Session 16: The Power to Make Change

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

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Sing to the Power, Grades 4-5

In This Section

Introduction
From Sing to the Power

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. — Anne Frank In this final session, the Hopi story of The Four Creations provides a framework for reflecting on and celebrating the kinds of power explored throughout the program….
Session-at-a-Glance
From Sing to the Power

Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: Story — The Four Creations, Part One and Honoring Earth Power 10 Activity 2: Story — The Four Creations, Part Two and Honoring Fire Power 10 Activity 3: Story — The Four Creations, Part Three and Honoring Air Power 8 Activity 4: Story — The Four…
Spiritual Preparation
From Sing to the Power

Find a place where you can be quiet with your thoughts. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for about five minutes, perhaps repeating a word or phrase to separate yourself from the activities of the day….
Opening
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle Cloth for altar or centering space Opening Words for Basket (Session 1, Leader Resource 1), and basket Symbols of earth, air, fire, and water Newsprint with “Now Let Us Sing” lyrics (Session 1, Activity 2)…
Activity 1: Story - The Four Creations, Part One and Honoring Earth Power
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Story, “The Four Creations” An item to serve as a “talking stick” Preparation for Activity Read the story and prepare to share it with the group. Prepare to be the first to share an “I am from… .” statement. Obtain an item to use as a “talking…
Activity 2: Story - The Four Creations, Part Two and Honoring Fire Power
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Story, “The Four Creations” Metal bowl with sand in the bottom Slips of paper Pencils or pens Long matches or a long lighter Optional: Flash paper Preparation for Activity Plan where you will conduct this ritual….
Activity 3: Story - The Four Creations, Part Three and Honoring Air Power
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 8 minutes Materials for Activity Story, “The Four Creations” Leader Resource 1, Breath Meditation Preparation for Activity Print Leader Resource 1. Practice reading the meditation aloud so you can lead it smoothly, pausing between sentences….
Activity 4: Story - The Four Creations, Part Four and Honoring Water Power
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Story, “The Four Creations” A large, clear bowl, half-filled with water Smooth stones, one per participant Preparation for Activity Set out the bowl of water with the stones arranged around it….
Activity 5: Story - The Four Creations, Part Five and Commissioning Ritual
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 7 minutes Materials for Activity Story, “The Four Creations” Bead bracelets created in Closing rituals of previous sessions, one per participant Preparation for Activity Place bracelets on the altar/centering space. If you can, identify the owner of each bracelet as you will place…
Closing
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Circle of Elements mural from Session 1 Leader Resource 2, “Power to Make Change” Circle, and tape Session 1, Leader Resource 3, Circle of Elements Mural Instructions Closing Words for Basket (Session 1, Leader Resource 5) and basket Bracelets from…
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Sing to the Power

Reflect on and discuss with your co-leader(s): How did this program as a whole work for you? What met your expectations? What did not? What connections did you make with the children? What connections did the children make with each other? How was this evident?…
Faith In Action: Reflecting on Our Water Power
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 25 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Post blank newsprint. Description of Activity This activity is designed to help the group process a Faith in Action activity begun in Session 13….
Alternate Activity 1: Sharing Joys and Sorrows
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Attractive bowl, half-filled with water Smooth stones Preparation for Activity Put water in bowl and set out stones where they can easily be reached. Make sure that bowl is on a surface that will not be damaged if a small amount of water splashes out.
Alternate Activity 2: Closing Celebration
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 40 minutes Materials for Activity Snacks and paper goods Any materials required for the games you choose Preparation for Activity Review past sessions of Sing to the Power and identify games the participants enjoyed….
Taking It Home: The Power to Make Change
From Sing to the Power

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. — Anne Frank IN TODAY’S SESSION… we celebrated the completion of the program with rituals honoring the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. We stated ways we can express different kinds of…
The Four Creations
From Sing to the Power

This story comes from the Hopi people of northern Arizona. “Hopi” means “People of Peace.” This story was recorded in the 1950s by Oswald White Bear Fredericks and his wife Naomi from the storytelling of older Hopi at the village of Oraibi. Part One The world at first was endless space in which…
Leader Resource 1: Breath Meditation
From Sing to the Power

Read at a measured pace, pausing between sentences. With your eyes closed, relax your body, starting at your head. Relax your face muscles, and then your neck, letting balance keep your head upright, rather than tension in your neck. Pull your shoulders up to your ears, and then let them drop,…
Leader Resource 2: Power to Make Change Circle
From Sing to the Power

Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing…
Find Out More
From Sing to the Power

The original text of the Hopi story “The Four Creations” is located here.http://www.amazon.com/Circle-Round-Raising-Children-Traditions/dp/05533… Round by Starhawk, Diane Baker, and Anne Hill is an excellent resource for leading earth-based ritual with children.