Environmental Stewardship Commission

Activity: make communion bread or bread pretzels, etc

• Actually, any sort of bread will do. If a church uses a particular recipe, have one of the bakers assist the children.
• If not a sort of quick pizza bread will work. Indian fry bread which is deep fried is also fine. Better to have a local person help and adjust to local food. If all else is not possible, the purchased frozen bread dough will work
• Allow for extra for playing and tasting
• Talk about being yeast for each other, what comm-union means
• Again the coming together, with God providing and the yeast
  as a metaphor for Jesus' spiritual presence are areas to discuss. These will depend on the age and stages of the children.
  

Story: The Holy Eucharist For the Children of God by the Rev Roger Weaver (ISBN 097095755-6)

• This is the book which was sent to all Minnesota parishes last year. Some copies are still available from: Nelson Thomas at tmsnelmw@cpinternet.com
• Read or tell the story, depending on the age and stage of the children.
• Discuss the provision of food, food chains, animals and plants giving themselves for the lives of others, god providing enough for all.
• Discuss Jesus who told the stories and about whom we tell the stories and remember.
• Discuss the term "spiritual food" connect it with spiritual sustainability which Eucharist provides
• Discuss the BCP thanksgiving prayers after communion on 365 or 366. Children could write their own version too.
• The book could be used some each week, rather than all at once.
  

The Spirituality of Potluck and Eating Together, by Jill Peterman

• Discuss experiences of the group with actual food and community.
• Compare and contrast the Eucharist and the more casual eating.
• How has Jill reflected on the sustainability of faith for herself and the others she mentions?
• Introduce the idea of Spiritual food.
• Use the scripture in the article or refer to metaphors of grain/bread and wine in John's gospel to prompt discussion.
• Adults might also respond to the Weaver book's understanding of sustaining, bonding,
• Discuss the BCP Thanksgiving prayers on page 365 or 366.

Practice for the future.

• Establish more opportunities for joining others in group meals, both at the church and in the community. Folks are so in need of community.
• Plan a locally or personally grown meal, sharing and inviting others in; and perhaps, be quite surprised.
  

This page last updated 2006-09-27.

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