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We inherit this free faith from the brave and gentle

We inherit this free faith from the brave and gentle

This light we kindle is set in the lamp of our history. We inherit this free faith from the brave and gentle, fierce and outspoken hearts and minds that have come before us. Let us be worthy inheritors of this faith and through our good works, pass it boldly to a new generation.

A Audette Fulbright Fulson
Let us Look First to the Response of Love

Let us Look First to the Response of Love

In these hard times, let us look first to the response of love. In the midst of challenge, may our chalice flame bear witness to the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. In the midst of uncertainty, may our chalice be a beacon of encouragement, that our values may guide our choices....

M Maureen Killoran
We Kindle this Flame

We Kindle this Flame

We kindle this flame as a symbol of the light we would keep glowing in our lives: of appreciation for those who differ, loving kindness for those who suffer, esteem for all who remind us of our heritage and calling as agents of the Most High.

P Philip Randall Giles
Still There is Hope

Still There is Hope

During our darkest moments, still, there is hope. When facing our biggest challenges, still, there is hope. When all we can do is put one foot in front of the other, still, there is hope. When we can’t find the way out, still, there is hope. When all we can do to help is hold someone’s hand as...

N Nadine McSpadden
There is Light

There is Light

In the beginning There was light Infinite and expansive Flowing out from an unseen center. Throughout Creation There is light From the steady Sun The glowing Moon The flashing Meteor The twinkling Stars And the auroras dancing in the northern skies....

E Eric Williams
All Animal Chalice

All Animal Chalice

We light this chalice, spark of the original fire of creation, to remind us that we all on this planet—the furred, the feathered, the finned, and the scaled, along with us featherless bipeds—we are all made of the same star-stuff and all share a common destiny. We all share the same hopes of a...

M Mark Causey
Faith in Summer

Faith in Summer

In faith, together, we light this small scrap of light, symbol of Grandfather Sun's enormous power, whose energy burns so brightly In these days of deep Summer, catapulting the leaves and vines, vegetables, flowers and fruits to astonishing size, lengths and heights, spilling over the tops of cag...

E Ellen Hamilton
For This One Hour

For This One Hour

For this one hour, Spirit of Life we let go. For this one hour, may we let go of our anxieties, our fears, our anger, our self-doubts, our regrets, our petty grievances, and our distractions....

P Paul Stephan Dodenhoff
We cast not our eyes below

We cast not our eyes below

We cast not our eyes below, we say to ourselves we are how we came, wounded from struggles, triumphant in our survival, entitled by birthright to belong to this the only humankind there is, saying I am included, I belong, I am here, and I will be and do....

M Ma Theresa "Tet" Gustilo Gallardo
May the Flame Burn True and High and Strong

May the Flame Burn True and High and Strong

The flaming chalice is the symbol of Unitarian Universalism. It is an everlasting flame for this community. It offers its warmth to those who are cold. It provides light to those who would see. It purifies and transforms this sanctuary into sacred space, this congregation into sacred community....

B Beatrice Hitchcock
Drawn Together

Drawn Together

We come together every week Bound not by a creed, Or a mutual desire to please one God Or many Gods Yet we are drawn together By a belief, that how we are in the world, Who we are together Matters. We light this chalice, together in the knowledge That love, not fear, can change this world...

J Jennifer Gracen
Chalice Lighting for Yom Kippur

Chalice Lighting for Yom Kippur

We light our chalice, symbol of our faith, For truth, sought through a questioning heart and an attentive mind; And for love, pursued through obstacles inside and outside our own human heart; And for forgiveness, and all it entails— The place where truth and love meet and merge.

V Vanessa Rush Southern
In a World Filled With Hate

In a World Filled With Hate

In a world filled with the darkness of ignorance, let us bring the light of reason In a world filled with the darkness of despair, may we share the light of hope In a world filled with the darkness of hate, let us shine the light of love...

D Douglas John Traversa
The Symbol of our Shared Faith

The Symbol of our Shared Faith

Joy and grief Health and sickness Light and Darkness Peace and anger Life and death Wholeness and brokeness We each bring all of these here to this sanctuary of unity in diversity For this one hour of this one day And pour them out Commingling the oil of our lives To become the flame of this chal...

P Paul Stephan Dodenhoff
Abundance Chalice Lighting

Abundance Chalice Lighting

We light our chalice this morning, grateful for the love that we experience in this beloved community. May the flame light the way for all who seek such abundance.

D Dawn Skjei Cooley
Embrace The Night

Embrace The Night

Universal mystery, Guide us away from the desire to Shine light in all the corners. Teach us to embrace the night, For without the darkness, We never see the stars.

