Session 1: The Power of Earth Part of Sing to the Power In This Section Introduction From Sing to the Power Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. — Rachel Carson, 20th-century environmental activist This program uses the metaphor of the four elements—earth, air, fire, and water—to look at ways we can exercise our power in the world. It... Session-at-a-Glance From Sing to the Power Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: Story — Creation from the Dreamtime 10 Activity 2: Song — Learn "Sing to the Power" 5 Activity 3: Personal Interviews 10 Activity 4: Building a Web of Connections 10 Activity 5: Circle of Elements Mural 15 Faith in Action: Exploring Ways to Exercise Earth... Spiritual Preparation From Sing to the Power Find a place where you can be quiet with your thoughts. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for several minutes, perhaps repeating a word or phrase to separate yourself from the activities of the day. When you feel settled and relaxed, consider: In what ways, metaphorically and literally, does the... Opening From Sing to the Power Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle Cloth for altar or centering space Leader Resource 1, Opening Words for Basket, and a basket Symbol of earth, such as a rock, bowl of dirt, crystal, etc Optional: A copy of the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook,... Activity 1: Story - Creation from the Dreamtime From Sing to the Power Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Story, "Creation from the Dreamtime" Optional: Unitarian Universalist Principles and Sources Preparation for Activity Read the story and prepare to share it with the group. Read the discussion questions and choose ones that will best help these... Activity 2: Song - Learning "Sing to the Power" From Sing to the Power Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Leader Resource 2, "Now Let Us Sing," Hymn 368 in Singing the Living Tradition Preparation for Activity Print Leader Resource 2 and learn the song so you will be able to teach it from memory.... Activity 3: Personal Interviews From Sing to the Power Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 1, Questions for Interviews Bell or chime Preparation for Activity Copy Handout 1, Questions for Interviews, for all participants. Description of Activity Participants find out more about who each are, their sense of place, and their... Activity 4: Building a Web of Connections From Sing to the Power Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Large ball of yarn Description of Activity This activity makes visible and tangible some of the web of connection that unites us. Have all participants sit in a circle. Acknowledge that they may have created a yarn web in the past.... Activity 5: Circle of Elements Mural From Sing to the Power Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 3, Circle of Elements Mural Instructions Paper, poster board, or fabric Paper or fabric and appropriate drawing tools (crayons, markers, permanent markers, or fabric paint), and tape or glue sticks Optional: Magazines to cut up,... Closing From Sing to the Power Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, Opening Words for Basket Leader Resource 3, Circle of Elements Mural Instructions Leader Resource 4, "Connection" Circle, and tape Leader Resource 5, Closing Words for Basket, and a basket Circle of Elements mural from Activity 5 ... Leader Reflection and Planning From Sing to the Power Reflect on and discuss with your co-leader(s): How did the timing go today? What might we do to make it work better? What worked well? What didn't? What connections did we make with the children? What connections did the children make with each other? How was this evident? How could we build the... Faith In Action: Exploring Ways to Exercise Earth Power From Sing to the Power Activity time: 35 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Stickers or adhesive dots Preparation for Activity Research groups in your area that do justice or service work that connects with the theme of "earth power"-for example, any organization that deals with food, such as a... Alternate Activity 1: Sharing Joys and Sorrows From Sing to the Power Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Attractive bowl Smooth stones, at least one for each participant Preparation for Activity Fill the bowl half-way with water. Set the bowl on a surface that will not be damaged if a small amount of water splashes out. Set out stones near the bowl,... Alternate Activity 2: Personal Connections Poster From Sing to the Power Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Drawing paper, 11x17-inch Plain pencils and color pencils Description of Activity Participants understand the connections that surround and ground them, by creating a visual depiction. Distribute paper and set out pencils for children to share.... Taking It Home From Sing to the Power Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. — Rachel Carson, 20th-century environmental activist IN TODAY'S SESSION... the children heard an Australian Aboriginal story of the creation of the world from the dreamtime. We introduced the idea that... Creation from the Dreamtime From Sing to the Power Adapted from an Aboriginal creation story from Australia.When the earth was new-born, it was plain and without any features or life. There were no rivers or mountains, no trees, no grasses, only flat red earth as far as the eye could see—except that there were no eyes for seeing. Waking time and... Handout 1: Questions for Interviews From Sing to the Power Where were you born? Where do you live? Have you always lived there? If not, how many times have you moved? Do you have siblings? Do you have pets? When did you begin coming to this congregation? What is your favorite ritual or celebration in this congregation? What hobbies or activities do you... Leader Resource 1: Opening Words for Basket From Sing to the Power The authors of these readings have given approval for their use. We gather this hour as people of faith With joys and sorrows, gifts and needs We light this beacon of hope, sign of our quest For truth and meaning, In celebration of the life we share together.... Leader Resource 2: Now Let Us Sing From Sing to the Power Hymn 368 Singing the Living Tradition. Author unknown.Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing... Leader Resource 3: Circle of Elements Mural Instructions From Sing to the Power Create four quarter-circles, in a large size, using easel paper, canvas, poster board, or another material. Display as a circle-shaped mural in your meeting space, following this model.... Leader Resource 4: Connection Circle From Sing to the Power Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing... Leader Resource 5: Closing Words for Basket From Sing to the Power The authors of these readings have given approval for their use. After downloading, add closing words commonly used in your congregation or other readings you like. Print out and cut into slips Deep peace of the running wave to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you.... Find Out More From Sing to the Power Online, read an introduction to Aboriginal mythology and explore a variety of Aboriginal myths and legends. The Crystal Links website and the website Up from Australia tell more about Aboriginal stories and beliefs. The Marge Piercy poem "Connec… Are Made Slowly" is directly related to the topic... PREVIOUS: Participant Feedback Form UP: Sing to the Power NEXT: Introduction Download all of Sing to the Power (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.