Talking Circle ritual outline

Developed by Sharon Hwang Colligan, with thanks to comrades in SF-UUYAN and PCD-UUYAN, 1997-2000.

Hymnal numbers are references to the UU hymnal Singing the Living Tradition, Beacon Press, 1993.

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Chalice Lighting: #429 – Come into this place of peace…

Opening Song: #389 – Gathered here in the mystery of the hour…

Welcome Speech:

Welcome
to [our Unitarian Universalist Young Adult worship circle.]

Our theme tonight is …………………. .
We use a Talking Circle format:
The person holding the [pine cone] speaks,
and passes it to the next, or back to the center, when they’re done.
We speak from our hearts,
and respect what is spoken.

We start with a check-in, which is:
Your name, and
something [meaningful that's happened this week].

Check-In:
Pass pine cone to the left (clockwise.) Leader goes first, or sometimes the person to the leader’s left.

Program:
Talking Circle– the topic leader speaks first, invokes the theme, places pine cone back in center. Circle then moves where it will.

Get Ready to Close:

• Time check: Let people know “There are fifteen minutes till we end the circle.”
• Final squeaks: Close to the end, “Anything anyone needs to say before we close?”
• Check-out: “Your name again. Bless the circle.” (Check-out pine cone moves to the right.)

Closing:

• Song: #413 – Go Now in Peace…
• Stand up, hold hands.
• Closing Blessing:
  Thank you for being here.
  Respect what was spoken here– keep confidentiality. (or: keep the circle.)
  Go in peace.
• Blow out candle. (All together.)

Announcements:
of upcoming social events, business meetings, etc. may be made after circle. (Avoid using check-in or check-out for announcements.)

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2001.06.07