Nebraska Synod ELCA

Encanto tells the story of a magical family, the Madrigals, who live in a charmed house called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child with a magical door that opens magical gifts and abilities for the receiver, anything from super strength and hearing, to seeing the future and healing others. Every child in the family has received a door expect for one – Mirabel. As Mirabel begins to see the magic of Encanto is in danger, she decides to use her own gifts to bring the family together and save the Encanto.

Encanto is a movie with beautiful images, catchy music, and a story line that has something for everyone. This movie can also be a great conversation starter for questions about faith. The list below can get you started. What other conversations have you been able to have after watching Encanto?

• We don’t know why some family members have magical doors and gifts while others don’t. What are some of the emotions we see because of the gifts? Are they all ‘good’ emotions?
• Mirabel doesn’t have a magical door, but she does have gifts! What are some of Mirabel’s gifts? How does this connect with the Priesthood of All Believers in 1 Peter 2:4-5?
  • As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4-5)
• Let’s talk about Bruno! Bruno’s gift can sometimes feel like a curse, and he doesn’t always know how to use it. It wasn’t until he reconnected with his family that he saw the beauty in his gift. What spiritual gifts do you have that feel difficult, like a curse? Who can you connect with to help nurture and grow your gift?
• The magic from the candle is a gift to the family. When the magic starts to fade, Abuela wants the family to work twice as hard to help keep the magic. Do gifts require action or work on behalf of the receiver? Does God ask us to work for or control our gifts?
• Mirabel and Bruno are the ‘outsiders’ of the family. Abuela is always reminding everyone to ‘think of the family’, but this intention ends up excluding people. Abuela is so focused on the blessing, she has made it into an idol. What false idols have  you created in your life ? In the church?
• When the family loses their magic, the entire town joins together to rebuild the home, coming as they are with the resources they have. Through letting go, the family can see again – see one another, their true purpose, and their true selves. What things or ideas do you need to let go of to rebuild your foundation and see your true self? What about in the church?

Encanto is available to stream on Disney+ as well as on Amazon.