Workshop 12: Reflection And Celebration Part of Families, Jr. High School In This Section Introduction From Families The riders in a race do not stop short when they reach the goal. There is a little finishing canter before coming to a standstill. There is time to hear the kind voice of friends and to say to one's self: "The work is done." - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.... Workshop-at-a-Glance From Families Activity Minutes Welcoming and Entering 0 Opening 5 Activity 1: Reflecting Upon the Photo-Documentary Opening 15 Activity 2: Reflecting Upon All Our Work Together 20 Activity 3: Celebration! 15 Faith in Action: Making Memories 90 Closing 5... Spiritual Preparation From Families Reflection is one of the most important skills in life. Perhaps Socrates said it most poignantly when he said that an unexamined life is not worth living. This last session with the group offers a chance to look at all you have accomplished. It might be easy for some to find fault or look at the... Welcoming and Entering From Families Materials for Activity Photographs of photo-documentary opening (optional, but needed later in the session regardless) Preparation for Activity Print photographs taken at the opening. Description of Activity Informally display photos. Encourage casual conversation. Opening From Families Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice and matches Newsprint and markers Description of Activity Gather participants in a circle and welcome them. Invite volunteers to offer chalice lighting words.... Activity 1: Reflecting Upon The Photo-documentary Opening From Families Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Photographs of photo-documentary opening Description of Activity Invite participants to reflect on the opening of the Families display. Share and circulate photographs of the opening. Use the following prompts as you see fit: How was the experience... Activity 2: Reflecting Upon All Our Work Together From Families Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint and markers Handout 1, Participant Feedback Form Pencils/pens Preparation for Activity Photocopy Handout 1, Participant Feedback Form, for all participants Description of Activity Tell participants that it is important to sit back and... Activity 3: Celebration! From Families Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Food and beverages CD player and CDs (optional) Preparation for Activity Prepare snack or arrange for participants' families to donate celebration snack. Follow up with a reminder e-mail.... Closing From Families Activity time: 5 minutes Preparation for Activity Prepare a closing reading (optional). Description of Activity Gather participants in a closing circle. Pragmatics: Arrange for the return of participants' materials If needed, arrange a time to dismantle the display together Invite participants to... Leader Reflection and Planning From Families Close the program: Facilitate the return of participants' materials. Keep family photos display. If the program is repeated, groups can build on each year's participants' work. Check in with families and congregation members about their perspectives on the Families project.... Faith In Action: Making Memories From Families Activity time: 90 minutes Materials for Activity Photo albums or scrapbooks Photo sleeves (optional) Pens Preparation for Activity Contact your congregation's religious educator and ask whether this would be a useful activity (see Description of Activity). Invite her/him to assist with the project. Participant Feedback Form From Families Please complete and return to a Families leader. 1. What is your overall rating of the program? Circle one. Excellent Good Average Fair Poor Comment: 2. What is your overall rating of the photo-documentary project? Circle one. Excellent Good Average Fair Poor Comment: 3.... Taking It Home: Reflection And Celebration From Families The riders in a race do not stop short when they reach the goal. There is a little finishing canter before coming to a standstill. There is time to hear the kind voice of friends and to say to one's self: "The work is done." - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. DURING TODAY'S SESSION . . .... PREVIOUS: Taking It Home UP: Families NEXT: Introduction Download all of Families (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.