In this week's lesson, students learn about the eighth blessing and promise of the Beatitudes. They will become familiar with the word "persecution" and how it relates to the life of Jesus and the lives of all people who resist injustice. They will receive a challenge to choose the way of righteousness and justice, even if it makes people uncomfortable or frustrated.
Parents may talk with children about injustices we see in our communities. What can we do when we see people suffering oppression? Jesus showed us what to do: he protested oppression, served people, treated people with respect, and loved people. What does it sound like when our Church hungers for righteousness? What does it sound like when children hunger for righteousness? Children are encouraged to create a righteousness poem and share their poems with Children's Ministry. Use the sentences below to get started:
A Prayer for Righteousness
We are followers of Jesus. We believe in justice.
When we meet hungry people we...
When we see unjust laws we...
When we find unfairness in our town or city we...
We are followers of Jesus. We believe in love.
When we see lonely people we...
When we meet suffering people we...
When someone cannot access a space we...
And when we realize that we have behaved unjustly we...
Because we are followers of Jesus. And we believe in justice and love.
The next Beatitudes curriculum packet is available for pick up at the Sunday Outdoor Children's Eucharist. If you are unable to attend but would like arrange to pick up a Beatitudes packet, please email Mary Beth Tipton at mtipton@csmsg.org.
