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Girls lighting a chalice at the General Assembly Opening Ceremony.

About the Chalice

A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot), represents the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and is a symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith. Read more about the history and symbolism of the flaming chalice.

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8

  • Roasting marshmallows over glowing coals
    Under the right circumstances, playing with fire is a delight—imagine being gathered round a firepit as the crackling flames invite us to sing, dance, and roast a marshmallow or two. Our chalice also invites us to play, although with ideas rather than with marshmallows. The flame encourages us to...
    Chalice Lighting | By Melanie Davis | October 6, 2019 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Humanism, Joy, Playfulness, Secular, Trust, Unitarian Universalism
  • large_greenleaf_many_raindrops
    We gather as many drops, each winding our own path down life’s surfaces and ruts. Here we pool together as a single body, flowing together for a time. Together we are a stream, at times even a river, for with our shared force we can travel toward oceans of meaning and seas of connection.
    Chalice Lighting | By Leslie Takahashi | December 7, 2018 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Community, Connections, Earth, Earth-Centered, Meaning, Nature, Playfulness, Unitarian Universalism, Water Communion
  • A close up of the strings of a stand-up bass, being plucked by a musician's hand
    The chalice is the container— the space where the musicians and the listeners gather. The oil is the fuel— the hours of practice and the life experiences of everyone in the room. The wick is the instruments and vocal cords through which the music will flow. And the flame—the flame!— is the...
    Chalice Lighting | By Marnie Singer | October 24, 2017 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Arts & Music, Direct Experience, Playfulness
  • Magic_woman_robe_staff
    Mindful that With great power comes great responsibility, We light this chalice in the hopes that In brightest day, in blackest night, Our faith will Flame on! —Spiderman, Green Lantern, & the Human Torch (compiled by Cynthia Landrum)...
    Chalice Lighting | By Cynthia Landrum | November 11, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: America, Courage, Covenant, Faith, Hope, Hospitality, Mindfulness, Playfulness, Power, Responsibility, Secular
  • UU Community Church of Augusta, Maine youth on service learning trip
    We call this light before us in hope that we may always remain a strong community, working together to make the world a better place. When we are grieving or sad, When we are challenged, When we need help, This flame guides us out of the darkness. When we are cheerful, When we celebrate, When we...
    Chalice Lighting | By Atticus Palmer | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Challenge, Community, Generosity, Hope, Joy, Playfulness, Responsibility, Sorrow, Strength, Unity
  • In a black and white photo, someone pours milk into a large pot of mashed potatos. Behind him, someone else prepares food at a kitchen counter.
    T... starts out with Turkey and with Tofu, and Together, H...reminds us of Happiness, may it grow beyond all measure. A...means All who are returning, a reunion in Fall, N...for Newcomers to our Fellowship, and hearty welcome to all! K...for Kind friends with whom we will share dinner, S... means...
    Chalice Lighting | By Maureen Killoran | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Abundance, Community, Fall, Food, Gratitude, Happiness, Integrity, Playfulness, Relationships, Thanksgiving, Tradition, Unitarian Universalism
  • People praying in the Tirta Empul temple (Bali, Indonesia), submerged to the waist in water and bowing before fountains that are pouring out water.
    Fire and water, ancient opposites Sun and ocean, the cradle of life Dancing flame and dancing river— We invoke them together today As we kindle our chalice flame.
    Chalice Lighting | By Laura Horton-Ludwig | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Awe, Earth, Earth-Centered, Immanence, Interdependence, Nature, Paganism, Peace, Playfulness, Reverence, Sacred, Transcendence
  • A large number of people are in silhouette against the blaze of a bonfire
    Little flame, Light the tender kindling of our souls... And soon a roaring blaze shall be Of warmth and love and community. From this little spark May a fire of passion spread from heart to heart, And light our way, sweet spirit. And light our way.
    Chalice Lighting | By Kathryn Estey | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Acceptance, Beginnings, Caring, Commitment, Community, Compassion, Growth, Inclusion, Journey, Playfulness