On a cold January day in 1778, more than 200 years ago, while the United States was still fighting its War for Independence against Great Britain, a baby boy was born in Boston, Massachusetts. His parents named him Joseph. "What will he be when he grows up?" wondered Joseph's father. "A lawyer? A...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Large paper grocery bags Color markers Optional: Plain paper and staplers if bags have printing on them Preparation for Activity Work with your minister, religious educator, or lay leaders to identify a food bank for your donations, and to determin...

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Optional: Paper and pens/pencils Description of Activity A radical aspect of Joseph Tuckerman's service to the poor of Boston was his commitment to listening to and learning from the people he sought to help....

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, Sailor Knot Instructions Slender rope or cord, and a knife or scissors Preparation for Activity Review Leader Resource 1 so you will be able to teach the group how to tie a basic sailor knot....

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story, "Joseph Tuckerman's Revolution" Preparation for Activity Read the story several times so you are comfortable telling it to the group. Review the discussion questions and choose those that will best help the children share their...

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 Explain that the session is almost over and that we will now work together as a...

Preparation for Activity Identify a nearby shelter for homeless families or survivors of domestic violence, or a program that serves meals to people in need. Speak with a staff person for that program and ask permission to bring your group to visit....

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle, and matches or LED/battery-operated candle Newsprint, markers, and tape Hand ornaments cut from card stock (see Welcoming and Entering) Pens, pencils, or markers Preparation for Activity Set up chalice....

Materials for Activity Card stock in various colors Scissors, including left-handed scissors Hole punch String or yarn Pencils or markers Preparation for Activity Create a sample hand ornament: Trace your own hand on card stock, cut out the shape, punch a hole in the top, pass a piece of yarn...

Based on a true story which happened at the 1976 Special Olympics in Seattle, Washington.Years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants lined up at the starting line for the 100 yard dash....

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Different size empty boxes (cereal box, cracker box, cake mix box, etc.) A roll of plain wrapping paper Rice or another material to fill the empty boxes Tape and scissors, including left-handed scissors Preparation for Activity Fill the boxes so th...

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Props for role play, such as fabric, hats, paper bags, boxes, empty paper towel rolls, etc. Preparation for Activity Gather props for children to use in the role play. Keep them simple. For example, a swath of fabric can become a cape, a skirt, a...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Votive candles or tea lights, and a lighter and extinguisher; or, a set of LED/battery-operated votive candles, enough for all participants Optional: A large, clear bowl and a selection of stones on a large plate (at least one for each participant)...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Heavy paper or card stock, one for each participant plus a few extra Yarn or string, scissors, and hole punch(es) Washable markers Preparation for Activity If you have skipped the Welcoming and Entering activity or the early arriving participants d...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story, "Crossing the Finish Line Together" Preparation for Activity Read the story several times so you are comfortable telling it to the group. Review the discussion questions and choose those that will best help the children share...

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Clothesline or other strong rope, and a knife Preparation for Activity Cut rope into pieces about four feet long. You will need one fewer than the total number of participants. Arrange to make a space is large enough for this activity....

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. If you have not yet done so, invite one or more...

Materials for Activity Card stock in different colors Markers, pens, or color pencils Optional: Envelopes Optional: Decorative stickers Preparation for Activity Fold the card stock in half to make greeting cards. Description of Activity Invite participants to create a greeting card to encourage...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle, and matches or LED/battery-operated candle Newsprint, markers, and tape Leader Resource 1, Golden Rule Sayings from Around the World Tape Preparation for Activity Set up chalice. Write the words of James Vila Blake's covenant on...

Materials for Activity Blank paper, one for each participant plus a few extra Yarn or string, scissors (including left-handed scissors), and hole punch(es) Optional: Markers, pens, or color pencils Description of Activity Encourage early arriving participants to help you by making "affirmation...