The Benefits of Ritual

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Volume 11, Issue 1 Spring 2004 The Benefits of Ritual by Kathryn Kellogg All of these items are stored in the same place each week so Children’s Ministry Coordinator everyone knows right where to go to find them. A new friend has joined the circle and the teacher asks an “old” friend to be Setting the Stage her buddy and help her throughout the hour. It’s Sunday morning and right before the children start arriving, the teachers come together and pray in. Holding hands in a The hour starts and the circle circle, they share words of gratitude for anything from teacher points to the sacred the past week that blessed or encouraged them. The circle poster on the wall, gratitudes lead into prayer requests, allowing which lists the order the group to hold in sacred confidentiality of what happens an unfolding truth for each person. Smiles, in morning/ hugs, and words of encouragement follow sacred circle. as the teachers take their positions in the Class time classroom(s). The teacher at the door prepares begins as to welcome the children. The teacher who is the teacher giving the lesson is waiting to help the children leads the find a comfortable place in the circle. class through three deep As the children arrive, the teacher at the door greets each breaths. The one by name. They check nametags so that new friends, child candle lighter lights or adult, are immediately able to connect with each other by the candle followed by name. The greeter enfolds each person entering the room with the prayer person whose job is to read or create an opening an invisible blanket of love. Brief welcomes are heard: “I’m prayer. Then the teacher reminds the group how they do the so glad you’re here today,” “We missed you when you were class affirmation. Each person will say his/her name and the gone,” or “We’re going to have a wonderful morning.” class repeats the name back to the child and adds, “We see the Christ in you.” Prayer requests are invited into the circle The teacher who “sets” the circle is checking in with everyone as the teacher leads a short prayer affirming God’s presence joining the circle, welcoming new friends to the class, finding out and love active in each child’s life and activities. how everyone’s week went and helping certain individuals choose another place to sit. During this check-in, the teacher invites Then a member of the class leads the offering blessing, the individual children to help create the sacred circle by bringing basket is passed and the class sings one of their favorite joy the Christ candle, the candle undercloth (like a cloth doily), the songs. This Sunday the song includes looking in each other’s offering basket, the prayer ring (a collection of laminated Unity prayers on a metal ring) and the Bible and/or the day’s storybook. continued on p. 6 Spring 2004 Spring 2004

Continued from page 1 faces and holding hands. During this time, some children arrive late and are greeted by the class with the welcome affirmation, “We’re so glad you’re here today. Come join us in our circle.” There are no birthdays this Sunday so the birthday affirmation and song are not needed. The teacher from the door comes to the circle as the circle teacher points to another poster on the wall connect two or more people together to something that is that lists the heart agreements for that class. Together the teachers ageless. Grounded in values and beliefs, rituals give us roots and children say the heart agreements, adding the actions to the and wings. words. After answering a question, the teacher begins the day’s lesson. The children are ready for the work ahead. How many rituals or types of ceremony can you find in the beginning example? Look for patterns. The morning always Creating Patterns unfolds in the same order. The teachers meet for prayer The above is a typical Sunday morning in a classroom where and check-in, a teacher is always at the door greeting, the a conscious effort has been made to create community and a order of what happens in the circle is posted, the objects for sense of connectedness. Science tells us that the brain is always circle are always stored in the same place, the affirmation looking for patterns to match the present moment to a past remains fairly constant, and the heart agreement that sets thing or experience that it has previously encountered. If an the guidelines on how the community will treat each other experience is consistent and repetitive, the neural pathway is is posted and reaffirmed each week. This ongoing order and stronger and the mind will swiftly make the connection relating consistency brings relief to child and adult alike. Remember the experience to the feeling attached to the experience and when something upsetting or frustrating has happened before move the individual into anxiety or relaxation. Anxiety makes church and you are set to teach? Think of how reassuring it it more difficult to be in the moment because the person is was to know that you already knew how to do the first fifteen preoccupied with protecting his/her self. A relaxed mind is minutes and how that time helped balance you for the rest of one that does not sense a threat and therefore can “chill out,” the hour. being present in the moment and looking forward to a new experience. Routine, however, is not ritual. Rituals create sacred space and have the intention of connection. Rituals consist of Behavioral science has taught for years that people have a need those activities that create a heart space connecting people to belong. We shape our thoughts, words and actions to fit into to one another—sort of a spiritual warm-fuzzy. Sacred circle a group so that we feel part of someone or something outside is created in the teachers’ prayer group and the classroom of ourselves. The need for love and acceptance is huge for us. floor. Holding hands, meeting each other’s eyes, hearing When we feel connected we feel safe and secure. each other’s stories, and holding the space for the affirming of truth all create connection. Welcoming rituals are used for entering the room, greeting new friends, and for celebrating Sharing in a Safe, Sacred Space birthdays. Blessing the offering, lighting the candle, and Rituals are important because they provide patterns of singing the Peace Song or the Prayer for Protection are more consistency and connectedness. The consistency creates ways to connect. a feeling of safety. The connectedness creates a feeling of security. When a child feels safe and secure, they are more Ritual and ceremony are important elements to our spiritual likely to express their God-self, to share what they know to be life and human well being. If they are kept fresh, relevant true, and to ask the questions that deepen spiritual discovery for and used consistently, rituals can bring a community together the sharer and the listener. A child that feels safe invites others in celebration and affirmation. Used consciously, they help into their heart space instead of protecting it. In the spiritual create a safe and secure environment that supports the spiritual life, rituals have the unique ability to connect us with that still unfolding of all who enter. small voice within and, at the same time, enfold us in a larger community. Even a ritual that is created in the moment will

