Tapestry of Faith: Faithful Journeys: A Program about Pilgrimages of Faith in Action for Grades 2-3

Closing

Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Faithful Journeys Path
  • Signpost for Session 12 (Leader Resource 3) and pins, glue stick or tape
  • Copies of Session 1, Leader Resource 8 UU Principles Song, for all participants
  • Optional: Newsprint, markers and tape

Preparation for Activity

  • Print out Leader Resource 3 and cut out the signpost.
  • Optional: Write the UU Principles Song lyrics on newsprint, and post.
  • Customize, print out and photocopy the Taking It Home section for all participants.

Description of Activity

This activity helps children get used to practicing a closing ritual as a way of affirming their belonging in the faith community.

Gather the group in a circle. Thank the children for participating and sharing their stories and ideas in this session. Tell them something you liked about the way they worked together as a community.

Point out the Faithful Journeys Path. Say, in your own words:

Our Faithful Journeys Path shows our journey to live our lives and act in ways that reflect our Unitarian Universalist beliefs and faith. The signposts direct us by reminding us about our Principles.

Today's signpost is "Make Peace." It is for our sixth Unitarian Universalist Principle, the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. It means we believe we should work for peace and try to solve problems without violence or hurting each other.

Attach the signpost to the Faithful Journeys Path.

Remind the children that the next time they meet they will have a chance to add Faithful Footprints to the Faithful Journeys Path. Encourage them get involved in something during the week. Brainstorm together what sorts of action might reflect making peace. You might suggest working out a problem with a sibling or friend by finding a way to hear one another's side, staying calm when angry, or learning about the United Nations and other ways nations try to help each other settle conflicts without violence or war.

Point out the words to the UU Principles Song. Tell the children it is sung to the tune of "Old McDonald Had a Farm." Lead the children in singing the verse about the sixth Principle. Then, sing the entire song together. Explain that you will learn about all of the Principles during the Faithful Journeys program.

Distribute the Taking It Home handout. Thank the children, tell them you look forward to seeing them next time, and dismiss the group.