Session 15: The Power of Gathering Part of Sing to the Power In This Section Introduction From Sing to the Power One of the greatest and simplest tools for learning more and growing is doing more. — Washington Irving The power of water is the power of moving forward, of gathering information as you go and sharing it with others, as a river carries stones downstream. The children learn how the Unitarian... Session-at-a-Glance From Sing to the Power Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: Story — Water Justice Tour 10 Activity 2: Investigating Where Your Water Comes From 10 Activity 3: Water Conservation Brainstorm 10 Activity 4: Decorating Water Bottles and Posters 10 Activity 5: "It's the Little Things" Poster 10 Faith in Action: Planning... 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: Who has taught you in surprising ways?... 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 Opening Words for Basket (Session 1, Leader Resource 1), and basket Symbol of water, such as a shell, a bowl of water, a picture of an ocean or river, or any material that is... Activity 1: Story - Water Justice Tour From Sing to the Power Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Story, "Water Justice Tour" Preparation for Activity Read the story and prepare to share it with the group. Read the discussion questions. Choose those that will best help the children share their interpretations of the story and relate it to their... Activity 2: Investigating Where Your Water Comes From From Sing to the Power Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Computer with Internet access and a large monitor or a digital projector Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity If you will use the Internet to lead the children in researching water issues in your area, scout websites in advance.... Activity 3: Water Conservation Brainstorm From Sing to the Power Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Optional: Computer with internet access Preparation for Activity Set up newsprint in a location where the group can gather around it. Description of Activity The first step of inviting others to join you in a cause that... Activity 4: Decorating Water Bottles From Sing to the Power Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint from Activity 3, Water Conservation Brainstorm Plain plastic bottles of water with sports tops Permanent markers in a variety of colors Poster board and color markers Optional: Smocks for children to use, and newspaper to cover work surfa... Activity 5: "It's the Little Things" Posters From Sing to the Power Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint from Activity 3, Water Conservation Brainstorm Poster board, color markers, and tape or push-pins for display Optional: Sticky notes and pens Preparation for Activity Post the newsprint where all can see it. Arrange for posters to be... Closing From Sing to the Power Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Circle of Elements mural from Session 1 Leader Resource 1, "Gathering" Circle, and tape Circle of Elements Mural Instructions (Session 1, Leader Resource 3) Closing Words for Basket (Session 1, Leader Resource 5), and basket Opening Words for Basket... 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?... Faith In Action: Planning Ways to Exercise Water Power From Sing to the Power Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Optional: Digital still cameras and/or video cameras Preparation for Activity This activity is designed to implement the project planned in Sessions 12 and 13.... 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: Congregational Scavenger Hunt From Sing to the Power Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 1, Congregational Scavenger Hunt Pencils Preparation for Activity If possible, plan this activity for a time when participants will be likely to find the people who are the "answers" of the scavenger hunt. You might use this activity during... Taking It Home From Sing to the Power One of the greatest and simplest tools for learning more and growing is doing more. — Washington Irving IN TODAY'S SESSION... the children learned about the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry's work to educate young adults about water use and water problems in California.... Water Justice Tour From Sing to the Power Can you imagine not having running water in your home? How would you and your family drink, cook, bathe, or go to the bathroom? Sadly, more than a billion people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water.... Handout 1: Congregational Scavenger Hunt From Sing to the Power Who, in your congregation… Knows how to run the sound system? Knows how run the irrigation system, or where all hoses are located? Knows the date of your congregation’s annual meeting? Knows where the art supplies are kept? Knows how to check messages on the congregation’s answering machine? Leader Resource 1: Gathering Circle From Sing to the Power Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing... Find Out More From Sing to the Power Visit the website for the UU Justice Ministry of California to learn about Water Justice Tours and other UU faith-based efforts. A UU World magazine article discusses the UU legislative ministry movement; there are now UU legislative ministries in 15 states. The UUA offers resources promoting... PREVIOUS: Find Out More UP: Sing to the Power NEXT: Introduction Download all of Sing to the Power (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.