Monday, August 31, 2026
out of the box Moses and the burning bush story
Some more OutoftheBox storytelling on Sunday.
The lectionary reading was the Moses and the burning bush story from Exodus 3. It’s a story bound up with Presbyterian history and identity, so worth centering during the worship service.
About 2 years ago, I began using an OutoftheBox story in regular church services. OutoftheBox is a tool that offers people the time and space to wonder and to play with their head, heart and hands. Stories are told visually on a circle of cloth or in sand creating a focal point for deep reflection and discussion.
I use OutoftheBox during a “Children’s talk” slot. We don’t have many children and they are not always present. OutoftheBox works no matter who is present. When children are around, it allows generations to be curious together, sharing thoughts and feelings. It doesn’t presume Bible knowledge or Christian faith, which makes space for people to participate whatever their personal beliefs or values.
I have a wee camping table. I ask if people are ready for a story. I carry the camping table down the aisle and invite people to make themselves comfortable.
The feedback has been positive. There have been some fascinating insights, particularly from children. There is a gentleness that emerges. It gives people voice and allows a shared meaning making.
On Sunday, after chatting with the OutoftheBox folk on Facebook, and with their encouragement, I adapted the OutoftheBox story called Footprints.
First, I changed stream for rocks and trees for bushes. Rather than blue water and green trees, the colour palette was grey and red.
Second, I used some flowers from the garden. The red against the brown in the middle of winter is quite stunning. It’s almost a burning bush. The flowers now sit beside me on my work desk and will journey with me through the working week, reminding me of surprise and grace.
Sunday was a combined church service, so there were bound to be people from other church traditions who might be unfamiliar with OutoftheBox-ing. So I was quite nervous, in case it flopped amongst strangers.
But as you might gather from the look on my face, things went well. For privacy reasons, I’ve cropped out the face of a child, leaning on a pew, listening so intently.
On Sunday, people shared about the courage to journey and the sadness of being lonely. They liked the invitation to listen and were struck by what it means to listen to nature and feelings. They connected the modified Footprints story with Psalm 23 and Jesus in the wilderness.
During the sermon, the children made a burning bush, placing coloured cellophane around an electric candle. These were brought to the front as part of the offering, turned on and placed in the middle of the objects as we began to pray for others in our community.
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