Grounding in Our Faith

In a time of uncertainty, when everything around us is changing constantly—
each day new developments, rising numbers, changing guidelines;
when the world we live in suddenly seems upside-down and topsy-turvy:

We light our chalice to remind ourselves of our grounding in our faith.

We remember that the flaming chalice came into being
as a beacon of hope during World War II: a secret symbol that offered help.

In the midst of it all, we wrap ourselves in the warm light of a familiar flame,
a reminder of the strength that emerges when we come together in community.

A small flame burns atop a ceramic oil lamp in New Delhi, India

Vessels of Life-Saving Welcome

By Michael J. Tino

From WorshipWeb

The flaming chalice was first used by the Unitarian Service Committee as a symbol of life-saving refuge for people fleeing persecution in Europe. As we light this chalice, we invoke the love that called people to put their lives at risk to save others. May we be vessels of life-saving welcome.

Vessels of Life-Saving Welcome