6 Children 7 Spring 2004 Spring 2004 Ceremony and Celebration... Why Do It?

by Anna Andes Curriculum Development Consultant

December 31, 2003: The end of another year that has flown by too fast. This is the eve of a long-held traditional celebration - New Year’s Eve! We all have participated in How important are they? many secular celebrations welcoming the New Year. But Try asking your children or your friends...you may be surprised have you experienced a spiritual celebration at this time of by their answers. Even the smallest child loves a ritual or year? Nearly all Unity churches have been busy preparing for routine. It can be as simple as always greeting Mommy or special ceremonies—a candle-lighting ceremony for Christmas Daddy with a special hug and a high five, or following a Eve and often a Burning Bowl ceremony connected with the bedtime routine. In the Bible, we find many examples of incoming new year. ceremony and celebration. Jesus, as an infant, was taken to the temple to be dedicated. “When the time came for their Yet many people say “In Unity, we purification according to the law don’t do ceremony well.” In actuality, of Moses, they brought him up to though, perhaps it is better said that Rituals bestow protected Jerusalem to present him to the Unity does not do rote ceremony well. Lord (as it is written in the law You may ask why do ceremony? time and space to stop of the Lord, “every firstborn male Religious rites are not necessary to and reflect on life’s shall be designated as holy to the connect with God, but ceremonies can transformations. Lord”). Luke 2:22-24 help us honor, express and celebrate our spiritual paths in profound ways. —Rituals for Our Times Resources Ceremonies can help us understand Discussing and planning and rework our relationships, mark transitions, heal wounds, ceremony or celebration may be a fascinating topic for one or express beliefs and celebrate life’s successes. (Uniteen Program more Sunday morning lessons. The Uniteen Program Guide: Guide, p. CC-3) Part 2 (#1392 $15.95) has a long chapter on Ceremonies and Celebrations that discusses why to do them, how to plan and Have you ever asked adults about rituals they did as a family conduct them effectively, and describes numerous ceremonies when they were a child? If you asked me, I would quickly that can be used with many ages. How to create your own respond with sitting in church with my family at the 11 p.m. ceremony is also discussed. Although this chapter was written service on Christmas Eve, frosting Christmas cookies, eating especially for Uniteens, most of the concepts and ceremonies pork and sauerkraut on election day and New Year’s Day, can be used with any age. celebrating my confirmation at the end of eighth grade, and so many more. Another excellent resource for ceremonies is Transformative Rituals by David and Gay Lynn Williamson. This resource So why do rituals or ceremony? is out of print, but you may find that your minister or youth “Rituals offer opportunities to make meaning from the familiar education director has a copy that you could borrow. The new and the mysterious at the same time. They connect us with our children’s curriculum, Celebrating My God-self, also includes past, define our present life, and show us a path to our future as a few lessons relating to celebration. The upcoming Book 3, we pass on ceremonies, traditions, objects, symbols and ways Lesson 7-4, is about how we celebrate as a family. Unit 12, of being with each other.” (Rituals for Our Times) in Book 4, will focus on Sacredness of all life and may offer ways to create one’s own ritual. 4 Curriculum 5 Spring 2004 Spring 2004

