Stewardship of Creation Curriculum


Stewardship Lessons from the ‘Good Old Days’ Jane Tuma Setting: Summer Church School , part of “Caring for the Earth Series” Learners: Multigenerational Class (Ages 3-80+) BASIC CONCEPT We can conserve the earth’s resources by simple changes in our lifestyles inspired by practices from the ‘Good Old Days.’ OBJECTIVES FOR THE SESSION By the end of the session, learners will have had the chance to: 1. Hear stories from panel of elders about ways they used to conserve resources in their childhoods, which we could also do today. 2. Try some conservation techniques, such as hanging laundry on a line, making a natural cleaning solution or mending clothes. They will have a bottle of natural cleaning solution to take home with them. BACKGROUND FOR THE TEACHER As children of God, we are stewards of the earth and should use its resources wisely, in gratitude for God’s gracious gifts. Both young and old are children of God and we can serve as inspirations to one another in being good stewards of God’s creation. Focus Scripture: Psalm 24:1 - “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.” Children often inspire their parents to take steps for a greener household. Today’s class will tap the childhood experiences of older church members for ideas to conserve resources. A panel of three or four people should be assembled. The teacher should meet with the panel prior to class to brainstorm on stories from the past to share and conservation techniques that could also be used today. Possible topics: How laundry was done (hand-wrung wash machines, washboards, outdoor clothes lines); Conserving water-sponge baths instead of daily showers, sharing bathwater, brief showers; household cleaning techniques-eg. washing windows with a vinegar/water mix, and newspaper; walking to school with a group of friends; walking to the grocery store; recycling soda bottles; mending clothing; having less “things” such as clothing, toys; making handmade toys out of recycled items. Panel members should be encouraged to bring relevant childhood pictures or other items for display. In addition to getting ideas on how to conserve resources, this multigenerational class can help to forge connections between children and adults in the church. METHODS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING YOU WILL USE: Storytelling Direct Experience Group Reflection PROCESS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING Gathering: (Prior to class start and first 5 minutes) Welcome: Welcome people as they enter, introduce people who do not know each other. Opening Prayer : Dear God, Help us to learn how to be better stewards of your earth. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Scripture Reading: Psalm 24: 1 (First read by child, the repeated by entire group) Brief reflection on meaning by Leader. Song: “For the Beauty of the Earth” (Have hymnals available) Engage: Storytelling: (15 minutes) Panel of older adults tell childhood stories of how they conserved resources in the “good old days” ( Possible topics: Laundry, Living without air conditioning, Using less water, Old fashioned cleaning supplies, fixing things, living without cars). Leader moderates panel. Experience: (15 minutes) Groups of two or three, including both children and adults visit stations that interest them. Laundry Line (Outdoors) Learners can hang damp clothing on line with clothespins and smell laundry that has been in process of drying. Sign posted with information on energy savings (5% ), money savings ($135/year) and benefits of less wear and tear on clothes. Natural cleaning : Learners can make a natural cleaning solution of vinegar and water and then clean windows with their solution and newsprint. Mending clothes : Learners can watch sock darning demonstration and learn to sew on buttons. “Good old days table”- Table with pictures of panel members in childhood, old fashioned tools, handmade toys, handkerchiefs, other examples of recycling, reusing and conserving resources to inspire learners. Respond : (5-10 minutes) Entire group reconvenes to reflect on experiences. What changes can we make in our lifestyles to better use the earth’s resources that God has entrusted to us? Blessing: (3-5 minutes) Prayer Circle (Group forms a circle and joins hands. Anyone who is inspired may offer prayer-Leader closes with Lord’s Prayer) ROOM SET UP Consider holding entire class outside, if church facilities and weather permit. If not, class should be conducted in large room, with chairs in a semicircle. Both large and small chairs will be needed since it is a multigenerational class. Chairs for panel members will face semi-circle. Set up outdoor laundry line if possible. If not, set up line inside room. Three tables set up in different areas for experiential learning. Table to display photos and examples of renewable resources from past, such as dolls made from old clothing, handkerchiefs, mended clothes. Table to mix cleaning solution, near windows in room, where participants can test solution they made and clean windows with solution and a wad of newspaper. Learners may take home bottle filled with solution. This would ideally be in church kitchen if available and nearby, but also