• Colored paper, cut into strips
• Tape or glue for fastening each strip into a closed ring
• Scissors, if participants will cut more paper
• Optional: Markers or crayons

• Cut colored paper into strips about one inch wide and eight inches long

Children connect circles by making paper chains. This activity reinforces the meaning of two connecting circles of the chalice symbol.

Show the children how to make the first circle and then how to connect the circles and make a chain. Distribute paper and tape or glue.

While participants work, tell them that the chains they are making can be a faith symbol. Just as the two overlapping circles on the chalice symbol represent the Unitarians and the Universalists joining together as a single community of faith, these paper chains symbolize how in Creating Home we come together and create our community of faith.

Point out that the paper chain the children are making is a symbol. You may want to ask them what they think it stands for. Encourage responses. Tell them that the paper chain could be a symbol for the way the group is made up of many different people. Invite them to elaborate on that idea, or offer other ideas.

Invite children to write their own names on the pieces of paper, or decorate the paper with their faith symbols (if you have done Activity 4, Our Own Faith Symbols, and have the tracing materials handy) before adding the paper links to the chain.

Some participants will want to do nothing else but make paper chains. Use the chains to decorate your meeting space, or allow participants to take their chains home.