LOVE WILL GUIDE US a Tapestry of Faith Program for Children Grades
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LOVE WILL GUIDE US A Tapestry of Faith Program for Children Grades 2-3 BY REV. ALICE ANACHEKA-NASEMANN AND CATHY CARTWRIGHT © Copyright 2010, 2019 Unitarian Universalist Association. This program and additional resources are available on the UUA website at www.uua.org/re/tapestry . Love Will Guide Us, Tapestry of Faith curriculum © UUA 2010, 2019 - 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THE AUTHORS .................................................................................................................................................. 3 THE PROGRAM .............................................................................................................................................................. 4 SESSION 1: LOVE IS LIKE A SEED ...............................................................................................................................16 SESSION 2: AWESOME LOVE ......................................................................................................................................39 SESSION 3: WE LOVE TO DISCOVER ..........................................................................................................................56 SESSION 4: LOVE IN OUR CONGREGATION ...............................................................................................................75 SESSION 5: WE ARE LOVED, FLAWS AND ALL ...........................................................................................................92 SESSION 6: LOVE IS ETERNAL ..................................................................................................................................108 SESSION 7: GIVE LOVE ..............................................................................................................................................126 SESSION 8: LOVE IS ACCEPTING ..............................................................................................................................141 SESSION 9: LOVE OF LEARNING ...............................................................................................................................154 SESSION 10: LOVE FOR ALL CREATURES................................................................................................................168 SESSION 11: LOVE AND GRATITUDE ........................................................................................................................185 SESSION 12: FROM ANGER TO KINDNESS...............................................................................................................200 SESSION 13: RESPONDING WITH LOVE ...................................................................................................................215 SESSION 14: LOVE BUILDS TRUST ...........................................................................................................................226 SESSION 15: LOVE IN ACTION ...................................................................................................................................227 SESSION 16: LOVE IS THE GOLDEN RULE ...............................................................................................................244 Note: The Table of Contents is an auto-generated list. If you add or delete text in this program, to ensure it correctly tracks page numbers, click the table and click “Update Field.” Click “Update page numbers only.” Click “OK. ” Love Will Guide Us, Tapestry of Faith curriculum © UUA 2010, 2019 - 2 ABOUT THE AUTHORS Rev. Alice Anacheka-Nasemann serves as the associate minister at the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson (Massachusetts). Previously she served as a director of religious education at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta (New York) and the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson. A graduate of Andover Newton Theological School, Alice is an ordained minister in preliminary fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. Alice earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood development at Friends World College. Her college years included travel and study in Kenya, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua and internships focused on the educational needs of homeless children, gifted learners, adolescents with special needs, and orphans. Cathy Cartwright worked as a community activist with organizations such as Dayton Women Working and the Dayton Community Media Workshop prior to her calling as a religious educator. Her undergraduate work was in fine arts and theater with continuing education in religious studies. A religious education director since 1999, Cathy has served as Good Officer for LREDA, a member of the Sophia Fahs Lecture committee, and a member of the initial committee to propose a credentialing process. She is currently a consultant for the Pacific Northwest District. Cathy's previous curricula include lessons on the stories of Dr. Seuss and lessons to support Why Do Bad Things Happen? (Brotman- Marshfield, 1975). In 2007, she achieved Credentialed Religious Educator. Tapestry of Faith Core Team The following UUA staff brought Tapestry to fruition: Judith A. Frediani, Curriculum Director, Tapestry Project Director Adrianne Ross, Project Manager Susan Dana Lawrence, Managing Editor Jessica York, Youth Programs Director Gail Forsyth-Vail, Adult Programs Director Pat Kahn, Children and Family Programs Director Alicia LeBlanc, Administrative and Editorial Assistant We are grateful to these former UUA staff members who contributed to the conceptualization and launch of Tapestry of Faith: Tracey L. Hurd Sarah Gibb Millspaugh Aisha Hauser Pat Hoertdoerfer Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley Love Will Guide Us, Tapestry of Faith curriculum © UUA 2010, 2019 - 3 THE PROGRAM • The harmony of nature and the sacred circle of life. Inside each raindrop swims the sun. • Our seventh Source: Examples of faithful Inside each flower breathes the moon. belief and action from our Unitarian and Inside me dwell ten million stars, Universalist heritage. One for each of my ancestors: All sessions include guided discussion, reflection, hands-on activities, and self-expression to engage The elk, the raven, the mouse, the man, participants with various learning styles. Sessions that The flower, the coyote, the lion, the fish. rely heavily on verbal learning also offer alternate activities geared toward more active learners. Many Ten million different stars am I, activities suggest adaptations to address different But only one spirit, connecting all. — Nancy abilities and learning styles. Craft each session using Wood, "Ten Million Stars," used with activities you think will best suit the children in the permission group. As Unitarian Universalists, we are intentional in Ritual and repetition are important aspects of this turning to a diversity of sources as we seek to program: sharing opening words, a chalice-lighting, discover truth and make meaning in our lives. centering in silence before hearing a story, and Drawing on the wisdom of the ages as expressed in singing. You may also choose to add a ritual of many different traditions and cultures, along with our sharing joys and concerns (Alternate Activity 1 in each own direct experiences, we engage theological session). Young children love ritual, and these questions about the origins of life, the meaning of spiritual activities form an important element of the death, and what it means to be human. program. In this program, participants learn to seek guidance in GOALS life through the lens of our Unitarian Universalist Sources, with an emphasis on love. Together we ask: This program will: questions such as, "Where did we come from?" "What • Strengthen participants' Unitarian Universalist is our relationship to the Earth and other creatures?" identity through exploration of the seven "How can we respond with love, even in bad Sources situations?" "What happens when you die?" Sessions apply wisdom from our Sources to help participants • Emphasize love as the guiding force in answer these questions. Participants will learn that Unitarian Universalist faith asking questions is valued in Unitarian Universalism, • Address important theological questions in a even as they begin to shape their own answers. simple yet honest way, providing participants All sessions highlight love as a central aspect of with the opportunity and language to Unitarian Universalism. Using the night sky and the formulate their own ideas and beliefs North Star as metaphors, participants are "guided to • Introduce world religions at a basic level and love." As they explore the night sky, participants learn cultivate respect for world religions and to recognize and name the Unitarian Universalist theological diversity Sources, as expressed in children's language: • Promote a spiritual orientation of curiosity, • The sense of wonder we all share. awe, wonder and gratitude • People of long ago and today whose lives • Teach participants to recognize and remind us to be kind and fair. implement concrete actions grounded in love • The ethical and spiritual wisdom of the world's • Foster a learning community where everyone religions. is welcomed and honored—a community in • Jewish and Christian teachings which tell us which diversity is embraced, justice is to love all others as we love ourselves. practiced, and children learn, grow, and have fun together. • The use of reason and the discoveries of science. Love Will Guide Us, Tapestry of Faith curriculum © UUA 2010, 2019 - 4 LEADERS This play is practice for more generalized moral decision making.