Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers and tape Handout 1, Sad Statistics Handout 2, Water Steward's Pledge Pens/pencils Preparation for Activity Decide whether to hold a large group discussion or form smaller groups of three to five participants....

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Clear bowl to serve as a chalice Cup of water A small, hardy plant (such as a spider plant or shamrock plant) Newsprint, markers and tape Optional: Gather the Spirit blog access instructions Optional: Music and music player Optional: Small table...

Experience the community and commitment of your own congregation. At a busy time on a Sunday or other day, drift away from the group and observe it. Reflect on its purpose, power and commitment....

Anyone who can solve the problem of water will be worthy of two Nobel prizes—one for peace and one for science. — John F. Kennedy The Earth is our home, the place where waters flow and life thrives. Our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to stewardship of the Earth, recognizing that without...

Long ago, it is said, there was a mighty flood, and the People left their world, the Fourth World, the Underworld, and came up into the Fifth World, the world we live in today. They found themselves on the shore of a great ocean. The People broke into groups by clan and went out to find new homes.

Materials for Activity Books on the science of water Preparation for Activity Peruse books and online resources to ground or refresh your knowledge of water science and gather visual aids to share with the group....

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Writing paper and a pencil for one participant Optional: Chalice bowl (or another shallow bowl, filled with water) and a stone or another small, heavy object Description of Activity Invite the group to explore "the minnow effect"-the Gather the Spi...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Paper, pencils and (optional) clipboards Preparation for Activity Distribute paper and pencils to participants. Description of Activity This activity can be done immediately after Activity 4 in this workshop, Watery Me: Meditation....

Activity time: 5 minutes Preparation for Activity Read Alternate Activity 1, River Poetry. If you have time, you may wish to add it immediately after this meditation. Description of Activity This meditation introduces participants to the water cycle. Explain meditation if necessary, in words that...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Index cards Preparation for Activity Optional: Write individual charade assignments on index cards and set the cards aside....

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity A length of blue cloth or a large roll of mural paper, and a means to attach it to a wall and/or work tables Drawing supplies such as oil pastels; color markers; paints, paintbrushes and cups of water (and newspapers or drop cloth) Plain drawing...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story "Snail Girl, a Navajo Story" Preparation for Activity Familiarize yourself with the story. Description of Activity Gather the group. Tell them that creation myths are stories from different cultures of how the world and life began.

Earth-centered Traditions and Water Find another Navajo story about water in The Precious Gift: A Navaho Creation Myth by Ellen Jackson (New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1996). Making Musical Instruments Rain sticks: See the Kinderart website. Water-based music chimes: See the...

Meet with your co-leaders after the workshop to reflect on it. How was your mix of discussion and action? In the midst of the busy-ness, did you successfully include spiritual elements? How well did the activities include everyone? Were your activities appropriate for the ages of your participants?

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Taking It Home handout Clear bowl to serve as a chalice A small, hardy plant (such as a spider plant or shamrock plant) Optional: Small table Optional: Newsprint, markers and tape Preparation for Activity Adapt the Taking It Home section....

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers and tape Information from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Preparation for Activity Visit the USGS website and research "Water Information By State" to learn where the drinking water in your area comes from and what...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Clear bowl to serve as a chalice Cup of water A small, hardy plant (such as a spider plant or shamrock plant) Newsprint, markers and tape Optional: Gather the Spirit blog access instructions Optional: Music and music player Optional: Small table...

Take a moment to think about the role of water in our lives. We cannot live without water. We can survive longer without food than without water. Our potable water supply is finite and in danger from pollutants....

Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: Story — Snail Girl, a Navajo Story 15 Activity 2: River Scene 20 Activity 3: Water Charades 10 Activity 4: Meditation — Watery Me 5 Faith in Action Closing 5 Alternate Activity 1: River Poetry 15 Alternate Activity 2: A Round Robin Story — Minnows and...

There's a river of my people and its flow is swift and strong. — Pete Seeger, Unitarian Universalist folk singer and activist This workshop introduces stewardship and water as critical at every level of being, from self to universe. It sets the stage for the Gather the Spirit program, presenting...