Chalice Lighting to Celebrate the Great Story
created by UU of San Mateo, 2008
Person A: We are of the stars, the dust of explosions cast across space.
Person B: We are of the Earth; we breathe and live in the breath of ancient plants and beasts.
Person A: We are the Universe evolved to awareness of its own nature, its own story.
Person B: We gather together this morning, members of the great circle of humanity.
Person A: We gather around the fire, the hearth, the altar.
Person B: May we recall in gratitude all that has given us birth.
Person A: And so we light this chalice as a symbol of our connection to the stars in the sky.
Person B: We light this chalice as a symbol of our dependence on the warmth and light of the Sun.
Person A: We light this chalice as a symbol of our own bright place in the Universe.
Person B: Let us join together in song. Please rise as you are able for Hymn No. X
Note: The following was adapted by Connie Barlow from the litany created by the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Mateo, California (as adapted from Joy Atkinson and Sarah Skovlund). It is suggested for use as a combined Opening Words and Chalice Lighting, to be read by two people, while a third lights the chalice. Alternatively, it can be printed in the Order of Service and performed as a Responsive Reading.