Theme “Light”
One light
We kindle our chalice flame,
Seeking to understand ourselves, each other and all beings
as unique reflections of the One Light
May we act justly, love kindness, and travel together respectfully.
Chalice lighting for Diwali
Our chalice flame is one light among a myriad
A myriad lights for the festival of lights
Floating upon the dark waters of the river
and illuminating the depths of winter.
Chalice lighting
We light this chalice as a symbol of our movement. Its flickering light symbolises our questions and our doubts. Its steady light our tentative personal answers. Its burning presence our love and fellowship.
Vestry prayer
Divine spirit, be with us in this hour of worship,
that as we sing, listen, and pray,
we may know that we are in the presence of
light and love. Amen.
This prayer can be amended to include musicians by changing the word “pray” to “play”
A solstice ritual, as darkness falls on 21 December
This originally appeared in The Inquirer, Issue 8001
https://www.inquirer.org.uk/pages/
We gather at the winter solstice
We extinguish the old candle
There is darkness – the days of light are shorter, the night
is longer, the trees are bare, and the cold bites into us.
We have reached the low point, the midwinter point, the
longest night
Keeping the chalice flame burning
Be kind.
Be brave.
Be just.
Be merciful.
Be hopeful.
This is how we keep the chalice flame burning until we are together again to light it anew.