All kinds of people around the table . . . — "We're Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table," Hymn 407 in Singing the Living Tradition IN TODAY'S SESSION . . . we celebrated different kinds of families and prepared for the Family Snack Party. EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Share a story together from the...

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. — Christian scripture, Galatians 5:22-23 IN TODAY'S SESSION . . . the theme was, "At our church [congregation], we use the chalice as our...

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. — from "This Little Light of Mine," Hymn 118 in Singing the Living Tradition IN TODAY'S SESSION . . . the theme was, "The chalice is our special symbol of our Unitarian Universalist faith, which we share with Unitarian Universalists everywhere."...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity A large, blank jigsaw puzzle Multicultural markers or crayons Optional: Digital camera or smartphone Preparation for Activity Buy a large, blank jigsaw puzzle at a retail craft store, or online; this “community puzzle” would work well. Or, make a...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice-lighting words, written on newsprint Chalice with tea light flame or other preschool chalice option Feelings Chart or Feelings Flashcards by Todd Parr Preparation for Activity Post the chalice-lighting words on the wall near the Circle Time...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Taking It Home handout Markers or crayons Preschool chalice Optional: Envelopes, hole punch, and yarn or ribbon Preparation for Activity Download and adapt Taking It Home and make a copy for each child....

Read the history of the Flaming Chalice on the UUA website. The Tapestry of Faith curricula have a few different "flaming chalice" stories. Do a keyword search in the Tapestry of Faith programs; select "children" as the age group to search....

Reflect on these questions and discuss them with your co-leaders: How do we feel about what went on during this session? Why? What was the best part of this session? Why? What preparation do we need for the next session?

Take time before the session and find a quiet place for reflection. There are many ways that people around the world practice and express their religion. Do you have any spiritual images or items around you, or can you imagine some of these items? Gaze at them either as real objects or in your...

Activity Minutes Activity 1: Free Play 15 Activity 2: Circle Rhymes Transition 5 Activity 3: Circle Time 5 Activity 4: Story 5 Activity 5: Play-Dough Chalices 15 Activity 6: Circle Games 10 Closing 5...

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. — from "This Little Light of Mine," Hymn 118 in Singing the Living Tradition There are many beautiful ways to express religion. One of our ways is the symbol of the flaming chalice. In this session, preschoolers will make a play-dough chalice to...

Reflect on these questions and discuss them with your co-leader: How do we feel about what went on during this session? Why? What was the best part of this session? Why? What preparation do we need for the next session?

Description of Activity In the Chalice Children program, sessions begin with Activity 1, Free Play rather than a formal Opening. The chalice is lit in Activity 3, Circle Time.

Take time before the session and find a quiet place for reflection. Reflect on the variety of families who make up your congregation. Hold each in your mind's eye, observing their smiles, their concern for one another, their difficulties, their sadness, their joy and their love for one another....

Activity Minutes Activity 1: Free Play 15 Activity 2: Circle Rhymes Transition 5 Activity 3: Circle Time 5 Activity 4: Story 5 Activity 5: A Special Jigsaw Puzzle 15 Activity 6: Circle Games 10 Closing 5...

There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle. — Deepak Chopra The activities in this session help children feel as if they are part of a wonderful variety of Unitarian Universalist...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper or card stock Markers and crayons Doilies, glitter, and other decorative add-ons Glue sticks Scissors (child-friendly), including left-handed scissors Envelopes big enough to hold 4 1/4 x 5 1/2-inch cards Paper towels, moisten...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice-lighting words, written on newsprint Chalice with tea light flame or other preschool chalice option Feelings chart or Feelings Flashcards by Todd Parr Preparation for Activity Post the chalice-lighting words on the wall near the Circle Time...

Sangha means community. Dharma Talk: Sangha, a talk by Thich Nhat Hanh, published on the Mindfulness Bell website, describes how and why the next Buddha may be a Sangha, as mentioned in the Spiritual Preparation for leaders. Read an April 2, 2006 UU sermon, "Wh… Wondrous Love Is This?" by Dottie...