The earliest human beings developed the four aspects of human societies: language, music, a social order, and religion. For more than three million years, human beings have practiced religion. Some of the earliest places we know human beings have lived are the southernmost tip of Africa (South...

Based on a story of indigenous people of Australia/New Zealand.There was a time when everything was still. All the spirits of the Earth were asleep—or almost all. The great Sun Mother was awake, and as she opened her eyes a warm ray of light spread out toward the sleeping Earth. "Ah!" the Sun...

This was the first workshop to explore a faith outside Unitarian Universalism. Review today's workshop with your co-leader: Did participants engage the subject with respect? Do they seem open to learning from the ways other faiths serve their followers? Did they seem to understand the deeper...

Indigenous religions are close to the sources of life and permeate the lives of followers; their stories give meaning to everything adherents see, touch, and do in their daily lives, and their rituals have sacred significance as well as practical value. Ready yourself to talk about faiths that...

... everything on the Earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence. — Mourning Dove (Christine Quintasket) (1888-1936), Native American (Salish) novelist Introduction The earliest human beings developed the four aspects...

Speak the text while performing the gestures described in italics. We light this chalice to celebrate Unitarian Universalism. When saying "Unitarian," cup your right hand in a U shape. When saying "Universalism," cup your left hand in a U shape. This is the church of the open mind....

In this workshop, we explore a faith so ancient it is considered indigenous, yet it has grown through the millennia to attain a high level of complexity and sophistication. Furthermore, it is followed by more than 900 million people—nearly a billion human beings—around the world. This religion...

Mother Earth, unable to bear the burden of the sins committed by evil kings and rulers, appealed to Brahma, the Creator, for help. Brahma prayed to Supreme Lord Vishnu, who assured Brahma that Vishnu himself would soon be born on earth to annihilate tyrannical forces....

This was the first workshop to explore a worldwide religion that is practiced by as many as one-seventh of the earth's population. Review today's workshop with your co-leader: Did participants engage the subject with respect? Did the examination of another religion spark their interest? Did they...

Since open-mindedness is at the heart of this program, and because Hinduism is so frequently misunderstood, take some time to seek a serenely open-minded attitude before leading this workshop. Here is a two-part meditation to help you: First, envision a prism. See in your mind's eye a clear light...

Everyone who wills can hear the inner voice. It is within everyone. — Mohandas Gandhi Introduction This workshop introduces Hinduism, an ancient faith birthed in India in a time beyond memory and still practiced by more than 900 million people around the globe. Hinduism is frequently associated...

Keep Your Sense of Humor While keeping a sense of humor is a good idea under most circumstances, it is especially valuable when working with youth. Keeping a sense of humor will help you maintain internal balance and diffuse any tension that might arise. Equally important, it will enable you to...

Scheduling Planning and coordination are important to this program. Note that engagements (visits) are not included in the 90-minute workshop time. Schedule the placement of engagements, whether on Sundays or other days, as part of the flow of the program. Planning well in advance of engagement...

Every religion has factions that disagree about "doctrine"—that is, the official beliefs of that religion. Even ours. Even though Unitarian Universalism is a free religion without a set doctrine or creed, there are plenty of ways to disagree about what it means to be a UU. One such disagreement...

A retelling of a Sufi wisdom tale. Once there was a woman who prayed to understand what path she should take in life. One night, after praying, she dreamed of walking in the woods. The next day, she journeyed to the woods, searching for the answer to her prayers. It was quiet and peaceful....

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story "Jenkin Lloyd Jones and the Abraham Lincoln Center" Preparation for Activity Read the story and prepare to present it effectively. Optional: Review the Workshop 1 story "A Chorus of Faith," which also mentions Jenkin Lloyd Jones.

Activity time: 45 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Paper and pens/pencils Preparation for Activity Write a sample haiku to share with the group on newsprint, and post. Create your own haiku or use one of the samples below. Description of Activity Participants reflect on...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Writing paper and envelopes Pens and pencils Postage stamps Preparation for Activity Designate a co-leader to send participants' letters to them at the future date you have chosen. Description of Activity Participants write a letter to themselves,...

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape A roll of mural paper, 4 feet wide and 12 feet long Magazines with illustrations of people from different faith traditions Photographs, newspaper clippings, and other memorabilia from the interfaith service event...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story "The Fox and the Lion" Preparation for Activity Read the story and prepare to present it effectively. Optional: Copy the story for all participants. Description of Activity Tell or read the story. Or, distribute copies to...