If you are not doing this already, use the “Blessing Circle” described here to honor each person on their birthday or when someone is moving away. This brief A ritual can ceremony can be very be as simple as I Love You powerful if you include following a bedtime routine. all children in creating the circle and encourage them to send love from their hearts to the Rituals honored person. Activities to Build Bonds and Strengthen Relationships With Children Whether you are a parent, a teacher or a youth education director, consider how you feel about ceremonies and celebrations. Rather than create the ceremony for others, by Becky A. Bailey, Ph.D. involve the children and teens into the process. Honor them by honoring their ideas and give them responsibilities in the A wonderful woman who lived in a shoe, preparation and experiencing of the special event. You will be She had so many children she knew exactly what to do. blessed as will they! She held them. She rocked them, and tucked them in bed. “I love you, I love you” is what she said.

Seventy-nine interactive activities based on positive messages, like the one above, are provided in this delightful Blessing Circle educational book. Each interaction is based on the latest (showing appreciation) in brain research. All activities help children increase their attention spans, reduce hyperactivity, build self-esteem, and Whenever the group wants to show its appreciation to facilitate language development. The interactions teach someone, a traditional Unity way is to invite that person children how to be kind and caring using gentle touches. into the center of a circle for a blessing. If more than 208 pp 1999 Parent’s Guide Children’s Media Award one person is in the center, they may want to lock arms or join hands while facing outward. Those in the outer This resource is available through Loving Guidance. Check circle, with hands held up to send love and blessings, them out on the web at www.lovingguidance.com. say a blessing such as: “[Name(s)], we love you, we bless you, we truly appreciate you, and we behold the Christ in you.”

4 Curriculum 5 Spring 2004 Spring 2004 Ritual—Creating Ceremony in Our Ministry

by Rev. Victoria Etchemendy Unity World Healing Center, Lake Oswego, OR

Ceremony plays an integral part in the life of our spiritual family. It is often woven into our Sunday services and has become for us a natural, outward expression of inner focused on salt as a preservative—a symbol of preserving the spiritual connection. Our rituals are always interactive and wisdom of the ancient ones—Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, Mother intergenerational. Everyone in the congregation, from the Teresa, grandparents, and other elders in each family. smallest child to the wisest elder, has the opportunity to explore ceremony at a personal level. Newcomers who happen into our To symbolically involve the entire community, other members sanctuary when ritual is part of the service often remark on the offered gifts. Children were gifted with a candle to symbolize reverence and uniqueness it adds. With stories, special music, their place as the “light of the world,” and that with God they movement, and simple activities such as lighting a candle or are never in darkness. As a symbol of the parable of the coins, writing a simple prayer, the congregation blesses our sacred each child also received a silver dollar as a reminder to share space with their intentions, dreams, and aspirations. the abundance of their God-given talents with the world.

