Tapestry of Faith: World of Wonder: A Program on the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism for Grades K-1

Introduction

Part of World of Wonder

We did not weave the web of life;

We are merely a strand in it.

Whatever we do to the web,

We do to ourselves.

— attributed to Chief Seattle, chief of the Duwamish Nation

This session introduces our human relationship to the earth, the basis for this program which is expressed in our seventh Unitarian Universalist Principle: respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. The concept of the interdependent web is made concrete by tangible activities, such as the creation of a World of Wonder mural which the group will use throughout the program. A story illustrates that we are all connected in a great web of life and children are encouraged in caring for the earth. An understanding of interdependence in our human communities is nurtured as participants create a group covenant, recognizing that their behaviors affect one another.

Goals

This session will:

  • Introduce core concepts of this program and make the concept of the interdependent web concrete
  • Demonstrate that we are all part of the web of life
  • Teach the idea of unity contained within diversity
  • Empower participants in establishing a covenant of behavior
  • Introduce the structure and rituals of the program.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Learn one another's names and welcome one another through participation in a name game
  • Hear a story which teaches we are all connected and part of the web of life
  • Make a gecko as a tangible reminder of the web of life
  • Establish expected group behavior and commit to a covenant
  • Learn the chalice lighting words and closing song.