Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Faith Like a River: A Program on Unitarian Universalist History for Adults

Opening

Part of Faith like a River

Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle
  • Copies of Singing the Living Tradition, the UUA hymnbook, for all participants
  • Optional: Decorative cloth

Preparation for Activity

  • Set up a worship or centering table with the chalice and (optional) decorative cloth.
  • Optional: Invite a participant in advance to act as chalice lighter or reader to make the workshop more participatory.

Description of Activity

Gather participants. Distribute copies of Singing the Living Tradition and lead the group to sing together "This Little Light of Mine," Hymn 118. After singing the lyrics provided in the hymnbook, invite participants to sing an additional verse:

This little liberal light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

Hide it under a bush? O NO! I'm gonna let it shine,

Hide it under a bush? O NO! I'm gonna let it shine,

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Explain that this additional verse was a favorite of Unitarian Universalist youth gatherings, particularly Liberal Religious Youth (LRY). Ask if any members of the group have memories of singing this verse. After memories have been shared, light the chalice.