Activity time: 15 minutes Preparation for Activity Invite a long-time member of your congregation to come share recollections of the congregation's history. Explain the Rev. David Pettee's story of seeking his family's truth, and give them the story "Hard Truths" to read. Make sure the guest is...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Craft sticks (popsicle sticks), two for each participant; a variety of colors of yarn Scissors Optional: Toothpicks, two for each participant; a variety of colors of embroidery floss Preparation for Activity Consider the manual dexterity of the...

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Paper and a pencil for each participant Description of Activity Distribute paper and pencils. Invite the group to play Two Truths and a Lie. Explain: Each participant writes down two things about themselves that are true, but which others might not...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story, "Hard Truths" Preparation for Activity Read the story and prepare to share it with the group. Review the discussion questions....

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Taking It Home Optional: God's Eyes made in Activity 3 Preparation for Activity Download and adapt Taking It Home and copy as a handout for all participants (or, email to parents). Description of Activity Explain that the session is almost over and...

Materials for Activity Newspaper, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Post a few sheets of blank newsprint. Description of Activity Find out as much as possible about a significant and controversial issue, and present your findings as a letter to the editor and/or a letter to a relevant...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle, and matches or LED/battery-operated candle Newsprint, markers, and tape Question mark ornaments cut from card stock (see Welcoming and Entering) Markers, pens, and pencils Preparation for Activity Set up chalice. Write the words of...

Materials for Activity Card stock in various colors Scissors Hole punch String or yarn Pencils Optional: Markers Preparation for Activity Draw a question mark on card stock and cut it out to make a template....

We often hear that science and religion are two things that just do not go together. One relies on facts which can be proven. The other relies on faith and intuition. However, science and religion have a lot in common. They both inspire wonder, questioning, and seeking truth. To at least one man...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Large poster board or art paper, and tape Color markers Preparation for Activity Identify a place to post a Graffiti Wall of Wonder. If you have a wall space everyone can reach easily, tape blank poster board or art paper to the wall....

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Yarn in at least five colors Preparation for Activity Arrange to use a large space that offers many places to hide yarn-ideally, an unfamiliar meeting place or an outdoor location. Calculate the maximum number of two- or three-person teams you will...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity A tea light candle and a tall, cylindrical container (such as an empty salt or oatmeal container) for each team of three or four participants A lighter or matches, and extinguisher Preparation for Activity Try the experiment on your own so you are...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Raw potatoes (one for each team of two or three participants) Plastic drinking straws (one for each participant) Preparation for Activity Try this experiment to become familiar with the process. Description of Activity Form teams of two or three...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A gong, bell, or other musical noisemaker Preparation for Activity Read the guided meditation aloud several times so you become comfortable with the words and the pauses. Description of Activity A brief guided meditation sparks participants’...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape A roll of cellophane tape Leader Resource 1, Science, Religion, or Both? Preparation for Activity Print the leader resource and cut it into strips as indicated. Make three signs on sheets of newsprint: "SCIENCE,"...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story, "Discovering Truth through Science and Religion" Preparation for Activity Read the story several times so you will be comfortable sharing it. Description of Activity Tell or read the story to participants....

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Taking It Home Preparation for Activity Download and adapt Taking It Home and copy as a handout for all participants (or, email to parents). Description of Activity Bring the group to the circle....

Materials for Activity A tree seedling for planting Several shovels (ideally, one for each participant) Planting soil/fertilizer Garden hose and/or watering can(s) Preparation for Activity Talk to your congregation's minister, religious educator, building and grounds committee, and/or building st...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle, and matches or LED/battery-operated candle Newsprint, markers, and tape Question mark ornaments cut from card stock (see Welcoming and Entering) Markers, pens, and pencils Preparation for Activity Set up chalice. Write the words of...

Materials for Activity Card stock in various colors Scissors, including left-handed scissors Hole punch String or yarn Pencils Optional: Markers Preparation for Activity Draw a question mark on card stock and cut it out to make a template....