Family Faith Seeds: Democracy—All Folks are Created Equal Week of October 25th, 2020

I hope you find this to be a great faith activity for the whole family of all ages. This week’s theme is based on Sarah's sermon and the scripture from the service.

Sacred Texts

• A Portion of the Declaration of Independence
• We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all [humans] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• I’m also including the School House Rock Video we’ll watch during Virtual Sunday School.

• Genesis 1: 27
• So God created humankind[a] in [God’s] image, in the image of God [we are created];[b]

Questions and Family Wonderings Based on Above Readings

• Are all humans treated like we are created equal?
• If you answered yes, why do you think?
• If you answered no, why do you think?
• What is an example of where you have seen someone being treated unfairly?
• Why are some people treated unfairly while others seems to get treated better?

Thoughts from the Director of Faith Formation

I really like Richard Rohr.  He says that we are all born with divine DNA.  And, I believe that!  And, it’s the reason why I get really disturbed by unfair treatment of folks who do not fit into dominant western culture.  Folks like, queer communities, POC, disabled communities, and immigrants, to name a few.

And, this is in part due to laws that exist.  If all folks are created equal, and we are all entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, why is that so impossible for some?  In order for this to really be the case, we have to let our voices be heard when we see injustices.  We have to teach our children to do the same.  And, we have to find effect ways of doing that.

Democracy — Raising our Voices of Faith

One way we can make sure our voices are heard is through writing letters to our elected officials.  It is their job to represent us.  We love writing letters to our elected officials at Mayflower!  Usually, the immigration team will have a letter neatly created for us, so all we have to do is sign it, and address to our representative.  

I wonder what kind of letter your family would write if you didn’t have one neatly prepared for you?  What issue would you want to address?  What would you want to see changed about that issue?  Why is this issue important to you?

Your family is invited to write a letter to your representatives, thinking about the questions above.  You can click here for an example of a draft letter.  And, I’d love to see your letter if you don’t mind sharing it with me.  I may even print them off and send them to my representatives.

Additional Resource

There are lots of things you can do as a family to live out your faith values through justice.  If the above activity doesn’t hit the spot for you, that’s OK!!  Check out this website that offers a ton of great resources.