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BLESSED
ARE THE PEACEMAKERS BIBLE
STUDY WORKSHOP
Activity
one: Conflict and Peace in Scripture – is it so different today?
(approx.
1-1 ˝ hrs.)
Materials
needed: ·
Bibles ·
Poster
board or newsprint ·
Markers
and other drawing/decorating material Step one:
Conflict skits
Tell the group that the Bible is full of stories of conflict and peace. There are scriptures that deal with inner conflict, conflict in families, conflict among friends, conflict among nations. Ask them to take a minute and decide which of those areas they are most drawn to or concerned with: ·
inner conflict ·
family conflict ·
conflict among friends ·
conflict between nations Have them get into groups based
on those four areas of conflict. In
their group they will read a passage of scripture which deals with that area.
They will have 15-20 minutes to come up with a skit updating that
scripture to today, adding a resolution to the conflict. ·
inner conflict – Psalm 6 ·
family conflict – Genesis 4:1-16 ·
conflict among friends – Matthew
26:47-56 ·
conflict between nations – Psalm 137 When they have created their
skits, have them perform them for the other groups. Have a discussion about how the
biblical characters resolved their conflict. Is that different from today or
similar? How and why? Step
two: Peace poster Scripture is full of words about peace. Have each skit group read all of the passages below and use one or more of them to create a group peace poster. They can add other symbols or sayings as well. · Matthew 5:9 · Romans 12:14-19 · Proverbs 16:7 · Luke 1:76-79 · Proverbs 3:13-18 · Isaiah 32:16-18 · John 14:27 · Colossians 3:14-15 · James 3:17-18 After they have finished their posters, gather back in the larger group to share them. Talk a bit about the process of designing a poster as a group. Was it difficult or easy to agree on how to do it? Did this process give them any insight into conflict and working together? Activity two: Personal values about peace (approx. 1 hr.) Materials: ·
about
two handfuls of modeling clay for each person Step
one: Exploring my values Read John 14:25-27 to the group. Leader: There are so many different ways of talking about peace, so many different interpretations. I’m going to ask a number of questions and make a number of statements. If you agree with the statement, or the answer is yes, stand on this side of the room (point to one side). If you disagree, or the answer is no, stand on this side of the room (point to the opposite side). (After each statement, take a minute and invite a couple of
volunteers to share why they are standing where they are) ·
Peace is the absence of war ·
The way for a country to have peace is
to have a strong defense ·
Unequal distribution of food is a large
factor in world conflicts ·
Unequal distribution of land is a large
factor in world conflicts ·
Lack of decent employment is a large
factor in world conflicts ·
Would you be willing to participate in a
UN peacekeeping force? ·
Have you ever argued with your parents
or the adults you live with? ·
Have you ever fought with your siblings
or other kids you live with? ·
Have you ever argued with your friends? ·
When I’m angry I retreat and try to
ignore it. ·
The people I live with always talk
things out if there’s a conflict. ·
Would you be willing to sacrifice your
own peace for world peace? ·
Meditation helps me feel peaceful ·
Prayer helps me feel peaceful ·
Music helps me feel peaceful ·
Talking and being with my friends helps
me deal with conflicts ·
Being out in nature helps me feel
peaceful Step
two: A personal image of peace
Give each person two handfuls of clay and ask them to create a sculpture of what peace means to them. Have them continue discussion of the activity they just did as they work. When they are finished, invite them to share their sculptures with one another and explain them if they wish. Closing
ritual: Have
the group chose two or more of the peace scriptures you have used in these
activities and a hymn or song about peace (e.g. I’ve Got Peace Like a River,
Peace is Flowing Like a River, We Shall Overcome, Dona Nobis Pacem, Let There Be
Peace on Earth). Get
into a circle and light a candle for peace. Sing
one of the songs you have chosen. Read
the scriptures Have
each person stand in the center of the circle with their clay peace sculpture.
Have the group say: “________________(name
of person in the center), may you be an instrument of God’s peace.
May your sculpture be a symbol to remind you of God's peace in your
heart. Amen. When
everyone has been dedicated, close with your second song. OTHER
ACTIVITIES THAT CAN TIE INTO THIS THEME The
church as agent of conflict and peace.
Have a discussion of the history of the church in terms of conflict and
peace. ·
The Crusades ·
The Inquisition ·
The persecution of witches, non-Christians, homosexuals ·
The colonization of South and North America and Africa ·
The Abolition movement to free the slaves ·
The church’s work to feed the poor ·
The Liberation Theology movement and faith-based communities
in places like Latin America ·
Your own particular denominational involvement in conflict
and peace ·
in
the UCC that would be things like ·
The
persecution of people believed to be witches in New England ·
Helping
colonize indigenous people in Hawaii and North America ·
Working
for peace and justice historically through the old Boards for Homeland and World
Missions. Working for peace and
justice currently through restructred regional, national, ecumenical and global
efforts ·
Talk about how your local church does and/or doesn’t
handle conflict ·
Talk about how your local church does and/or doesn’t work
for peace and justice. HUNGER
MEAL: A LESSON IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF GLOBAL RESOURCES (found in the Deepening
Faith through Compassion and Justice section beginning on page 28) WRITE
LETTERS! Deepening Faith: Youth Ministry Resources and Some Miscellaneous Advice Rev. Lizann Bassham, Front Porch Spirit Press Copyright © 2001 |
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