Tapestry of Faith: Faithful Journeys: A Program about Pilgrimages of Faith in Action for Grades 2-3

Taking It Home: Seek Truth

Friend, I have lost the way.

The way leads on.

Is there another way?

The way is one ... .

I cannot find the way.

The way leads on.

Oh, places I have passed!

That journey's done.

And what will come at last?

The way leads on.

— excerpted from "The Way" by Edwin Muir, in Singing the Living Tradition

IN TODAY'S SESSION... We focused on Egbert Ethelred Brown, born in Jamaica and the first black Unitarian minister, ordained in 1912. Facing racial prejudice, economic hardship, and the challenge of holding a minority theological perspective, he devoted his adult life to sharing liberal religion with others, first in Jamaica and later in Harlem. We talked about Ethelred Brown as a model of our fourth Principle, a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We went on our own truth and meaning treasure hunt, searching first for words that reflect our seven Principles, and then for objects to serve as symbols for those words. Our signpost to help guide us in faithful action was "Seek Truth."

EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Talk about... the concept of ministry. Many people understand ministry to be not only the work of ordained clergy, but of all people who feel called to share their gifts in a special, positive way. If this idea resonates for you, tell your child what you feel your ministry to be. Ask them to reflect on their personal gifts and how they can share them with others.

EXTEND THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Try... An evangelist in a liberal religious context, Ethelred Brown dedicated his life to inviting others to seek truth and meaning. How do you share your beliefs?

Talk with your children about any person or family you know that might enjoy experiencing your congregation. Discuss how you might, in a respectful way, invite this person or family to join you for worship or another congregational event. Follow through and issue the invitation. Afterward, regardless of how the invitation was received, discuss as a family how it felt to ask another person to experience your beliefs and faith community. Was it embarrassing? Empowering? Might you like to try it again?

FAMILY ADVENTURE

As part of your family search for truth and meaning, experience a religious service with an unfamiliar worship style and/or theology. Afterward, discuss what each of you liked, did not like, agreed with, and disagreed with.

A FAMILY RITUAL 

As your child leaves for school in the morning, place your hand on their head and offer the blessing, "Be curious today."

A FAMILY GAME

Play Truth Hide-and-Seek. As in traditional Hide-and-Seek, designate hiders and a seeker. Play as usual, except that, to be released, a person who is found must say one thing they believe is true, such as a scientific fact or an ethical or theological belief.

FAMILY  DISCOVERY

Continue the theological inquiry begun in this session by sharing a book such as What Is God? by Etan Boritzer, illustrated by Robbie Marantz (Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books, 1990).