Workshop 1: Spirit Of Life: Exploring Spirituality for Unitarian Universalists

Beautiful orange sunset over a deep blue ocean. — Tapestry is Sunsetting

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Spirit of Life

In This Section

Introduction
From Spirit of Life

We covenant to affirm and promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. The living tradition we share draws from… Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces that…
Workshop-at-a-Glance
From Spirit of Life

Activity Minutes Welcoming and Entering 0 Opening 5 Activity 1: Meeting One Another 5 Activity 2: Introducing Spirit of Life 10 Activity 3: Singing “Spirit of Life” 5 Activity 4: What Does the Song Mean to You? 10 Activity 5: Words of Wonder and Reverence 10 Activity 6: Reflecting on Spiritual…
Spiritual Preparation
From Spirit of Life

Before leading this introductory workshop, you may wish to engage in the following suggested practices for centering. A centered leader who is present and responsive while facilitating is likely to lead an effective workshop. Reflection. Set aside some time to reflect on your personal experiences…
Welcoming and Entering
From Spirit of Life

Materials for Activity Nametags and bold markers Sign-in sheet and pen or pencil Optional: Newsprint, markers, and tape Optional: Computer, digital projector, and digital slide that lists workshop activities Preparation for Activity Create a sign-in sheet to gather participants’ names, addresses,…
Opening
From Spirit of Life

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Altar or centering table Cloth for covering altar or centering table Chalice, candle and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Handout 1, Spirit of Life Optional: Small votive candle in holder Optional: Taper candle in candlestick Preparation for…
Activity 1: Meeting One Another
From Spirit of Life

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Optional: Cordless microphone Preparation for Activity Make sure all participants’ nametags are visible. If any participants need to make nametags, pass around the materials as you begin this activity. Description of Activity Begin name sharing by…
Activity 2: Introducing Spirit of Life
From Spirit of Life

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 2, Schedule for Spirit of Life Optional: Cordless microphone Preparation for Activity Review the description of the activity. Familiarize yourself with the content you will deliver so you can speak to participants in a way that feels…
Activity 3: Singing "Spirit of Life"
From Spirit of Life

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Copies of the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook Singing the Living Tradition Optional: A recording of “Spirit of Life” and a music player Preparation for Activity Gather copies of Singing the Living Tradition, enough for all participants. Obtain large…
Activity 4: What Does This Song Mean to You?
From Spirit of Life

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Optional: Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Review the discussion questions for this activity to be comfortable posing them to your group….
Activity 5: Words of Wonder and Reverence
From Spirit of Life

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 3, Words of Wonder and Reverence Pens or pencils for all participants Preparation for Activity Review and make copies of Handout 3….
Activity 6: Reflecting on Spiritual Moments
From Spirit of Life

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Paper for drawing or writing Pens and pencils Bell Optional: Color pencils, markers, crayons Preparation for Activity Gather the necessary supplies and put them out on a table or another easily-accessed place in the meeting room. Description of…
Activity 7: Sharing in Groups of Three
From Spirit of Life

Activity time: 25 minutes Materials for Activity Bell Clock, watch, or timer that shows seconds Preparation for Activity Decide how to form triads in your group. Determine whether you will have participants number off or form their own groups….
Closing
From Spirit of Life

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Altar or centering table Cloth for covering altar or centering table Chalice and candle or LED battery-operated candle Chalice extinguisher Taking It Home section for this workshop A copy of the closing words you want to use Preparation for Activity…
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Spirit of Life

After the workshop, co-facilitators should make time to get together to evaluate the workshop and plan future workshops. Use these questions to guide your shared reflection and planning: What were some of our favorite moments of the workshop? What were some of our most challenging moments?…
Faith In Action: Listening to Deepen Social Justice Projects
From Spirit of Life

Description of Activity Bring the practice of deep listening to your service or social justice work. When involved in congregational commitments, practice listening deeply to other members of your committee or group and to children or youth with whom you interact. When involved in…
Alternate Activity 1: In Poetry and Prayer
From Spirit of Life

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 3, Words of Wonder and Reverence Writing paper and pens or pencils Preparation for Activity Make sure each participant has a seat at a table where they can write. Place paper and writing implements on a common table or within your own reach…
Alternate Activity 2: Spiritual Journey Map
From Spirit of Life

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Unlined paper, standard 8 1/2” x 11” size or larger, for all participants Handout 4, My Spiritual Journey Drawing and writing implements, such as pencils, color pencils, markers, crayons Pairs of scissors (including left-handed scissors) for…
Taking It Home: Spirit Of Life: Exploring Spirituality for Unitarian Universalists
From Spirit of Life

We covenant to affirm and promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. The living tradition we share draws from… Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces that…
Handout 1: Spirit of Life
From Spirit of Life

UNISON CHALICE LIGHTING Our Unitarian Universalist congregations covenant to affirm and promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We gather to support each other on this spiritual journey. The Living Tradition we share draws from many sources including direct experience of…
Handout 2: Schedule for Spirit of Life
From Spirit of Life

Facilitators’ names and contact information: Location of workshops: Time of workshops: Date Workshop Spirit of Life: Exploring Spirituality for Unitarian Universalists Sing In My Heart: Celebrations And Rituals The Stirrings Of Compassion: Caring For One Another Blow In The Wind, Rise In The Sea:…
Handout 3: Words of Wonder and Reverence
From Spirit of Life

These words of wonder and reverence come from Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist Association hymnbook. Spirit of Life Wholeness Eternal One Wondrous Creation Grander View Fount of Justice Transforming Grace Circle of Peace O Liberating Love Great Spirit, Come and Rest In Me…
Handout 4: My Spiritual Journey
From Spirit of Life

Draw a map of your spiritual journey. Your spiritual journey began with your birth, and it leads to now. Draw the high peaks, the low valleys, the plateaus where your life seemed to coast along, the deserts, the wilderness, or the oases. You can show the twists and turns, the detours, the places…
Leader Resource 1: Accessibility Guidelines for Workshop Presenters
From Spirit of Life

As a presenter, you may or may not be aware of a participant’s need for accommodations. In addition to accommodating the accessibility needs of participants who request them, you are urged to follow these basic accessibility guidelines for every workshop or session activity….
Find Out More
From Spirit of Life

The following resources can help you or participants reflect further on spiritual journeys. Finding Your Religion: When the Faith You Grew Up With Has Lost its Meaning, by Rev. Scotty McLennan, a Unitarian Universalist minister and Dean for Religious Life at Stanford University….

Download all of Spirit of Life (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Workshop 1: Spirit Of Life: Exploring Spirituality for Unitarian Universalists

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