J Jennifer Gracen
Little Flame

Little Flame

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.

K Kathryn Estey
Struggle and Joy

Struggle and Joy

Every day brings struggle, every day brings joy. Every day brings us the opportunity to ease the struggle of another, to be the joy in another's life. May this flame remind us to carry our light to each other and to the world.

V Vance Bass
On The Brink

On The Brink

All that we have ever loved And all that we have ever been Stands with us on the brink Of all that we aspire to create: A deeper peace, A larger love, A more embracing hope, A deeper joy in this life we share.

L Leslie Takahashi
We Make It Holy

We Make It Holy

What is this fire? A match, a wick, a flame. What is this place? Wood, and stone, and glass. Yet here we have gathered In this place Before this flame Making each holy By our presence here, together.

K Kelly Weisman Asprooth-Jackson
Community Chalice Lighting

Community Chalice Lighting

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...

A Atticus Palmer
The Fire of Commitment

The Fire of Commitment

We light this chalice to kindle the fire of commitment to spread our beloved faith, proclaim the Good News that all are worthy and all are welcome, that God is Love and none shall be left behind. May we carry this flame to all we encounter, letting our lives shine with its glow.

P Paul Sprecher
To Honor The Teachings of Jesus

To Honor The Teachings of Jesus

We light this chalice to honor the teachings of Jesus, The love of neighbor and of God, The command to care for the least of these, and The Kingdom of Heaven, the Beloved Community, Which he proclaimed.

P Paul Sprecher
The Struggle For Freedom

The Struggle For Freedom

We light this chalice in memory of the courage of those who have struggled for freedom, the persistence of those who've struggled for justice, and the love of those who've built beloved communities to carry on the light of hope.

P Paul Sprecher
For the Web of Life

For the Web of Life

We light this chalice for the web of life which sustains us, For the sacred circle of life in which we have our being, For the Earth, the Sky, Above and Below, and For our Mother Earth, and for the Mystery.

P Paul Sprecher
A Communion of Heart and Soul

A Communion of Heart and Soul

For the gift of this day and for our community of spiritual nurture and compassion, we give thanks. We light this chalice as a symbol of our faith. May our many sparks meet and merge in communion of heart and soul.

B Bruce Southworth
Legacy Chalice Lighting

Legacy Chalice Lighting

We light this chalice to honor the memory of those who have come before us, kindling flames of wisdom in dark times, willing to challenge orthodoxy even at great personal risk, giving us a legacy of freedom and a love of truth, A legacy that warms our hearts and lights our paths.

P Paul Sprecher
Does the Match Love the Wick

Does the Match Love the Wick

Does the match love the wick? Does the wick love the wax or the air it consumes? “Yes, without question.” To melt together, To burn together, To change together, The pieces of the candle must love each other. Though not necessarily wisely, and not necessarily well.

K Kelly Weisman Asprooth-Jackson
A Chalice Lighting Prayer for Uganda

A Chalice Lighting Prayer for Uganda

Leader: We believe and trust that all people are equal in humanity: Black or White; Rich or Poor; Gay or Straight. Congregation: All people are equal in humanity. Leader: Our prayer today is that the Government in Uganda will listen to the cry of its people. May they find wisdom and recognize the...

A Anonymous
T is for Turkey and Tofu

T is for Turkey and Tofu

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...

M Maureen Killoran
The Chalice Lit Among Us is a Beacon

The Chalice Lit Among Us is a Beacon

The chalice lit among us is a beacon A beacon of hope, in a world in crisis A beacon of possibility, made manifest in community A beacon of warmth through our interconnections A beacon of light illuminating our shared wisdom A beacon of connection by our being together...

D Debra Faulk
We Come Together Without Creed

We Come Together Without Creed

In this free church, we come together without creed, focusing instead on the core values of justice, equity and compassion... Of mutual acceptance of our diverse ways of being, as we seek to connect ourselves more fully with the unfolding truths of life and of our world....

M Maureen Killoran
The Chalice is a Symbol

The Chalice is a Symbol

A chalice lit in our midst is a symbol of our liberal faith, A faith built on the foundation of freedom, reason and tolerance A faith sustained by acts of kindness and justice A faith that visions a world flourishing with equality for all her people A faith that demands the living out of goodness...

D Debra Faulk
We light this chalice

We light this chalice

We light this chalice Symbolic of the warmth of community and The brightness that love brings to the world Illuminating our search for justice and peace Light, that force that nurtures all living things Here in our midst in this flame, So tiny and so significant...

