Tapestry of Faith: Toolbox of Faith: A Program That Helps Children Discover the Uses of Faith

Opening

Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Chalice and candle or LED/battery-operated candle
  • Lighter and extinguisher, if needed
  • Newsprint, markers, and tape
  • Tool of the Day - duct tape

Preparation for Activity

  • Print the opening words on newsprint. Post the newsprint where the children will be able to see it when they gather in your Council Circle space.

Description of Activity

Participants will become familiar with the flexible qualities of duct tape, and explore duct tape, as a metaphor for being flexible in our faith.

Invite the children to gather in a circle, in your Council Circle space. Light the chalice.

Indicate where the opening words are posted for any children who are unfamiliar with them. Lead the group in reciting:

We are Unitarian Universalists

with minds that think,

hearts that love,

and hands that are ready to serve.

Hold up the duct tape. Tell the children it is the Tool of the Day.

Pass around the tool. As children pass it, invite them to share their prior experiences seeing or using duct tape.

Lead a discussion to introduce duct tape as a symbol of the value of being flexible and open-minded in our faith. You might ask, "What do you think makes this a Unitarian Universalist tool?" Allow participants to share ideas. Affirm that there is no one answer.

Say, in your own words:

The duct tape represents flexibility and open-mindedness. Unitarian Universalism is a faith that will grow and adapt with you as your life changes. This is a key part of deepening our religious understanding.

One of our Principles affirms that Unitarian Universalism values acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations. What you believe at age 8 might be different than what you believe at age 16, age 30, and age 80. We accept change as part of life.

Unitarian Universalism comes from a flexible, living tradition that includes direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and openness to the forces which create and uphold life. That renewal and openness means flexibility when needed.

You may invite a participant to add a piece of duct tape to the Toolbox of Our Faith poster, or do this later in the session.

Collect the tool. Extinguish the chalice.