A retelling of a Buddhist Jataka Tale. Once there was a village that was prosperous. The wealthiest of the villagers was afraid that the town’s reputation would attract thieves, so they buried a huge lump of gold in a field for safe keeping. Many years passed and the village lost much of its...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 2, Aristotle's Virtues Two baskets Preparation for Activity Print Leader Resource 2. If the group is large, print several copies. Cut apart the list of virtues and the list of extremes. Put them in separate baskets....

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, Moderation Dilemmas Preparation for Activity Print several copies of Leader Resource 1-one for you, the others for volunteer readers. Description of Activity Youth discuss scenarios involving ethical dilemmas. Seek a volunteer to...

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 1, Ecclesiastes 3 Drawing paper and implements such as pencils, charcoal, pastels, crayons, and markers Optional: A recording of the song "Turn, Turn, Turn" by the Byrds, and a music player Preparation for Activity If you plan to play the...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Story, "A Huge Lump of Gold" Preparation for Activity Read the story so you can present it effectively. Optional: Copy the story for all participants. Description of Activity The group hears and discusses a Buddhist story about moderation. Read the...

The Art of Manliness website has an article on how moderation can help you enjoy life more. Reverend Dr. Monica Cummings, a Unitarian Universalist minister, has created a series of short animated videos for youth. View her video...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Taking It Home Preparation for Activity Adapt the Taking It Home section and copy for all participants. Optional: Print the closing quotation (below) for a volunteer to read. Description of...

Activity time: 60 minutes Materials for Activity Optional: Computer with Internet access Preparation for Activity Find out the best way to submit articles for the congregational newsletter, including deadlines and any format requirements....

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Group covenant (Workshop 1) Optional: Bicycle Rack newsprint sheet (Workshop 1) Optional: Alternate Activity 1, Real Life Challenges Preparation for Activity R...

Thomas Paine said, "Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice." Moderation is sometimes viewed as wishy-washiness or too much willingness to compromise. But it can also be viewed as disciplined and mature. What are your personal feelings about moderation?

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 1, Ethical Theories Chart Preparation for Activity Copy the handout for all participants. Read the Description of Activity and familiarize yourself with the spoken material so you can present it to the group in your own words....

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity News items from various sources including newspapers, magazines, and/or Internet Optional: Computer with Internet access Description of Activity Ask participants to form groups of two or three and search the news sources for stories that involve...

Materials for Activity "Bicycle Rack" newsprint sheet (Opening) Preparation for Activity Post the Bicycle Rack newsprint sheet. Description of Activity Youth discuss ethical challenges they have faced....

Activity time: 25 minutes Materials for Activity Journals and writing instruments For anklets: String or hemp, beads, waterproof markers and/or other bead-decorating materials, scissors, and clipboards (one for each youth) Optional: Computer with Internet access and a large monitor or digital...

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Story, "The Debate Among the Parts of the Brain" Newsprint with chalice lighting words (Opening) Preparation for Activity Read the story so you can present it effectively. Make sure the chalice lighting words from the Opening are still posted.

Ethics Theory The adult Tapestry of Faith curriculum What We Choose: Ethics for Unitarian Universalists unpacks a variety of ethical frameworks in detail. You can read more about the theories presented in Alternate Activity 3 on the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy....

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Taking It Home Preparation for Activity Adapt the Taking It Home section and copy for all participants. Optional: Print the closing quotation (below) for a volunteer to read. Description of...

Materials for Activity Minutes from meetings of the congregation's governing board Index cards of two different colors Preparation for Activity Obtain the minutes from several meetings of the congregation's governing body. Highlight material pertaining to votes on actions the congregation will take.

Activity time: 25 minutes Materials for Activity A basket, and a variety of snacks Newsprint, markers, and tape Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Preparation for Activity Gather snacks for a basket-enough for each participant to have a snack....

Living Values Activities for Young Adults by Diane Tillman (Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc., 2000) Ethical Leadership: The Quest for Character, Civility, and Community by Walter Earl Fluker (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2009) The Gift of Faith: Tending the Spiritual Lives of...