Special rituals often mark rites of passage in many religious The ceremony also included a special story, On the Day You traditions. One of our favorites this past year was a special Were Born, by Debra Frasier (Harcourt, Inc., publishers) and Youth Dedication and Spiritual Baptism for the “wise ones” a special song, “Angel, Angel,” which the entire congregation in our midst—our youth. It was scheduled for the day when sang to the children. A special blessing was also a part of we bless our children during our service on “Youth Honoring the ceremony. Day” in June at the close of the school year. Parents were sent a special letter inviting them to discuss the opportunity Blessing to participate in this ceremony with their children. Only those Welcome to this world; this is an amazing place. children who expressed an interest were included. We asked Welcome to your place in the intricate web of life. parents of interested youth to call the office Anything can happen—everything is with the child’s full name and date of birth and possible. to commit to involvement with their child. On Welcome to your spiritual family and to the the day of the ceremony, they were asked to step community of your human family. forward for a naming ritual in which they would speak their child’s full name. At that Credits time, the child received a rose-petal Special thanks to Rev. Ann Thomas blessing from me as a symbol of the of Unity of Lynwood, Washington, The Angel Song by Karl Anthony beauty and perfection that dwells and Rev. Sandy Shipley, a Religious Angel, angel, you are an angel, within each Child of God. Science minister in the Portland, OR, I see an angel in your eyes. area for their advice in planning this You are an angel, Parents were also asked to provide special ceremony. Sharing your love light, a surprise gift to present to their I see an angel in your eyes. child—an unwrapped salt shaker symbolizing Jesus’ call to be “the This song is available on “Strike-A-Chord salt of the earth.” My brief talk also with KIDS CD Series” ordered from www.karlanthony.com or call 800-843-0165. 8 Children 9 Spring 2004 Spring 2004 Consecrated Spiritual Service to Children

by Diane Venzera Great Lakes Children’s Education Consultant, LUT As they come forward, they will light a candle and then we Unity Church of Oak Park, IL will share our dedication. Diane is currently in the Field Licensing Program as the first candidate in Youth and Family ministry. (Call the teachers up by classroom. Give them a copy of the dedication and invite them to light their candles.) The following ceremony is done in church with the congregation. We will read the dedication together: Consecration and Dedication Consecrated Spiritual Service to Children Dedication by Rev. Stephen Towles, Seattle Unity Read to Congregation Teaching is a consecrated service. Not only an understanding We light this candle as a symbol of lighting the light of Truth, but also a sincere effort to live Truth, is essential in that is within us. those who would aspire to bring into expression the inherent divine qualities of children. The primal aim of all teaching, That it may shine forth, giving out love, peace, wisdom, particularly of spiritual teaching, is to draw out the divine nature compassion and understanding. that is inherent in the child. That we bring this to conscious awareness into Myrtle Fillmore, our co-founder, said it best when she ourselves. said, “Our mission is not to entertain the children, but That we consciously and willingly let Divine Mind to call them out. To be always entertained is to be work in and through us. dwarfed and dependent. To be ‘called out’ is to follow the harmonious law of the soul’s unfoldment. That we consciously and willingly let Divine Ideas work in and through us. “Who meddles with the rosebud? What fingers are deft enough to pry open that marvel of folded That we consciously and willingly let Your will not beauty? We are wise enough to leave it alone to follow ours be done. the glad law of its own unfolding. We now ask that the Christ spirit within us:

“But our children! Have we dealt as wisely with these buds Enable us to teach with wisdom, for we help to shape of marvelous possibilities? Have we always remembered that the mind. they, too, must quicken and unfold through the innate law of their own genius?” Equip us to teach with Truth, for we help to shape the conscience.

It is my great privilege and honor to introduce to you those Encourage us to teach with vision, for we help to shape dedicated individuals who serve here every Sunday helping the the future. beauty of all our children to unfold. Without them, there would be no program, and I am eternally grateful for their dedication, Empower us to teach with love, for we help to shape their desire to grow, and their loving hearts. Thank you all. the world. continued on p. 11

