Materials for Activity Pens or pencils and paper Description of Activity Participants explore how art can be used not only to imitate life, but to hold up higher aspirations to people. Invite participants to think about the common saying "beauty is as beauty does." What does it mean? Can...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice and matches Description of Activity Use the Opening designed by your group or the one provided below. Gather around the chalice. As a volunteer lights the chalice, ask the group to focus on the word "beauty" in silence. After about fifteen...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint and markers Description of Activity Invite participants to create a group covenant to guide them in their work. Use the following discussion prompts as needed: What is a covenant? Has anyone in the group ever created a covenant?...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Journals and pens or pencils Preparation for Activity Make sure the list of poet's tools is posted where all participants can see it. Description of Activity Ask participants to write on their page, "A poem is... " and then close their eyes....

Activity time: 25 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint and markers Current newspaper article or excerpt Preparation for Activity Find several short newspaper articles that have an emotional/human dimension. You will need one article for each small group of three to five youth. Decide how you...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Singing the Living Tradition, one per participant Newsprint and markers Optional: Dry erase board and markers Preparation for Activity On newsprint or a dry erase board, write these two questions: What do we have here? What is the big idea?...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 1, Introduction to Poetry Newsprint and markers Preparation for Activity Photocopy Handout 1, "Introduction to Poetry," one copy for each participant. Write Is It a Poem? at the top of a sheet of newsprint. Prepare two columns, one with a +...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice Singing the Living Tradition, one for every other participant Preparation for Activity If hymnals are not always available, print the words below on newsprint and post in the meeting room. Description of Activity Use the Closing designed by...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Journals and pens or pencils Description of Activity Participants will think of creative ways to engage with difficult issues in their lives....

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice and matches Preparation for Activity During Workshop 2, Alternate Activity 2, Designing an Opening, the group will have the opportunity to create a unique workshop opening....

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Food and beverages CD player and CDs (optional) Preparation for Activity Prepare snack or arrange for participants' families to donate celebration snack. Follow up with a reminder e-mail....

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint and markers Handout 1, Participant Feedback Form Pencils/pens Preparation for Activity Photocopy Handout 1, Participant Feedback Form, for all participants Description of Activity Tell participants that it is important to sit back and...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Photographs of photo-documentary opening Description of Activity Invite participants to reflect on the opening of the Families display. Share and circulate photographs of the opening. Use the following prompts as you see fit: How was the experience...

Activity time: 5 minutes Preparation for Activity Prepare a closing reading (optional). Description of Activity Gather participants in a closing circle. Pragmatics: Arrange for the return of participants' materials If needed, arrange a time to dismantle the display together Invite participants to...

Activity time: 90 minutes Materials for Activity Photo albums or scrapbooks Photo sleeves (optional) Pens Preparation for Activity Contact your congregation's religious educator and ask whether this would be a useful activity (see Description of Activity). Invite her/him to assist with the project.

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice and matches Newsprint and markers Description of Activity Gather participants in a circle and welcome them. Invite volunteers to offer chalice lighting words....

Materials for Activity Photographs of photo-documentary opening (optional, but needed later in the session regardless) Preparation for Activity Print photographs taken at the opening. Description of Activity Informally display photos. Encourage casual conversation.

Activity time: 40 minutes Materials for Activity Prints of photographs taken during the last session Materials to support the final display, including photo-mounting materials, tape, glue, colored paper, stand-alone easels as needed, and other materials appropriate to the type of display you are...

Activity time: 10 minutes Description of Activity Sketch with participants the "work plan" for this session and any logistics that are critical to accomplish during it. Check in with participants about their photo-documentary work. Be sure to attend to any concerns participants' may have as you...

Activity time: 5 minutes Description of Activity Gather participants in a closing circle. Pragmatics: Remind participants about additional work times that are scheduled before the opening. Arrange and/or confirm youth co-leaders for the last session (optional)....