for Sunday, June 27 (Proper 8)

Love Yourself

Galatians 5:13–14 also (1, 15–25); 2Kings 2:1–2, 6–14 or 1Kings 19:15–16, 19–21; Psalm 77:1–2, 11–20 or Psalm 16; Luke 9:51–62

The first clause of the “Great Commandment” is second nature, but we tend to neglect the second, on which the first depends for its parameters. Love in both directions is mostly intuitive for children, but it certainly helps them to receive love as a starting point.

Any Valentines Day craft is appropriate to this Sunday’s practice. But remember to encourage both receiving love from others and (especially grownups) loving oneself.

See how long the whole group can bear to look at each other looking as sad as they can, before someone breaks into giggling and it catches. Andrew Newberg (How God Changes Your Brain, 2009 Ballantine) says, however, that laughing isn’t as effective as smiling. See his discussion of the “eighth best way to exercise your brain” (pp.151–152).

You might even do an agape feast and discuss the four different words for love in Greek. Ask participants to suggest other English words that mean “love” to them.

Props: Valentines (old and new), candies, and all things heart-shaped. If you have live access to the Internet, see http://spontaneoussmiley.com, especially the “gallery” where new-found smiles are submitted every day.

Musical ideas: “What Went Right Today” by Joan ­Buzick includes 4 American Sign Language signs to remember and use (Wx2, R, T, day) (2006 Buz-Land Presentations). A story book and other materials are available at the Buz-Land Web site.