can be done at table in room. If cleaning windows at church is not possible learners can try this out at home. Table with sewing supplies, sock darning, buttons, threads, needles. RESOURCES 3-6 Volunteers to be on panel/or to supervise stations. Large and small chairs 3 tables Bible Hymnals Clothesline Clothespins Sign for clothes lines showing cost/energy savings (5%/ $135) Damp laundry (use washer at church if available; otherwise do not complete spin cycle so it remains damp; if outdoor line is available hang some before class starts) Sign with cleaning solution recipe (“Half Water/ Half Vinegar”) Vinegar (Quantity depends on estimated number of participants) Plastic pitchers filled with tap water Recycled plastic squirt bottles, clean, labels removed. (Windex, 401-K, etc) Plastic funnels, measuring cups Recycled newspaper Buttons Needles Darning equipment Fabric/clothing needing mending Items for “Good Old Days” table-photos, handmade toys, handkerchiefs, etc. Leader’s Guide This class is intended to help learners consider simple lifestyle changes to help us be better stewards of God’s earth. Reflect on the scriptural focus Psalm 24: 1. Our motivation for tending the earth and conserving resources is not merely to be good citizens but to respond with gratitude and care to the responsibilities God has bestowed on us, adults and children alike. As a multigenerational class, it is important to create a learning community that honors participants of all ages. One Month Before Class : Pray for discernment to select three or four “experts” from among the older adults in the congregation. Invite them at least a month in advance and hold a planning meeting at least two weeks in advance. Individuals might initially be reluctant, thinking they have little to offer, and may need encouragement. Assure them they will only be speaking for a few minutes. Three weeks Before Class : Solicit donations of clean recycled plastic squirt bottles from church members, neighbors, etc. Check to see if church will allow laundry line to be set up outside and if washing machine at church can be used. Two Weeks before Class: Hold planning meeting with volunteers to decide on stories and any items volunteers will bring for “Good Old Days Table.” In the planning meeting discuss childhood stories (See list of possible topics above in “Background for Teacher”). Feel free to adjust curriculum according to the circumstances of your congregation and the experiences of your members. For example, if everyone lives in apartments with no space for outdoor laundry lines, indoor clotheslines and use of radiator heat during the winter to dry clothes can be explored. Your panelists may have other ideas that will work for your group. After the planning meeting you and the panelists should have list of stories that will be shared and an order in which each person will speak. Determine if additional volunteers will be needed to supervise tables and invite as needed. If possible have the volunteer for each table set up the station and bring what is needed. Leader : Bible, Hymnals Clothelines Station : Clothesline, clothespins, damp laundry Cleaning Solution Station : Gallons of vinegar, pitchers of tap water, recycled squirt bottles, newpaper, funnels, measuring cups. Solution is 50% vinegar, 50% water. Mending station : Buttons, needles, thread, fabric, clothes needed buttons sewn on, darning equipment for demo. Week of Class : Remind panelists and volunteers by email or phone of what they are doing and bringing. Day of Class : Leader and volunteers arrive early to set up room. Have cups and water available for panelist. Put some laundry out to dry early. Gathering : Welcome people as they enter and introduce those who do not already know each other. Ask for an older child to volunteer to read Scripture, so that both adults and children serve in leadership roles. Engage: Panel : Introduce each panelist. Use questions to keep stories on track. Stay mindful of time since this is only a 15 minute segment, so that all panelists will have opportunity to share. Stations: Have learners form groups of two or three with adults and children in every group if possible. Groups are free to explore the stations as they wish or to reminisce with panelists at memorabilia table. Leader needs to keep eye on time because this again is only a fifteen minute segment. Issue a five minute warning, after 10 minutes so that there is time to reflect. Clothesline station : Learners may practice hanging clothes and smell the laundry that has already been drying. Cleaning Solution Station : Learners mix 50% water and 50% vinegar in recycled squirt bottles and can take home for use. Adult supervision needed at all times. If windows are available, newspaper can be wadded up and used with solution to clean windows. Mending Station: Expert can demonstrate how to mend socks. Learners can try sewing on buttons. Adult s must closely supervise use of needles. Reflection: As group reconvenes, encourage both adults and children to reflect on question: “What changes can we make in our lifestyles to better use the earth’s resources that God has entrusted to us?” Closing Prayer : Encourage both children and adults to offer prayer in prayer circle.

