Faith CoLab: Tapestry of Faith: Sing to the Power: A Social Justice Program for Children Grades 4-5

Activity 5: Story - The Four Creations, Part Five and Commissioning Ritual

Activity time: 7 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Story, "The Four Creations"
  • Bead bracelets created in Closing rituals of previous sessions, one per participant

Preparation for Activity

  • Place bracelets on the altar/centering space. If you can, identify the owner of each bracelet as you will place them on the children's wrists.
  • Think about the special power you have observed in each participant. Be ready to give each individual an affirmation during the ritual.

Description of Activity

Read or tell part five of the story, "The Four Creations." Invite a moment of silence, then say something like:

The world we live in isn't perfect, or even easy. But we are blessed to have this world as our home and to have the power to make it a better place for ourselves and others. We have explored the many powers of earth, air, fire and water, and the power that each of us has to be a creator and to connect with the power behind all that is. Remember, as we go forth, the power that each of you carries.

Invite each participant forward, one at a time. Place their beaded bracelet on their wrist. As you do so, honor each participant by briefly naming a special power you see in them. Say:

Remember your power, and use it for the good of all creation.

Have each person sit down before calling the next.

Including All Participants

If any participants were not present for any previous sessions, create a bracelet with a single bead for them and honor their presence along with the other members of the group. Use "your presence here" as an affirmation.
If mobility is difficult for any participants, plan the ritual space and process to accommodate them. This may mean you bring a bracelet to each person rather than have each one come to the centering table.