Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Love Surrounds Us: A Program on the UU Principles and Beloved Community for Grades K-1

Introduction

The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope. — Wendell Berry, 20th-century American poet and essayist

The theme of this session is "We can do many things to show love for the earth." When we do act to benefit our planet, we are living the seventh Unitarian Universalist Principle, affirmation of the interdependent web of life. With a story about Rachel Carson, one of the earliest environmental activists, the session highlights not only what can hurt our environment but also what everyone can do to protect it.

Goals

This session will:

  • Introduce the Unitarian Universalist seventh Principle: We believe in caring for our planet Earth and every living thing that shares it with us
  • Affirm that although people have damaged our world it is not too late for people to save it
  • Develop understanding that we can show love for the earth by actively participating in planet-affirming activities.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Learn that Unitarian Universalists believe we must show love to the earth because it is our only home
  • Learn that each and every human, animal, and plant depends on this one small planet for life
  • Understand how taking care with our environment benefits everyone and every living thing.