Tapestry of Faith: The Wi$dom Path: An Adult Program on Money, Spirit, and Life

Closing

Part of The Wi$dom Path

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Chalice, candle, and lighter or an LED/battery-operated candle
  • A chime or a small bell
  • Newsprint, markers, and tape
  • Copies of Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook
  • Taking It Home handout
  • Chocolate coin candy (or any candy with a gold wrapper)
  • Optional: The Generosity Path introduction (3:07) based on Mark Ewert's book, The Generosity Path: Finding the Richness in Giving. 
  • Optional: Interview with Tracy Gary (YouTube), author of Inspired Philanthropy (2:49)
  • Optional: A computer with a projection screen, digital projector, and speakers

Preparation for Activity

  • Customize Taking It Home and copy it for all participants.
  • Obtain chocolate coin candy—or another kind of gold-wrapped candy—enough for each participant to give and receive several pieces. Distribute the candy around the chalice on the centering table.
  • Optional: Queue your chosen video(s) and test your equipment.

Description of Activity

Distribute Taking It Home. Say:

If you are interested in delving more deeply into aligning your values with your giving, obtain a copy of The Generosity Path: Finding the Richness in Giving by Unitarian Universalist Mark V. Ewert, or Inspired Philanthropy: Creating a Giving Plan and Leaving a Legacy, by Tracy Gary. Both authors have websites with lots of resources.

If desired, show the Ewert or the Gary video, or both. introductory video. Invite brief comments and call attention to the information in the Taking It Home handout.

Form a circle and join hands. Lead the group to sing a reprise of “From You I Receive.”

Invite participants as they are moved to select a candy and offer it to another participant while saying the words, “You are a gift for which I am grateful.” After every person has had an opportunity to give and to receive, say:

Unitarian Universalism is a gift for which we are grateful. May our generosity today be the fuel that ensures a bright flame of faith for generations to come.

Extinguish the chalice.

The Generosity Path Finding the Richness in Giving

By Mark V. Ewert

From Skinner House Books

With easy-to-read guidance, The Generosity Path sheds new light on our finances&#8212connecting money to our values, beliefs, and loves&#8212promoting skills and strategies in charitable giving.

Buy This Book