Reflective materials, such as beads or pieces of stained glass
Optional: A copy of the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook, Singing the Living Tradition and Opening Words Basket and opening words (see Session 1, Leader Resource 1)
Preparation for Activity
Arrange to hold a short worship service during the Windows and Mirrors session, and invite parents for the correct time. Or, schedule the worship for another time, perhaps when you plan to display the Window/Mirror Panels for the entire congregation.
Prepare the space for worship including the chalice and votives, chairs and table. You may wish to invite a musician to accompany and help lead a hymn.
Description of Activity
Engage your religious educator or minister to schedule and, if needed, guide the children's planning of a worship service for parents, families and friends. This might also be the debut of the Window/Mirror Panels group exhibit.
Give each participant to publicly affirm a belief statement or religious or non-religious affirmation of life with parents and group participants present.
Invite each participant to write down a response to the statement, "I believe in ________ and this helps me make meaningful choices in my life." Talk with each child to share about their participation, ideas and experiences from other Windows and Mirrors sessions, including claims made in their UU sorts and mingle game today (Activity 3). Explain that this might help them craft a statement that they feel confident to assert publicly. Work with individual children on their statements. Some children may be adept at helping others, as well.
Choose a hymn for the worship service and practice singing it together; tell children they will help lead the hymn during the worship service. A possible liturgy for this simple worship service is:
Opening
Half of the children's statements
Hymn
The remaining half of the statements
Closing
Make sure you inform participants, their parents and other guests about the day, time and location of this worship service. You might include the information in the Taking It Home handout or email.
