April Theme: And Yet
This month at Follen Church, we are exploring the theme “And Yet” in worship and small groups. Here are some resources for families to explore along with us at home!
Recommended Picture Books (read aloud on YouTube):
She Persisted- 13 Stories of American Women by Chelsea Clinton
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
Media:
Sesame Street with Janelle Monae- The Power of “Yet”
The Tortoise and the Hare – British version of Aesop’s fable
A Conversation About Growing Up Black -The New York Times “My parents would tell me “You have to endure. You have to muscle through it. It is part of being a person of color in America…”
Movies (starting with youngest viewers, them moving to more mature)
BABE: age 5+ Babe is a live-action farm tale that’s widely considered one of the best family films ever made. The story of this spunky little big — who seems to have no future but to eat and be eaten — will inspire viewers of all ages. The harsh reality that farm animals are meant to feed humans may not sit well with some.
WALL-E age 5+ Brainy, charming, eco-friendly animated adventure.
THE EAGLE HUNTRESS – a documentary about an extraordinary 13-year-old named Aisholpan Nurgai, who strives to become the first female eagle hunter in 12 generations of her nomadic Mongolian tribe’s history. Her story will encourage girls to see that there doesn’t have to be any limit to what they can accomplish — and that with dedication, perseverance, and discipline, they can enter fields traditionally dominated by men.
EVEREST – Age 13+ Everest is a disaster film based on the actual events of May 10, 1996 — which was then considered the deadliest day on the mountain, claiming eight lives, including those of experienced guides. Viewers will feel intense, harrowing peril as the climbers attempt the summit and then descend during an unexpected blizzard. Ultimately this is a moving story about the risks involved in reaching your dream — and how sometimes helping someone else can come at a huge risk to your own safety.
JESUS CHRIST, SUPERSTAR Age 13+ – Not everyone loves this one like I do, but I like to put on the subtitles and have a “sing-a-long”
Music: (both by Carrie Newcomber)
Family Activities: (See linked pages)
- “Easter Egg” Scavenger Hunt – Kids and adults are all invited into this challenge to take photos of 31 different representations of characteristics of spring (either actual or metaphorical) and post on the RE Family Connections Facebook Group
- “Sunshine” (connection with nature and our bodies) Take a walk at safe distance with family or others you are choosing to be with. Are there signs of the perseverance of life in Winter for Spring yet where you live? Go outside and see what is happening.
- Personalized Chalice lighting words – a template for families to create your own for the right or necessary occasions.