• Chalice candle or LED/battery-operated candle
• Lighter and extinguisher, if needed
• Newsprint, markers, and tape
• Tool of the Day - a paintbrush
• Optional: Toolbox of Our Faith poster and clear tape

• Print the opening words on newsprint. Post the newsprint where the children will be able to see it when they gather in the Council Circle space.

Participants will reflect on the quality of expression as a part of their Unitarian Universalist faith.

Gather the children in a circle, in the Council Circle space. Light the chalice.

Indicate where the opening words are posted, for any children who are unfamiliar with them. Lead the group in reciting:

We are Unitarian Universalists

with minds that think,

hearts that love,

and hands that are ready to serve.

Hold up the tool of the day, tell the children what it is called, and pass it around the circle. As the children pass it, invite them to share their own experiences with paintbrushes.

Lead a discussion to introduce the paintbrush as a symbol of the value of expressing our inner selves. Ask, "What do you think makes this a Unitarian Universalist tool?" Allow participants to share ideas. Affirm that there is no one answer.

Explain that the paintbrush represents the expression of our inner thoughts and lives. Say, in your own words:

Unitarian Universalism is a faith that that will help you express your inner voice and your inner thoughts. This is a key part of growing in faith and deepening in religious understanding. One of the sources of our faith comes from the direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life. One of our Principles says that Unitarian Universalism values acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations. We use personal expression as a way to grow spiritually.

You may tape one or several of participants' doodle works onto the Toolbox of Our Faith Poster, and write the word "Expression." Or, add a paintbrush to the poster during the Closing.

Collect the tool. Extinguish the chalice.