Workshop 2: Moderation

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

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Virtue Ethics: An Ethical Development Program for High School Youth

In This Section

Introduction
From Virtue Ethics

Moderation in all things, including moderation. — Petronius, Roman author of satires The exploration of virtues begins with a focus on moderation, because moderation is a virtue that touches all the other virtues. In future workshops, youth will respond to questions such as “Can you be too…
Workshop-at-a-Glance
From Virtue Ethics

Activity Minutes Opening 15 Activity 1: Up Side, Down Side 10 Activity 2: Story — A Huge Lump of Gold 10 Activity 3: A Time For All Things 20 Activity 4: Dilemma 10 Activity 5: Practice 20 Faith in Action: Newsletter Article 60 Closing 5 Alternate Activity 1: Real Life Challenges Alternate…
Spiritual Preparation
From Virtue Ethics

Thomas Paine said, “Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.” Moderation is sometimes viewed as wishy-washiness or too much willingness to compromise. But it can also be viewed as disciplined and mature. What are your personal feelings about moderation?
Opening
From Virtue Ethics

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Group covenant (Workshop 1) Optional: Bicycle Rack newsprint sheet (Workshop 1) Optional: Alternate Activity 1, Real Life Challenges Preparation for Activity R…
A Huge Lump of Gold
From Virtue Ethics

A retelling of a Buddhist Jataka Tale. Once there was a village that was prosperous. The wealthiest of the villagers was afraid that the town’s reputation would attract thieves, so they buried a huge lump of gold in a field for safe keeping. Many years passed and the village lost much of its…
Activity 1: Up Side, Down Side
From Virtue Ethics

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Post two sheets of newsprint, one headed “Moderation — Up Side”, the other headed “Moderation — Down Side.” Post a third sheet headed “Moderation means… ” and write these definitions:…
Activity 2: Story - A Huge Lump of Gold
From Virtue Ethics

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Story, “A Huge Lump of Gold” Preparation for Activity Read the story so you can present it effectively. Optional: Copy the story for all participants. Description of Activity The group hears and discusses a Buddhist story about moderation. Read the…
Activity 3: A Time for All Things
From Virtue Ethics

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 1, Ecclesiastes 3 Drawing paper and implements such as pencils, charcoal, pastels, crayons, and markers Optional: A recording of the song “Turn, Turn, Turn” by the Byrds, and a music player Preparation for Activity If you plan to play the…
Activity 4: Dilemma
From Virtue Ethics

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, Moderation Dilemmas Preparation for Activity Print several copies of Leader Resource 1-one for you, the others for volunteer readers. Description of Activity Youth discuss scenarios involving ethical dilemmas. Seek a volunteer to…
Activity 5: Practice
From Virtue Ethics

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Participants’ journals, and writing instruments Participants’ clipboards with anklets (Workshop 1, Activity 3, Practice) Beads, and waterproof markers and/or other decorations Extra clipboards and string/hemp, and sciss…
Closing
From Virtue Ethics

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Taking It Home Preparation for Activity Adapt the Taking It Home section and copy for all participants. Optional: Print the closing quotation (below) for a volunteer to read. Description of…
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Virtue Ethics

Reflect on the workshop, with your co-leader. Which activities did the group enjoy most? How were varied learning styles addressed? Are the group dynamics taking shape in a healthy way? Are there issues you should address? Did participants keep to the covenant?…
Faith In Action: Newsletter Article
From Virtue Ethics

Activity time: 60 minutes Materials for Activity Optional: Computer with Internet access Preparation for Activity Find out the best way to submit articles for the congregational newsletter, including deadlines and any format requirements….
Alternate Activity 1: Real Life Challenges
From Virtue Ethics

Materials for Activity “Bicycle Rack” newsprint sheet from Opening Description of Activity Youth discuss ethical challenges they have faced. If someone shared an experience in check-in or during any workshop activities that the group would like to explore further, do so now. This could be…
Alternate Activity 2: Between Two Extremes
From Virtue Ethics

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Research organizations in your area that provide assistance for addictions….
Alternate Activity 3: Aristotle's Scramble
From Virtue Ethics

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 2, Aristotle’s Virtues Two baskets Preparation for Activity Print Leader Resource 2. If the group is large, print several copies. Cut apart the list of virtues and the list of extremes. Put them in separate baskets….
Taking It Home: Moderation
From Virtue Ethics

Moderation in all things, including moderation. — Petronius, Roman author of satires IN TODAY’S WORKSHOP… we discussed moderation as a virtue. We talked about the Temperance Movement, which involved many Unitarians and Universalists in making laws to limit consumption of alcohol. We heard about…
Handout 1: Ecclesiastes 3
From Virtue Ethics

From Hebrew scripture (New Revised Standard Version).1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a tim…
Leader Resource 1: Moderation Dilemmas
From Virtue Ethics

Dilemma 1 Both you and your friend have cell phone plans with unlimited texting, but that doesn’t mean your time has no limits! Your friend texts you all throughout the day, even during school hours and late into the night. They get upset if you don’t hit them back within five minutes, but you…
Leader Resource 2: Aristotle's Virtues
From Virtue Ethics

VIRTUES Courage Generosity Temperance Pride Patience or Good Temper Truthfulness Wittiness Modesty Friendliness Righteous Indignation EXTREMES Cowardice/Foolhardiness Boastfulness/Self-Depreciation Self-indulgence/Insensibility Buffoonery/Boorishness Extravagance/Stinginess…
Find Out More
From Virtue Ethics

The Art of Manliness website has an article on how moderation can help you enjoy life more. Reverend Dr. Monica Cummings, a Unitarian Universalist minister, has created a series of short animated videos for youth. View her video…

Download all of Virtue Ethics (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Workshop 2: Moderation

Tapestry is Sunsetting

Shop Books & Gifts

Worship for Young Adults A Practical Guide for Creating Contemporary Services

Get Inspired for Worship

What Gives Us Life

Find Faith Development Tools

Authentic Selves