Workshop 1: David and Goliath

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Part of Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

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Introduction
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one, my eyes reaches but little ways; I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight; I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice. — Theodore Parker,…
Workshop-at-a-Glance
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Activity Minutes Welcoming and Entering 0 Opening 10 Activity 1: David and Goliath 15 Activity 2: Retelling the Story 15 Activity 3: What Gives Us Courage? 10 Activity 4: Explaining Small Group Options 5 Activity 5: Discussion — Option 1 20 Activity 6: Confronting Bullies Dramatization — Option…
Spiritual Preparation
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

As you prepare to facilitate this workshop, ask yourself the key questions: Who or what am I afraid of? What is courage? What helps me be brave? Reflect on how you might have answered these questions as an eight-year-old child, a fourteen year old youth, or a young adult making your way in the…
Welcoming and Entering
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Materials for Activity Name tags, durable or single use Bold markers Sign-in sheet and pen/pencil Small table Optional: Refreshments Preparation for Activity Create a sign-in sheet with columns for name, address, phone, and e-mail information and place it on the table….
Opening
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle and lighter, or LED battery-operated candle Stand or table space for the chalice Decorative covering for chalice stand Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Prepare a welcoming space, including comfortable seating…
Activity 1: David and Goliath
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story, “David and Goliath” Leader Resource 1, David and Goliath Background Information Preparation for Activity Print the story and practice reading it aloud….
Activity 2: Retelling the Story
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Story, “David and Goliath” Five small stones Bandana or scarf to serve as slingshot Optional: Simple costumes Preparation for Activity Familiarize yourself with the story so that you can guide a dramatized retelling. Description of Activity Tell…
Activity 3: What Gives Us Courage?
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Activity time: 10 minutes Description of Activity Ask: “What gave David courage? Why was he able to be brave, meeting Goliath with no armor and only a slingshot with five smooth stones?” Lead a whole group discussion….
Activity 4: Explaining Small Group Options
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity List the small group activities and their locations on newsprint and post. For this first session only, arrange in advance for at least one adult or youth participant to take part in each small…
Activity 5: Discussion - Option 1
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Write these questions on newsprint and post: Why is this story preserved? What were they trying to teach with this story? What is it that we can learn?…
Activity 6: Confronting Bullies Dramatization - Option 2
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Simple costumes Preparation for Activity Set out simple costumes. Description of Activity Invite the small group to create a modern version of David and Goliath. Invite them to begin by sharing some of their own experiences with bullies like Goliath.
Activity 7: Five Smooth Stones Art - Option 3
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Small flat stones, such as those found in a craft store, at least five for each participant Acrylic paints, brushes, and cups of water for rinsing or fine-point permanent markers in a variety of colors Smocks to protect clothing Preparation for…
Closing
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 2, Creating the Closing Worship Taking It Home handout Chalice, candle and lighter, or LED battery-operated candle Stand or table space for the chalice Decorative covering for chalice stand Newsprint, markers, and tape Optional: Cop…
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Take a few minutes to talk with your co-facilitator about how the workshop went, using these questions as a guide: What went well? What surprised us as facilitators? Amazed us? Challenged us? How did this workshop strengthen multigenerational community?…
Alternate Activity 1: Pretending to be David
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Slingshot-making supplies for each participant: Y-shaped sticks, about six inches long. Collect them outdoors or ask a woodworker to create them Two large, thick elastic bands, cut to create a straight piece or two 8-inch pieces of 1/4 inch wide…
Taking It Home: David and Goliath
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one, my eyes reaches but little ways; I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight; I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice. — Theodore Parker,…
David and Goliath
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

1 Samuel 17 (New Revised Standard Version) Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle… The Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them. And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion…
Faith In Action
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Preparation for Activity Invite someone from your congregation who has taken a courageous stance on behalf of justice to come and tell their story. When you consider whom to ask, do not overlook the youth and children of your congregation as potential guests. Description of Activity Invite your…
Leader Resource 1: David and Goliath Background Information
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

David and the Goliath is one of the most well-known and beloved stories of the Hebrew scripture. It is an adventure story which seems to be aimed at every child who can hardly wait to grow up and do something so brave, and skillful and important that they become heroic. When the story begins, it…
Leader Resource 2: Creating the Closing Worship
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

The closing worship circle brings the group back together to enrich each other’s understanding of the story and of their own life experience. This is not a show-and-tell experience, but rather a participatory, co-created worship experience. Do just enough planning to provide a container for…
Find Out More
From Wisdom from the Hebrew Scriptures

Twentieth Century Unitarian theologian James Luther Adams describes the five smooth stones of liberalism, a metaphor drawn from the David and Goliath story, in his essay “Guiding Principles for a Free Faith” found in On Being Human, Religiously (1976, Beacon Press). It can be found online at…

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The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Workshop 1: David and Goliath

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