© 2008, 2019, 2020
Amazing Grace helps sixth graders understand right and wrong and act on their new understanding. It equips them for moving safely and productively through the middle and high school years, when they will be continually tugged toward both ends of the ethics continuum. Through their involvement in Amazing Grace, youth will come to recognize and depend on their Unitarian Universalist identity and resources as essential to their movement toward understanding, independence, and fulfillment of personal promise.
Contents
Acknowledgments
From Amazing Grace
Katharine Childs revised Session 13 in 2019. Polly Peterson wrote stories for the program. Jessica York was the developmental editor. Judith Frediani guided the development throughout the process, and Vicki Rowland copyedited the manuscript.
Introduction
From Amazing Grace
The song "Amazing Grace" on the one hand, and sixth graders on the other. The first: a traditional hymn, its language rich with the verbiage of sin and...
Program Structure
From Amazing Grace
All sixteen sessions in Amazing Grace follow the same structure. Between an opening and a closing ritual, participants engage in several core activities. Every session revolves thematically around a central story that participants hear and explore in one of the activities.
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Materials
From Amazing Grace
Certain materials will come in handy for the duration of the program. This includes the Leader Resources for Ethics Play, which are included with Session 1. Other materials you will need are recordings of the theme song, "Amazing Grace," and background music....
Leader Guidelines for Amazing Grace
From Amazing Grace
Here are some suggestions that can help ensure a successful Amazing Grace program: Engage youth the moment they walk through your door, and help them shed outside concerns so they may focus on your program....
Implementation
From Amazing Grace
Every congregation has its own approach to structuring religious education. You can implement Amazing Grace with any model your congregation uses.
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Before You Start
From Amazing Grace
As soon as your program is scheduled, prepare a calendar with the dates for each session. The more co-leaders and parent volunteers a program includes, the more useful a calendar will be.
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Amazing Grace Resources
From Amazing Grace
You might find these resources useful: Hurd, Dr. Tracey L. When Youth Lead: A Guide to Intergenerational Social Justice Ministry (Plus 101 Youth Projects) (Boston: UUA Publications, 2007). A useful resource if the group wishes to explore more options for Faith in Action. Williams, Betsy Hill;...
Principles and Sources
From Amazing Grace
There are seven Principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:
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Facilitator Feedback Form
From Amazing Grace
We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations....
Participant Feedback Form
From Amazing Grace
We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations....
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