Closing
Part of Windows and Mirrors
Activity time: 5 minutes
Materials for Activity
- Newsprint, markers and tape
- Leader Resource 2, Namaste
- Taking It Home handout
Preparation for Activity
- Write the closing words on newsprint and post.
- Download and adapt the Taking It Home section and copy as a handout for all participants (or, email to parents).
- Review Leader Resource 2 so you can briefly explain the origin and meaning of Namaste and demonstrate the accompanying gesture.
Description of Activity
Explain that the session is almost over and that we will now work together as a community to clean the meeting space. Ask everyone to clean up their own area and the materials they were using first, and then to clean another area or help someone else. No one should sit in the circle until the meeting space is clean.
Then bring the group back to the circle. Ask them to think about what happened today that was good or what they wish had gone better. If you are running short of time you can ask them for a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" on the session.
Invite each participant to say, in a word or a sentence, why it is important for them to be a part of this faith community. You may go around the circle for responses, allowing individuals to speak or pass.
Then ask everyone to hold hands and say together:
Keep alert;
Stand firm in your faith;
Be courageous and strong;
Let all that you do be done in love. - 1 Corinthians 16
If this is the first time the group will say goodbye with "namaste," explain its origin and meaning. Then, lead the group in saying goodbye with the bowing gesture that accompanies the word "namaste."
Distribute copies of the Taking It Home handout you have prepared. Thank and dismiss participants.