Girls lighting a chalice at the General Assembly Opening Ceremony.

About the Chalice

A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot), represents the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and is a symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith. Read more about the history and symbolism of the flaming chalice.

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  • The flame of our chalice this morning is a symbol of the warmth and brightness of our connections. The flame lights our way back together again From our separate summer lives, and it lights our way forward Into this new church year of promise and renewal.
    Chalice Lighting | By Janet Parsons | February 18, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Caring, Commitment, Community, Connections, Discernment, Faith, Friendship, Growth, Homecoming / Ingathering, Hope, Unitarian Universalism, Unity
  • "Why a flaming chalice?” the question comes. It’s the cup of life, we answer. A cup of blessings overflowing. A cup of water to quench our spirits’ thirst. A cup of wine for celebration and dedication. The flame of truth. The fire of purification. Oil for anointing, healing. Out of chaos,...
    Chalice Lighting | By Lisa Doege | January 22, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Anger, Anti-Oppression, Beliefs & Principles, Brokenness, Courage, Disaster or Crisis, Healing, Oppression, Solidarity, Sorrow, Tradition, Truth
  • This light we kindle is set in the lamp of our history. We inherit this free faith from the brave and gentle, fierce and outspoken hearts and minds that have come before us. Let us be worthy inheritors of this faith and through our good works, pass it boldly to a new generation.
    Chalice Lighting | By Audette Fulbright Fulson | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), 6th Principle (World Community), Generations, History, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Purpose, Unitarian Universalism, Giving & Generosity
  • In these hard times, let us look first to the response of love. In the midst of challenge, may our chalice flame bear witness to the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. In the midst of uncertainty, may our chalice be a beacon of encouragement, that our values may guide our choices....
    Chalice Lighting | By Maureen Killoran | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Challenge, Choice, Courage, Dignity, Integrity, Love, Reverence, Searching, Unitarian Universalism, Vision, Worth
  • We kindle this flame as a symbol of the light we would keep glowing in our lives: of appreciation for those who differ, loving kindness for those who suffer, esteem for all who remind us of our heritage and calling as agents of the Most High.
    Chalice Lighting | By Philip Randall Giles | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Calling, Kindness, Purpose, Sacred, Searching, Unitarian Universalism
  • Let this purest of flames kindle in each of our hearts A pledge to justice, a commitment to freedom, And a reverent awe for the crystalline glories That sparkle along our footpaths...
    Chalice Lighting | By Martha Kirby Capo | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Freedom, Justice
  • Each of the stars in the heavens is unique, an individual, yet together they form the night sky; Each of us here is unique, an individual, yet together we are a congregation; Each of our congregations is unique, an individual, yet together we are an Association....
    Chalice Lighting | By Erik Walker Wikstrom | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Awe, Caring, Connections, Diversity, Gratitude, Identity, Individualism, Nature, Purpose, Relationships
  • Through the week this chalice abides, cupped and silent, Softly it gleams in a dimly lit room, complete unto itself. Today, we come together as a community of faith, joyful and free, Our individual energies combine to spark the flame of Truth....
    Chalice Lighting | By Martha Kirby Capo | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), Commitment, Community, Faith, Justice, Living Our Faith, Meaning, Presence, Reverence, Tradition, Truth
  • We light this chalice for all who are here, and all who are not; For all who have ever walked through our doors, for those who may yet find this spiritual home, and for those we can't even yet imagine. For each of us and for us all, may this flame burn warm and bright.
    Chalice Lighting | By Erik Walker Wikstrom | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), Acceptance, Caring, Community, Generosity, Hospitality, Inclusion, Journey, Unity
  • For some, the chalice cup is a communion cup, freely offered to all who would seek the greater Truth. Others see the circle of fellowship in its embracing sides....
    Chalice Lighting | By Martha Kirby Capo | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Abundance, Acceptance, Challenge, Community, Compassion, Inclusion, Love, Multiculturalism, Sacred, Unitarian Universalism, Wisdom
  • As we light the chalice and fully embrace the sacred space created here this morning, please hold in your hearts the Unitarian Universalist principle which calls upon us to respect the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part....
    Chalice Lighting | By Viola Abbitt | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Community, Compassion, Connections, Death, Earth, Gratitude, History, Interdependence, Sacred, Strength, Unitarian Universalism
  • Advent, adventus, means waiting. And the holiday season is nothing if not waiting—to get done the chores; to find the right gift; to find time for quiet moments; to accept that our loved ones will not be as we wish them to be....
    Chalice Lighting | By David Breeden | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Advent, Christianity, Christmas Eve / Christmas, Forgiveness, Generosity, Hope, Justice, Love, Patience, Peace, Strength, Winter, Wisdom
  • May this flame, symbol of transformation since time began, fire our curiosity, strengthen our wills, and sustain our courage as we seek what is good within and around us.
