Session 7: We Share Part of Signs of Our Faith In This Section Introduction From Signs of Our Faith We are here that we might have life and have it more abundantly, so that we might share it with others. Come, let us join together as a generous people. — John. C. Morgan Children explore contexts in which they can practice sharing as sign of Unitarian Universalist faith. They discuss ways they... Session-at-a-Glance From Signs of Our Faith Activity Minutes Opening 2 Activity 1: Mine! 15 Activity 2: The Ritual of Communion 15 Activity 3: Story — Jesus Feeds the Multitude 15 Activity 4: Saying Grace 10 Faith in Action: Sharing Fun Times Closing 3 Alternate Activity 1: Leadership in Action — Helping with a Communion Alternate... Spiritual Preparation From Signs of Our Faith Generation after generation, adults make commitments to help shape the characters of young people. What a gift to the world! As a leader of this program, you share of yourself with children in your congregation. What does this sharing mean to you? Why do you share yourself in this way? Who were... 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: Mine! From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Optional: Simple items such as a toy, a book, or a blanket for role play Description of Activity Children role play sharing and not sharing. They discuss the value in sharing and sharing as a sign of their UU faith.... Activity 2: The Ritual of Communion From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape A copy of Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook Optional: Photos of ceremony rituals at your congregation Optional: Stoles, including extras for visitors Preparation for Activity Familiarize... Activity 3: Story - Jesus Feeds the Multitude From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Copy of the story, "Jesus Feeds the Multitude" Copy of the story, "Jesus and the Loaves and Fishes - A UU Telling" Optional: Fidget basket (see Session 1, Leader Resource 2, Fidget Objects) Preparation for Activity Print both stories.... Activity 4: Saying Grace From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Snack food, plates, and napkins Preparation for Activity Write on newsprint, and post: We are here that we might have life and have it more abundantly, so that we might share it with others.... 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 A copy of Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook Optional: Stoles, including extras for visitors Preparation for Activ... Leader Reflection and Planning From Signs of Our Faith What went well in this session? What have you learned that can help you plan and lead next time? Do participants appear to understand how symbols, signs, and rituals represent abstract ideas? If not, how can you be more explicit in future sessions? Did co-leaders allow adequate time for your own... Faith In Action: Sharing Fun Times From Signs of Our Faith Preparation for Activity Consult with congregational leaders to schedule a Game Day and share logistics planning. Description of Activity Children share games with the congregation. Has your congregation ever designated a Sunday morning as Game Day?... Alternate Activity 1: Leadership in Action - Helping with a Communion From Signs of Our Faith Preparation for Activity Consult the congregational calendar for planned communion services. Ask worship planners and the religious educator if the children may help with the communion.... Alternate Activity 2: Leadership in Action - Planting Flowers for Flower Ceremony From Signs of Our Faith Materials for Activity Assorted flower seeds Soil pellets and small pots, seed starter trays, or small pots and bags of soil Congregational directory Optional: Smocks to protect clothing Preparation for Activity Arrange with worship leaders for the children to provide seedlings for every family... Alternate Activity 3: Shared Space From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Art materials Preparation for Activity Find out what other groups share the meeting space and how to contact leaders of this group or groups. Have a few ideas for decorating the common space that you can suggest to the other groups' leaders. For... Alternate Activity 4: Communion Display From Signs of Our Faith Activity time: 30 minutes Preparation for Activity Locate a congregational bulletin board or another place to post a display. Seek permission from congregational leaders or staff, as needed.... Alternate Activity 5: Clothing to Share From Signs of Our Faith Preparation for Activity Consult with the congregation's Social Action committee and congregational leaders to select an organization to work with and to arrange logistics for collecting and delivering used clothing.... Taking It Home From Signs of Our Faith We are here that we might have life and have it more abundantly, so that we might share it with others. Come, let us join together as a generous people. — John. C. Morgan IN TODAY'S SESSION... we explored sharing as a way to be UU every day. We talked about UU flower, water, and bread communion... Jesus Feeds the Multitude From Signs of Our Faith Mark 6: 34-44 from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, "This is a... Jesus and the Loaves and Fishes: A UU Telling Sophia Lyon Fahs From Signs of Our Faith Jesus had not been speaking long—at least so it had seemed with all who were there, yet the day was now almost wholly spent. As the afternoon shadows crept over the hillside the air had begun to chill.... Find Out More From Signs of Our Faith Jesus and the Loaves and Fishes The popularity of this story is evident by the number of organizations named Loaves and Fishes, including a food pantry in Charlotte, NC and a Meals on Wheels for seniors in Portland, OR. This session includes the version of this story from the Book of Mark in... PREVIOUS: Find out More About Signs of Caring UP: Signs of Our Faith NEXT: Introduction Download all of Signs of Our Faith (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.