D Debra Faulk
Chalice lighting, for a memorial service

Chalice lighting, for a memorial service

Birth is a miracle of love and courage, bringing light into the world; Death is a loss of light, but no less an act of courage, For we are born from— and return to— mystery. Source: © Lori Gorgas Hlaban, 2009...

L Lori Gorgas Hlaban
A Vision for Unitarian Universalism in a Multicultural World

A Vision for Unitarian Universalism in a Multicultural World

With humility and courage born of our history, we are called as Unitarian Universalists to build the Beloved Community where all souls are welcome as blessings, and the human family lives whole and reconciled. With this vision in our hearts and minds, we light our chalice. —“A vision for...

U UUA Leadership Council
Chalice Lighting

Chalice Lighting

We light this chalice to find inner peace, love for each other, and faith in ourselves. Also, to be welcoming to whomever we meet and kind to all living creatures. So gather around this light of hope as we share this time together.

O Oberlin UU Fellowship, Oberlin, OH
Afraid of the Dark

Afraid of the Dark

In sightless night, terrors draw near Nameless fears of talon and tooth Hopelessness yawns before us—an abyss Alone and unknown in the gloom, longing for the dawn O sacred flame blaze forth—wisdom brought to life Guide us— With the light of hope The warmth of love The beacon of purpose and...

A Andrew Pakula
Let There Be Light

Let There Be Light

Let there be light The light of joy, the light of happiness, and the light of contentment May it illuminate our paths and fill our lives with peace And let there be dark For it is from our dark places that we are brought forward Tried and tested And impelled toward growth It is in these places th...

A Andrew Pakula
Every Endeavor Begins With a First Step

Every Endeavor Begins With a First Step

Leader: Every endeavor begins with a first step, and encounters darkness and difficulty along the way. Response: We know the darkness of ignorance, of fear, and of tyranny. Leader: Yet we know the dawning of the light, the beginnings of hope, and the renewal of life....

C Charles F Flagg
O Light of Life

O Light of Life

O light of life, Be kindled again in our hearts As we meet together this morning To celebrate the joy of human community Seeking a wholeness that extends beyond ourselves.

S Sam Trumbore
For the Freedom of Faith

For the Freedom of Faith

Our prophets died for the freedom of faith; We are here in their spirit. We are here to practice and sustain our living tradition; To light a chalice, Claiming for justice The heat and power of fire....

H Heather K Janules
Take From Life Its Coals

Take From Life Its Coals

Take from life its coals, not its ashes. Fan the flames of love and justice; join hands and hearts in common endeavor; and there will be no limit to what we can achieve together.

L Laurel S Sheridan
Chalice Lighting on Inherent Worth and Dignity

Chalice Lighting on Inherent Worth and Dignity

We light this chalice to celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of every person; To reaffirm the historic pledge of liberal religion to seek that justice which transcends mere legality and moves toward the resolution of true equality; And to share that love which is ultimately beyond even our...

S Steve Stock
Come We Now Out of the Darkness

Come We Now Out of the Darkness

Come we now out of the darkness of our unknowing and the dusk of our dreaming; Come we now from far places. Come we now into the twilight of our awakening and the reflection of our gathering. Come we now all together. We bring, unilluminated, our dark caves of doubting; We seek, unbedazzled, the...

A Annie Foerster
In This Time of Loss

In This Time of Loss

In this time of loss In this time of asking why We light a flame of sharing We light a flame of commitment. In this time of why We light this flame Sign of our searching Sign of our sharing Sign that together we remember Together we ask why Together in sadness and joy We share light. Together we...

D David Breeden
Divine Spark From Sacred Dark

Divine Spark From Sacred Dark

Divine spark from sacred dark Symbol of our holy intent Illuminate this hour.

K Kathy A Huff
Chalice Lighting for Water Communion

Chalice Lighting for Water Communion

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.

L Laura Horton-Ludwig
UU Heritage Chalice Lighting

UU Heritage Chalice Lighting

Our Unitarian heritage bids us light our chalice In the name of freedom, In the light of reason, In actions of tolerance. We gather in community to celebrate a heritage of freedom, reason, and tolerance....

E Elizabeth M Strong
The Light for Everyone Who Comes into the World

The Light for Everyone Who Comes into the World

Reverently I offer this symbol of our hope and high intent. Reverently I bequeath this flame to you. This is the light that is lit for everyone who comes into the world. Bear this light to others, one by one. Let the flame go from life to life till all is lit with its warmth. Tell that the light...

E Elizabeth M Strong
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