• A copy of the story "Arjuna's Service to His People"
• A bell, chime, rain stick or other musical noisemaker

• Read the story, "Arjuna's Service to His People," a few times. Consider telling it dramatically, rather than reading it from the page. Practice telling it. Claim the storytelling; for example, try adopting different voices for different characters. The stories here are written for a Story for All Ages moment-part performance, part ministry.
• For storytelling, be ritualistic. Create a mood and a time that is different from other moments in the session. For example, turn overhead lights off and use lamps. Position yourself where all can see and hear you. You may wish to wear a storytelling shawl.
• If the group is very large, plan to form smaller groups (no less than three participants) for both story and discussion. An adult leader should present the story and facilitate each small group. Make a copy of the story for each adult who will need it and ask them to prepare these steps:
  • Consider what this story means to you in relation to the goals of this session. Articulate this in a one- or two-word sentence that you can share with the group at the end of the discussion, perhaps using an example this age group will understand.
  • Review the questions. Choose some you think might resonate with the group and help these particular children interpret the story and relate it to their own lives.

Before you begin, ring the chime (or other noisemaker). Make eye contact with each participant. Read or tell the story. Follow the leader prompts in the story to make it interactive; do not skip the follow-up discussion.

Sound the chime again to conclude the story and discussion time.