Chalice Lighting

“Resting fully in the present is the source of our happiness. We open to our own experience, and inevitably that opens us to others. To be truly happy in this world is a revolutionary act. Because true happiness depends upon a revolution in ourselves.” -Sharon Salzberg

Check In

Share briefly what’s been on your mind lately or your highs and lows since we last met. We will listen to each other without asking questions or offering advice to allow people the safety to share what’s in their hearts.

Thoughts for Contemplation

When you laugh, the whole system vibrates, a dancing diaphragm, dancing cells.  All the cells are happy, and when you are happy you have a longer life. -Tilden Edwards

Happiness consists, not in possessing much, but in being content with what we possess.

 -Arthur Zimmerman

I slept and dreamt that life was Joy. I awoke and saw that life was Service. I acted and behold. Service was Joy. -Rabindranath Tagore

Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.  -George Bernard Shaw

Joy and sorrow are inseparable. . . together they come and when one sits alone with you . . remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.  -Kahlil Gibran

Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.
-Henri Nouwen

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.  -Thich Nhat Hanh

There are random moments – tossing a salad, coming up the driveway to the house, ironing the seams flat on a quilt square, standing at the kitchen window and looking out at the delphiniums, hearing a burst of laughter from one of my children’s rooms – when I feel a wavelike rush of joy. This is my true religion: arbitrary moments of nearly painful happiness for a life I feel privileged to lead.  -Elizabeth Berg

Spiritual Exercises

1)      Engage in a specific activity designed to bring you joy. It can be as small or large as works in your life right now.

2)      Find something you can do to try to bring joy to someone else.

3)      Engage in service and see how it makes you feel.

Note: If you find yourself unable to access joy in your own life, please contact the Minister or a Caring Committee member.

Questions for Contemplation

1)      What feelings and images come to mind when you think of the word “joy?”

2)      What brought you joy as a child?

3)      When you seek joy for yourself do you feel good about treating yourself with the care and positivity you deserve? Do you ever feel guilty when you seek joy for yourself? Is there anything that keeps you from seeking joy?

4)      Describe how you feel when you bring joy to someone else. Do you notice whether your experience of joy affects the energy or attitudes of others?

5)      Can you remember some of the characteristics of a person who was a model for joyful living in your life?

6)      Was there a time in your life when an act of service gave you great joy?

7)      What regular habits and practices might create more joyfulness in your heart, home and community?

Sitting in Silence

Take a few moments to sit quietly and reflect upon joy.

Sharing/Deep Listening

Respond with your thoughts/experiences with the topic.

Reflection

This is a time to supportively respond to something another person said or to relate additional thoughts that may have occurred as others shared.

Song

I’ve Got Peace Like a River, #100 (first 3 verses)

I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

I’ve got joy like a fountain, I’ve got joy like a fountain, I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.

I’ve got joy like a fountain, I’ve got joy like a fountain, I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.

I’ve got love like an ocean, I’ve got love like an ocean, I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.

I’ve got love like an ocean, I’ve got love like an ocean, I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.

Closing Words

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.
-James Oppenheim

Printable Order of Service