Session 1: Signs, Symbols, and Rituals

Beautiful orange sunset over a deep blue ocean. — Tapestry is Sunsetting

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Signs of Our Faith, Grades 2-3: Being UU Every Day

In This Section

Session-at-a-Glance
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity Minutes Opening 15 Activity 1: Rituals In Our Lives 10 Activity 2: Story — Abby’s Birthday 10 Activity 3: Symbol Game and Drawing 20 Faith in Action: Attending Worship Closing 5 Alternate Activity 1: Leadership in Action — Tour of the Building 20 Alternate Activity 2: Ritual Charades 10…
Introduction
From Signs of Our Faith

Ritual is the act of sanctifying action—even ordinary action—so that it has meaning: I can light a candle because I need light or because the candle represents the light I need. — Christina Baldwin, storyteller and author This first session teaches what we mean when we talk about signs,…
Spiritual Preparation
From Signs of Our Faith

Welcome to the first session of Signs of Our Faith! Thank you for taking the time to journey in faith with children. Set aside time before each session to engage in the Spiritual Preparation activity, either alone or with your co-leader(s). Consider spiritual preparation as a ritual that can help…
Opening
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Name tags and markers, and (optional) decorations for the name tags Chalice, candle and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Preparation for Activity Set name tag supplies on work tables. Description of Activity Invite children to decorate a name…
Activity 1: Rituals in Our Lives
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Sticky stars in a variety of colors Preparation for Activity Write on newsprint, and post: A ritual is an action that is repeated. A ritual is always done in the same way. Title three sheets of newsprint “School,”…
Activity 2: Story - Abby's Birthday
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Copy of the story, “Abby’s Birthday” Leader Resource 1, Illustration — Abby’s Birthday Party Optional: Fidget basket (see Leader Resource 2, Fidget Objects) Preparation for Activity Prepare to tell or read the story to the group using the illustrat…
Activity 3: Symbol Game and Drawing
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 3, Symbols Drawing paper and crayons, markers, or color pencils Preparation for Activity Download Leader Resource 3, Symbols. If you wish, add symbols from your own files….
Closing
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Taking It Home Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Download the Taking It Home section, adapt it for your session, print it, and copy for all participants….
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Signs of Our Faith

What went well in this session? What lessons have we learned, for next time? How did the group interact? Were session themes communicated clearly? Did co-leaders allow adequate time for our own spiritual preparation? Look over the next session and assign preparation duties as needed.
Faith In Action: Attending Worship
From Signs of Our Faith

Materials for Activity Handout 1, Worship Rituals at My Congregation Preparation for Activity Obtain your congregation’s worship calendar. Then, consult the families of children in the group to determine two or three dates that most of the children could attend worship. Let them know the children…
Alternate Activity 1: Leadership in Action - Tour of the Building
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 20 minutes Preparation for Activity Schedule a short tour for a time other than during worship services. If are less familiar with the space than you would like, ask the minister, religious educator, or another informed lay leader to conduct the tour. Description of Activity…
Alternate Activity 2: Ritual Charades
From Signs of Our Faith

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Index cards Preparation for Activity Write on newsprint, and post: A ritual is an action that is repeated. A ritual is always done in the same way. Write descriptions of rituals from home, congregational, or school life…
Taking It Home: Signs, Symbols, and Rituals
From Signs of Our Faith

Ritual is the act of sanctifying action—even ordinary action—so that it has meaning: I can light a candle because I need light or because the candle represents the light I need. — Christina Baldwin, storyteller and author IN TODAY’S SESSION… children learned to recognize signs, symbols, and…
Abby's Birthday
From Signs of Our Faith

Kamal was excited. His best friend Abby’s birthday was today. In the kitchen, Kamal found his mother, Sherry, drinking her morning cup of coffee out of the mug he had given her for Mother’s Day. He said, “Good morning, Mom….
Handout 1: Worship Rituals at My Congregation
From Signs of Our Faith

Draw or write. What rituals do you notice during these parts of the worship service? GREETING: BEFORE WORSHIP STARTS: OPENING THE WORSHIP SERVICE: SINGING AND MUSIC: GIVING MONEY TO THE CONGREGATION: CLOSING THE WORSHIP SERVICE: AFTER WORSHIP ENDS. WORDS SAID MORE THAN ONE TIME: Other rituals I…
Leader Resource 1: Illustration - Abby's Birthday Party
From Signs of Our Faith

Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing.
Leader Resource 2: Fidget Objects
From Signs of Our Faith

The idea for a basket of “fidget objects” to provide children during session activities comes from Sally Patton, author, workshop leader, and advocate for children with special needs….
Leader Resource 3: Symbols
From Signs of Our Faith

Symbol 1: Flag and Dove Symbol 2: Fair Trade and Recycle Symbol 3: Library and Peace Symbol 4: School Crossing Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing.
Find Out More
From Signs of Our Faith

Rituals and Patterns in Children’s Lives, edited by Kathy Merlock Jackson (Madison, WI: Popular Press 3, 2005), is a book of essays on the evolution of modern rituals and their significance for individuals and families. http://www.amazon.com/Book-Family-Traditions-Revised-Updated/dp/0762443… Book…