Session 8: Fruit Chalices

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

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Chalice Children, in Preschool

In This Section

Introduction
From Chalice Children

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. — Christian scripture, Galatians 5:22-23 Preschool children love to experience life with all their senses….
Session-at-a-Glance
From Chalice Children

Activity Minutes Activity 1: Free Play 15 Activity 2: Circle Rhymes Transition 5 Activity 3: Circle Time 5 Activity 4: Story 5 Activity 5: Fruit Chalices 15 Activity 6: Circle Games 10 Closing 5…
Spiritual Preparation
From Chalice Children

Find a quiet place for reflection where you can try making a fruit chalice. Imagine the world of the preschool child. They are likely full of wonder at the world around them and are ready to explore, using all their senses….
Opening
From Chalice Children

Description of Activity In the Chalice Children program, sessions begin with Activity 1, Free Play rather than a formal Opening. The chalice is lit in Activity 3, Circle Time.
Activity 1: Free Play
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Name tags and markers Variety of free play options, such as toys, a puzzle, story books, manipulatives, dramatic play props, and markers and paper Preparation for Activity Make name tags for the children you are expecting and set these out with a f…
Activity 2: Circle Rhymes Transition
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Circle Rhymes posters Preparation for Activity Display the Circle Rhymes posters from Session 1….
Activity 3: Circle Time
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice-lighting words, written on newsprint Chalice with tea light flame or other preschool chalice option Feelings chart or Feelings Flashcards by Todd Parr Preparation for Activity Post the chalice-lighting words on the wall near the Circle Time…
Activity 4: Story
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Story book Preparation for Activity Choose a story from the following suggestions: A Cup of Light by Pamela Baxter (2010). Include this book as many times as is appropriate to help young children understand the symbol of the chalice….
Activity 5: Fruit Chalices
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, Fruit Chalices Bananas, half a banana per child Grapes, four to six per child Melons, one slice per child Several serving bowls, a knife that can cut bananas and melons, and, if needed, a spoon to scoop melon seeds Paper plates o…
Activity 6: Circle Games
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Paper chalices (red, blue, and yellow), one for each child Preparation for Activity Cut chalice shapes from red, green, and yellow paper, enough for each child to have one. Familiarize yourself with the games and songs….
Closing
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Taking It Home handout Markers or crayons Preschool chalice Optional: Envelopes, hole punch, and yarn or ribbon Preparation for Activity Copy the Taking It Home handout for each child. Bring the “lit” preschool chalice to the activity table….
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Chalice Children

Reflect on these questions and discuss them with your co-leader: How do we feel about what went on during this session? Why? What was the best part of this session? Why? What preparation do we need for the next session?
Taking It Home: Fruit Chalices
From Chalice Children

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. — Christian scripture, Galatians 5:22-23 IN TODAY’S SESSION … the theme was, “At our church [congregation], we use the chalice as our…
Leader Resource 1: Fruit Chalices
From Chalice Children

Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing.
Find Out More
From Chalice Children

Read about the history of the flaming chalice on the UUA website. Read two UU sermons about our chalice, online: “The Flaming Chalice” by Rev. Bill Gupton, Sunday, June 8, 2003, Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church, Cincinnati, Ohio.