June is when the Church celebrates its birthday and the gift of God’s Holy Spirit – and summer is the perfect time to participate in Spirited Play! Find ways to enjoy God’s awesome creation – the sun, fresh air, plants and animals and so much natural beauty. Bonus: in Minnesota we are surrounded by water! Each time we encounter water, let’s bless it, remember God who gave us this gift, and cherish our time together.
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Share: What were your high and low points today?
Read: Zechariah 3:4-5. “…And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.”
Reflect: To the Israelites in exile, Zechariah describes a joyful scene of people gathered and kids playing in the streets of Jerusalem, a picture of God’s promised faithfulness. In your own life, when has a playful gathering been a sign of God’s faithfulness and hope? How do you notice God with you while you’re playing?
Pray: “God, fill our times of play with Your Spirit; through play, help us receive Your gifts of joy, connection, and hope. Amen.”
Bless: Trace a cross on each other’s shoulder, hand, or head and say “[Name], you are a beloved child of God.”
For more conversation starters, try Daring Deep Discussions.
For more Bible texts, go to Suggested Scripture Readings.
Make your own paper windmill! As you watch it spin, remember that – like the wind that blows – God’s Spirit is invisible, mysterious, and playful, too.
The pure joy is contagious! Watch a giggling baby and, with your little ones, play a variation of “Peek-a-boo” by adding “God loves you!”
Sing and dance along with the SOTV Worship Band’s cover of “I Am Free” by the Newsboys.
Affiliated with the ELCA and Saint Paul Area Synod