Session 9: Lean On Me

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

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Windows and Mirrors, Grades 4-5

In This Section

Introduction
From Windows and Mirrors

No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helps you. — Althea Gibson, 20th-century African American tennis champion This session explores the ways the bonds of relationships are crucial in times of self-doubt. When members of our family are struggling with insecurity, we offer support,…
Session-at-a-Glance
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: Story — The First Supporter 10 Activity 2: Writing Khadija’s Story 15 Activity 3: Trust Walk 10 Activity 4: Window/Mirror Panel — Lean On Me 10 Faith in Action: Congregational Support Closing 5 Alternate Activity 1: Role Play Khadija’s Story 10…
Spiritual Preparation
From Windows and Mirrors

Find a place where you can be quiet with your thoughts. Make yourself comfortable; light a candle to mark the time as different from your other activities. Close your eyes and breathe deeply and perhaps repeat a word or phrase to separate you from the activities of the day….
Opening
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle Large, round mirror to hold the chalice Reflective materials, such as beads or pieces of stained glass Newsprint, markers and tape Opening Words Basket and opening words (see Session 1, Leader Resource 1)…
Activity 1: Story - The First Supporter
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story “The First Supporter” A bell, chime, rain stick or other musical noisemaker Preparation for Activity Read the story, “The First Supporter,” a few times. Consider telling it dramatically, rather than reading it from the page.
Activity 2: Writing Khadija's Story
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Paper and pens/pencils for all participants Preparation for Activity Read Alternate Activity 1, Role Play Khadija’s Story. If you have time, use it to extend this activity into a more elaborate role play….
Activity 3: Trust Walk
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A few scarves to cover participants’ eyes Preparation for Activity Identify a large, open indoor or (preferably) outdoor space to accommodate a trust walk. Description of Activity These exercises present an essential idea-the value of interdependence.
Activity 4: Window/Mirror Panel - Lean on Me
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity All participants’ Window/Mirror Panels Leader Resource 1, Window/Mirror Lean on Me Figures Paper or card stock, cut to a size that can be placed within Window/Mirror Panels Optional: Paint and paintbrushes, pastels or other art media Basket(s) of…
Closing
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers and tape Taking It Home handout Optional: A copy of Session 1, Leader Resource 2, Namaste Preparation for Activity Identify a place for participants to store their Window/Mirror Panels between sessions. Keep in mind, there may be…
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Windows and Mirrors

Reflect on and discuss with your co-leader(s): How did the timing go today? What might we do to make it work better? What worked well? What didn’t? What connections did children make with the activities and/or the central ideas? How could you tell that was occurring? What connections did you make…
Faith In Action: Congregational Support
From Windows and Mirrors

Materials for Activity Congregation newsletter or access to congregation website Local newspaper Preparation for Activity Meet with the minister or committee chairs of social action projects. Find out how your congregation has stood by groups or issues that have been difficult for the congregation.
Alternate Activity 1: Role Play Khadija's Story
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Stories/scripts written by small groups in Activity 2, Writing Khadija’s Story. Optional: Props and costumes Description of Activity This activity extends Activity 2, Writing Khadija’s Story. Invite a few volunteers to role play Khadija’s story….
Taking It Home: Lean On Me
From Windows and Mirrors

No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helps you. — Althea Gibson, 20th-century African American tennis champion IN TODAY’S SESSION… We reflected on our willingness to support people we care about whether they are our family or friends. Sometimes, we sacrifice our time and comfort…
The First Supporter

Sarah Conover, Valerie Wahl

From Windows and Mirrors

From Ayat Jamilah: Beautiful Signs (Boston: Skinner House, 2010). Khadija was a wealthy businesswoman who needed to hire someone she could depend on to do her trading and to care for her goods when her caravan reached Syria . After a brief search, she hired Muhammad ibn Adjullah, known throughout…
Leader Resource 1: Window-Mirror Lean on Me Figures
From Windows and Mirrors

Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing.