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

Faith In Action: Service Project for a Congregational Staff Member

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Approach any staff member(s) the children might choose to help. Gauge their openness to this project. Work with them to minimize the time they need to spend instructing you or the children on how to properly do tasks. See if there is a particular day they would like to have off, should this project be approved by the Board. Remember, the aim is to show your appreciation of a service worker, not make extra work for them.
  • Ask the permission of your minister and/or Board of Trustees before offering paid staff a day off. (See Leader Resource 1, Letter to Board of Trustees)
  • Secure the assistance of several parents and adult or youth volunteers.

Description of Activity

Outline a service project the children can do for someone who serves the congregation with hard work which may be underappreciated.

Engage the group to talk about how the congregational facility is maintained. Who takes out the garbage? Who is in charge of the recycling? Who mops the floor? Who tidies the sanctuary after worship and puts away the chairs after coffee hour?

Guide the children to identify someone, perhaps the congregation's custodian, whose work the group can do on a Saturday, Sunday or school vacation day (a day when enough participants and adult volunteers will be available to fulfill all the worker's regular responsibilities). With the appropriate congregational leader(s)' permission, invite the person to take a paid day off.

Including All Participants

Be mindful of accessibility issues. If anyone in your group has limitations of movement, offer them a job they can accomplish.