Tapestry of Faith: Faith Like a River: A Program on Unitarian Universalist History for Adults

Opening

Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle
  • Optional: Decorative cloth

Preparation for Activity

  • Set up a worship or centering table with the chalice and (optional) decorative cloth.
  • Optional: Invite a participant in advance to act as chalice lighter or reader to make the workshop more participatory.

Description of Activity

Light the chalice with these words by spiritualist and trance lecturer Cora L. V. Scott Hatch Daniels Tappan Richmond, 1897:

Have you ever seen the sun rise on the ocean? The first gray lines tremble on the horizon. Streaks of gold and crimson slowly rise. A gray cloud moves across the path and then it turns a crimson cloud, moving across the sky. On the verge of the horizon trembles the pale morning star, and then the full bright orb Phoebus, in his golden chariot, ascends, and a flood of light spreads over the Universe. Even thus will dawn the new age of humanity, and not only slavery, but fear, darkness and death will be conquered in the light of the new morning.

Including All Participants

Remind volunteer readers to speak slowly and clearly so all can hear.