Tapestry of Faith: Windows and Mirrors: A Program about Diversity for Grades 4-5

Faith In Action: Sharing Our Privilege and Our Gifts

Materials for Activity

  • Determined by the outcome of the preparation; children may bring an instrument, art supplies, something they baked etc.

Preparation for Activity

  • Ask your minister and/or religious educator for names of some people in the congregation who are sick or unable to attend church. Make sure there is no confidentiality issue. If possible, contact the individuals and ascertain what type of contact or gift from children in the group they might appreciate.
  • Determine any adults or resources (transportation, kitchen facilities, etc.) required to put the plan into action. If so, line up these resources in advance of the time when you and the children will perform the Faith in Action activity.

Description of Activity

One way to build community is to identify people in the congregation who are in need and offer assistance. In this case, help children identify privileges and gifts they have-their time, their energy, perhaps compassion or kindness, perhaps money, any particular skills or talents-which they can share with others in need of those specific gifts.

Ask the children to brainstorm tasks that could perform for members, either as individuals or part of a small team. Share information you have found out about specific members whom they could help. For example, if a child has artistic talent, they can make a card for someone who is sick. If a child has money and knows they will be taken shopping by an adult, they can buy a small gift, like a CD to listen to, or some flowers. If a child has a good sense of humor, they could visit someone to cheer them up. If a child has patience and kindness, they can offer to visit and bring food, drinks, books, etc. Remind children that no matter what they do, they will use some combination of their privileges and their hard-earned, well practiced gifts or talents.

Develop a plan of action. When will the children perform the tasks? How often? Who will do what? What help do the children need from other adults?