Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Toolbox of Faith: A Program That Helps Children Discover the Uses of Faith

Introduction

What's very important to me is when Dumbledore says that you have to choose between what is right and what is easy. This is the setup for the next three books. All of them are going to have to choose, because what is easy is often not right. — J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, in Conversations with J.K. Rowling by Lindsay Fraser

The compass symbolizes integrity. This session provides opportunities for participants to reflect on the directional compass as a symbol for our inner moral compass. Guide the children to explore how we listen to our inner voices. Allow time for participants to identify times when we feel our moral compass swinging toward truth, and articulate how that feels. Emphasize that to discern what is right is often not easy.

Goals

This session will:

  • Help deepen participants' Unitarian Universalist identity, ethical discernment, and understanding of Unitarian Universalist faith through reflection and discussion
  • Teach participants that Unitarian Universalism is a faith that helps you find ways to decide what is right, and to stand up for what is right, even in confusing times
  • Introduce the second Unitarian Universalism Principle, which affirms and promotes justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
  • Convey that Unitarian Universalism has as one Source the direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life
  • Engage participants in the spiritual practices of chalice lighting, voicing of joys and concerns, and intentional discussion

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Explore the qualities of integrity and the features of a compass, a direction-finding tool which always points north
  • Discuss a compass as a symbolism for integrity and one’s inner moral compass
  • Experience a story about the importance of seeking truth
  • Share about ways they have experienced their own moral compass and seen integrity at work in others.