• 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

• Arrange with worship leaders for the children to provide seedlings for every family attending the scheduled flower ceremony. Arrange for the children to address the worship gathering to explain their gift.
• Schedule this activity at least four weeks before a flower ceremony. Let families know that the group will be planting, so they can dress children appropriately and alert you about any allergies or other concerns.
• You will want to prepare enough seedlings for every family unit to receive one. Remember that a family can be one person or several. Go through the directory and count family units. Watch out for spouses that have different last names and therefore may be listed twice. Add the number of regularly attending families not in the directory and expected visiting families (ask your Membership Committee for help estimating, and make sure that anyone who attends alone is counted as a family unit). This is how many seedlings you will need. Some seeds may not sprout, so plan to plant at least ten more than you think you need.
• Calculate the cost of the activity and make sure funds are available. When you purchase materials, consider asking retail stores for donations or discounts.
• Identify a place to leave the seedlings where they will not be disturbed but can be regularly visited for watering and care. Recruit the religious educator, congregational administrator, or another adult who is regularly in the building to help nurture the seeds.
• Cover work tables with newsprint, and set out materials.

Children prepare offerings for flower ceremony for the entire congregation.

Leadership in Action (LIA) activities provide opportunities for children to take the lead in an activity that engages with the congregation. Through these activities, young people will start to see themselves as leaders of their faith.

Invite children to prepare seedlings to offer during flower ceremony. Demonstrate how they will plant seeds and offer help, as needed. Optional: Offer children smocks to protect their clothing.

After planting, water seeds and set them in a place where they will not be disturbed. Help the group remember to water and check on them regularly.

During the flower ceremony, as a group, tell the congregation about your work and why the group wanted to give every family a flowering plant. Make sure all plants are taken home by someone, planted on congregational grounds, or given to an organization that can use them.