Humankind has not woven the web of life.

We are but one thread within it.

Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.

All things are bound together.

All things connect. — Chief Seattle, 19th-century Native American leader

IN TODAY'S SESSION... we acknowledged our deep connections to each other, to all other people, and to our Unitarian Universalist faith. We discussed ways our connections call us as faithful leaders to honor the UUs who came before us and to support those who will join and follow us. We concluded the Signs of Our Faith program by celebrating the UU legacy we carry.

EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Talk about... your stole. What does the stole symbolize to you? On a more practical note: Where will you keep your stole? When will you use it as a sign of faithful leadership, after this program ends? Talk to the religious educator at the congregation about upcoming leadership opportunities—times when the children in the Signs of Our Faith group might wear a stole.

EXTEND THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Find out about leaders who came before you in other groups or communities to which you belong. If you are part of a dance troupe, who started the troupe? Why was it important to them? Is your school named after someone? Who was this person? What did they do that deserved the honor of having a school named after them?

Family Discovery. Talk to the elders in your family. What dreams did they have when they were your age? Ask adults for stories about how they made one of their dreams come true. Who supported them? Who told them "I believe in you" and encouraged them not to give up?

Family Ritual. We can use a mirror to look at ourselves honestly. We can also use a mirror to help us dream of how we would like to be seen. For example, look in the mirror and see yourself as a brave person. You might make a morning glance into the mirror your new ritual. You will see that you that you look fine and are ready to start the day, and that you are a good person and ready to live and show your faith today.

Family Game. Once a month, hold a UU history moment before dinner. Take turns giving a short presentation on one of our UU ancestors, whom you can learn about from sources such as the Dictionary of Unitarian and Universalist Biography, Tapestry of Faith stories (search the Tapestry of Faith curriculum database on the UUA website), and books from inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop, like Black Pioneers in a White Denomination or This Day in Unitarian Universalist History.

Leadership Suggestion. What can someone your age do in your congregation to show you are a faithful young leader? Does the congregation need greeters, ushers, or people to shelve and straighten items in a library or supply room? Invite friends from the Signs of Our Faith group to join you. Find ways to welcome new young leaders into your circle, too.