These resources support parents as they live out and engage our themes with their children. Playing off our monthly theme question of “What does it mean to be a people of Sanctuary?”, we invite parents to ask “What does it mean to be a parent of Sanctuary” or “What does it mean to be a family of Sanctuary?”
Each month we will provide a list of table topics which are questions based on the monthly theme that will open up discussion during meal times, family time or just time of contemplation. The first dozen questions are at a higher level but most can be re-framed for younger children. The last half dozen or so questions are framed to be more kid friendly. You can find the
Sanctuary Table Topics here
. Print them out and have them available or cut the questions into strips and place them in a table topic jar.
Books
by Philemon Sturges (Author), Giles LaRoche (Illustrator
)
“Describes various types of space which are sacred to the five major world religions, including churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other shrines.”
- Amazon.
by Wendy Marloe (Author), Joanna Chen (Author)
“What's your special place? Inspired by the notion that all people have a special place, Sanctuary explores the possibilities of what this place--big or small, public or private, indoors or out--might be. Drawn sometimes from a child's perspective, and sometimes from an adult point of view, the illustrations suggest the variety of spaces that may give comfort, protection, inspiration, or peace.”
- Amazon.
Music
Carrie Newcomer - Sanctuary
Sanctuary (feat. Charles Esten & Lennon & Maisy) by Nashville Cast
Projects and Activities
House Memories and Sanctuaries
Materials: Drawing paper, colored pencils
Distribute the art supplies. Ask everyone to draw the floor plan of a house they lived in before they were ten years old. Have them label each room to the best of their memories. Then ask the group to share individually or in pairs about the memories associated with each room, especially their own.
Variation: Ask everyone to create a Sanctuary of the ideal room for themselves. Encourage them to add as much detail as possible and incorporate childhood fantasy. Share the designs and reasons behind their choices.
UU Prayers and Meditations
From Tapestry of Faith, Signs of Our Faith, Seeking Knowledge
Video
PBS - Cathedral- David Macaulay (1 hr.)
“Author David Macaulay hosts CATHEDRAL, based on his award-winning book. Using a combination of spectacular location sequences and cinema-quality animation, the program surveys France's most famous churches. Travel back to 1214 to explore the design of Notre Dame de Beaulieu, a representative Gothic cathedral. The program tells period tales revealing fascinating stories of life and death, faith and despair, prosperity, and intrigue.” - YouTube
The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Disney, G (recommended for 8+)
“Disney's recreation of Victor Hugo's novel is rich in visual and musical sensation. But deeper beneath the rich production lie questions about normalcy, how sanctuary confines us as well as protects us, and what punishment is.” - Common Sense Media Review
Be aware that this movie is not appropriate for young children.
Articles
One of the lenses for the theme of sanctuary is as a place of worship. What are secular and humanist parents to do when sanctuary has overtones of Christianity?
“Sacred places are where we meet something beyond ourselves. They are not always conventionally religious places…” - from the article
