(5 minutes)

Materials

• Small worship table
• Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle
• Covenant created in Workshop 1
• Wall-safe tape

Preparation

• Set the chalice on the worship table.
• Post the covenant created in Workshop 1 where all participants can see it.

Description

Gather the group in a circle. Ask a participant to light the chalice as you or another participant read the opening words, “A Prayer for This Gathering” by Laila Ibrahim:

Dear God, Spirit of Connection and Creation,

Bless this community, gathered in hope and love for our world, for one another, and for ourselves.

We gather here longing to create a more connected and more just world.

Help us to speak the truth with respect.

Help us to listen with love.

Help us to be patient.

Help us to be forgiving.

Help us to know that here, as in all human endeavors, mistakes are inevitable and perfection is impossible.

And, oh yes, remind us not to take ourselves too seriously.

Amen.

Review the posted covenant.