The symbol of Unitarian Universalism is the Flaming Chalice. The flaming chalice is a cup holding a flame – symbolizing the light of truth, the warmth of love and the energy of positive action.
The flaming chalice has become the shared symbol of Unitarians and Universalists around the world. Some families set aside time to be together each week, perhaps on Friday evening at or near sunset, or perhaps on Sunday evening before dinner. These are good times to pause and catch your breath as a family, while you light a candle or a flaming chalice.
Chalice lighting words for families
For younger children:
We are Unitarian Universalists.
(Make U’s by cupping each hand)
We are the church of the open mind,
(Touch your hands to your head)
The loving heart,
(Put your hands over your heart)
And the helping hands.
(Put your hands in front of you palms up)
Together we care for our earth
(Make a circle with your arms over your head)
And work for friendship and peace in our world
(Hold hands with your neighbors)
~ Gaia Brown
For older children:
We light this chalice for the light of truth.
We light this chalice for the warmth of love.
We light this chalice for the energy of action.
~ Mary Anne Moore
You can make your own chalice with a flower pot! Simply purchase a tera-cotta flower pot, and saucer. Turn the pot upside down and place the saucer on top.
Glue the saucer to the top with craft glue.
Add a candle and viola…you have a chalice. You can decorate your flower pot with paints, crayons or we recommend oil pastels. Your children will love lighting a chalice that they helped to create.
For a more elegant chalice – purchase a large clear wine goblet at a thrift store. Tear small pieces of tissue paper and use modge podge or diluted white glue to s
tick them on to the wine glass in a random pattern. Paint a thin layer of modge podge or glue over the finished glass to seal it.
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