Session 6: Signs of Caring Part of Signs of Our Faith In This Section Introduction From Signs of Our Faith Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. — Leo F. Buscaglia As Unitarian Universalists, we believe members of communities take care of each... Session-at-a-Glance From Signs of Our Faith Activity Minutes Opening 2 Activity 1: Joys and Concerns 15 Activity 2: Story — This Morning... 20 Activity 3: Candle Decorating 20 Faith in Action: Celebration Kits Closing 3 Alternate Activity 1: Leadership in Action — Children's Caring Team Alternate Activity 2: Skits 20... Spiritual Preparation From Signs of Our Faith Think about your childhood. Can you remember a time when a friend or a family member told you something important that was happening in their life? Did you understand that simply by listening, you showed that you cared? Letting others into our lives is not always easy. For some adults, it is much... 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 Newsprint, markers, and tape Optional: Cloth for centering table Preparation for Activity Prepare to lead the Opening described below: Set a chalice table wit... Activity 1: Joys and Concerns From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity LED battery-operated candles, for all participants and co-leaders plus one extra Preparation for Activity Think of a joy or concern that is appropriate and comfortable for you to share with the group, to model the activity. If needed, place the... Activity 2: Story - This Morning... From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Copy of the story, "This Morning... " Leader Resource 1, Illustration - Greeting LED battery-operated candles, one for each participant (from Activity 1) Optional: Fidget basket (see Session 1, Leader Resource 2, Fidget Objects) Preparation for... Activity 3: Candle Decorating From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Sheets of beeswax Small cookie cutters Candles, at least one inch in diameter Preparation for Activity Arrange with the worship committee, minister, and/or religious educator for the children to decorate candles for congregational use during a Shar... 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 to learn for next time? How did the children interact? Was the theme of the lesson communicated clearly? Remember always to spend time with your co-leader reviewing future sessions for activities needing long-term planning. Faith In Action: Celebration Kits From Signs of Our Faith Preparation for Activity Confer with worship leaders and your religious educator to gather suggestions for worship services that are appropriate for giving individuals a kit. Choose one or two simple craft activities for children to make items for kits, and obtain materials. Purchase additional... Alternate Activity 1: Leadership in Action - Children's Caring Team From Signs of Our Faith Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Optional: Name tags, markers, and heart stickers Preparation for Activity Talk to parents about this idea first. You will need their support. Prepare a list of adults who might want to help.... Alternate Activity 2: Skits From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 20 minutes Preparation for Activity Identify nearby spaces where casts can rehearse. Optional: If the congregation has a costume and/or prop box, secure it for this session. Description of Activity Participants perform skits of caring.... Taking It Home From Signs of Our Faith Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. — Leo F. Buscaglia IN TODAY'S SESSION...... This Morning... From Signs of Our Faith At breakfast on Sunday, Kamal's mother reminded him that today it was their turn to be greeters at their congregation. Normally, Kamal loved greeting all the members and visitors who entered the building at his Unitarian Universalist congregation.... Leader Resource 1: Illustration - Greeting From Signs of Our Faith Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing. Find out More About Signs of Caring From Signs of Our Faith Generation On, an affiliate of the multi-city Hands On Network, has a Kids Care Club website that lists service projects appropriate for young people to expand their circle of caring out into the world. To help children becoming caring individuals, we need to develop their compassion and empathy. PREVIOUS: Find Out More UP: Signs of Our Faith NEXT: Introduction Download all of Signs of Our Faith (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.