Session 8: Power (Hammer)

Beautiful orange sunset over a deep blue ocean. — Tapestry is Sunsetting

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Toolbox of Faith, Grades 4-5

In This Section

Introduction
From Toolbox of Faith

The power to question is the basis of all human progress. — Indira Gandhi I became convinced that non-cooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good. No other person has been more eloquent and passionate in getting this idea across than Henry David Thoreau. As a…
Session-at-a-Glance
From Toolbox of Faith

ACTIVITY MINUTES Welcoming and Entering Opening 5 Activity 1: Feel the Power 5 Activity 2: Story — Theodore Parker and the Fugitive Slaves: Refusing to Follow an Unjust Law 10 Activity 3: Active Games of Strength and Power 15 Activity 4: Singing “If I Had a Hammer” 10 Activity 5: Council Circle 1…
Spiritual Preparation
From Toolbox of Faith

Take a moment and let your body and mind settle. If you are comfortable doing so, spend a few moments in peaceful meditation….
Welcoming and Entering
From Toolbox of Faith

Materials for Activity A hammer A few slender nails A sheet of paper large enough for tracing the outline of a hammer A pencil, color markers, clear tape, and a pair of scissors Optional: Toolbox of Our Faith poster Preparation for Activity Set out the materials on a worktable. Description of…
Opening
From Toolbox of Faith

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice and candle or LED/battery-operated candle Lighter and extinguisher, if needed Newsprint, markers, and tape Tool of the Day — a hammer Preparation for Activity Print the opening words on newsprint….
Activity 1: Feel The Power
From Toolbox of Faith

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Hammers, enough for all participants, if possible Nails of different lengths and materials, at least four nails for each participant Lengths of scrap wood, thick enough to accept the longest nails you have brought, at least one piece for every two…
Activity 2: Story - Theodore Parker And The Fugitive Slaves: Refusing To Follow An Unjust Law
From Toolbox of Faith

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story, “Theodore Parker and the Fugitive Slaves: Refusing to Follow an Unjust Law” Preparation for Activity Prepare to read the story or tell it dramatically. For a more interactive storytelling, have a few participants give voice to
Activity 3: Active Games Of Strength And Power
From Toolbox of Faith

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity For Pyramid. Optional: Tumbling mats For Carry the Load. Two markers, such as orange rubber cones, or masking tape to make two finish lines Preparation for Activity Review the three games offered: Sardines, Pyramid, and Carry the Load.
Activity 4: Singing "If I Had A Hammer"
From Toolbox of Faith

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of Leader Resource 1, “If I Had a Hammer” lyrics Preparation for Activity Listen to a recording of the song, “If I Had a Hammer,” to make sure you know the tune. The YouTube website has vignettes of several perform… of the song. If you are…
Activity 5: Council Circle
From Toolbox of Faith

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Tool of the Day — a hammer Chalice and candle Safety matches and long fireplace matches Small dish for spent matches Candle snuffer Council candles (a tea light or votive candle for each participant, or some to share if group is very large) One tea…
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Toolbox of Faith

Reflect on these questions and discuss them with your co-leaders: How do we feel about today’s session? What parts of the session worked well? What can we learn from the experience of this session? What preparations do we need to make for the next session?
Faith In Action: Ideas
From Toolbox of Faith

Description of Activity Lead the Congregation in Song Arrange for the children to lead the congregation in the song, “If I Had a Hammer,” during a worship service or other gathering. Guide the children to prepare signs with the lyrics (see Alternate Activity 1: Word Art — “If I Had a Hammer”)….
Alternate Activity 1: Word Art - "if I Had A Hammer"
From Toolbox of Faith

Activity time: 25 minutes Materials for Activity Large sheet(s) of poster board and markers A copy of Leader Resource 1, “If I Had a Hammer” lyrics Preparation for Activity Decide where you will display the poster of song lyrics, in your meeting space or elsewhere in the congregation. If you will…
Taking It Home: Power (Hammer)
From Toolbox of Faith

The power to question is the basis of all human progress. — Indira Gandhi I became convinced that non-cooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good. No other person has been more eloquent and passionate in getting this idea across than Henry David Thoreau. As a…
Theodore Parker and the Fugitive Slaves Refusing to Follow an Unjust Law

Polly Peterson

From Toolbox of Faith

For a more interactive storytelling, assign a few participants to give voice to the words of Theodore Parker and Millard Fillmore, both of whose writings are quoted in the story….
Leader Resource 1: If I Had a Hammer Lyrics
From Toolbox of Faith

The song, “If I Had a Hammer,” was written by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays in the 1950s while they were members of the band, The Weavers, and popularized in the next decade when Peter, Paul, and Mary recorded and performed it. Permission pending from The Richmond Organization. If I had a hammer, I’d…
Find Out More
From Toolbox of Faith

Hear “If I Had a Hammer” The YouTube website has vignettes of several perform… of the song, “If I Had a Hammer.” One video includes clips of performances by Peter, Paul, and Mary; Trini Lopez; the Mitch Miller Band; and Pete Seeger, who wrote the song with Lee Hays when they were members of The…

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The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Session 8: Power (Hammer)

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