(25 minutes)

Materials

• Art materials, such as 12- x 18-inch sheets of construction paper, a variety of colored and textured papers, illustrated magazines, scissors (including left-handed scissors), glue and glue sticks, and color markers and pencils

Preparation

• Set up a work area with the art materials. Mark sure that participants will have room to work and can easily share the materials.

Description

Share this quote from religious historian William Cantwell Smith:

Faith at its best has taken the form of a quiet confidence and joy which enable one to feel at home in the universe.

Invite participants to reflect on these words for a moment. Tell them that their task is to create a representation of what enables them to feel at home in the universe. Show them the work area and the art materials, and tell them they will have 12 minutes to use the materials to create a representation of their faith.

When time is up, invite participants to share their creations and describe their meaning with the group. Say that it is fine to opt out of sharing. (This is true for any workshop activity that involves sharing with the larger group.)

Ask participants to quietly consider two questions: “How will your faith ground you as you fulfill your leadership role? How will your decision-making grow from your faith?” Allow a few moments of silence for participants to reflect.

Including All Participants

If any participants are unable to draw or prefer not to, invite them to use words rather than pictures, or substitute Alternative Activity 2, Notions of God.