This workshop introduces the idea of turning points—times when events or circumstances lead one’s life in a new direction. After identifying personal turning points, participants consider conditions that can lead a congregation to and through a turning point.

In This Section

Introduction
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

This workshop introduces the idea of turning points—times when events or circumstances lead one’s life in a new direction.After identifying personal turning points, participants consider conditions that can lead a congregation to and through a turning point.
Opening
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

Gather the group in a circle. Ask a participant to light the chalice as you or another participant read the opening words, “A Prayer for This Gathering” by Laila Ibrahim.
Activity 1: Turning Points
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

Gather the group, and ask them to listen as a participant reads a story aloud. After the reading, invite participants to recall a time in their lives when an action, event, or chance meeting sent their lives in a new and unexpected direction. Allow a minute for silent reflection.
Activity 2: Practicing Reconciliation—a Reflection
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

Gather the group, and ask them to listen as a participant reads a story aloud. After the reading, invite participants to recall a time in their lives when an action, event, or chance meeting sent their lives in a new and unexpected direction.
Activity 3: What Gifts Do We Bring?
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

In this activity, participants consider the gifts and skills contributed by members of their leadership team. Distribute paper and writing or drawing implements, and invite participants to name some of the skills and gifts their leadership team brings that can help navigate turning points.
Activity 4: Leadership and Management
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

In this activity, six participants role-play members of a congregation’s governing board faced with a significant issue. Each role-player is assigned a specific perspective or agenda to bring to the discussion.
Activity 5: Adaptive Challenges
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

Introduce the concept of adaptive challenge to the group. Point out the posted newsprint, and read the definition to the group. Tell them that this definition comes from the work of Ron Heifitz, director of the Leadership Education Project at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
Faith In Action: Responding to Adaptive Challenges
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

Explore the UUA’s descriptions of Breakthrough Congregations. The UUA Breakthrough Congregations program “inspires and supports spiritual vitality in Unitarian Universalist communities by showcasing new models of vitality and successful approaches to leading change.”
Closing
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

This activity was developed for children, but it works well for adults too. Distribute copies of Taking It Home or tell the group when you will email it. Say: How many of you have thrown a coin into a fountain and made a wish?
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

Consider and discuss these questions with your co-facilitator: Looking at each activity in this workshop, what worked as well as or better than you had anticipated? What did not work as well as you had anticipated?
Taking It Home
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

Take-home suggestions and resources for participants in Workshop 3 of Harvest the Power, 2nd edition.
Alternate Activity 1: Leadership and Management Alternate Scenario
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

In this activity, six participants role-play members of a congregational governing board facing a significant issue. Each is assigned a specific perspective or agenda to bring to the discussion.

Download all of Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.

Workshop 3: Are We Doing the Right Things?

Workshop 3: Are We Doing the Right Things?

Workshop 3: Are We Doing the Right Things?

Shop Books & Gifts

Side with Love Stickers

Get Inspired for Worship

A Handy Guide to UU Values

Find Faith Development Tools

The Program