. 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 | The Truly Brave Princesses

 

This month our theme is "Hearts on Fire!" It is a nod to Pentecost, which was last Sunday.

Fire is a metaphor for passion and this month we are exploring what it means to follow our passions with books focused on individuals who have created beautiful lives following their own passions-- sometimes despite odds and nay-sayers!

This week our story is "The Truly Brave Princesses" by Dolores Brown. This story explores how each of us is a princess when we follow our passions! The characters in this book each follow their hearts in different ways, pursuing different careers and hobbies. Each of them finds joy and happiness, but also puts that joy into the world for others.

You can find this week's story video by clicking this link!

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Trinity Sunday. This week we're reading "The Truly Brave Princesses" by Dolores Brown. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using this link (it's also available in Spanish!) 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 | Beyonce: Shine Your Light

 

This month our theme is "Hearts on Fire!" It is a nod to Pentecost, which comes later this month. Fire is a metaphor for passion and this month we are exploring what it means to follow our passions with books focused on individuals who have created beautiful lives following their own passions-- sometimes despite odds and nay-sayers! This week our story is "Beyonce: Shine Your Light" by Sarah Warren. This story tells about the life of Beyonce Knowles-Carter and how her passion for music, singing, and performing led her to a unique and special life. Beyonce followed her passion, worked hard, and was able to create an inspirational, award winning career and legacy. We can all learn from the life of Beyonce that we should believe in ourselves and our passion, keep learning and giving effort, and to use our success and privilege to shine light on others. You can find this week's story video by clicking this link! This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Seventh Sunday of Easter. This week we're reading "Beyonce: Shine Your Light" by Sarah Warren and Geneva Bowers. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using this link. 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 | "Phases"

 

This is a discussion guide for season 2, episode 15 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Phases." 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 | Oprah: The Little Speaker

 

This month our theme is "Hearts on Fire!" It is a nod to Pentecost, which comes later this month.

Fire is a metaphor for passion and this month we are exploring what it means to follow our passions with books focused on individuals who have created beautiful lives following their own passions-- sometimes despite odds and nay-sayers!

This week our story is "Oprah: The Little Speaker" by Carole Boston Weatherford, a great children's book author who focuses on black stories. This story tells about the young life of Oprah Winfrey and how her passion for speaking and words led her to a unique and special life that was unexpected for a black girl from the rural south at that time.

We can all learn from the life of Oprah that sometimes we need to believe in ourselves and our passion more than other people and remain faithful to our vision. Miss Oprah Winfrey has created a big life that gives back and inspires people in many ways. How can we be inspired by Oprah?

You can find this week's story video here.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. This week we're reading "Oprah: The Little Speaker" by Carole Boston Weatherford. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using this link.

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 | You Will Always Belong

 

Communion is a reminder that we are all loved by God and welcome to take our place at the table.  God's love is for everyone and we are all part of God's family.

This week's storybook helps us remember that truth!  This week we're reading "You Will Always Belong" by Matthew Paul Turner, a great writer of positive and inclusive Christian picture books.  This story follows a young boy and is a loving affirmation of his (and everyone's!) place in the world as he follows his passions and finds his people.  This book reminds us that we are all made to belong in this world and when we know and believe that, we can flourish and become our most authentic selves.  

You can find this week's story video here.

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Fifth Sunday of Easter. This week we're reading "You Will Always Belong" by Matthew Paul Turner. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using this link. 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 | "What Needs Saving?"

 

This was the sermon delivered at Peace UCC on April 26, 2026, the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Offered by Joliene Wade Gatlin, MDIV. "What needs saving?"

Family Stories for Peace UCC | The Earth Book

 

This month we're celebrating Earth Month! We'll be discussing ways that the Earth blesses us and ways that we can be a blessing for the Earth!

As we think about how we are blessed and cared for by our beautiful planet, this week we're sharing a storybook by Todd Parr, a great Bay Area children's author. His short stories with simple, silly images are full of love and whimsy. This week's book is "The Earth Book," which explores ways we can be thoughtful in caring for our planet and why we do such things!

You can find this week's story video here (click link).

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Fourth Sunday of Easter Sunday (Earth Month!). This week we're reading "The Earth Book" by Todd Parr. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using the link below: AbeBooks

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 | "What a Wonderful World"

 

This is a story for Children and Families at Peace UCC. This lesson is for the Third Sunday of Easter Sunday (Earth Month!). This week we're reading "What a Wonderful World" based on the song made famous by Louis Armstrong. This book will be available at Kids' Night Out and during Family Worship! Please consider purchasing today's book using the link below: What a Wonderful World 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 | "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