Activity time: 7 minutes
Materials for Activity
- Faithful Journeys Path
- Signpost for Session 11 (Leader Resource 1) and pins, glue stick or tape
- Copies of Session 1, Leader Resource 8, UU Principles Song, for all participants
- Optional: Newsprint, markers and tape
Preparation for Activity
- Print out Leader Resource 1 and cut out the signpost.
- Optional: Write the UU Principles Song lyrics on newsprint, and post.
- Customize, print out and photocopy the Taking It Home section for all participants.
Description of Activity
This activity helps children get used to practicing a closing ritual as a way of affirming their belonging in the faith community.
Gather the group in a circle. Thank the children for participating and sharing their stories and ideas in this session. Tell them something you liked about the way they worked together as a community.
Point out the Faithful Journeys Path. Say, in your own words:
Our Faithful Journeys Path shows our journey to live our lives and act in ways that reflect our Unitarian Universalist beliefs and faith. The signposts direct us by reminding us about our Principles.
Today's signpost is "Get Involved." It is for our fifth Unitarian Universalist Principle, the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process. It means that we should participate in our government and take action when we think things need to change.
Attach the signpost to the Faithful Journeys Path.
Remind the children that the next time they meet they will have a chance to add Faithful Footprints to the Faithful Journeys Path. Encourage them get involved in something during the week. Brainstorm together what sorts of action might reflect getting involved. You might suggest sending a postcard or picture to a senator, mayor, or other government leader; making and displaying a poster about an issue you are concerned about; talking with your teacher or a religious education leader about a rule you think is unfair; or writing a letter to the owner of a business who has something in their store or company that you think is not fair.
Point out the words to the UU Principles Song. Tell the children it is sung to the tune of "Old McDonald Had a Farm." Lead the children in singing the verse about the fifth Principle. Then, sing the entire song together. Explain that you will learn about all of the Principles during the Faithful Journeys program.
Distribute the Taking It Home handout. Thank the children, tell them you look forward to seeing them next time, and dismiss the group.