This stand-alone lesson plan can be adapted as needed.
Start with Welcome, Chalice Lighting, Joys and Sorrows, as per your tradition (10 minutes)
Unwrapping Game
10 minutes
A heart-shaped stone is wrapped up in 100 yards of ribbon or yarn. Every 50 yards or so, the ribbon is taped around the stone and then wrapping continues so that there are “tape markers” within the ball.
- What is at the center?
- Pass around the ribbon ball and encourage kids to unravel it to the next tape marker. Then pass the ball to the next kid.
- As the kids unravel the ribbon, explain that a group of UU adults has been trying to figure out what the most important parts of UU are. What is central?
- Once the heart has been revealed, stress that love is at the center
Quick Review
10 minutes
- What is covenant?
- What are our shared values?
Discussion
10 minutes
Introduce the new Shared Values (each one is written on a 11x17 piece of construction paper that will be used for the collage activity)
Interdependence. We honor the interdependent web of all existence.
What does interdependence mean?
Interdependence means: Everything is connected like a web. What you do affects me and others. We need to make choices based on this understanding
Pluralism. We celebrate that we are all sacred beings diverse in culture, experience, and theology.
What does pluralism mean?
Pluralism means: more than one–not just one right way, we honor diversity in thinking, it’s good that not everyone is the same, free and responsible search for truth and meaning, we can learn from others
Justice. We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive.
What does justice mean?
Justice means: we work to dismantle systems of oppression, we just democratic ways of making decisions, we listen to everyone
Transformation. We adapt to the changing world.
What does transformation mean?
Transformation means: we value change and recognize the our faith is living and growing, we can learn and try new things
Generosity. We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.
What does generosity mean?
Generosity means: giving, sharing our spirit and our resources, connecting with other people
Equity. We declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness.
What does equity mean?
Equity means: everyone was access, everyone is included, everyone has what they need to thrive–and we will use our resources to make that happen
And Love is at the Center
Collage
15 minutes
Create collages with pictures/words cut from magazines for each value.
Closing
5 minutes
Congregational Interconnections Curriculum Sharing Series
Curricula, stories, activities, games, created and shared by Religious Educators in the spirit of creative interchange, group learning, and emerging practices. Does your congregation have something that is working well? Please reach out!