“Pillars”

Over 30 Jubilants participated in a series of Nurture Program workshops beginning in the fall of 2007. The purpose was to provide a framework for the development of a specifically designed curriculum for the children of Jubilee! The following pillars were identified at that time.

Rituals of celebration that express:
* awe, wonder, joy, and delight in all of creation
* mindfulness, a conditioned mind, and an awareness of the ego-self
* respect for self, for others, for all creation, and for other faiths
* one’s personal experience of the spirit/sacred
*rites of passage

Universal sacred stories based on:
* the Bible – Old Testament, Jesus stories, parables made relevant to today
* spiritual leaders – Jesus, Buddha, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King
* other religions and cultures, with a focus on diversity in our community
* people of great faith (Noah, Jonah, Abram and Sarah, Gandhi)
*the earth community – Universe story, new cosmology (Berry, Swimme)

Experiential learning that involves:
* tools for the inward journey (prayer, body prayer, meditation/contemplation, and life skills such as communicating, peacekeeping, resolving conflict, and building self-esteem)
* arts as meditation and praise – including dance, drama, crafts, music, and painting
* fun, creative discovery through movement, games, and group-building activities
*love of God

Connecting with the community through:
* connecting with the earth and exploring our relationship with the earth
* fostering a sense of belonging and welcoming a stranger
* intergenerational connections with Jubilants of all ages
* adult role models of love and respect
* sharing individual strengths, talents, and gifts
* safety with freedom
* friendship with folks on the same path and other paths

Demonstrating compassion through:
* human kindness and compassion
* community service
* care of the earth
* love, acceptance, and humility
* behaving as if the God in all life matters
* responsibility; “God has no hands but yours”
* shared values and wisdom