Backyard to the Universe
Small Group Ministries
Justice = Rights and Responsibilities
AFFIRMATIONS: Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; and
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
We are fair and kind to others. We help to make the world a better place for everyone.
Opening Words/Lighting Candle/chalice
Many Unitarian Universalist parents are involved in numerous ways with significant social justice projects and issues, yet often their children are not involved with them or even aware of their parents participation. We need to make connections between our faith and our actions, to share with our children why we do what we do. As parents, we are key to our children's religious growth. The way we model, acting on our faith within the family, and the issues we raise are crucial to whether our children will feel that they, too, can act on their faith. (Parents As Social Justice Educators, p. l)
Check-in:How are things going for you today?
Topic/Activity:
It’s NOT fair!!!!!!!
When was the last time you said or thought those words? What was the situation?
When was the last time you heard a child say those words? What was your response?
Justice has balancing parts: rights and responsibility.
What rights do we have as adults? As parents? What rights do children have?
How do we treat each other so that everyone's rights are respected?
What responsibilities do we have as parents?
What responsibilities can we expected children to assume?
Do the rights and responsibilities of parents and of children change as children grow?
How can rights and responsibilities be applied to spiritual journeys?
Closing Words:
The following is inspired by "On Children" in The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
Our children are not ours alone. They are the sons and daughters of our heritage. They come through us and live with us, but, much as we give them, they are not ours to claim.
We give them experiences to shape their thoughts. We share from our past and our present,
But their future we cannot envision or visit. We can walk with them, but they move beyond us.
We ask them to think for themselves. We cannot stop them from thinking thoughts different from ours.
This they will do in response to our love, respect—and space. Helen Zidowecki
Likes and Wishes: How was the session for you?
Zidowecki, January 2006