Tapestry of Faith: Circle of Trees: A Multigenerational Program about Nourishing Deep Connections with Nature

Faith In Action: Reflecting on the Project

Part of Circle of Trees

Activity time: 60 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Newsprint, markers, and tape

Preparation for Activity

  • Invite anyone who helped with planning or implementing the project to participate in this reflection.
  • Post blank newsprint.

Description of Activity

An important but often neglected part of any social justice activity is the opportunity to reflect on what participants learned from the experience. Pose the following questions and record responses on newsprint:

  • What do you think worked best about this project?
  • What was frustrating?
  • Who was the most memorable person you met?
  • Did your view of the world change in any way?
  • Did you feel that your gifts were welcome? Were you able to welcome the gifts of others in your group? The gifts of people you met?
  • What will you remember about this experience?
  • How do you think your actions changed the world (even if in small ways)?

You, your co-leader, or perhaps a parent volunteer should summarize the feedback and share it with the director of religious education. This feedback can help other groups plan future Faith in Action projects. You may wish to share this information with the Social Action Committee or other volunteers in the congregation as well.

Invite participants to help write a newsletter article about the experience. Be sure to get appropriate permissions to share information and any pictures from the project on the congregation's website. You might also create a scrapbook of photos from any Faith in Action projects your group completes.

Including All Participants

Be sure that participants of all ages and ability levels feel welcome to share their feedback.