Activity time: 5 minutes
Materials for Activity
- Chalice and candle or LED/battery-operated candle
- Lighter and extinguisher, if needed
- Newsprint, markers, and tape
Preparation for Activity
- Print the opening words on newsprint. Post the newsprint where everyone can see it when they gather in a circle.
Description of Activity
Gather participants in a circle around the chalice. Explain that you start each session with a ritual. Ask if anyone knows what a ritual is. You may say:
A ritual is something you do again and again, often at the same time of day. If you have a routine for going to bed, that is an example of a ritual.
All around the world, Unitarian Universalists of all ages light chalices when they gather together. With this ritual, Unitarian Universalists connect with one another, even though they may never actually meet.
Now we will light the chalice, the symbol of our Unitarian Universalist faith; then say together our opening words.
Light the chalice and invite the children to repeat each line of the opening words, line by line.
We are Unitarian Universalists.
With minds that think,
Hearts that love,
And hands that are ready to serve.
Together we care for our Earth,
And work for friendship and peace in our world.
Extinguish the chalice.
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