Nur’s Nook: On Track for Service
“Strive with all your hearts and with the very power of life that unity and love may continually increase.”
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá
High-speed passenger trains can move at 185 miles (297.7 km) per hour! A freight train can pull 100 cars, hauling thousands of tons of cargo. Whether transporting people or supplies, trains are powerful.
Like a mighty train, people working in unity can accomplish amazing things. Each of us has different strengths to contribute. Maybe you’re a talented guitar player, Mom is great at singing, and Dad is a great chef. When you work together, you can create a wonderful gathering or service project.
If you’re volunteering with family or friends, you can help keep events on the right track by sharing your ideas with honesty and courtesy. Ask for help when you need it, and show appreciation for everyone’s efforts. Check out the project below to create a train with your team that symbolizes your service!
You’ll Need: Box for engine, plus one box for each person, such as tea boxes, 5 ½" x 3" (14 x 7.6 cm) each; colorful paper; tacky glue; clear tape; scissors; box about 3" (7.6 cm) square; markers; thin corrugated cardboard; egg carton; ruler; pen; paper tube; small paper clips; small photos; bottle cap about 1" (2.5 cm) wide
Step 1: Wrap tea box with paper. Wrap small box, then glue on top.
Step 2: Trace bottle cap on cardboard to make six wheels. Cut out and glue wheels to tea box.
Step 3: Cut out an egg carton cup and glue to nose of engine. For smokestack, cut 3" (7.6 cm) section of paper tube. Cover in paper. Glue to top of engine.
Step 4: For other cars, cut top flaps off of boxes. Each person covers a car with paper and adds wheels.
Step 5: Use markers, paper, and photos to add windows, service virtues, and decorations.
Step 6: Connect train cars with three linked paper clips. Tape ends to undersides of two cars. Repeat until all cars are linked.
Step 7: On small slips of paper, ask friends and family to write service ideas and put them in the train cars. Each week, choose a slip to do together.
For a printable version, download a PDF.
Characters462 Nur142 Service283 Crafts200 Unity232 Volunteering31 Arts and Crafts201 Nur’s Nook94 Celebrate44 Teamwork127