Session 3: Our Faith Is a Journey Part of Signs of Our Faith In This Section Introduction From Signs of Our Faith What is religion, you might ask. It's a technology of living. — Toni Cade Bambara, 20th-century African American author and activist This session invites children into a lifelong process of building a Unitarian Universalist faith. Children learn that a covenant for being together is a sign of our... Session-at-a-Glance From Signs of Our Faith Activity Minutes Opening 2 Activity 1: What I Love about Being UU 20 Activity 2: Story — Journey of a Snowflake 10 Activity 3: Big Questions 10 Activity 4: Ritual of Covenanting 15 Faith in Action: Covenant Search Closing 3 Alternate Activity 1: Leadership in Action — Providing an Opportunity to... Spiritual Preparation From Signs of Our Faith What do you love about your Unitarian Universalist faith? What activities or relationships that happen at your congregation embody what you love about being UU? Some love to be active in congregational governance. Others love the relationships formed in a small group ministry, study, or social... Opening From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 2 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Centering table A chime or bell Optional: Cloth for centering table Optional: Stoles, including extras for visitors Preparation for Activity Prepare to lead the Opening described below: Set ... Activity 1: What I Love about Being UU From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Drawing paper Crayons and markers in a variety of colors, to share Preparation for Activity Write on newsprint, "I love being UU at this congregation because... " Under this, write "I like coming to this UU congregation... Activity 2: Story - Journey of a Snowflake From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Copy of the story, "Journey of a Snowflake" Optional: Fidget basket (see Session 1, Leader Resource 2, Fidget Objects) Preparation for Activity Read the story so you will be comfortable telling it to the group.... Activity 3: Big Questions From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Large, blank puzzle pieces and appropriate markers Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Obtain or make a blank puzzle with 7 to 12 interlocking pieces large enough for children to write on.... Activity 4: Ritual of Covenanting From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Handout 1, The UU Principles, or a poster of the Principles Preparation for Activity Copy Handout 1 for all participants. Post blank newsprint. Optional: Find sample children's covenants on the websites of UU... Closing From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 3 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Taking It Home Newsprint, markers, and tape Optional: Stoles, including extras for visitors Preparation for Activity Download and adapt Taking It Home and copy for all participants. And/or,... Leader Reflection and Planning From Signs of Our Faith What went well in this session? What are some lessons for next time? Did everyone participate in the covenanting process? Make a plan to revisit the covenant in future sessions to remind children of how they agreed to be together. Does the covenant cover promises you feel you, as leaders, need to... Faith In Action: Covenant Search From Signs of Our Faith Materials for Activity A copy of your congregation's covenant Optional: Handout 1, The UU Principles Preparation for Activity Become familiar with the congregation's covenant. Prepare to share it with the children in language they will understand. If the group includes strong readers, make copies... Alternate Activity 1: Leadership in Action - Providing an Opportunity to Be in Community From Signs of Our Faith Materials for Activity Paper or card stock for invitations, and writing implements, and/or access to Internet and congregational email addresses Description of Activity Children host a community opportunity.... Alternate Activity 2: Leadership in Action - Providing a Learning Opportunity From Signs of Our Faith Materials for Activity Handout 1, The UU Principles Optional: Costumes and props Preparation for Activity Arrange a time and place for the children to perform one or more brief skits for a larger congregational group. Publicize the performance. Draft skits, and plan some rehearsal time.... Taking It Home From Signs of Our Faith What is religion, you might ask. It's a technology of living. — Toni Cade Bambara, 20th-century African American author and activist IN TODAY'S SESSION... we said that, as UUs, we are in a lifelong process of building our faith.... Journey of a Snowflake From Signs of Our Faith The existence of a snowflake is a journey — like your life, which is a journey, too. It starts in a cloud. Clouds carry drops of water vapor. Clouds also contain tiny particles of dust. Drops of the water vapor cling to the dust particles. When conditions are cold enough, the water freezes into... Handout 1: The UU Principles From Signs of Our Faith 1. We believe that each and every person is important. 2. We believe that all people should be treated fairly and kindly. 3. We believe that we should accept one another and keep on learning together. 4. We believe that each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life. 5. We... Find Out More From Signs of Our Faith …; is a board game that takes the player on a spiritual journey through different religions of the world. Its purpose is to build religious tolerance by teaching about different faiths. Many have written about their faith journeys.... PREVIOUS: Find Out More UP: Signs of Our Faith NEXT: Introduction Download all of Signs of Our Faith (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.