Activity time: 25 minutes

Materials for Activity

• Newsprint, markers, and tape
• Chenille stems in assorted colors
• Optional: Modeling compound

Preparation for Activity

• Set out chenille stems and/or modeling compound.
• Write the following questions on newsprint, and post:
  • What does faithful giving mean for you? Are there cultural, religious, or family values that influence what faithful giving means to you?
  • Maya Angelou said, “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” In your experience, how have you been transformed by giving? Has giving liberated your soul? If so, in what way?
  • Do your personal stories of giving portray a depth of generosity? If not, why not? Is there a way to reframe those stories so that they do?
  • Are there ever limits to what you can or should give in a particular situation? Do your personal giving stories reflect any tension about this question?

Description of Activity

Say:

One of our deepest spiritual practices is the giving of time, talent, and treasure in support of our most deeply held values.

Say you will give participants five minutes to privately consider the posted questions about faithful giving and then you will invite them to share with others. Offer them chenille stems and/or modeling compound to hold, if it will help focus their reflections.

After five minutes, ask participants to move into groups of three. Direct triads to allow each person, in turn, to share some of their reflections before the group engages in conversation.

Allow about ten minutes in triads, and then regather the larger group. Ask each triad to offer a highlight or two from their conversation. After all have shared, ask:

• What commonalities emerged across the small group conversations?
• How is making a financial gift an act of faith?