Session 9: Looking for Signs of Community Part of Signs of Our Faith In This Section Introduction From Signs of Our Faith What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously.... Session-at-a-Glance From Signs of Our Faith Activity Minutes Opening 3 Activity 1: Story — Journey of the Birds 10 Activity 2: Bird Art 20 Activity 3: Find the Simorgh 10 Activity 4: Community... Spiritual Preparation From Signs of Our Faith Think back to your first experience with the congregation, even if you have been here since birth. What was your impression of this community? What made... Opening From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 3 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Centering table A chime or bell Newsprint,... Activity 1: Story - The Journey of the Birds From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Copy of the story, "The Journey of the Birds" Optional: Hoopoe coloring page by Jan Brett, and crayons... Activity 2: Bird Art From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Materials and supplies for art project and (optional) display Preparation for Activity Decide on a... Activity 3: Find the Simorgh From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 10 minutes Preparation for Activity Arrange an open space for playing this game. If the space is small or safety is a concern, plan for... Activity 4: Community Rituals From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Optional: Stoles Preparation for Activity Write the Opening words used in... Closing From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 2 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Taking It Home Newsprint, markers, and tape... Leader Reflection and Planning From Signs of Our Faith Think back to the first meetings of the Signs our Faith group. How has the group changed? Has it coalesced into a community, as you may have hoped it... Faith In Action: Children As Part of the Congregational Community From Signs of Our Faith Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Leader Resource 1, Six Pillars Writing instruments Simple prizes Preparation for Activity Read Six... Alternate Activity 1: Leadership in Action - Welcoming Children of New Members From Signs of Our Faith Description of Activity Work with the group to plan a reception for the children (or families) of new members.... Alternate Activity 2: Leadership in Action - Performing the Story From Signs of Our Faith Materials for Activity Copy of the story, "The Journey of the Birds" Paper invitations or blank cards, and writing implements Snacks Optional: Music and... Alternate Activity 3: We Are the Ones From Signs of Our Faith Materials for Activity Copy of the story, "The Journey of the Birds" Recording of the song "We Are the Ones (We've Been Waiting For)" by Sweet Honey in ... Taking It Home: Looking for Signs of Community From Signs of Our Faith What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously.... The Journey of the Birds From Signs of Our Faith Inspired by the ancient epic poem, "The Conference of the Birds," by the Persian Sufi Muslim writer Fariduddin Attar. Once upon a time, all the birds in... Leader Resource 1: Six Pillars From Signs of Our Faith Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing. Find Out More From Signs of Our Faith On YouTube, watch this cartoon version of "The Conference of the Birds." The Persian Sufi Muslim Fariduddin Attar's original poem is long, complex, and... PREVIOUS: Find Out More UP: Signs of Our Faith NEXT: Introduction Download all of Signs of Our Faith (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.