The Star Wars saga lends itself to numerous sermon illustrations and teaching points, with which many in your congregation of listeners will be familiar...perhaps more familiar than they are with Scripture.
Criticism is painful, especially when it comes from someone we care about and who we believe cares about us. It's all the more difficult to process when it follows a public action or is directed toward someone in a public role.
It's not always feasible for some of us to participate in global missions, but there are many ways anyone and everyone can help. OneLife Matters offers a variety of options for you to get involved on just about any level.
Many cultures hold to the tradition of storytelling as a way of passing on our traditions, of teaching younger generations, connecting present to the past. We are built to tell and hear stories. Do not keep God's story to yourself.