8 Children 9 Spring 2004 Spring 2004

______has come to you with infinite possibilities of good. He has come to teach you as well as to learn from you. He can teach you in every area of your life, for this child lives These rose petals symbolize the love of God, the beauty of only in the present moment. He knows pure joy. He knows the divinity which lies within ______, and the spiritual true love. awakening that we behold taking place in him as he travels through his life’s journey. He can teach you true love, because he does not practice self- condemnation. He can teach you the perfection of living, for Parents, this child comes to you endowed with the infinite he experiences the ups and downs of life, both sadness and possibilities of good. Today you are consecrating your sorrow, but he does not carry regrets of yesterday or anxiety acceptance of the great Trust that has been given you. I ask about tomorrow with him. you to say aloud his full name and, as you do so, may your words be a prayer for wisdom and guidance. Will you name Jesus loved children and he loved to have them around Him. this child? In the scripture Mark 10:13-16, this celebration of love was ______spoken about in this way: People were bringing little children to him in order that he ______, I baptize you in the name of the might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. Father, the God Presence; the Son, that divine potential within But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, us all that Jesus showed us how to express; and the Holy Spirit “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it which expresses through this glorious being of God. is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God To the Congregation as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in We are going to sing “I Behold the Christ in You,” and I invite his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. you to let your love flow to this perfect child of God. Know that what you behold in one, you see in yourself also. To the Parents And Mom and Dad, you are called by God to carry a light for (Sing “I Behold the Christ in You.”) this child to grow by. He already is whole and ready to go. Your example of love, appreciation, joy, creativity, and wholeness And ______, that is something that is true about will be the light that he grows by. So I challenge you to be the everyone, but many people don’t have it certified. Here is a most happy and fulfilled that you could possibly be, so this holy certificate to make it whole and complete. Thank you very child has the best possible chance to fulfill his potential. much!

continued from p. 9 We, the teachers and sponsors, now dedicate ourselves to the We call forth our ability to feel the creative energy of the children of Church Name and to the children of the world. universe flow through their open and receptive hearts, minds Amen! and bodies. We call upon the highest and the best within ourselves to love (Then the following prayer is said to the children by the minister all the children, to recognize and seize the opportunity to be or youth ministry director.) a positive example. We enfold all the children in the love of God. A Prayer for Our Children We place all the children in the light of God. Rev. Stephen Towles, Seattle Unity We call forth from within them the power of God. We see in each child the presence of God. Loving Spirit, source of all wisdom, love and joy, We affirm that our children are under the Divine protection We call forth from our hearts the courage to create a world of the Holy Spirit and all is in Divine Order. which brings forth the best and highest for our children. A In the name and through the nature of the Christ presence, world which is safe, so they may know the joy of laughter and we declare this is so. the power of love. Amen.

10 Children 11 Spring 2004 Spring 2004 A Child’s Christening

We are trained as a society to look at a child and see their beauty, and we are learning to look at each other and behold by Rev. Lisa Davis the Christ. So ____ Minister, Unity Church of Dayton, Ohio; LUT specializing in ______, we thank Youth and Family Ministry you today because I don’t have anything Editor’s Note: This was originally written for a boy, so the magical to put in masculine pronouns are used throughout. you. I am here to acknowledge what At this time we are going to invite a precious child of God, is within you already. ______to come up. He is all of _____ years old. The Truth is that you were created by God, in God’s image and likeness, and you are To the Child already quite perfect and quite whole. On this journey through ______, bring your mom and dad with you. Do we have life, you will have more and more opportunities to anchor that any godparents or grandparents who are coming up also? wholeness and that goodness of God.

I invite all of us, as we prepare to baptize and celebrate ____ And as a community, every time a child is christened, we ______, to allow ourselves to take in the awesomeness of his anchor that commitment. As a community, we will take care of gorgeous, perfect soul—and it is. I also want all of us to know the children. That includes being a part of creating a sustainable that God sees the same beauty when God looks at us. Yes, God future as we work in all areas of this world for peace. We also sees the same potential, the same awesome potential in you work to create a community, a world where children thrive and all of those around you! and flourish and where their uniqueness is honored.

