Session 6: The Power of Presence

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

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Part of Sing to the Power, Grades 4-5

In This Section

Introduction to Session 6, The Power of Presence
From Sing to the Power

We convince by our presence. — Walt Whitman The power of air is the power of openness, presence, and silent witness. Participants hear the story of a Unitarian Universalist who met public hatred by organizing a group to stand witness wearing giant angel wings that blocked the view of offensive…
Session-at-a-Glance
From Sing to the Power

Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: Story — The Presence of Angels 10 Activity 2: Angel Presence Game 8 Activity 3: Tied Together Blankets 25 Activity 4: Prayer as Presence — Holding in the Light 7 Faith in Action: Planning Our Air Power Closing 5 Alternate Activity 1: Sharing Joys and…
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 several 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 Symbol of air, such as a feather, a pinwheel, a picture of clouds, a fan, etc. Newsprint with “Now Let Us…
Activity 1: Story - The Presence of Angels
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Story, “The Presence of Angels” Optional: Computer with Internet access and large monitor or digital projector and screen Preparation for Activity Read the story and prepare to share it with the group. Read the discussion questions….
Activity 2: Angel Presence Game
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 8 minutes Materials for Activity Optional: Scarves or other fabric to cover eyes Preparation for Activity Find or create a large, open space to play this game. Description of Activity Choose one participant to be the first “angel.” Have the others spread out, and stand with their…
Activity 3: Tied Together Blankets
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 25 minutes Materials for Activity Polar fleece fabric Yardsticks and rulers, washable markers, and permanent markers to share Scissors, sharp enough to cut fabric effectively-one pair for each participant, including some left-handed scissors White or light colored fabric, and…
Activity 4: Prayer as Presence - Holding in the Light
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 7 minutes Materials for Activity Bell or chime Optional: Computer with Internet access Preparation for Activity Optional: Preview the YouTube clip of Kit Holmes performing her song “I’m Gonna Hold You in the Light” (4:00)….
Closing
From Sing to the Power

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

Reflect on and discuss with your co-leader(s): How did the timing go today? What might we do to make it work better? What worked well? What didn’t? What connections did we make with the children? What connections did children make with each other? How was this evident?…
Faith In Action: Planning Our Air Power
From Sing to the Power

Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity This activity is designed to continue the activity begun in Session 5. Research the project the group selected in the previous session. Prepare to share information about the needs, opportunities, and possible logistical…
Alternate Activity 1: Sharing Joys and Sorrows
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Attractive bowl Smooth stones, at least one for each participant Preparation for Activity Fill the bowl half-way with water. Set the bowl on a surface that will not be damaged if a small amount of water splashes out. Set out stones near the bowl,…
Alternate Activity 2: Mirroring
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Bell, chime, or other noisemaker Preparation for Activity Decide how you will break the group into pairs. A leader may need to pair with a child if there are an odd number of participants….
Taking It Home: The Power of Presence
From Sing to the Power

We convince by our presence. — Walt Whitman IN TODAY’S SESSION… the children heard about Unitarian Universalist Kat Sinclair, who organized a peaceful protest in which participants blocked potentially hateful signs and speech by wearing giant angel wings. We talked about air power as the power…
The Presence of Angels
From Sing to the Power

It was a shock to the whole nation when a gunman opened fire on a group of people who had gathered at a supermarket to meet with their U.S. Representative, Gabrielle Giffords. In mere moments, six people, including nine-year-old Christina Taylor-Green, were killed, and many more, including…
Leader Resource 1: Presence 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

An http://www.examiner.com/unitarian-universalist-in-columbus/uus-give-sil… on the Examiner website describes the Tucson angel protest and has a link to pictures of the angel wings and the people who constructed them. Listen to a…