Faith Curriculum Library: Curricula and Resources for Co-creating Lifespan Faith Engagement

Workshop 6: Next Steps

Part of Military Ministry

Introduction

In this workshop participants brainstorm ways to integrate the learnings from this program into their lives and the life of the congregation.

Opening (10 minutes)

Materials

  • Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED/battery-operated candle
  • Covenant from Workshop 1
  • Chalice lighting words familiar to participants
  • Optional: A copy of Bless All Who Serve

Description

Light the chalice and invite participants to begin the time together with a reading that is familiar to your congregation.

Then, read or invite a participant to read these words by Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Ann Parker from Bless All Who Serve: Sources of Hope, Courage and Faith for Military Personnel and Their Families, edited by Matthew and Gail Tittle (page 42):

What words tell the truth? What balms heal? What proverbs kindle the fires of passion and joy? What spirituality stirs the hunger for justice? We seek answers to these questions—not only for ourselves, but for our communities and our society. What are the ways of being with one another that enable life to flourish, rich with meaning? When violence has fractured communities, isolated people, and broken hearts, how can life be repaired? We ask these questions not to arrive at final answers, but because asking them is fundamental to living.

Invite responses: What resonated with you? Why? What did you find challenging? Why?

Say that this final workshop will support participants to remain engaged in supporting military families after the conclusion of the program.

Activity 1: Creating an Action Plan (40 minutes)

Materials

  • Handout 1, Action Plan Ideas (pdf)
  • Pencils/pens
  • Newsprint, markers, and tape
  • Equipment to view the video message from Jeff Pixley

Preparation

  • Preview the video clip of Jeff Pixley (See below). If you will not have Internet access during the workshop, download the video.
  • Copy the handout for participants.
  • Test equipment immediately before the workshop.

Description

Show the group the video clip of Jeff Pixley:

Ask:

  • What reasons might you, as an individual, have for doing military ministry work?
  • What reasons might a faith community give for creating a military ministry?

Say that you hope participants will continue the work they have started in these workshops and that, to help them, they will now work on an action plan of next steps to take as individuals and/or as a congregation.

Distribute Handout 1, Action Plan Ideas. Ask participants to read the handout and circle ideas they find appealing. Allow about five minutes. Then form small groups of four or five members. Ask the small groups to discuss possible action steps, with each member choosing one or more actions to commit to individually and the group choosing one they might commit to as a group. Explain that they can also choose an action plan that is not listed. Allow ten minutes for this part of the activity.

Once participants have chosen an action or actions, ask them to take the next several minutes and list the steps needed to complete each action. Suggest they identify any allies or other resources they will need, plan specifically how they will approach allies or secure resources, and set deadlines. Say that they may work individually or together in their small group.

For the last ten minutes, reconvene the large group. Post blank newsprint and invite participants to share their planned actions (but not the steps) with everyone. List the actions on newsprint. If any group has chosen an action to pursue together, encourage the participants to make plans to meet again and continue working on the actions.

Closing (5 minutes)

Materials

  • Newsprint, markers, and tape
  • Equipment to view the video message from Kimberly Paquette
  • Chalice and candle or LED/battery-operated candle

Preparation

  • Preview the video clip of Kimberly Paquette (see below). If you will not have Internet access during the workshop, download the video.
  • Test equipment immediately before the workshop.

Description

Thank everyone for their participation and their commitment to helping the congregation become a true home for military personnel, veterans, and their families. Invite participants to share one new idea, piece of information, or experience they are taking away from these workshops.

Show the video clip of Kimberly Paquette.

Extinguish the chalice.