The religious community is essential, for alone our vision is too narrow to see all that must be seen. Together, our vision widens and strength is renewed. — Mark Morrison-Reed, UU minister and author

In this concluding workshop, participants review the human needs that religions may address and recall what they have learned about the varied histories, beliefs, and practices of many faiths, including our own. Activities emphasize the religiously pluralistic nature of our world and guide youth to commit to grow as bridge-builders.

The Closing suggests giving participants a small token as a reminder of this program; plan ahead of time to make or buy items. If you will serve refreshments, be mindful of participants' food restrictions.

Goals

This workshop will:

• Refresh knowledge of the religions explored in the program
• Review the basic human needs religions seek to address
• Demonstrate that our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to build bridges; affirm that understanding other religions helps us build those bridges
• Help participants reflect on Unitarian Universalist faith and religious identity, in the context of local, national, and world religious pluralism
• Celebrate everyone's hard work.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Review histories, beliefs, and practices of religions explored in the program, and know how to continue exploring faiths
• Revisit the concept that all religions seek to address basic human needs
• See themselves as bridge builders and identify tools and actions they will use to build bridges personally, locally, and beyond
• Give and receive thanks and appreciation
• Optional: Plan a worship service for the congregation and (optional) interfaith guests
• Optional: Plan to host a guest speaker on interfaith work
• Optional: Assess potential partners in the congregation and the local community for an interfaith social justice project.