Help for Christian Educators in Times of Tragedy

We live in a world where senseless violence is an increasingly common occurence. Trying to make sense of any tragedy, especially the loss of innocent lives, is a very hard thing. Cornerstones has materials that may assist congregations as they confront tragedies. We have an entire unit on:

Jesus as the Prince of Peace
This unit explores the idea that there are opportunities available to us to live out the way of God’s peace each day: within our families, in our schools, neighborhoods, and communities, even in our nation and world. We can do things that promote peace each and every day. They need not be big things, for good works are like the small pebble tossed in the pond – the ripples flow out into the far reaches. May we pray with St. Francis, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace!”

There are many other individual lessons that deal with peace making, tolerance and acceptance of others and grief such as those listed below:.

Witness to God’s Presence: Lord’s Prayer: Mary & Martha’s B&B
Corrie Ten Boom, a survivor of the Holocaust, will tell her powerful story of forgiveness. Make a book of prayers.

The Covenant: Kingdom Parables: Faith Today
Participate in some role-playing about inclusive/exclusive situations. Respond to the role-playing through a choice of art, journal writing or poetry.

The Messiah: 23rd Psalm: Bible Improv
Enact a script between some readers and God about the 23rd Psalm and focus a discussion on the phrase: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil.” Using Scratch-Art™ , make signs saying “I fear no evil.”

Quest for Identity: Samaritan Woman at the Well: Bible Improv
After enacting the story of the Samaritan Woman’s encounter with Jesus, create vignettes based on real-life experiences in your school or neighborhood. Ponder how Jesus would react to the situation and how that guides our own behaviors.

Quest for Identity: Mary Magdalene: Faith Today
Explore the rituals and traditions of your local community in the way that it deals with death, funerals, memorial services and grief.

Word of God: The Beatitudes: Mary & Martha’s B&B
Do a balloon exercise to memorize the Beatitudes. Learn about Jesus’ encounter with Jairus and the woman who touched his robe. Make cards of sympathy and condolence to those in the congregation who need them. Share Joys and Concerns, creating a prayer chain within the group.