What are you going to do that is important in your life? — Martha Sharp, Unitarian Universalist hero

The flashlight symbolizes the light of truth and the light in each of us. The group will consider the nobility as well as the difficulties of seeking justice. Reflections may include the overwhelming nature of the sacrifice when one seeks to work for justice and the difficulty of balancing local and global concerns

Allow time for participants to engage the issues of sacrifice and feeling overwhelmed. Emphasize the small steps that each of us can take and the importance of shining our own light, no matter how small. In addition, use the games as a way to let off tension through play.

Goals

This session will:

• Help deepen participants' Unitarian Universalist identity, ethical discernment, and understanding of Unitarian Universalist faith through reflection and discussion
• Demonstrate that Unitarian Universalism is a faith that will help you find and carry the light of truth, even when it is hard to do so
• Teach that Unitarian Universalism values justice, compassion, and equity in human relations (second Principle)
• Show how Unitarian Universalism affirms that we are part of an interdependent web (seventh Principle), and how when one part of that web suffers injustice, the entire web suffers injustice
• Engage participants in the spiritual practices of chalice lighting, voicing of joys and concerns, and intentional discussion.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Reflect on the variety of ways to work for justice as Unitarian Universalists
• Confront the challenge presented by a call to shine one's light on global issues at the expense of helping with family and local issues
• Explore and release tension about difficult justice issues, through play
• Express hope for justice using the symbolism of shining their own light
• Create a personal "light" to symbolize the light in each person.