Pinterest Pick Thursday

It's Pinterest Pick Thursday again!  This is the time each week that I highlight a pinterest activity for you to do at home to help support your child's faith formation (or, if you like, belief / spiritual formation).  Remember, faith formation is comprised of 4 areas:

• Content (Curriculum)
• Community (Relationships and Group Identity)
• Covenant (How we choose to be with one another)
• Context / Calling (Who we are in our community)

With school beginning all across the tri-state, chaos may be descending on your household.  Adjusting to new routines and new demands can be challenging.  It is very easy for those of us (parents and children) who may be predisposed to anxiety (like me) to become stressed and overwhelmed.  So, this week's Pinterest Pick was chosen with that in mind.  This Pinterest Pick is brought to you by the idea that, while we aren't always able to change our situation, we are always able to change the way we react to it.  Enjoy!

Pinterest Pick of the Week:

Family Altar

Faith Formation Component:

Covenant

Time for Activity:

1 - 2 hours initial set up

0.25 hours each day, ongoing

Recommended Age:

All Ages

Materials:

A chalice, a clean surface, and one sentimental item per family member

Additional optional material - A blank notebook with writing utensil, a piece of nature, incense, additional candles, stones, family picture, UU coloring pages, other religious symbols, etc.

This picture shows the home altar of a Catholic.  Notice the religious
symbols - Marry, Jesus and several crosses - are displayed along with a bible.

Activities:

Initial Set Up - Send your family one a scavenger hunt, have each member find one item in the house they find 'sacred.' - this could be a plant, a family picture, a stature that represents some sort of abstract concept, anything.  Now, as a family dig out those old keep sake boxes.  Rummage through the years of old family photos, vacation keepsakes, and memories.  Reminisce, share stories, wonder, then choose a few items to go on your families altar.

Next, clear a small surface in your household.  This could be a small table or bookshelf in a corner or in a closet, the fireplace mantel, a floating bookshelf, or the back of the piano.  It doesn't matter, just make sure it is central and all members of the household have access to it.  Then, gather around the newly cleaned off surface, and construct your family altar.  Invite each member of your family to share why they chose the 'sacred' object that they chose.  What meaning does it have to them?

Finally, explain that the purpose of the altar - it is a place for the family to collect their thoughts, remind them of what is important in life, and re-energize every day.  If you wish, hold your first family worship.

This picture shows a home altar of another world religion.  You'll notice this
home altar contains many pictures, candles, as well as a place to sit and meditate.

Day to day use -  There are three instances in which I would suggest using your family altar.  They are...

• At the beginning of the day - With the intention of starting the day off on a positive note, it might be worth trying to start your families day at the family altar.  Read an inspiring quote.  Discuss how each person is feeling about the day ahead.  Stretch or do yoga together.
• At Night - You can also use your family altar as a place where each person can reflect about their day.  Use a journal to keep track of people you wish to hold in your hearts and thoughts.  Or, simply reflect on these questions: "What am I thankful for today? What am I sorry about?  What am I hopeful for?"
• During Chaos - You may find your family altar serves its purpose best when it is used during times of stress and chaos.  Gather the family and review the objects placed on your family altar - remind yourself what meaning lies within these objects.

Just like at church, it might be useful to have a standard opening and closing.  Both can put you and your family in the correct frame of mind for what is about to happen next (whether that is time at the altar, or time in the real world).  A few other rituals you might want to consider:

• Regularly change out the 'sacred' objects on the altar.  At each worship, hold these objects in your hands and reflect on their meanings.
• Use incense to trigger mood or memory.  Loose yourself in the experience.
• Draw circles in sand or in a notebook.  Or, run a piece of cloth between your fingers.  Do what you can to occupy your hands so that your mind can wander.
• Listen to calming music in the background in an attempt to clear your mind and set the right mood.
• Sing a meaningful song.

Original Sources: Inspiration and pictures provided by Catholic Icing and Oregon Live.

Wishing you well,

- Ms. Meredith