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
Last updated on Thursday, November 6, 2008.