Just as a beautiful flower was once a seed, and before a seed, It is very important to realize that each of us in this community the perfect idea in the mind of God, so did this child come forth is a part of the support system that allows ______to from the perfect idea in the mind of God with the potential to remember who he is on an ongoing basis. grow and blossom in many wonderful ways. To the Godparents I now invite you to join with me in a special prayer as we bless ______and ______, we take godparents and express our appreciation for the gift to the world that comes seriously because you are setting an example: with the quality through ______. of your life, with your relationship with the Divine, and with your joy, your love and your commitment to live a fulfilled Father-Mother God, and purposeful life. It is very important for you to know that We open our hearts in deep gratitude for this child, this precious you are going to be the example. You are also going to be gift to us and to this world. Help us to remind him each day challenged to hold the high watch for ______. that he is your shining light. Mom and Dad have to set the boundaries, to set the limits that May our vision be clear enough that we always see you shining he grows by to know himself, but the godparents know the through him. May our love be a constant source of support and Truth, there are no limits on this holy child of God. So we take encouragement for him. In the name and through the nature of godparents very seriously when we invite you to live a fulfilled the indwelling Christ presence within. Amen. and happy life that he might have great examples.

10 Children 11 Spring 2004 Spring 2004

10 Children 11 Inspiring, motivating, guiding Unity Churches to enhance and expand their ministries with children, teens & families www.unity.org Volume 15, Issue 1 Spring 2008

for Children BlessingResponsive Reading

Leader: Blessed be these children of God, whose very beginnings are as our own. Response: May they feel their kinship with the Spirit of the universe and their unity with all humankind.

Leader: Blessed be these children of love, who reflect the love of God. Response: May they feel the love others give to them, the love they give to others, and come to know there is but one love–God.

Leader: Blessed be these children of life, whose very beings stem from the action of God. Response: May life always flow easily within them and may they increase the movement of God within others.

Leader: Blessed be these children of wisdom, whose ever- expanding minds will touch the fount of knowing. Response: May they listen to the words and feelings of others, and to the voice of God in prayer, for through these come understanding.

Leader: Blessed be these children of eternity, who have no Alpha and no Omega. Response: May the path they walk always lead them to the highest pinnacle of life, love, and wisdom; and may they guide others by the lives they live.

All: Thank you, God, for these expressions of Your eternal, loving presence.

(Adapted from Wings of Song hymnal, published by Unity House, p. 529)

quarterly for ministers and spiritual educators of children, teens and young adults Spring 2004 Spring 2004 The Power of Ritual in Teen Ministry

by Michele Senac beginning. Explain the ritual’s purpose, the way in which Southeast Region Uniteen Consultant, LUT, CSE it will be done, what each participant’s behavior and role is in the ritual, and ways that each can honor the sacred in Ritual keeps us connected to something greater than ourselves. themselves and in the group. Most ritual requires silence and Ritual calls to mind and heart what we truly value in our lives. a turning inward. My experience with teens, especially with It is a way of interacting with the invisible in our lives. Ritual Uniteens, is that once they understand what is going to happen, can help us release what no longer serves us and can open us what the behavior expectation is and the reason for it, they up to the new life Spirit has waiting for us. Ritual can be used will participate with focus and respect. Explain, also, that an to heal, celebrate, restore and center our lives. individual has the right to pass. Allowing teens the opportunity to ask questions beforehand helps insure this focus. Throughout my years working with teens, I am often reminded of the pressures and pace our teens face in contemporary life. Be aware of the length of time the ritual will take. It’s They encounter many of the same challenges we adults do. important not to rush the participants, yet keep them focused The “busyness” of life, with its sense of urgency (real or and engaged in a timely way. Give participants a few minutes perceived), expectations we have of others or ourselves, along after the ritual to integrate the experience. Play soft music, with personal responsibilities, often keep us on a treadmill light candles, burn incense, create a centering point, such as of activities and thoughts that narrow our focus. In my an altar, to enhance the environment. Always begin and end interactions with Uniteens and their the ritual or ceremony with a adult leaders, a desire to slow down prayer. Remember: For some and connect back to the Source is often teens, this may be their first expressed. We, as teen advocates, can experience with ceremony help meet that desire. Teaching and or ritual! Helping them feel living Unity Principles is a good comfortable with this sacred start. Emphasizing and providing self-expression is one of our opportunities for prayer, meditation goals as adult facilitators. and contemplation begin the process. Ritual provides nourishment so that The following are some God’s seed within each of us can suggestions for Ritual/ flourish and grow to its full spiritual Ceremony that I have potential. Charles Fillmore, co- facilitated with teens that were founder of Unity, says “Your body is meaningful and powerful. the fertile soil in whom God’s seed is planted.” Candlelight Peace Ceremony At the Southeast Region Uniteen Retreats, ritual is a part of The intention of the ceremony is to provide an opportunity every retreat. The retreats provide a safe space for spiritual for each person to express peace for or within himself/herself, exploration and self-expression. Ritual and ceremony can easily others, the world. Create a sacred space before the participants be a part of any teen ministry program during the Sunday enter the room. This can be done with music, candlelight, meeting times and/or during retreats or lock-ins. incense, soft lights. Set up an altar on a large table with a Christ candle, sacred objects, and pans of sand to hold the burning Preparing for Ritual candles. Provide small taper candles with bobeches (drip Here are a few suggestions prior to beginning any ritual. It protectors). Ask each person to enter the room in silence. is very important to give clear, concrete directions before Spring 2004 Spring 2004

