Tapestry of Faith: Signs of Our Faith: A Program about Being UU Every Day for Grades 2-3

Alternate Activity 1: Leadership in Action - Tour of the Building

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

Participants become more familiar with the congregational facilities by taking a guided tour.

Tell the group that as leaders it is important that they are familiar with and comfortable in their surroundings-so, the group will take a tour of the building and grounds.

Make sure the tour includes unglamorous spaces, such as closets and offices. Expect children to tell you they are already familiar with some spaces; ask them to look with new eyes. Invite them to point out places where they know rituals happen. Point out places where rituals are held, such as a pulpit (worship rituals). Point out the chalice (rituals: chalice lightings and extinguishes), the pews or chairs in the sanctuary (rituals: hymn singing, responsive readings), the front door or narthex (rituals: welcoming and greeting), memorial garden or cemetery (rituals: memorial service) and other spaces. At each space, invite children to share about experiences they have had there. After the tour, ask children what they learned that was new.

Communicate that this is space is theirs, as well as the adults'.