Stewardship Lessons from the ‘Good Old Days’
Jane Tuma

Setting: Summer Church School , part of “Caring for the Earth Series”

Learners: Multigenerational Class (Ages 3-80+)

BASIC CONCEPT
We can conserve the earth’s resources by simple changes in our lifestyles inspired by practices from the ‘Good Old Days.’

OBJECTIVES FOR THE SESSION
By the end of the session, learners will have had the chance to:

1. Hear stories from panel of elders about ways they used to conserve resources in their childhoods, which we could also do today.

2. Try some conservation techniques, such as hanging laundry on a line, making a natural cleaning solution or mending clothes. They will have a bottle of natural cleaning solution to take home with them.

BACKGROUND FOR THE TEACHER
As children of God, we are stewards of the earth and should use its resources wisely, in gratitude for God’s gracious gifts. Both young and old are children of God and we can serve as inspirations to one another in being good stewards of God’s creation.

Focus Scripture: Psalm 24:1 - “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.”

Children often inspire their parents to take steps for a greener household. Today’s class will tap the childhood experiences of older church members for ideas to conserve resources. A panel of three or four people should be assembled. The teacher should meet with the panel prior to class to brainstorm on stories from the past to share and conservation techniques that could also be used today. Possible topics: How laundry was done (hand-wrung wash machines, washboards, outdoor clothes lines); Conserving water-sponge baths instead of daily showers, sharing bathwater, brief showers; household cleaning techniques-eg. washing windows with a vinegar/water mix, and newspaper; walking to school with a group of friends; walking to the grocery store; recycling soda bottles; mending clothing; having less “things” such as clothing, toys; making handmade toys out of recycled items. Panel members should be encouraged to bring relevant childhood pictures or other items for display.

In addition to getting ideas on how to conserve resources, this multigenerational class can help to forge connections between children and adults in the church.

METHODS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING YOU WILL USE:

Storytelling

Direct Experience

Group Reflection

PROCESS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

Gathering: (Prior to class start and first 5 minutes)

Welcome: Welcome people as they enter, introduce people who do not know each other.

Opening Prayer : Dear God, Help us to learn how to be better stewards of your earth. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 24: 1 (First read by child, the repeated by entire group) Brief reflection on meaning by Leader.

Song: “For the Beauty of the Earth” (Have hymnals available)

Engage:

Storytelling: (15 minutes)

Panel of older adults tell childhood stories of how they conserved resources in the “good old days” ( Possible topics: Laundry, Living without air conditioning, Using less water, Old fashioned cleaning supplies, fixing things, living without cars). Leader moderates panel.

Experience: (15 minutes)

Groups of two or three, including both children and adults visit stations that interest them.

Laundry Line (Outdoors) Learners can hang damp clothing on line with clothespins and smell laundry that has been in process of drying. Sign posted with information on energy savings (5% ), money savings ($135/year) and benefits of less wear and tear on clothes.

Natural cleaning : Learners can make a natural cleaning solution of vinegar and water and then clean windows with their solution and newsprint.

Mending clothes : Learners can watch sock darning demonstration and learn to sew on buttons.

“Good old days table”- Table with pictures of panel members in childhood, old fashioned tools, handmade toys, handkerchiefs, other examples of recycling, reusing and conserving resources to inspire learners.

Respond : (5-10 minutes)

Entire group reconvenes to reflect on experiences. What changes can we make in our lifestyles to better use the earth’s resources that God has entrusted to us?

Blessing: (3-5 minutes)

Prayer Circle (Group forms a circle and joins hands. Anyone who is inspired may offer prayer-Leader closes with Lord’s Prayer)

ROOM SET UP

Consider holding entire class outside, if church facilities and weather permit. If not, class should be conducted in large room, with chairs in a semicircle. Both large and small chairs will be needed since it is a multigenerational class. Chairs for panel members will face semi-circle.

Set up outdoor laundry line if possible. If not, set up line inside room.

Three tables set up in different areas for experiential learning.

Table to display photos and examples of renewable resources from past, such as dolls made from old clothing, handkerchiefs, mended clothes.

Table to mix cleaning solution, near windows in room, where participants can test solution they made and clean windows with solution and a wad of newspaper. Learners may take home bottle filled with solution. This would ideally be in church kitchen if available and nearby, but also can be done at table in room. If cleaning windows at church is not possible learners can try this out at home.

Table with sewing supplies, sock darning, buttons, threads, needles.

