Session 16: Special Worship Services

In This Section

• Introduction

  Roots hold me close; wings set me free; Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me. — "Spirit of Life," Hymn 123 in Singing the Living...
• Session-at-a-Glance

  Activity Minutes Activity 1: Free Play 15 Activity 2: Circle Rhymes Transition 5 Activity 3: Circle Time 5 Activity 4: Story 5 Activity 5:...
• Spiritual Preparation

  Take time before the session and find a quiet place for reflection. What are the salient features of a special worship service at your...
• Opening

  Description of Activity In the Chalice Children program, sessions begin with Activity 1, Free Play rather than a formal Opening. The...
• Activity 1: Free Play

  Materials for Activity Name tags Variety of free play options, such as toys, a puzzle, a storybook, manipulatives, dramatic play props, and...
• Activity 2: Circle Rhymes Transition

  Materials for Activity Circle Rhymes posters Preparation for Activity Display the Circle Rhymes posters from Session 1. Description of...
• Activity 3: Circle Time

  Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, The Flower and Water Ceremonies Chalice-lighting words, written on newsprint Chalice with tea...
• Activity 4: Story

  Materials for Activity Story book Preparation for Activity Choose a story from the following suggestions: "The Flower Ceremony, A Plain and...
• Activity 5: Special Worship Service, Flower Ceremony

  Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, The Flower and Water Ceremonies Fresh flowers of many different varieties, at least one for each...
• Activity 6: Circle Games

  Preparation for Activity Familiarize yourself with the games and songs. Display any posters you have made. Two new songs and games-Five...
• Closing

  Materials for Activity Taking It Home handout Markers or crayons Preschool chalice Optional: Envelope, hole punch, and yarn or ribbon...
• Leader Reflection and Planning

  Reflect on these questions and discuss them with your co-leader: How do we feel about what went on during this session? Why? What was the...
• Alternate Activity 1: Water Ceremony

  Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, The Flower and Water Ceremonies Pretty tablecloth Attractive, clear vase or pitcher of water...
• Alternate Activity 2: Sharing of Breads

  Materials for Activity Pretty tablecloth Variety of breads, including some that are gluten-free, and baskets Cutting board and knife...
• Taking It Home

  Roots hold me close; wings set me free; Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me. — "Spirit of Life," Hymn 123 in Singing the Living...
• Leader Resource 1: The Flower and Water Ceremonies

  Adapted from The Flower Communion: A Service of Celebration for Religious Liberals by Reginald Zottoli with permission from the Unitarian...
• Leader Resource 2: Special Worship Service Basic Elements

  Materials for Activity Items needed for the service Service altar items Materials for a supplementary, sensory activity Optional: Digital...
• Find Out More

  Read more about the Flower Ceremony . Explore Carl Seaburg's The Communion Book and other resources for special services that are available...