    Chalice Lighting | By Bets Wienecke | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Community, Compassion, Courage, Faith, Freedom, Good, Searching, Strength, Transformation, Unitarian Universalism, Wonder
  • May the light of truth illumine our minds, May the spark of love set our hearts on fire, May the flame of freedom burn brightly within us, Now and always.
    Chalice Lighting | By Richard M Fewkes | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Activism, Commitment, Compassion, Ethics, Freedom, Justice, Love, Tradition, Truth, Unitarian Universalism
  • May God—the mind that sees our faults, the tears that sting our wounds, the laugh that soothes our aches, and the love that redeems us all—be illuminated by the light we kindle in this house of faith.
    Chalice Lighting | By Max A Coots | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Balance, Brokenness, Caring, Compassion, Despair, Faith, Forgiveness, God, Grace, Healing
  • Many of the past generation and many of today have found three abiding values in prayer: the quiet meditation on life, the reaching out toward the universal and the infinite, and the courageous facing of one's profoundest wishes....
    Chalice Lighting | By Sophia Lyon Fahs | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Awe, Beginnings, Children, Courage, Empathy, Generations, Journey, Mystery, Progress
  • Long ago the chalice of communion wine was set apart for priests alone. We would have all share in the bounty of the earth: wind and milk, bread and meat, that none may go hungry. Long ago those who spoke their minds freely were put to death by fire. We would use fire to warm all bodies and light...
    Chalice Lighting | By Maryell Cleary | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Abundance, Body, Caring, Freedom, History, Inclusion, Interdependence, Living Our Faith, Love, Stewardship, Unitarian Universalism
  • "Let there be light!" Let it shine in dark places, in moments of pain, in times of grief, in the darkness of hatred, violence, oppression, where there is discouragement and despair. Wherever darkness is to be put to flight, "Let there be light!"...
    Chalice Lighting | By Gordon B McKeeman | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), Balance, Christianity, Compassion, Despair, Grief, Healing, Hope, Oppression, Pain, Sorrow, Unitarian Universalism, Violence
  • In this small flame dwell: the beacon light of lanterns guiding travelers home; the warmth of hearth fires tended through the generations; the transforming energy of furnaces and the power and life of our sun. May these blessings -- warmth and light and life-giving energy -- be kindled in each of...
    Chalice Lighting | By Jean L Wahlstrom | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Acceptance, Community, Family, Friendship, Generations, Home, Journey, Love, Power, Transformation, Winter Solstice / Yule
  • In the mystery of life about us there is light. It gives us a place to be, to grow, to rejoice together. It opens the pathways to love. In this place of friendship there is freedom. Let the light we kindle go before us, Strong in hope, wide in good will, Inviting the day to come.
    Chalice Lighting | By George Kimmich Beach | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Community, Connections, Friendship, Good, Growth, Hope, Journey, Joy, Love, Mystery, Unitarian Universalism
  • In memory of all the flames that didn't die— in the midst of darkness, in spite of the darkness, we light this flame today. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." (John 1:5 NRSV)...
    Chalice Lighting | By Amarette Callaway | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Christianity, Commitment, Courage, Dignity, History, Hope, Journey, Meaning, Power, Service, Strength
  • For the gift of this day and for our community of spiritual nurture and compassion, we give thanks. We light this chalice as a symbol of our faith. May our many sparks meet and merge in communion of heart and soul.
    Chalice Lighting | By Bruce Southworth | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Caring, Commitment, Community, Compassion, Faith, Gratitude, Growth, Hope, Presence, Reverence
  • We light this chalice for the web of life which sustains us, For the sacred circle of life in which we have our being, For the Earth, the Sky, Above and Below, and For our Mother Earth, and for the Mystery.
    Chalice Lighting | By Paul Sprecher | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Connections, Earth, Earth-Centered, Generations, Interdependence, Mystery, Nature, Paganism, Power, Relationships, Reverence, Sacred
  • We light this chalice in memory of the courage of those who have struggled for freedom, the persistence of those who've struggled for justice, and the love of those who've built beloved communities to carry on the light of hope.
    Chalice Lighting | By Paul Sprecher | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Commitment, Community, Compassion, Courage, Empathy, Equity, Freedom, Hope, Human Rights, Justice
  • We light this chalice to honor the teachings of Jesus, The love of neighbor and of God, The command to care for the least of these, and The Kingdom of Heaven, the Beloved Community, Which he proclaimed.
    Chalice Lighting | By Paul Sprecher | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Christianity, Community
  • We light this chalice to kindle the fire of commitment to spread our beloved faith, proclaim the Good News that all are worthy and all are welcome, that God is Love and none shall be left behind. May we carry this flame to all we encounter, letting our lives shine with its glow.
