Chalice Circle Session
You’re in Charge of Celebrations
By Michelle Collins, Towson UU Church, Lutherville, MD

Note: You will need the book I’m in Charge of Celebrations by Byrd Baylor.

Opening Words and Chalice Lighting:			             Richard M. Fewkes
For the sun and the dawn which we did not create;
FOR THE MOON AND THE EVENING WHICH WE DID NOT MAKE;
For food which we plant but cannot grow;
FOR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES WE HAVE NOT EARNED AND 
CANNOT BUY;
For this gathered company which welcomes us as we are, from wherever we have come;
FOR ALL OUR FREE CHURCHES THAT KEEP US HUMAN AND 
ENCOURAGE US IN OUR QUEST FOR BEAUTY, TRUTH, AND LOVE;
For all things which come to us as gifts of being from sources beyond ourselves;
GIFTS OF LIFE AND LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
WE LIFT UP OUR HEARTS IN THANKS THIS DAY.
     
Check-in: You are invited to share something you put aside in order to be fully present here, and, if you are comfortable, a significant joy or sorrow, ending or new beginning in your life recently.

Reading:  I’m in Charge of Celebrations				          Byrd Baylor   
Take turns passing the book around and reading from the selected pages.

Discussion Questions:
•	What is it that makes a day or a moment memorable to you?
•	From the story, “You can tell what’s worth a celebration because your heart will POUND and you’ll feel like you’re standing on top of a mountain and you’ll catch your breath like you were breathing some new kind of air.”  When have you had this sort of experience?
•	Do you have any days, particular to you and your own life experiences, that you celebrate or remember throughout the year?  (birthday, anniversary, or any other less common ones)
•	What about holidays that are on the calendar – which ones do you especially choose to celebrate?  Why?  And how?
•	Thoreau says he strives to “…live deep and suck out all the marrow of life.”  What practices do you have for living in the moment and celebrating those experiences?

Check-out:  How did this session go for you?  Are there any particular thoughts that you will take from here?

Closing Words:  (volunteer to read)
As you go, remember always, to breathe deeply, walk deliberately, listen carefully, love constantly, live intentionally, keeping your heart and eyes open, grasping and savoring the moments as they float by like clouds.  Go now in peace and celebration.
Notes:
This session is based on the book I’m in charge of celebrations, by Byrd Baylor.  It is a fantastic book.  See if you can find it through your local library, or possibly through a state-wide interlibrary loan system (that’s how I got it).

We only read a portion of the book in the groups – from the beginning through the pages about the triple rainbow and then skipped to her description of the new year’s celebration.  I just paper clipped off the other pages so they would be skipped.  You could read the entire book if you wanted, though.  Enjoy!!