Thank you for volunteering to light the chalice. The flaming chalice is the official symbol of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). A version of the chalice was adopted by the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches in Britain, and other versions of the chalice are used as logos by individual UU congregations in this country and throughout the world. The flaming chalice has also become a focal point for UU worship.
The flaming chalice was initially designed as a symbol for the Unitarian Service Committee (precursor to the UUSC) during World War II. The USC was founded to help Eastern Europeans escape Nazi persecution. Reverend Charles Joy, the Executive Director, felt that this new organization needed a visual image to represent Unitarianism to the world, especially when dealing with government agencies abroad. Reverend Joy asked the Austrian Artist Hans Deutsch to design an emblem "to make them look official, to give dignity and importance to them, and at the same time to symbolize the spirit of our work.... When a document may keep a man out of jail, give him standing with governments and police, it is important that it look important."
Since that time, the chalice has come to mean many things to many people. No one meaning or interpretation is official. The flaming chalice, like our faith, stands open to receive new truths that pass the tests of reason, justice, and compassion.
Words to accompany the chalice lighting should be brief, one to two minutes in length. It is not a bad idea to practice out loud and time the reading. Possible sources for words to use in conjunction with lighting the chalice are:
1) Quotations that relate to one or more of the seven principles, one or more of the sources, or to other UU values. Quotations from UUs might be especially appropriate;
2) The principles and sources themselves, which can be found at the front of the hymnal;
3) The back of the hymnal, which contains brief readings. Some are specifically designated for chalice lighting, and many others would be appropriate;
4) Short poems that reflect UU principles and values;
5) Worship Web at the UUA website. Chalice lightings are at: http://www.uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/
The steps to lighting the chalice are:
1. Light the chalice and discard the match next to the candle;
2. Use the microphone so everyone can hear, even if you feel you have a strong voice. Some of our congregants have hearing problems. The sound system is in place to help maximum their worship experience.
PROGRAM COMMITTEE 11/06