• Chalice candle or LED/battery-operated candle
• Lighter or matches
• Labyrinth
• Basket of name stones
• Newsprint, markers, and tape

• Write the chalice-lighting words on newsprint, and post.
• Memorize the chalice-lighting words so you can make eye contact with participants while you say them.
• Spread the labyrinth on the floor with the chalice in the center.
• Place the basket of stones on top of the labyrinth.

As children enter, invite them to retrieve their name stones from the basket and join you at the labyrinth.

Be aware of guests or newcomers. Always have extra stones so you can offer the new people a chance to be part of the ritual.

When all are seated, light the chalice and recite these opening words. Invite everyone to recite with you:

We are Unitarian Universalists,

with minds that think,

hearts that love,

and hands that are ready to serve.

In these words or your own, say:

This labyrinth reminds us that we are taking a journey together. Every session is yet another portion of that journey. Each time we meet, everyone will be asked to place his or her stone within the labyrinth. Each stone is a symbol of us as fellow members of this Creating Home community.

Please say your name and share any joys or concerns you have had since we last met. Joys are the things that make you feel happy and concerns are worries. Sharing our joys and concerns with each other is a tradition in our faith community.

Allow children, one at a time, to step onto the labyrinth, speak their joys and concerns, place their stones, and return to the circle. Thank each participant.

Ask the children how it feels to gather around a common place, as they are doing together now in Creating Home. Ask if they ever gather at a place at home. If no answers are forthcoming, ask specifically about in the kitchen, around a table where people eat together, or even in front of a television. Tell the children that in today's session, they will talk about gathering around a place in a family home.

Extinguish the chalice.