    Chalice Lighting | By Paul Sprecher | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Acceptance, Commitment, Community, Faith, Generosity, Hospitality, Inclusion, Kindness, Living Our Faith, Love, Universalism
  • We light this chalice to honor the memory of those who have come before us, kindling flames of wisdom in dark times, willing to challenge orthodoxy even at great personal risk, giving us a legacy of freedom and a love of truth, A legacy that warms our hearts and lights our paths.
    Chalice Lighting | By Paul Sprecher | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Challenge, Commitment, Courage, Freedom, Generations, History, Journey, Love, Truth, Wisdom
  • Leader: We believe and trust that all people are equal in humanity: Black or White; Rich or Poor; Gay or Straight. Congregation: All people are equal in humanity. Leader: Our prayer today is that the Government in Uganda will listen to the cry of its people. May they find wisdom and recognize the...
    Chalice Lighting | By Anonymous | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Acceptance, Anti-Oppression, Change, Equity, Evil, Freedom, Human Rights, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer, Multiculturalism, Worth, Multiculturalism
  • Does the match love the wick? Does the wick love the wax or the air it consumes? “Yes, without question.” To melt together, To burn together, To change together, The pieces of the candle must love each other. Though not necessarily wisely, and not necessarily well.
    Chalice Lighting | By Kelly Weisman Asprooth-Jackson | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Commitment, Grace, Growth, Interdependence, Mystery, Transformation
  • T... starts out with Turkey and with Tofu, and Together, H...reminds us of Happiness, may it grow beyond all measure. A...means All who are returning, a reunion in Fall, N...for Newcomers to our Fellowship, and hearty welcome to all! K...for Kind friends with whom we will share dinner, S... means...
    Chalice Lighting | By Maureen Killoran | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Abundance, Community, Fall, Food, Gratitude, Happiness, Integrity, Playfulness, Relationships, Thanksgiving, Tradition, Unitarian Universalism
  • In this free church, we come together without creed, focusing instead on the core values of justice, equity and compassion... Of mutual acceptance of our diverse ways of being, as we seek to connect ourselves more fully with the unfolding truths of life and of our world....
    Chalice Lighting | By Maureen Killoran | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Hope, Inclusion, Unitarian Universalism
  • The chalice lit among us is a beacon A beacon of hope, in a world in crisis A beacon of possibility, made manifest in community A beacon of warmth through our interconnections A beacon of light illuminating our shared wisdom A beacon of connection by our being together...
    Chalice Lighting | By Debra Faulk | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Community, Connections, Despair, Faith, Growth, Hope, Interdependence, Journey, Kindness, Wisdom
  • We light this chalice Symbolic of the warmth of community and The brightness that love brings to the world Illuminating our search for justice and peace Light, that force that nurtures all living things Here in our midst in this flame, So tiny and so significant...
    Chalice Lighting | By Debra Faulk | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Community, Love, Peace
  • A chalice lit in our midst is a symbol of our liberal faith, A faith built on the foundation of freedom, reason and tolerance A faith sustained by acts of kindness and justice A faith that visions a world flourishing with equality for all her people A faith that demands the living out of goodness...
    Chalice Lighting | By Debra Faulk | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), Commitment, Compassion, Equity, Faith, Freedom, Good, Health, Justice, Kindness, Unitarian Universalism, Wholeness
  • Birth is a miracle of love and courage, bringing light into the world; Death is a loss of light, but no less an act of courage, For we are born from— and return to— mystery. Source: © Lori Gorgas Hlaban, 2009...
    Chalice Lighting | By Lori Gorgas Hlaban | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Beginnings, Birth, Courage, Death, Ending, Faith, Hope, Journey, Love, Mystery
  • With humility and courage born of our history, we are called as Unitarian Universalists to build the Beloved Community where all souls are welcome as blessings, and the human family lives whole and reconciled. With this vision in our hearts and minds, we light our chalice. —“A vision for...
    Chalice Lighting | By UUA Leadership Council | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Acceptance, Brokenness, Calling, Courage, Diversity, Humility, Strength, Unitarian Universalism, Vision, Wholeness, Worth
  • We light this chalice to find inner peace, love for each other, and faith in ourselves. Also, to be welcoming to whomever we meet and kind to all living creatures. So gather around this light of hope as we share this time together.
    Chalice Lighting | By Oberlin UU Fellowship, Oberlin, OH | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Community, Connections, Diversity, Faith, Hope, Hospitality, Love, Peace, Purpose, Self-Respect
  • Let there be light The light of joy, the light of happiness, and the light of contentment May it illuminate our paths and fill our lives with peace And let there be dark For it is from our dark places that we are brought forward Tried and tested And impelled toward growth It is in these places th...
