Opening (5 minutes)
Materials for Activity
- Altar or centering table
- Cloth for covering altar or centering table
- Chalice and candle
- Small votive candle in holder
- Taper candle in candlestick
- Matches or lighter
- Copies of Handout 1: Wings Set Me Free for all participants
Preparation for Activity
- Review and photocopy Handout 1: Wings Set Me Free.
- 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.
- Light the votive candle in advance for a smooth chalice-lighting. During the workshop opening, a volunteer will use the taper candle to carry the flame from the votive to the chalice.
Description of Activity
Distribute Handout 1: Wings Set Me Free. Indicate the unison chalice-lighting words on the handout.Invite a participant to light the chalice. Show the participant how to use the taper candle to carry the flame from the votive candle to the chalice candle. Ask him/her to blow out the taper candle after he/she has lit the chalice.
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.
Lead the group in reciting the unison chalice-lighting words as the participant kindles the flame.
Invite participants to read silently along with you as you read aloud the Unitarian Universalist Principle and Source that this workshop highlights.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
