In "Gather the Spirit," a Tapestry of Faith program
Gather participants at work tables. Indicate the sample raindrops, clouds and lightning bolts you have made. (Or, invite participants to make raindrops, clouds and lightning bolts using the materials on the tables.) Explain that you will ask participants to write an expression of gratitude on one side of a rainstorm symbol, and an offer of generous stewardship on the other.
When everyone has a cut-out symbol, invite the group to take a moment to look quietly at the River Scene. If you have brought music, begin playing it now. Invite everyone to examine the River Scene for something they are grateful for in real life—maybe rivers themselves, or animals and plants that live in or along rivers, or some way people connect with water. While participants reflect, distribute the markers.
Once you know what you are grateful for, write your thanks on one side of your symbol. Then, sit back quietly and think again, this time about what you do or could do to be generous, How can you give stewardship to the Earth's water resources? Let your mind carry you along our River Scene to all the world's fresh waters and the people, animals and plants that need it. How can you be generous in taking care of water and making sure all life that needs clean water has access to it? What can you give?
If you will next lead Activity 4,
of Thanks, invite participants to hold on to their symbols and gather in a circle.
Participants with new or limited writing skills may wish to dictate their ideas; match them with someone who would like to write for them. You may also give participants the option to draw their ideas. Invite older participants to assist younger ones, if that seems appropriate.
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Last updated on Saturday, December 10, 2011.
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