Sample Chalice Lightings

Worship begins with the lighting of the chalice and the recitation of opening words. This simple ritual, a combination of gesture and word, evokes within us a spirit of reverence, shared community, and hope.

"Glory be to the earth and the wind.
Glory be to the sun and the rain.

"Glory be to animals and children
and women and men.

"Glory be to our holy flame
 which calls us together as one."
—Bettye A. Doty

"Come into the circle of love and justice.
Come into the community of mercy, holiness, and health.
Come and you shall know peace and joy."
—Israel Zangwill, adapted

"Life is a gift for which we are grateful.
We gather in community to celebrate the glories and the mysteries of this great gift."
—Marjorie Montgomery

"May the light of this chalice give light and warmth to our family,
On good days and bad, happy and sad,
And may we feel the warmth spread from our family circle
to wider and wider circles,
Until we feel our family part of the one circle
of life."
—Betsy Darr