Resources for Remembering the Anniversary of 9/11
The Liturgical Commission of the Diocese of New York in 2005 developed a
In 2002, the Rev. Tobias Haller developed the following:
Thie following list of resources was compiled by Amy Cook, Diocese of Massachusetts, to whom many thanks.
- Awareness Sunday: a curriculum project of the Awareness Foundation and the Church of England to promote religious dialogue and tolerance: "The Foundation was established to help Christians make sense of their faith and culture in the 21st century, and to increase awareness of their neighbors' faiths and cultures, so that they can live in a diverse society without fear and without compromising their beliefs." This site has been changing over the past few weeks, but for liturgical resources go to the home page then look under the tab for "Resources." Though geared for English churches, the "Awareness" curriculum is available for purchase in the US.
- An Interfaith Ritual: Have clear glass bowls on the central table in a circle, one for each faith present, with a tall clear glass vase in the middle. Each shall have glass stones inside all of one color (e.g. one bowl all blue glass stones, one bowl all red glass stones, etc.) Ask a person from each faith to step forward, one at a time, and say a prayer of longing, or unity, or peace, or reconciliation that is sacred to their faith (or them), and then they shall pour their faith's glass stones into the one common tall glass vase. At the end, all the stones will be mixed, a sign of a way to live together in peace - distinct yet united, all beautiful, creating rainbow. All stand in a circle around the bowls, and say together a prayer of peace. From the MA Conference of the UCC.
Encouraging personal service and participation on September 11:
- 11 Days of Prayer: Series of daily scripture readings and prayers and meditations produced by the Presbyterian Church. In its present format it can be printed out as a handout. However, consider daily EMAILS to parishioners, or perhaps even TEXTS or TWEETS of the material. These well-written and crafted pieces have the potential to help people establish a daily practice of prayer, reading, and reflection.
- Personal Stories of Transformation from 9/11: This online, video-based curriculum, though designed for 5th - 12th graders in public schools, can be used with adults as well as youth. The stories are well-filmed and provide examples of those who made positive meaning out of the horror and tragedy of 9/11.
- Adult church school lessons on remembering 9/11 published by the Presbyterian Church. These could be used as a midweek session or on Sunday, September 11th during an education hour or after church. The first lesson helps adults examine their feelings in light of their faith around 9/11. The second lesson looks at scripture and the assurance that God is present even in the midst of disasters and pain, and examines how Christians continue to live in hope. The third possible lesson helps adults, and particularly parents, to look at talking with their children and others and to be especially mindful of vocabulary and the meanings behind words.
- Remember 9/11 by confronting Islamophobia - lessons for children and youth -- This page of resources from Teaching Tolerance (a public education project of the Southern Poverty Law Center) has lesson plans for elementary, middle and high schools concerning religious diversity in America in general, and Islam in particular. Consider using parts or all of these lessons when children and youth ask about the differences between Christianity and other religions like Islam.