Tapestry of Faith Resources
Sharing the Journey: Small Group Ministry with Youth - Online
By Jessica York and Helen Zidowecki
Many of our congregations have embraced the use of small group ministry or covenant groups with adults. Small group ministry can be a way to help individuals build relationships, experience a greater sense of belonging, and feel supported in their spiritual journey in the congregation. Yet it is only beginning to be used with youth. We hope this resource will answer questions and provide encouragement for congregations seeking new ways to engage Unitarian Universalist youth.
Nurturing Children and Youth: A Developmental Guidebook (Toolkit Book) – In print
By Dr. Tracey L. Hurd
Grounded in current research and theory, this book describes typical progressions in physical, cognitive, social, emotional, moral and spiritual growth for each phase of development, from infants to young adults. Each of the age-chronological chapters presents key characteristics and ways to support young people in the context of Unitarian Universalism. Written for parents, ministers, religious educators, and teachers, this book helps meet the needs of children and youth in our faith communities.
Stories in Faith: Exploring Our Unitarian Universalist Principles and Sources Through Wisdom Tales (Toolkit Book) – In print
By Gail Forsyth-Vail
This resource is an invitation to begin a unique spiritual journey, one in which stories help us develop our faith and make meaning in our lives. This distinctly Unitarian Universalist collection of 19 wisdom tales culls from many cultures and traditions, using the seven Principles and six Sources as a framework for reflection and further exploration. The book offers thoughtful advice for respectfully approaching materials from a culture other than one’s own and encourages engagement with wisdom tales as an opportunity for lifelong inspiration and spiritual growth. This is a useful resource for worship, religious education programs, and families.
When Youth Lead: A Guide to Intergenerational Social Justice Ministry (Toolkit Book) – In print
By Jill M. Schwendeman
Based on a view of youth as equal participants in congregational life, this resource offers adults who work with youth guidance to construct and maintain a healthy, spiritually vital youth ministry. Teens are an enormous generative force for our faith communities, and adults have much to learn from youth about passion, friendship, discrimination, equality, faith and more. Social justice work is an effective tool for bringing generations together, and the suggestions in this excellent resource have the potential to build rich partnerships among children, youth, adults and elders. Includes practical tips for 101 social action projects.
Coming of Age Handbook for Congregations – In print
By the Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh
Comprehensive and practical, the Coming of Age Handbook for Congregations is a treasury of tools for the leaders of coming of age programs in the congregation. This handbook is filled with workshops for youth, small group ministry sessions for parents, social action projects and rites of passage. Participants explore theology, spirituality, history and other topics through discussion, drama, music, writing and art. It addresses all the components of UU Coming of Age programs and is a comprehensive resource for congregations to design their own approach to this rite of passage.
Spirituality and the Arts in Children’s Programming (Resource) – Online
By Dr. Nita Penfold
The eight chapters of this resource guide adults to create and implement arts experiences in a religious education context. This resource includes both pedagogical guidance and practical instructions for projects that help children experience spiritual growth and depth through various arts. This resource describes how to choose, plan, lead and process visual/tactile arts, writing, and drama and movement/dance activities as religious, child-affirming experiences.
Making Music Live (Resource) – Online
By Nick Page
This resource presents a compelling argument and detailed, practical advice for incorporating musical expression, primarily singing, into Unitarian Universalist religious education. The author’s enthusiasm and expertise will surely inspire and encourage even those who do not consider themselves "musical." In eight chapters, topics include when and how to employ singing activities, how to find the right kind of song for a particular session, song-teaching strategies, ways to add layers of music-making and/or movement to a singing activity. This resource also includes thoughtful guidance on the borrowing of music and traditions from cultures not one’s own.
Together in Faith: Finding Home in Times of Trauma or Disaster – Online
By Dr. Tracey L. Hurd
This workshop is designed for children, families and multigenerational groups as a way to pause and gather with intention to make sense of trauma or disaster. It offers the opportunity to step toward wholeness during a time when daily routines and the blessings of life need amplification. It does not offer a cure, but a framework to come together for comfort and meaning-making when a disaster of any nature has impacted the community.
Making Meaning after Disaster: A Workshop for Unitarian Universalist Adults – Online
By the Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh
Conceived in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, this workshop helps congregations reflect and heal after a natural disaster, attack or other traumatic event. Whether such events occur far away or in our own backyard, they can affect the way we make meaning and the way each of us understands life’s purpose and the workings of the universe.
A Study Guide to Milk – Online
By the Rev. Mark Belletini
This discussion guide for the 2008 film, Milk, includes background information, discussion questions, and resources for putting faith in action. Milk is a film biography of Harvey Milk, a great leader of the 1970s Gay and Lesbian rights movement who, as an elected member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, was the first openly gay politician in the United States. Milk and San Francisco mayor George Moscone were assassinated in November 1978 by Dan White, also a member of the Board of Supervisors.
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Last updated on Monday, January 11, 2010.
