Tapestry of Faith: Chalice Children: A Program about Our Unitarian Universalist Community for Preschoolers

Introduction

I seek the wonder of a child, a child who sees delightfully, now clowns in cloud, now gold in sun—imaginations true and free. — "I Seek the Spirit of a Child," Hymn 338 in Singing the Living Tradition

Unitarian artist Arthur Lismer once said, "Art is a way of life, a release for spiritual forces which are strong in children and as essential to growth as body-building exercises and mental stimulus" (September Gale: A Life of Arthur Lismer by John McLeish, 1955). Long before they have language, children express their imaginations and their understanding of the world around them through art. As Unitarian Universalists, we value imagination, creativity, and creative problem solving. This session encourages and affirms the creative expression of each child's unique spirit and inner world.

Goals

This session will help preschoolers:

  • Understand the value that Unitarian Universalists of all ages place on imagination and creativity
  • Experience the Chalice Children group as safe and caring
  • Feel a growing sense of belonging to and identity with a Unitarian Universalist congregation.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Express their imagination through art
  • Experience a connection between imagination and creativity
  • Understand that people of all ages can use their imagination to wonder and to express feelings.