Families TogetherSample

Loneliness v Community

To do

A family stack: Have your family/household stand close together. Family member 1 places their right hand, palm down, in the middle. Family member 2 places their right hand on top. Family member 3 places their right hand on top, and so on until all the right hands are stacked on top of each other. Do the same with your left hands. The challenge is to move the hand on the bottom of the stack up onto the top. Then the next hand moves onto the top. See how fast you can keep moving all your hands!  

To talk about

Because of Covid-19 it is not safe for us to hold hands with other people outside our house. That means we can feel very lonely, as we can’t spend time with other family members and friends. While we can see them on a screen, we can’t give them a hug! Loneliness is a real concern for many people in our families, communities and around the world. Let’s think about how we can make the choice to be a community even though we are apart. 

Discuss together: 

• Do you have a friend or family member who you know is feeling lonely? Share their names (there will be a time to pray for them later). 

To explore

What does God have to say about this? 

As a family read Matthew 14:22-34. 

Peter wanted to put his faith into action, so he stepped out of the boat. At first things were going well. He kept his eyes on Jesus. But then he looked down. Peter noticed the waves and the wind, and he started to panic. That’s when he began to sink. No matter how difficult things seem, we are not alone. Jesus is with us. 

To think about

Jesus reached out his hand and saved Peter. Who is lonely that we could we reach out and help today? (We might not be able to hold their hand, but we could phone them or send them a message). 

Have someone in the family read this out loud:

“The opposite of loneliness is community. 

God asks us to reach out to others. God gave us families and friends to share life with. And God has given us the Church as the family of God. Even though we cannot meet with other people, we can still care for one another. God is always with us, even though we might feel lonely and locked up in our houses. Remember, keep your eyes on Jesus. You are never alone!”

To respond

Choose one of these options: 

• Listen to the song "He's got the whole world in his hands' (or sing a song of your family’s choosing).
• Find a footpath or concrete step. Get a bowl of water. Dip a finger in the water and use it to write on the ground the name of one person each who is feeling lonely. Spend some time as a family praying for these people. 

To pray

Finish by praying this prayer as a blessing. (Numbers 6:24-26 CEV version)

“I pray that the Lord will bless and protect you, and that he will show you mercy and kindness. May the Lord be good to you and give you peace.”