“Ritual is a return to the ancient with a plea of help directed to the world of the spirit.” —Malidoma Patrice Somé African shaman

Do a short meditation to center the group. State the intention of the ceremony and give the participants time in the silence to state their own personal intention. Ask each row of participants to come forward in silence, and one by one pick up a small candle and light each other; to acknowledge a new it from the Christ candle, beginning, completion, graduation, stating his/her intention healing. Prepare the room and the out loud. (Example: “I participants with clear instructions, light my light of peace by playing soft music, lighting in the world,” or “I light candles. If the group is large, divide my light of peace in my into smaller groups. Have the home, school, myself.”) participants sit down, preferably on Then, invite them to place the floor close to one another, facing their candle in the pan of one another, making eye contact. Begin sand and to take a seat. After with a centering prayer. everyone is finished and all the candles are glowing brilliantly, have a While facing each other, one side begins time of silence. Continue with a prayer reminding by shaking a few drops of oil into his/her hands everyone to allow our Christ Lights to shine, that each of us and begins to massage his/her partner’s hands. Scented or is a center of peace that shines brightly, and that together we blessed oil can be used. While the massage is being done, provide transforming brilliant lights for peace. Conclude with the facilitator guides the group through a meditation, saying a closing prayer or a song. that these hands are the hands of God, that as the massage is being done, we are holding God’s hands, these hands are open In the Southeast Region, we did this ceremony at last Spring’s and receptive to all the good in the world, that these hands retreat, right before the invasion of Iraq. Many wrote in their represent gentleness, are capable of giving and receiving, evaluations that this was the best part of the retreat. They felt starting anew or letting go of the old. Use whatever words they were doing something positive for themselves and for are applicable for the intention of the ceremony. Then, have the world. the partners switch roles and repeat the meditation. Conclude with a time of silence and a prayer. Ask the group to stand Candlelight can be used for a variety of intentions. Because up hand-in-hand in a circle symbolizing oneness. A closing fire is an ancient symbol and represents transmutation, it can song can be sung. affect us at a deep level. Plan a candlelight ceremony or ritual carefully: confine the area that a burning candle is held by a Love Wash teen to a small space, such as in front of an altar, and remind Many of you are familiar with this ceremony. The the participants of the safe use of fire. Southeast Region Uniteens have started doing a Love Wash (or sometimes called an Angel Wash or Car Acknowledging our Gifts Wash) as part of the Sunday closing at retreat. A I first experienced this ceremony with Carol Gardner, former Youth of Unity chapter is invited to come on Y.O.U. Consultant SCUCA Region, and I have adapted it Sunday morning to facilitate this ceremony. according to the intention. It can be used as a way to honor Use the guidelines listed above to insure continued on p. 14 Spring 2004 Spring 2004

