This workshop introduces the idea of turning points—times when events or circumstances lead one’s life in a new direction. After identifying personal turning points, participants consider conditions that can lead a congregation to and through a turning point.
In This Section
Introduction
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition
This workshop introduces the idea of turning points—times when events or circumstances lead one’s life in a new direction.After identifying personal turning points, participants consider conditions that can lead a congregation to and through a turning point.
Opening
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition
Gather the group in a circle. Ask a participant to light the chalice as you or another participant read the opening words, “A Prayer for This Gathering” by Laila Ibrahim.
Activity 1: Turning Points
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition
(30 minutes) Materials Story 1, A Path Diverted Optional: Story 2, Rise in Body or in Spirit Clock or timer Bell or chime Preparation Read both stories. Choose one for this activity. Decide whether you might ask a volunteer to read the story aloud, or plan to read it yourself. You may wish to…
Activity 2: Practicing Reconciliation—a Reflection
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition
(25 minutes) Materials Story 3, Practicing Reconciliation—a Reflection Newsprint, markers, and wall-safe tape Newsprint with questions from Activity 1, posted where all participants can see Preparation Decide whether you might ask a volunteer to read the story aloud, or plan to read it yourself.
Activity 3: What Gifts Do We Bring?
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition
In this activity, participants consider the gifts and skills contributed by members of their leadership team. Distribute paper and writing or drawing implements, and invite participants to name some of the skills and gifts their leadership team brings that can help navigate turning points.
Activity 4: Leadership and Management
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition
(30 minutes) Materials Leader Resource 1, Accessibilities Audit Scenario Newsprint, markers, and wall-safe tape Preparation Prepare Leader Resource 1 according to the instructions (cut the individual role play directions apart). Arrange seating in a “fishbowl”: a tight circle of six chairs (or…
Activity 5: Adaptive Challenges
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition
Introduce the concept of adaptive challenge to the group. Point out the posted newsprint, and read the definition to the group. Tell them that this definition comes from the work of Ron Heifitz, director of the Leadership Education Project at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
Faith In Action: Responding to Adaptive Challenges
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition
Description Explore the UUA’s descriptions of Breakthrough Congregations. The UUA Breakthrough Congregations program “inspires and supports spiritual vitality in Unitarian Universalist communities by showcasing new models of vitality and successful approaches to leading change.” As you…
Closing
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition
This activity was developed for children, but it works well for adults too. Distribute copies of Taking It Home or tell the group when you will email it. Say: How many of you have thrown a coin into a fountain and made a wish?
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition
Consider and discuss these questions with your co-facilitator: Looking at each activity in this workshop, what worked as well as or better than you had anticipated? What did not work as well as you had anticipated?
Taking It Home: Are We Doing the Right Things?
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition
The prophetic liberal church is the church where persons think and work together to interpret the signs of the times in the light of their faith. —James Luther Adams, 20th-century Unitarian theologian Share your turning-point reflections with others in your congregation. This is a great…
Alternate Activity 1: Leadership and Management Alternate Scenario
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition
(30 minutes) Materials Leader Resource 2, Safe Congregation Scenario Newsprint, markers, and wall-safe tape Preparation Prepare Leader Resource 2 according to the instructions (cut the individual role-play directions apart). Arrange seating in a “fishbowl”: a tight circle of six chairs (or six…
Download all of Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition (Word) (PDF ) to edit or print.
The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.
