Chalice Lightings

Yesterday, Rev. Debra Haffner posted an amazing chalice lighting that she shared with her congregation in worship. I haven’t written much about chalice lightings on Looking for Faith, and they are a fundamental part of worship in many Unitarian Universalist communities.

A chalice is a candle set in a holder, and often placed on the altar or pulpit during group worship. The candle is lit at or near the beginning of worship, to mark the transition into a sacred space and time. As the candle is lit, the worship leader may say a few words about the meaning of the chalice flame and what it represents to a given community.

One thing I love about this ritual is that it is portable. Anywhere you have at least one person, a candle, and a lighter or matches, a chalice lighting can be done. Chalice lightings can be used to begin solitary prayer time, small group discussion, or other worshipful activities.

For more chalice lightings, visit the UUA’s Worship Web.