Activity time: 25 minutes

Materials for Activity

• A copy of the story "For the Love of Stars"
• Leader Resource 1, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, Photograph
• Newsprint, markers, and tape
• Optional: Computer and digital projector

Preparation for Activity

• Print out the story and prepare to present it to the group.
• Print out Leader Resource 1, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, Photograph.
• Write on newsprint, and post, this quote from Rev. Dr. William Murry:

A viable religion of the 21st century must recognize the importance of both reason and reverence.

• On another sheet of newsprint, write these questions, and set the newsprint aside:

  • As your knowledge about the world grows, are you led to more or less awe?
  • Does observation enliven or dampen your spirit?
• Optional: Download Leader Resource 1 and prepare the photograph, the Murry quotation, and the questions as digital slides. Test the computer and projector.

Description of Activity

Read the story aloud while you circulate or project the photograph. Invite comments and responses.

Display the William Murry quote. Read the quote aloud and ask participants to think of a time when learning something new about the world had an impact on their religious thought. Allow a minute or two of silence for participants to find their story. Then invite them to move into groups of three or four and share their reflections.

Allow ten minutes for small group conversations. Then, re-gather the large group. Post the two questions you have written on newsprint and lead a discussion based on the questions and the Murry quote.