Tapestry of Faith: Riddle and Mystery: A Program on the Big Questions for Grade 6

Leader Resource 4: Memo to Citizens of UUville

The WCUU script includes short speaking parts for four UUville Citizens. You will need to decide exactly what to say when the Roving Reporter interviews you. The paragraph about your role will help you get started.

First UUville Citizen: Pretend to be riding a bicycle when Roving Reporter comes to you. You can keep moving (slowly) while you speak, and Roving Reporter will move along with you. When Roving Reporter asks what you believe about death, say you think what happens at death is a mystery. You know that UUs believe many different things, but most agree that they can never really know what happens at death—at least until they die. That is okay with you, because you want to concentrate on what you do know about. That is life. You think it's more important to focus on creating a better life for everyone here on earth than to focus on what happens when we die.

Second UUville Citizen: Pretend to be mowing a lawn when Roving Reporter comes to you. Make a lawnmower sound if you want, but stop when Roving Reporter asks you to turn the lawnmower off. When Roving Reporter asks what you think about death, say you believe there is a heaven, and that your favorite uncle, who died last week, is there. You know that many UUs do not believe in Heaven, but many other people around the world do. You believe you will see your uncle again someday when you die.

Third UUville Citizen: Pretend to be reading a book when Roving Reporter comes to you. When Roving Reporter asks what you believe about death, say you believe in reincarnation: that is, that our souls are born into a different body and experience another life. You are not sure if this goes on indefinitely or if there is an endpoint, like Nirvana, where souls become one with the Universe.

Fourth UUville Citizen: Pretend to be playing a trumpet when Roving Reporter comes to you. When Roving Reporter asks what you think about death, say you believe that death is the end and that nothing happens afterwards—you simply cease to exist. You have a good friend who believes there is a heaven, but you do not agree. You do think that people live on in the memories of others. For example, if you were a teacher in life, you live on after death through your students. If you were a parent, you live on through your children. You went to a UU memorial service recently, and people told wonderful stories about the person who died. Those stories will live on for years and years and years.