Six New Things – Week of May 04, 2026

This week’s three-part Great Idea(s) support intergenerational processing of anger and violence and empower community-transforming action. Some of those resources are here, too, along with relationship-building and healing inspiration for May.

ONE

College grads are returning home. High schoolers are chomping at the bit…

Enjoy time with grads at all levels with Coloring & Conversation: Graduation (Illustrated Ministry). It’s ‘geared specifically for high school and college graduates’ and includes discussion prompts to guide and focus conversations.

Coloring & Conversation: Transitions (Illustrated Ministry), ‘provides [an] opportunity for reflection and conversation’, with small groups or individuals processing transitions – grads, housing, job loss/change, divorce, even grief. Coloring and doodling help people relax and share emotions more fully and freely. Honor this sacred time together with a therapist or social worker present to underscore the intention of well-being for all participants.

TWO

Young people will not want to sit idle this summer. Offer them autonomy and chances to participate in change.

  • Engage younger leaders as you recognize Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May) with Auntie Kristina’s Guide to Asian American Activism (Beaming), which defines ‘activism’ as ‘more than just screaming with signs – it’s also about discovering who we are, building spaces, and documenting our community’…
    • …good lessons for youth from any cultural background.
    • …check out the free Peek-a-You Portrait: Identity Activity for Ages 9-12
  • Make Good Trouble: Discover Moments That Sparked Change (DK Children) is an exploration of ‘famous moments of global activism throughout history’, ‘inspired by civil rights activist and congressman John Lewis’s call to challenge injustice’.
  • Bring older youth and adults into the conversation with Protest: Respect It Defend It Use It (Patagonia), ‘a powerful look at the role peaceful activism has played in advancing the public good’ as it ‘shines a light on th urgent need to protect this democratic right’ through ‘a celebration of what collective action can achieve… and a reminder that each of us has the capacity to make a difference.’

THREE

Three multi-generational resource groupings respond to Christ’s call to transform our wider communities for the sake of our spiritual, emotional, political, and planetary well-being. Find additional new and beloved resources in:

  • ELDERS & YOUTH: RELATIONSHIPS REPLACE VIOLENCE
    • Ground community transformation in relationships, role modeling, and emotional healing: process the anger and violence 0f these traumatic days across generations.
    • Read more here.
  • CULTURE SHOCK? CULTURE SHIFT!
    • Shift local culture through multi-generational community activism – for the well-being of our political realities and the well-being of our souls.
    • Read more here.
  • FIND YOUR WAY HOME TO CLIMATE CARE
    • Expand congressional climate care by becoming community organizers for the sake of our shared home.
    • Read more here.

FOUR

If conversations about emotions, political engagement, and community action still elude your congregation:

  • How to Respond (Peer Ministry) is a FREE ‘powerful resource’ that ‘will help you move from conflict to connection – and keep relational doors open’.

AND

  • Small Wars: An Insider’s Guide to Resolving Faith Community Conflicts (Cascade), ‘challenges conventional conflict resolution methods’, asserting that, ‘the only lasting, scriptural solution… is the intentional rebuilding of relationships damaged by conflict’, as it ’empowers readers to become effective peacemakers without requiring extensive formal training’.

AND

FIVE

Just days prior to May 5, 2026, the ELCA posted a new resource. Please keep on hand – and utilize at any time of year – this powerful Toolkit for MMIWGR Action & Awareness (ELCA’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives Task Force).

Congregations, synods, and individuals are urged to raise awareness on MMIWGR Awareness Day (May 5) by wearing red as advocates and allies to our Indigenous siblings who are missing and who are still searching for their family members and friends. Don’t wait ’til next May 5, though: remember, build awareness, and advocate throughout the year.

P.S. I’m working with the ELCA’s Truth-Sharing and Truth Telling Initiative on Indian Boarding Schools, preparing a new Toolkit for Indian Boarding School Day of Remembrance, September 30. It will include power points, worship materials, organizational connections, and action steps. I’ll let you know when it’s ready!

SIX

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