Some people ask if Unitarian Universalism is really a religion. The answer is "yes." Unitarian Universalism is a community of people engaged in search for answers to big questions — religious questions. That is what a religion does....

To the Anchor: In today's WCUU program, everyone in Riddle and Mystery will be part of the show, forming a human chalice and sharing thoughts about being a Unitarian Universalist. Your job is to follow the script, read your part and otherwise keep things going. Before the show begins, make sure...

Here are 12 statements about mystery, faith and big questions. Ten of the statements are ideas shared by most UUs. Read the statements and put check marks next to the ten you think most UUs share. 1. Life is "a riddle and a mystery," just as the song by Brian Tate says. 2. Life starts with the...

For the Kid for the Day: You have two jobs: The first is getting the group excited about hearing Today's Big Question. The second is announcing the question. 1. Say to the group, "Give me a drum roll!" Then wait for a minute while the drum roll builds....

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Optional: Newsprint, markers and tape Optional: Paper and pencils/pens Optional: Participants' Notable Thoughts notebooks Preparation for Activity Decide how to structure the activity, for the learning styles in the group and the time available.

Activity time: 15 minutes Preparation for Activity With your religious educator, identify a few older youth in the congregation to visit the Riddle and Mystery group to talk about what Unitarian Universalism means to them. Invite the older youth to prepare a two- or three-minute presentation.

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Recorded WCUU broadcast(s) and video player Items made by participants in previous Riddle and Mystery sessions Optional: Newsprint, markers and tape Preparation for Activity Check with co-leaders and your religious educator to determine when and wh...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Optional: Newsprint, markers and tape Preparation for Activity Optional: Write the challenge question on newsprint, and post. Description of Activity Challenge questions guide a deeper inquiry for especially thoughtful individuals and groups....

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Copy(ies) of Singing the Journey, supplement to the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook Singing the Living Tradition Optional: A recording of the song and a music player Preparation for Activity Decide how best to present the song "Be Ours a Religion,"...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Bag or box containing participants' Big Questions notebooks Pencils or pens Masking tape A large roll of plain paper and assorted arts and crafts decoration supplies and materials including color markers, scissors (including left-handed scissors),...

Activity time: 27 minutes Materials for Activity Flashlight(s) for human chalice (Activity 3, WIT Time - Human Chalice) Newsprint, easel, markers and tape; or, a sheet of poster board Snack and beverages Microphone(s), video camera(s) and tripod(s), real or simulated For studio set: Backdrop made...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Flashlight(s), preferably a durable, larger model Optional: Examples of UU chalices Preparation for Activity Assess the size and physical capacities of the group. See "Including All Participants" if anyone has mobility limitations. If the group is...

Activity time: 8 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story "My UU Experience" Preparation for Activity Read the story and prepare to tell it interactively, as suggested. Decide whether you want to do Alternate Activity 6, School Bus Talks, immediately after youth hear and process this...

Activity time: 12 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 2, UU Ideas Pencils/pens Description of Activity and (optional) newsprint with the group's ideas about religion, faith and spirituality from Session 2, Activity 5, Then What's a Religion?...

Meet with co-leaders after the session to reflect on it. How did it go? Talk about how the Riddle and Mystery program has gone in general. If time is short, consider meeting again soon to reflect at more length on your use of Riddle and Mystery....

With everything set to go, carve out a meditative moment for yourself. Relax. Take several deep breaths. Think for a moment about what Unitarian Universalism means to you. Were you raised UU? If not, how did you first find UUism? How do you explain Unitarian Universalism to friends and family...

Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: UU Understandings 12 Activity 2: Story — My UU Experience 8 Activity 3: WIT Time — Human Chalice 5 Activity 4: WCUU — UU Youth Speak 27 Faith in Action: Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Closing 3 Alternate Activity 1: Notable Thoughts 15 Alternate...

Be ours a religion which, like sunshine, goes everywhere; Its temple, all space; Its shrine, the good heart; Its creed, all truth; Its ritual, works of love; Its profession of faith, divine living. — Theodore Parker Big Question: What does Unitarian Universalism mean to me? Unitarian Universalist...

In your small group, try to answer the following cat questions. Take notes if you like, but you need not write full answers. You will discuss your ideas when the small groups get together. Part 1. Somebody tells you, "There is a cat in a tree." 1. How do you decide whether to believe that statement?

To the Anchor: Today's WCUU program is a UU Kid's dream. Your job is to follow the script, read your part, and otherwise keep things going. When the broadcast begins, you are alone, sitting or standing in front of a microphone. [Director: Cue the station break.] [Director: Cue the theme music....