Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

• Altar or centering table
• Cloth for covering altar or centering table
• Chalice and candle
• Matches or lighter
• Singing the Living Tradition hymnbook (at least one copy)
• Leader Resource 1: Order of Service - Dignity

Preparation for Activity

• Prepare the altar or centering table with the cloth you have brought, a chalice and candle, and matches or a lighter.
• Find reading 468 in Singing the Living Tradition, "We Need One Another." Determine whether you will read it solo or with the group. If you read it with the group, provide extra copies of Singing the Living Tradition. Hold it in readiness for the reading.

Description of Activity

Refer to Leader Resource 1, Order of Service - Dignity, to conduct the opening. You may adapt the service to fit with your group's interest as well as your congregation's identity and customs. The Order of Service is provided as a starting point.

Including All Participants

Pay attention to the modulation of your voice throughout the opening, and particularly during the meditation. Make sure that your tone is gentle and meditative, but keep your volume high enough to be heard throughout the room. Note that some participants may need to keep their eyes open during the meditation in order to understand your words.