RESOURCES

3-6 Volunteers to be on panel/or to supervise stations.

Large and small chairs

3 tables

Bible

Hymnals

Clothesline

Clothespins

Sign for clothes lines showing cost/energy savings (5%/ $135)

Damp laundry (use washer at church if available; otherwise do not complete spin cycle so it remains damp; if outdoor line is available hang some before class starts)

Sign with cleaning solution recipe (“Half Water/ Half Vinegar”)

Vinegar (Quantity depends on estimated number of participants)

Plastic pitchers filled with tap water

Recycled plastic squirt bottles, clean, labels removed. (Windex, 401-K, etc)

Plastic funnels, measuring cups

Recycled newspaper

Buttons

Needles

Darning equipment

Fabric/clothing needing mending

Items for “Good Old Days” table-photos, handmade toys, handkerchiefs, etc.

Leader’s Guide

This class is intended to help learners consider simple lifestyle changes to help us be better stewards of God’s earth. Reflect on the scriptural focus Psalm 24: 1. Our motivation for tending the earth and conserving resources is not merely to be good citizens but to respond with gratitude and care to the responsibilities God has bestowed on us, adults and children alike. As a multigenerational class, it is important to create a learning community that honors participants of all ages.

One Month Before Class : Pray for discernment to select three or four “experts” from among the older adults in the congregation. Invite them at least a month in advance and hold a planning meeting at least two weeks in advance. Individuals might initially be reluctant, thinking they have little to offer, and may need encouragement. Assure them they will only be speaking for a few minutes.

Three weeks Before Class : Solicit donations of clean recycled plastic squirt bottles from church members, neighbors, etc. Check to see if church will allow laundry line to be set up outside and if washing machine at church can be used.

Two Weeks before Class: Hold planning meeting with volunteers to decide on stories and any items volunteers will bring for “Good Old Days Table.” In the planning meeting discuss childhood stories (See list of possible topics above in “Background for Teacher”). Feel free to adjust curriculum according to the circumstances of your congregation and the experiences of your members. For example, if everyone lives in apartments with no space for outdoor laundry lines, indoor clotheslines and use of radiator heat during the winter to dry clothes can be explored. Your panelists may have other ideas that will work for your group. After the planning meeting you and the panelists should have list of stories that will be shared and an order in which each person will speak. Determine if additional volunteers will be needed to supervise tables and invite as needed. If possible have the volunteer for each table set up the station and bring what is needed.

Leader : Bible, Hymnals

Clothelines Station : Clothesline, clothespins, damp laundry

Cleaning Solution Station : Gallons of vinegar, pitchers of tap water, recycled squirt bottles, newpaper, funnels, measuring cups. Solution is 50% vinegar, 50% water.

Mending station : Buttons, needles, thread, fabric, clothes needed buttons sewn on, darning equipment for demo.

Week of Class : Remind panelists and volunteers by email or phone of what they are doing and bringing.

Day of Class : Leader and volunteers arrive early to set up room. Have cups and water available for panelist. Put some laundry out to dry early.

Gathering : Welcome people as they enter and introduce those who do not already know each other. Ask for an older child to volunteer to read Scripture, so that both adults and children serve in leadership roles.

Engage:

Panel : Introduce each panelist. Use questions to keep stories on track. Stay mindful of time since this is only a 15 minute segment, so that all panelists will have opportunity to share.

Stations: Have learners form groups of two or three with adults and children in every group if possible. Groups are free to explore the stations as they wish or to reminisce with panelists at memorabilia table. Leader needs to keep eye on time because this again is only a fifteen minute segment. Issue a five minute warning, after 10 minutes so that there is time to reflect.

Clothesline station : Learners may practice hanging clothes and smell the laundry that has already been drying.

Cleaning Solution Station : Learners mix 50% water and 50% vinegar in recycled squirt bottles and can take home for use. Adult supervision needed at all times. If windows are available, newspaper can be wadded up and used with solution to clean windows.

Mending Station: Expert can demonstrate how to mend socks. Learners can try sewing on buttons. Adult s must closely supervise use of needles.

Reflection: As group reconvenes, encourage both adults and children to reflect on question:

“What changes can we make in our lifestyles to better use the earth’s resources that God has entrusted to us?”

Closing Prayer : Encourage both children and adults to offer prayer in prayer circle.