Session 13: Finding Beauty in Uniqueness

Beautiful orange sunset over a deep blue ocean. — Tapestry is Sunsetting

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Signs of Our Faith, Grades 2-3: Being UU Every Day

In This Section

Introduction
From Signs of Our Faith

While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die — whether it is our spirit, our creativity or our glorious uniqueness. — Gilda Radner Children learn that to recognize the beauty of each person’s uniqueness is a sign of Unitarian Universalist faith. A…
Session-at-a-Glance
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity Minutes Opening 2 Activity 1: Story — Oshun Loses Her Beauty 15 Activity 2: Uniqueness Game 20 Activity 3: Cultural Sharing 10 Activity 4: Problem Solving 10 Faith in Action: Recognizing New Members 60 Closing 3 Alternate Activity 1: Leadership in Action — Telling a Story in Worship…
Spiritual Preparation
From Signs of Our Faith

Unitarian Universalism values diversity. We believe each of us should be welcome to bring our whole selves to our community. Yet there are times that, even with the best intentions, we fail to appreciate all the facets of each individual. Do you feel you have been able to bring your whole self to…
Opening
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 2 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Centering table A chime or bell Newsprint, markers, and tape Optional: Cloth for centering table Optional: Stoles, including extras for visitors Preparation for Activity Prepare to lead the…
Activity 1: Story - Oshun Loses Her Beauty
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Copy of the story, “Oshun Loses Her Beauty” Optional: Leader Resource 1, Santerian Gods and Goddesses Optional: Handout 1, Coloring Page of Oshun and a variety of color crayons Optional: Fidget basket (see Session 1, Leader Resource 2, Fidget Objec…
Activity 2: Uniqueness Game
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 20 minutes Preparation for Activity Read the description of the game so you will be able to lead it smoothly. Read Alternate Activity 2, Unique Name Tags. If you have time, consider adding it at the close of this activity….
Activity 3: Cultural Sharing
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape A book for a role play Preparation for Activity Write “cultural sharing” and “cultural appropriation” on newsprint, and post. Description of Activity Tell the group that the ritual to discuss today is storytelling. Ask…
Activity 4: Problem Solving
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 10 minutes Preparation for Activity Prepare several “problems” that children can role play. Make sure each problem has a wide variety of possible approaches and solutions….
Closing
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 3 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Taking It Home Newsprint, markers, and tape Optional: Stoles, including extras for visitors Optional: Items needed for new Closing ritual (Session 9, Activity 4) Preparation for Activity…
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Signs of Our Faith

What went well in this session? What would you do differently next time? Did the children understand respectful cultural sharing? Even if they did not grasp the entire concept, raising the topic with them sets a foundation for future learning. There are only three sessions left….
Faith In Action: Recognizing New Members
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 60 minutes Materials for Activity Camera Writing paper and instruments Snacks Art materials to make a display Preparation for Activity Coordinate this activity with the religious educator and the congregation’s membership committee. Description of Activity Participants meet new…
Alternate Activity 1: Leadership in Action - Telling a Story in Worship
From Signs of Our Faith

Materials for Activity A story to share with the congregation Costumes, props, music and a music player Preparation for Activity Coordinate the worship date, rehearsal date(s), and the choice of story with worship leaders. Research possible stories. A story in this program might work. Browse many…
Alternate Activity 2: Unique Name Tags
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Blank name tags Art materials, such as crayons, color pencils or markers, glitter, and glue sticks Preparation for Activity This activity may be used to extend Activity 2, Uniqueness Game. Description of Activity Participants individualize name tags.
Alternate Activity 3: Different Beliefs
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity At least three weeks ahead of time, recruit three or four UU guests to talk to the group about their different theologies. Seek diversity not only in theologies, but age (try to include at least…
Taking It Home: Finding Beauty in Uniqueness
From Signs of Our Faith

While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die — whether it is our spirit, our creativity or our glorious uniqueness. — Gilda Radner IN TODAY’S SESSION……
Oshun Loses Her Beauty
From Signs of Our Faith

Based on a Santerian story. Special thanks to Lesley Murdoch for her insights to Afro-Caribbean religions. The Orisha are gods that came originally from Nigeria, in West Africa, as part of the Yoruba religion….
Handout 1: Coloring Page of Oshun
From Signs of Our Faith

Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing.
Leader Resource 1: Santerian Gods and Goddesses
From Signs of Our Faith

Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing.
Find Out More
From Signs of Our Faith

Santeria Read versions of the story “Oshun Loses Her Beauty” on the Voices from Venus website, the Angel Fire website, and the OrishanetMoving Toward an Inclusive Vision provides tips to welcome and embrace diversity in religious education programs and the congregation at large.