Workshop 13: Building Bridges of Trust and Accountability: A Service of Reconciliation and Healing

Beautiful orange sunset over a deep blue ocean. — Tapestry is Sunsetting

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Building the World We Dream About

In This Section

Introduction
From Building the World We Dream About

Blessed are you who know that the work of the church is transformation of society, who have a vision of Beloved Community transcending the present. — Rev. John Buehrens This workshop marks a transition in the program. Previous workshops explored the concepts and manifestations of identity and…
Workshop-at-a-Glance
From Building the World We Dream About

Activity Minutes Welcoming and Entering 0 Opening 15 Activity 1: Worship for Racial Reconciliation and Healing 45 Activity 2: Refreshments and Break 15 Activity 3: Considering the Congregation 15 Activity 4: Where Do We Go from Here? 20 Closing 10…
Spiritual Preparation
From Building the World We Dream About

Prepare your own reflections for the worship service, following the instructions in Workshop 12, Taking It Home: What have I learned? What do I need to learn more about? What I need you to know about me is _________. I feel challenged/supported by _________….
Welcoming and Entering
From Building the World We Dream About

Materials for Activity Sign-in sheet and pen or pencil Name tags for participants (durable or single-use) and bold markers Optional: Music and player Optional: Snacks and beverages Preparation for Activity Arrange chairs in a circle and set out name tags and markers on a table….
Opening
From Building the World We Dream About

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Participants’ journals Paper and pens/pencils Participant reflections from Workshop 12, Taking It Home List of this workshop’s Goals Covenant established in Workshop 1 Optional: Meditative music and player Preparation f…
Activity 1: Worship for Racial Reconciliation and Healing
From Building the World We Dream About

Activity time: 45 minutes Materials for Activity Worship table or designated space Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED/battery-operated candle Leader Resource 1, Suggested Order of Service Small rocks, pine cones, shells, or other natural objects Attractive bowl to hold objects Appropriate cloth …
Activity 2: Refreshments and Break
From Building the World We Dream About

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Food and drink to share Preparation for Activity Find out in advance about food allergies and sensitivities. Purchase or arrange for contributions of refreshments, making sure to provide options suitable for all participants. Set out the refreshments.
Activity 3: Considering the Congregation
From Building the World We Dream About

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Write “What are the challenges for our congregation?” on one sheet of newsprint and “What are the strengths of our congregation?” on another sheet. Post both….
Activity 4: Where Do We Go from Here?
From Building the World We Dream About

Activity time: 20 minutes Description of Activity Introduce the activity with these or similar words: You have a grasp of some of the issues and challenges inherent in building an antiracist/multicultural community, but these workshops have not yet explored some of the skills and ongoing practice…
Closing
From Building the World We Dream About

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Lined paper and pens/pencils Taking It Home Handout 1, What Will We Be and For Whom? Leader Resource 2, The Fountain Preparation for Activity Write on newsprint, and post: What ideas were most interesting or challenging to you? What powerful ideas,…
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Building the World We Dream About

Take a few moments immediately after the workshop to ask each other: What went well? What did not? Why? What do you think was the best moment of the workshop? Why? Did anything surprise you? Do we need to make changes in the way we work together?
Taking It Home: Building Bridges of Trust and Accountability: A Service of Reconciliation and Healing
From Building the World We Dream About

Blessed are you who know that the work of the church is transformation of society, who have a vision of Beloved Community transcending the present. — Rev. John Buehrens Find a special location for your small object from the worship service. Write yourself a note to help you recall both the…
Handout 1: What Will We Be and For Whom

Kat Liu

From Building the World We Dream About

Originally published in A People So Bold: Theology and Ministry for Unitarian Universalists, edited by John Gibb Millspaugh (Boston: Skinner House, 2010). I first learned about Unitarian Universalism in college from friends planning to get married. They were unenthused about being married by a…
Leader Resource 1: Suggested Order of Service
From Building the World We Dream About

Consult with your minister, music director, and/or another experienced worship leader in your congregation as you plan this service. Ask your music director to help you select suitable hymns and recruit an accompanist. Use the suggested readings and hymns or substitute your own choices. OPENING…
Leader Resource 2: The Fountain

Denise Levertov

From Building the World We Dream About

From Poems 1960-1967, copyright (C) 1961. Reprinted by permission of New Directions Publishing Corp. Don’t say, don’t say there is no water to solace the dryness at our hearts. I have seen the foundation springing out of the rock wall and you drinking there. And I too before your eyes found…
Find Out More
From Building the World We Dream About

The UUA Multicultural Growth & Witness staff group offers resources, curricula, trainings, and tools to help Unitarian Universalist congregations and leaders engage in the work of antiracism, antioppression, and multiculturalism. Visit…

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The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Workshop 13: Building Bridges of Trust and Accountability: A Service of Reconciliation and Healing

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