Faith CoLab: Tapestry of Faith: Windows and Mirrors: A Program about Diversity for Grades 4-5

Spiritual Preparation

Find a place where you can be quiet with your thoughts. Make yourself comfortable; light a candle to mark the time as different from your other activities. Close your eyes and breathe deeply and perhaps repeat one word or phrase to separate yourself from the activities of the day.

Think about the ways you provide service to the greater good—that is the Mirror question for this session. Consider the Window question, as well. How do you value and acknowledge others who do service work that benefits us all? You may wish to use these questions for reflection:

  • What do you think of the people who perform the sometimes dangerous, sometimes risky and unpleasant tasks in our world such as military service, law enforcement, funeral directors, sanitation workers, and so on?
  • Do you work in a service profession? If yes, what made you choose it? How does it feel to do a job that serves the greater good? In what ways do you, or don't you, feel appreciated?
  • When you disagree with the goals of someone in a service profession, such as a military person or a politician, is it easy or difficult for you to appreciate the gift of their time and energy in service to society? If it is difficult for you, why?

Be prepared to share your insights with the children in the session.