Chalice Lighting
We ignite this elemental flame, core of our earth and of our very being.
We call upon the foundation of molten rock.
We call upon the electricity of lightning.
We call upon the light of celestial stars.
Fire within, transform us with your power.

Reading/Song
Hymn 298, Wake, Now, My Senses, closes with the following lyric:
Wake, now, my vision of ministry clear;
Brighten my pathway with radiance here;
Mingle my calling will all who will share;
Work toward a planet transformed by our care.

Meditation
from Jeff Liebmann
Primitive humans understood and respected the power of the natural world. While humankind takes well-deserved pride in its modern engines and harvesting of resources, we would do equally well to hone our humility, remembering that we are insignificant creatures next to the might of a sun.

The temptation to succumb to the short-term benefits of our modern way of life is not sustainable. We know this well, and yet we continue to avail ourselves of our world’s bounty with little care for its maintenance. As Unitarian Universalists, we must fight for the rights of our planet with no less diligence that we do for our own freedom and liberty. As congregants, we are stewards of our houses of worship; as citizens, we are stewards of our nation; and as human beings, we are stewards of our home, the earth.

Mindfulness and Action
On this seventh day of Chalica, we affirm and promote the interdependent
web of all existence of which we are a part. You’re invited to select one of the questions or suggestions below for conversation with others or personal reflection. Suggestions for activities with children are included. Consider offering a gift that honors planet Earth and its creatures.
• What sustainable practices do I engage in? What is one practice that I could
add in the next month?
• How could I increase my awareness of being part of “the interdependent web of
all existence?”
• How can I help plan and conduct an outdoor worship service in my
congregation, weather permitting?