INTRODUCTION
This is another seed-growth story, but unlike the Parable of the Sower, it expands the theme into a growth of a plant (in this case, a large bush that is almost like a tree) that provides shelter for birds. This mythological theme gives us the opportunity to reflect on the Tree of Life archetype. If you and I are the gardeners, what elements might we consider to create the best conditions for growth - specifically, a type of growth and flourishing that eventually makes the plant/tree a refuge for others? What ecosystems and symbiotic relationships in the garden should we be aware of to maximize the thriving of the plant/tree?
(Recommended story to pair: The Reluctant Oak Tree)
This is another seed-growth story, but unlike the Parable of the Sower, it expands the theme into a growth of a plant (in this case, a large bush that is almost like a tree) that provides shelter for birds. This mythological theme gives us the opportunity to reflect on the Tree of Life archetype. If you and I are the gardeners, what elements might we consider to create the best conditions for growth - specifically, a type of growth and flourishing that eventually makes the plant/tree a refuge for others? What ecosystems and symbiotic relationships in the garden should we be aware of to maximize the thriving of the plant/tree?
(Recommended story to pair: The Reluctant Oak Tree)
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The Parable of the Mustard Seed
(from Godly Play® storytelling - see Godly Play® links to purchase storytelling materials, and to learn about the Godly Play® approach and how to receive training.) There was once someone who said such wonderful things and did such amazing things that people followed him. As they followed him, they heard him speaking about a kingdom, but it was they lived in. It was not like any kingdom they had ever visited. It was not even like any kingdom anyone had ever heard of. They couldn't help it. They had to ask him. What is the kingdom of heaven like. One time when they asked him that he said, "The kingdom of heaven is like when a person took the tiniest of all the seeds, a grain of mustard seed, a seed so small that if I had one in my finger you would not be able to see it." "The person put the tiny seed in the ground, and it began to grow. The shrub grew up so big it was like a little tree, and the birds of the air came and they made their nests there." |
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WONDERING QUESTIONS
- What could the almost invisible seed planted into the ground really be?
- What could the growing seed into a shrub like a tree really be?
- What might the person have felt when the birds came? How might the birds have felt when they found the tree?
- What could the birds really be?
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Support Groups
Practice the Godly Play storytelling:
Leader's Guide
Participant's Guide
Dark Ground
Art#1
Art#2,
Reflection
Examples
SONGS
Collaborative Art
Participant's Guide
Dark Ground
Art#1
Art#2,
Reflection
Examples
SONGS
Collaborative Art
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The Growing Seed (by Chaplain Donnel) Lyrics/Chords
VERSE 1
The sun grows the seed, the sun grows the seed
Feel the warm light, the sun grows the seed
The rain grows the seed, the rain grows the seed
Feel the fresh water, the rain grows the seed
CHORUS
In the dark, seek the light
Feel me grow through the night (2X)
VERSE 2
The dirt grows the seed, the dirt grows the seed
Feel the compost, the dirt grows the seed
The air grows the seed, the air grows the seed
Feel the wind blow, the air grows the seed
[Back to CHORUS]
VERSE 1
The sun grows the seed, the sun grows the seed
Feel the warm light, the sun grows the seed
The rain grows the seed, the rain grows the seed
Feel the fresh water, the rain grows the seed
CHORUS
In the dark, seek the light
Feel me grow through the night (2X)
VERSE 2
The dirt grows the seed, the dirt grows the seed
Feel the compost, the dirt grows the seed
The air grows the seed, the air grows the seed
Feel the wind blow, the air grows the seed
[Back to CHORUS]
