Learn about Ourselves, Others & Mystery
Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote the acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
Yellow: Learn about Ourselves, Others, and Mystery (Flame)
Adults
Activities for Throughout the Week
Exploring Spiritual Practices - print out the handout and then follow the instructions at the bottom of the page.
Watch the video above, Be a Mr. Jensen
Reflection
For all
How does Mr. Jensen demonstrate our 3rd Principle?
Can you think of a time when someone helped you find your talent or gift? Can you think of a time when someone accepted you for who you are? A time when you accepted someone for who they are?
Reflection
For middle- and high school youth
The video of Mr. Jensen illustrates what it means to really accept and encourage another person. Lots of other people had responded to the boy in ways that weren’t accepting or encouraging. Mr. Jensen’s response made a big difference in the his life.
Some of us get in trouble a lot. We get a lot of negative feedback from teachers, or from other kids, or maybe from both. And all of us get negative feedback sometimes, from teachers, or from other kids, or both. In your journal or on a piece of paper, take a couple of minutes to write down one or two things that you’ve gotten in trouble for more than once. Most of us have certain behaviors that we tend to get negative feedback on, that come up repeatedly. Write down, also, how you feel about how people respond to you when you behave that way.
Do you have a trusted friend or family member you could talk with about your feelings? If so, consider showing them this video and then sharing your own story. If not, consider reaching out for support from a minister or staff person at church or at school. Email them a link to this video and let them know you'd like to talk. You deserve a Mr. Jensen, too.
Choose some Stories to Share There are many children's stories and wisdom tales that show that when we accept and encourage one another, we grow brighter and wiser. Below are a few for families. After sharing the story, discuss how the story demonstrates our third principle.
For high school youth and adults
Watch The Water of Community - begin at 9:52
After watching The Water of Community consider:
What originally brought you to church? What has kept you connected and engaged with church?
Are you more of an egg, a potato, or coffee?
How have you been changed by your church community?
Have you shared the story of your spiritual and religious journey with your family? if not, are you willing to talk about it with them, and to invite them to share their stories with you?
For parents and caregivers:
Why did you choose this religious community for your family? How do you hope it will help your child develop? Have you told your child why/how you chose this community for them?
Sometimes, as our children grow, we fail to notice that their capacity for understanding and benefitting from hearing our stories has changed. Is there more you could share at this point, to help your child deepen their understanding of the power and potential of religious community?
from A Pocketful of Principles by Lauren Wyeth