continued from p. 13 the sacredness of this ceremony. The intention of this ritual is to acknowledge the goodness and light in each person. Placing emphasis on the intention in the instructions before the Love Michele Senac Wash is of utmost importance. Since our retreat numbers are growing, we divided the group into smaller groups of 50 in order to facilitate focus and to stay within the allotted time. fears on paper and put them away. Later that evening, at the Play soft music and ask the group to form 2 lines, facing one campfire, they are guided through a symbolic letting go of another. A facilitator is at the their fears by releasing them start of the line and begins to the fire. This is followed There are many good resources for ritual and ceremony. each person on their walk with a prayer affirming Some that I have used are: through the line with loving Spirit’s presence and a short • Uniteen Program Guide, Part 2 (available through words. As the participant meditation about replacing Association of Unity Churches) walks through the line, words fears with faith. A time of • The Art of Ritual: A Guide to Creating and Performing of love are whispered to silence is observed, then a Your Own Rituals of Growth and Change by Renee Beck them. (Examples: “You are a sacred song is sung. and Sydney Barbara Metrick beautiful child of God,” God • Transformative Rituals: Celebrations for Personal Growth is with you every step of the If we, as adults, have any by Gay and David Williamson way,” “You are perfect just discomfort about ritual • The Thundering Years: Rituals and Sacred Wisdom for the way you are.”) Another and ceremony, let’s be Teens by Julie Tallard Johnson facilitator is at the end of willing to stretch and to the line to welcome the put our discomforts aside! participant back to the group. Teens have a deep desire The ceremony ends when everyone has had a chance to walk to experience the sacred in their lives. To provide them with in the Love Wash. It is concluded with a short time of silence, opportunities for ceremony and ritual is to connect them to then a prayer and/or song. something greater than themselves. In Unity, we believe that God is in each of us and in all aspects of our lives. Let’s give This ritual can be an affirming “send off” after the Sunday our teens the gift of ritual to help them experience that they meeting, lock-in or retreat. and their lives are sacred. Burning Bowl This is a simple ritual done at the beginning of every Uniteen Retreat. The Burning Bowl is precipitated by an activity called Looking for more “Putting Fears Away,” which comes from the Uniteen Program information about Guide, Part 2. On the first night of the retreat, the teens meet multiple intelligences, in small family groups and write down any fears that they thomasarmstrong.com the natural genius may be feeling. It is a private activity and they are not asked of every child and to share what they’ve written. They are asked to fold up their another look at ADD? Check out this website and click on multiple intelligences.

14 Uniteen and YOU 15 Spring 2004 Spring 2004 Engaging Teens in Ancient Storytelling

by Rebecca Avery International YOU/NGU/Adults of Unity Coordinator

Ancient culture is full of ritual. My favorite is the art of storytelling. you get from a story will change as the experiences of For entertainment, the young and your life grow and deepen. old would gather around the fire to hear the tales about that A few years ago I ran across the book Prayers of culture’s history. Today we the Cosmos: Meditations on the Aramaic Words of call these stories myths, Jesus by Neil Douglas-Klotz. The book takes the but to the people Lord’s Prayer along with other sayings of Jesus and these stories revealed understandings about explains the Aramaic translations with a suggestion the world, expectations for behavior, and the of a body prayer. The idea behind the body prayer foundation of belief for their religion. Each is that the words have a deeper function time they gathered, their energy and beliefs than story. The story can be felt grew and transformed the community. through the body as breath These stories became the foundation for and movement. the community’s identity. Finding identity is the central theme for adolescence. Each week For further reading, I would suggest Prayers when your teens gather, they develop the shared of the Cosmos and The Genesis Meditations: identity for that group. What stories do you A Shared Practice of Peace for Christians, share to explain the identity of your YOU or Jews, and Muslims by Neil Douglas-Klotz Uniteens group? and The Journey: A Creative Approach to the Necessary Crises of Adolescence Myth also has a way of bringing into focus and by David Oldfield. Information about offering a fresh look at problems, concerns, or The Journey can be found at: crisis through symbols, metaphors and drama. www.midwaycenter.com The Bible is a collection of stories and myths about Truth. Jesus as a master teacher taught many through story. It is no wonder then that it is through the Bible that we find our identity as Christians. To find these truths in the stories, you have to be open to receive them. Try introducing the biblical story as a letter written from God directly to each person. This helps open the door for individual interpretation. The message

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