If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.
– Archbishop Desmond Tutu
The workshop this coming Sunday contains within it a story that shows times when the Jewish people and their leaders were exceptional, or courageous or righteous, but also a time when the people and their leaders were immoral, or corrupt, or wicked, and needed prophets to call them back to right relationship with each other and with the divine. This workshop introduces the parable of Nathan and King David. This is the same David that confronted Goliath in his youth, but is now grown and a king! I found reading this backstory extremely helpful!! Although the story of David and Nathan is often viewed as a cautionary tale about adultery, it is rather a story about greed, and entitlement, and injustice. Rather than focus on the sensational details of the David and Bathsheba story, this workshop for all ages moves that story to the background, and focuses on the parable told by the prophet Nathan as he accused King David of immoral behavior. Participants of all ages will hear the prophet Nathan’s parable as it is written in the Bible, and then explore the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of the parable’s characters by taking part in a re-enactment. They will also consider how “God” in this story (represented by Nathan) is different from “God” in the David and Goliath story from last week’s lesson. The workshop asks key questions to tie the story to participants’ lives: When have I taken more than my share? When have I had something taken from me? When am I a prophet, calling out injustice and wrong-doing and speaking for what is fair and right?
Below is the plan for our time with children in the classroom on Sunday morning. If you are unable to join us, feel free to use these links and resources to create a faith formation opportunity in your own home this week. Here is a coloring page with David and Nathan.
I also found this related article on teaching your children about empathy.
- Our very youngest children will play outside after the chalice lighting and joys & concerns are shared. We also have a plethora of toys indoors and a very popular wooden kitchen. I would love to have a volunteer to stay with little kids! Let me know if you are interested! re@beaconuu.com
- Kindergarten- grade 3 will do ACTIVITY 6: WEARING THE PROPHET’S MANTLE – If you have a child this age, please help him/her consider what other “wrong behaviors” may occur in a lower elementary setting. How does s/he handle that?
- Grades 4-8 will do ACTIVITY 3: BEING A PROPHET. I will also challenge them with taking their prophet voice into their home and school. It is easier to name situations where we were treated unfairly than it is to be aware of situations when we acted unfairly. If you have a child this age, engage family members or trusted friends in a conversation about how we determine what is fair and unfair in our families, communities, and the world. Can you identify times when you were given or when you took more than a fair share of goods or privileges? Who or what has acted as prophet in your life to help you perceive unfairness? Have you changed your behavior as a result?
I hope to see your family on Sunday! Let me know if I can be supportive to you in any other way! I am here for you.
Best with blessings,
Amy