At UUCBG, we start Chalica on the first Sunday in January and continue for seven weeks as we act upon each of the Seven Principles. We light a chalice (or seven different chalices or candles), reflect on the meaning of that principle, and we do a good deed. For example:

1^st Lighting – the inherent worth and dignity of every person (Jan 3-Jan 9)

– help someone in need, write to someone in prison

– a peace offering, such as inviting someone to diner or an apology

2^nd Lighting – justice, equity and compassion in human relations (Jan 10-Jan 16)

– spend time in a soup kitchen or donate clothes

– speak up when you see cruel or bullying behavior

3^rd Lighting – acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations (Jan 17-Jan 23)

– give a chalice / book / hymnal

– ask someone else in your congregation what they believe

4^th Lighting – a free and responsible search for truth and meaning (Jan 24-Jan 30)

– teach someone something you know

– learn something new from someone else

5^th Lighting – the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. (Jan 31-Feb 6)

– work for a political cause, write to your elected officials

– help a committee at your congregation

6^th Lighting – world peace, liberty and justice for all (Feb 7-Feb13)

– help your social justice committee hold a fundraiser

– donate to a cause such as UNICEF, Doctors without Borders, etc.

7^th Lighting – respect the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part (Feb 14-Feb 20)

– start a compost heap, plant seeds

– get cloth bags and use them instead of plastic or paper ones