At the Year’s End

Chalice Lighting

We light this candle as a symbol of our faith.
By its light may our vision be illumined;
By its warmth may our fellowship be encouraged;
And by its flame may our yearnings for peace, justice and the life of the spirit be enkindled.

UU Principles

Music: Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
Thomas Keating

Opening Words

Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course lie all the verities
And realities of your existence:
The bliss of growth
The glory of action,
The splendor of beauty;
For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision;
But today, well lived, makes every yesterday
A dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.

Joys and Concerns
by Judy Welles

If you woke this morning with a sorrow so heavy that you need the help of this community to carry it;
or if you woke with a joy so great that it simply must be shared, now is the time for you to speak.
…..

For the joys and sorrows that haven’t been spoken, but which remain in the silent sanctuaries of our hearts.
These joys and griefs, spoken and unspoken, weave us together in the fabric of community.

Meditation

Visualize yourself standing before a gateway on a hilltop. Your entire life lies out before you and below. Before you step through, pause and review the past; the learning and the joys, the victories and the sorrows—everything it took to bring you here.

Sharing/ Deep Listening

What are you proud of? What accomplishments stand out?
What challenges did you overcome?
What positive changes did you make in your life? In the lives of others?
What were some valuable lessons you learned?
Who helped you make changes or overcome obstacles? Were you able to express your gratitude?
Could these changes of events help you change your life next year?

Song

This Little Light of Mine

Benediction
by Rev. Rebecca Parker

Let this be the time
We wake to life,
Like spring wakes,
in the moment of winter solstice.

Service leader
Lisa deGruyter

Courtesy of First Unitarian Church of San José