Tapestry of Faith: Building the World We Dream About: An Anti-racism Multicultural Program

Activity 1: Worship for Racial Reconciliation and Healing

Activity time: 45 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Worship table or designated space
  • Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED/battery-operated candle
  • Leader Resource 1, Suggested Order of Service
  • Small rocks, pine cones, shells, or other natural objects
  • Attractive bowl to hold objects
  • Appropriate cloth and decorations for the worship table
  • Keyboard or other instrument to accompany hymns
  • Copies of Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook (or lyrics for other music you have chosen), for all participants

Preparation for Activity

  • Use Leader Resource 1 as a template to create an order of service. Consult with your minister and/or another congregational worship leader to plan the service. Consult with your music director or another musician to select the music. Recruit a musical accompanist and/or song leader to assist with the worship service.
  • Arrange the worship table attractively. Place the chalice and the bowl, filled with natural objects, and any other decorations you have gathered.
  • Arrange chairs around the worship table.

Description of Activity

Lead the worship service you have planned. Invite participants to enter into their sharing as a spiritual experience. Remind them that a central tenant of antioppression work is to refrain from challenging the validity of any other person's experience: There should be no discussion or response to any of the voices as participants speak.