Tapestry of Faith: Spirit of Life: An Adult Program on Unitarian Universalist Spirituality

Opening

Part of Spirit of Life

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Altar or centering table
  • Cloth for covering altar or centering table
  • Chalice, candle and lighter or LED battery-operated candle
  • Handout 1, Wings Set Me Free
  • Copies of the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook Singing the Living Tradition
  • Optional: Small votive candle in holder
  • Optional: Taper candle in candlestick
  • Optional: A recording of "Spirit of Life" and a music player

Preparation for Activity

  • Review and photocopy Handout 1.
  • Prepare the altar or centering table with the cloth you have brought, a chalice and candle, a votive candle, a taper candle, and matches or a lighter. If you are using an LED battery-operated candle, place it in the chalice.
  • Gather copies of Singing the Living Tradition, enough for all participants. Obtain large print and/or braille copies for participants who need them.
  • Optional: Light the votive candle in advance and place the taper nearby so that chalice lighter can use the taper to carry the flame to the chalice.
  • Optional: Arrange for musical accompaniment or set up music player.

Description of Activity

Welcome the group with these or similar words:

Welcome to this program on Unitarian Universalist spirituality. Unitarian Universalists affirm that religious truth is continually being revealed-the truth wasn't simply revealed in one time, or one place, or among one people. We are all participants in the search for truth, and thus we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. I am so glad you are here.

Distribute Handout 1. Invite a participant to light the chalice while you lead the group in reciting the unison chalice-lighting words.

Invite participants to read silently along with you as you read aloud the Unitarian Universalist Principle and Source that this workshop highlights.

Begin name sharing with these or similar words:

As we take turns speaking our names, let us pause after each name recognize silently how each person brings to our gathering his/her unique experiences and aspirations. Let us also recognize how much we learn from one another.

Invite participants to take turns saying their names clearly.

Explain that this workshop focuses on the line "wings set me free."

Invite participants to rise in body or spirit and sing "Spirit of Life" by Carolyn McDade, Hymn 123 in Singing the Living Tradition.