Toolbag of Care

A large black toolbox sits on a wooden floor. It is partially open, and inside there are a few tools together with two oranges, a large floral mug and a box of teabags, a deck of playing cards, a wooden chalice with an electric tea light in it, and a greeting card with a nature scene and a nice pen.

[Note: These are instructions for leading a Time for All Ages, not a script. Please adapt to fit your voice and context.]

Prepare a tool bag or tool box to present. Make sure it is recognizable from a distance as a tool box, and safe for small hands to reach into.

Bring it, closed, in front of the congregation. Ask if people know what this is.

Present: What are tools? Get a couple of answers.

“Tools are special objects that help me to do things better than I could if I was just using my hands!”

“One thing that’s really important to me is to practice connection and care. This is something we can do without tools, but I wanted to show you some of the tools I like to use that help me.”

Ask volunteers to pull out items one by one and guess what they might be used for, and help explain the purpose of the item.

“Tool” Ideas:

  • Deck of playing cards: A chance to make a memory with someone, to play and have fun.
  • Orange: What do you think I can do with this? It breaks into pieces so I can have some and pass some around. I love to share food with others as it is a chance to pause and also to nourish them.
  • Mug and tea bag: Pour a cup of tea for a friend, as a way to offer comfort.
  • Pitcher or watering can: Caring for plants and animals, remembering that I can practice connection with non-human beings too.
  • Toothbrush and eye mask: Remember to take care of myself!
  • Chalice: A way to connect with spirit and something larger than me.
  • Thank you card and pen: Acknowledge the ways that other people care for me. Show gratitude is a way to remind myself and them of the connection we already share.

Close the presentation out.

“Thanks for letting me show you what’s in my tool bag of Care. But remember, you don’t always need special tools; you can care for others with just yourself. Even a hug can be an act of care.”