Tapestry of Faith: Principled Commitment: An Adult Program on Building Strong Relationships

Leader Resource 1: Order Of Service - Trust

Follow this Order of Service as you lead the opening of Workshop 3, Trust.

Welcome

Chalice Lighting

Principle

Guided Meditation

Welcome

Welcome participants. Explain that this workshop is devoted to the concept of trust. Participants will explore what trust is, what its function is within a relationship, and how trust can be deepened.

Chalice Lighting

Light the chalice while reading the following words or words of your choosing:

We light this chalice as a symbol of our faith: to seek truth and honesty, to build respect, and to foster greater trust among all people, beginning with ourselves. May we dedicate our time together to these purposes.

Principle

Introduce the guiding Unitarian Universalist Principle for this workshop:

We covenant to affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.

Trust is a fundamental cornerstone of healthy relationships, but it is not always freely given and received. It is built through countless interactions and experiences, within and beyond the relationship. Increasing mutual trust can help a relationship grow in equity, compassion, and justice. In turn, relating with equity, compassion, and justice can help mutual trust flourish. In this way, trust is intertwined with the values celebrated by the second Principle.

Guided Meditation

Lead participants through the following guided meditation to center them for the rest of the workshop. Read the words slowly, pausing between phrases.

I invite you into a time of silence. Try to sit with your spine straight, with your feet flat on the floor. Perhaps close your eyes. Take a deep breath, inhale . . . and exhale. Take another deep breath . . . and exhale. Again; this time, as you exhale, let go of all the pressures of the day. Let go of the "to dos," the "should haves" . . . just let them float out of the room. You can return to them later. Take another deep breath. As you inhale, take in the energy of this place. As you exhale, let go of any tension or stress you might be feeling.

[Long pause]

Come into this place where trust is possible. Envision yourself fully trusting your partner and being trusted. It is a gift you are giving each other. What does it feel like? What does it look like?

[Sit in silence for two to three minutes.]

When you are ready, please bring your focus back into this room and join our check-in.