    Chalice Lighting | By Andrew Pakula | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Balance, Compassion, Good, Growth, Journey, Love, Peace, Sorrow
  • In sightless night, terrors draw near Nameless fears of talon and tooth Hopelessness yawns before us—an abyss Alone and unknown in the gloom, longing for the dawn O sacred flame blaze forth—wisdom brought to life Guide us— With the light of hope The warmth of love The beacon of purpose and...
    Chalice Lighting | By Andrew Pakula | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Community, Courage, Despair, Fear, Hope, Limitations, Mystery, Peace, Purpose, Wisdom
  • In this time of loss In this time of asking why We light a flame of sharing We light a flame of commitment. In this time of why We light this flame Sign of our searching Sign of our sharing Sign that together we remember Together we ask why Together in sadness and joy We share light. Together we...
    Chalice Lighting | By David Breeden | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Commitment, Community, Death, Generosity, Grief, Identity, Joy, Sacrifice, Searching, Sorrow
  • Come we now out of the darkness of our unknowing and the dusk of our dreaming; Come we now from far places. Come we now into the twilight of our awakening and the reflection of our gathering. Come we now all together. We bring, unilluminated, our dark caves of doubting; We seek, unbedazzled, the...
    Chalice Lighting | By Annie Foerster | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Despair, Earth-Centered, Hope, Hospitality, Nature, Shadow, Spirituality, Transformation, Winter, Winter Solstice / Yule
  • We light this chalice to celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of every person; To reaffirm the historic pledge of liberal religion to seek that justice which transcends mere legality and moves toward the resolution of true equality; And to share that love which is ultimately beyond even our...
    Chalice Lighting | By Steve Stock | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 6th Principle (World Community), Anti-Oppression, Community, Dignity, Equity, Justice, Love, Mystery, Purpose, Solidarity, Unitarian Universalism, Worth
  • Take from life its coals, not its ashes. Fan the flames of love and justice; join hands and hearts in common endeavor; and there will be no limit to what we can achieve together.
    Chalice Lighting | By Laurel S Sheridan | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Abundance, Activism, Challenge, Commitment, Connections, Justice, Love, Purpose, Solidarity, Unitarian Universalism, Unity
  • Our prophets died for the freedom of faith; We are here in their spirit. We are here to practice and sustain our living tradition; To light a chalice, Claiming for justice The heat and power of fire....
    Chalice Lighting | By Heather K Janules | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Commitment, Community, Connections, Faith, Freedom, History, Love, Sacred, Tradition, Transcendence, Unitarian Universalism, Unitarianism, Universalism
  • O light of life, Be kindled again in our hearts As we meet together this morning To celebrate the joy of human community Seeking a wholeness that extends beyond ourselves.
    Chalice Lighting | By Sam Trumbore | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Commitment, Community, Connections, Faith, Gratitude, Inclusion, Joy, Sacred, Strength, Wholeness
  • Leader: Every endeavor begins with a first step, and encounters darkness and difficulty along the way. Response: We know the darkness of ignorance, of fear, and of tyranny. Leader: Yet we know the dawning of the light, the beginnings of hope, and the renewal of life....
    Chalice Lighting | By Charles F Flagg | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Beginnings, Challenge, Courage, Discernment, Doubt, Faith, Fear, Hope, Journey, Palm Sunday, Power
  • Fire and water, ancient opposites Sun and ocean, the cradle of life Dancing flame and dancing river— We invoke them together today As we kindle our chalice flame.
    Chalice Lighting | By Laura Horton-Ludwig | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Awe, Earth, Earth-Centered, Immanence, Interdependence, Nature, Paganism, Peace, Playfulness, Reverence, Sacred, Transcendence
  • Divine spark from sacred dark Symbol of our holy intent Illuminate this hour.
    Chalice Lighting | By Kathy A Huff | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Discernment, Grace, Growth, Immanence, Meaning, Presence, Revelation, Reverence, Sacred, Unitarian Universalism, Wonder
  • Deep calls unto deep, joy calls unto joy, light calls unto light. Let the kindling of this flame rekindle in us the inner light of love, of peace, of hope. And "as one flame lights another, nor grows the less,” we pledge ourselves to be bearers of the light, wherever we are.
    Chalice Lighting | By Gordon B McKeeman | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Calling, Caring, Commitment, Community, Covenant, Hope, Journey, Joy, Love, Peace
  • Blessed is the fire that burns deep in the soul. It is the flame of the human spirit touched into being by the mystery of life. It is the fire of reason; the fire of compassion; the fire of community; the fire of justice; the fire of faith....
    Chalice Lighting | By Eric A Heller-Wagner | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Community, Compassion, Faith, Justice, Love, Mystery, Reason, Reverence, Sacred, Worth