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

Closing

Activity time: 7 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Faithful Journeys Path
  • Signpost for Session 9 (Leader Resource 5) and pins, glue stick or tape
  • Copies of Session 1, Leader Resource 8, UU Principles Song, for all participants
  • Optional: Newsprint, markers and tape

Preparation for Activity

  • Print out Leader Resource 5 and cut out the signpost.
  • Optional: Write the UU Principles Song lyrics on newsprint, and post.
  • Customize, print out and photocopy the Taking It Home section for all participants.

Description of Activity

This activity helps children get used to practicing a closing ritual as a way of affirming their belonging in the faith community.

Gather the group in a circle. Thank the children for participating and sharing their stories and ideas in this session. Tell them something you liked about the way they worked together as a community.

Point out the Faithful Journeys Path. Say, in your own words:

Our Faithful Journeys Path shows our journey to live our lives and act in ways that reflect our Unitarian Universalist beliefs and faith. The signposts direct us by reminding us about our Principles.

Today's signpost is "Ask Questions." It stands for our fourth Unitarian Universalist Principle, which says we affirm and promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. That means we believe it's important to learn by asking questions and making investigations, and to remember that it's okay when we learn new information that changes our ideas about what is true.

Attach the signpost to the Faithful Journeys Path.

Remind the children that the next time they meet they will have a chance to add Faithful Footprints to the Faithful Journeys Path. Encourage them to do some asking and investigating about things that matter to them. Explain that children need not literally ask questions to fulfill our fourth Principle. Finding new information, carefully observing or studying someone or something, and listening to new ideas are ways of acting on the fourth Principle. You might suggest children borrow a book to help them learn; ask parents, siblings, or teachers questions about things they are curious about; or investigate the outdoors or an area in their home with a microscope, magnifying glass, or bug net.

Point out the words to the UU Principles Song. Tell the children it is sung to the tune of "Old McDonald Had a Farm." Lead the children in singing the verse about the fourth Principle. Then, sing the entire song together. Explain that you will learn about all of the Principles during the Faithful Journeys program.

Distribute the Taking It Home handout. Thank the children, tell them you look forward to seeing them next time, and dismiss the group.