ULC Sacred Summer Adventure, Day One: The Universal Life

Objective: By the end of this lesson, the students will understand the principles of the Universal Life Church and recognize the importance of love, peace, and understanding.

Materials:

• Whiteboard or flipchart
• Markers
• Magazines, newspapers, or printed images
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Construction paper or poster board
• Art supplies (crayons, colored pencils, etc.)

Introduction:

Greet the students and introduce yourself as a facilitator of the Vacation Bible School.
Begin with a brief explanation of the Universal Life Church and its principles, emphasizing its focus on love, peace, and understanding.
Engage the students by asking them if they have heard of the Universal Life Church before and if they know anything about it.

Discussion - Love, Peace, and Understanding:

1. Write the three key principles on the whiteboard or flipchart: Love, Peace, and Understanding.
2. Start with love and have a group discussion on what love means to them. Encourage them to share examples of how they show love to others in their lives.
3. Move on to peace and ask the students to discuss what peace means to them. Talk about the importance of inner peace and peace in the world.
4. Lastly, discuss understanding and ask the students to reflect on how understanding others can create harmony and reduce conflicts.

Activity - Create a Collage or Mural:

1. Provide each student with construction paper or poster board.
2. Explain that they will be creating a collage or mural representing the Universal Life principles.
3. Distribute magazines, newspapers, or printed images and art supplies.
4. Instruct the students to cut out images or draw pictures that symbolize love, peace, and understanding. They can also write words or phrases related to these principles.
5. Encourage the students to collaborate, share materials, and help each other in creating their collages or murals.
6. Allow sufficient time for the students to complete their artwork.
7. Once everyone is finished, ask the students to present their creations and explain the elements they included.

Conclusion:

1. Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson, highlighting the importance of love, peace, and understanding in the Universal Life Church.
2. Emphasize that these principles can guide their actions and interactions with others.
3. Thank the students for their participation and enthusiasm.
4. Conclude with a prayer or moment of reflection centered around the Universal Life principles.

Note: Throughout the lesson, ensure that the content is age-appropriate and encourage students to ask questions and share their thoughts and experiences. Be mindful of any diversity within the group and foster an inclusive and respectful environment.

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