The central task of the religious community is to unveil the bonds that bind each to all. — Mark Morrison-Reed

Unitarian Universalist congregations are called to be of service to the world. At the same time, the vitality of each congregation depends on individual members' service to their own community. This session recognizes people who support their community with volunteer service. An adaptation of the Aesop's fable about the grasshopper and the ant helps children reflect on how members come together in service to their community. Children conduct a virtual treasure hunt to identify members whose service supports their congregation. They make woven bookmarks to give, in thanks, to congregational volunteers.

Goals

This session will:

• Demonstrate how volunteer service sustains their Unitarian Universalist congregation
• Build connections between participants and adult congregational member/volunteers
• Empower participants to act in service to sustain their congregational community.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand service as a crucial element of sustaining a covenanted community
• Identify tasks and roles that constitute service to the congregation
• Articulate ways they do or could embody their faith through service to their congregation
• Appreciate the very different ways people contribute to a community, by responding to an adapted Aesop's fable
• Identify and thank adults who volunteer their service to the congregation.