• Leader Resource 1, Sample Mother's/Father's Day Letter
• Chalice-lighting words, written on newsprint
• Chalice with tea light flame or other preschool chalice option
• Feelings Chart or Feelings Flashcards by Todd Parr

• Before the session, inform families about the topic. Invite parents or caregivers to let you know about each child's family situation or structure so that you can lead sensitively and inclusively; you may wish to adapt Leader Resource 1 and send to parents/caregivers.
• Post the chalice-lighting words on the wall near the Circle Time area.
• Set the holiday candle holders in the circle so you will be able to reach them when you are ready to show them to the children.

Bring the chalice into the circle, either on the floor or on a small table or stand. Say, in these words or your own:

Welcome to Circle Time! First we light our chalice.

Point out where your chalice-lighting words are displayed. Repeat your chalice-lighting words as you "light" the chalice:

We light this chalice for the warmth of love, the light of truth and the energy of action.

Say, in these words or your own:

Now we share our names and feelings. How are each of you feeling today? We will go around the circle and each say our name and point to how we're feeling today on the Feelings Chart [or Feelings Flashcard]. If you would rather not share today, you may say, "No, thank you."

Once everyone who wishes to has shared, say, in these words or your own:

For all the feelings that we feel today, we know that we have our friends, our families, and our church [congregational] family to share them with.

Introduce today's theme, saying something like:

Today, we tell our mothers and fathers and the people who take care of us that we love them. It's Mother's/Father's Day!

Who is in your family? There are many kinds of families! A family is based on love. How do you tell them you love them? There are many ways to tell your parent(s) and the people who take care of you that you love them. Do you say "I love you?" Do you give them a hug? Do you help them with chores?

Today we are going to make a gift for your mothers, your fathers, and the other adults who love you and take care of you. But first, let's read a story.