Activity 3: Expression Through Music
Part of Toolbox of Faith
Activity time: 5 minutes
Materials for Activity
- A copy of Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook
Preparation for Activity
- In Singing the Living Tradition, review Hymn 6, "Just as Long as I Have Breath"; Hymn 16, "'Tis a Gift to Be Simple"; and Hymn 401, "Kum ba Yah." Choose a song. If you are not comfortable leading a song, invite a musical volunteer to help lead this activity, or have the group recite rather than sing the words.
Description of Activity
Through music, participants will further explore the compass as a metaphor of integrity, a quality of Unitarian Universalist faith.
Gather the group in a circle after the games. Introduce one of these songs.
If you are singing Hymn 401, "Kum ba Yah," the song's quiet simplicity may evoke thoughts of the quiet inner voice which causes us to act with integrity. Tell the children:
This song is an African American spiritual. "Come by here" is thought to be the original meaning of "kum ba yah." As you sing, try thinking of this phrase as meaning, "Come, truth, and visit me."
Singing the Living Tradition Hymnal Pew Edition
From inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop