Session 1: Signs, Symbols, and Rituals Part of Signs of Our Faith 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... 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... 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.... 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... 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... 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:... 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 Activit... 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... 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... 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... 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.... 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 ritua... 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... Abby's Birthday From Signs of Our Faith Kamal was excited. His best friend Abby's birthday was today.... 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?... 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 f... 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... 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... PREVIOUS: Principles and Sources UP: Signs of Our Faith NEXT: Session-at-a-Glance Download all of Signs of Our Faith (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.