Closing ritual/reading for small group gatherings

The following reading is shared by the Rev. Amy Freedman. She is the senior minister of Channing Memorial Church in Newport, RI. The Rev. Freedman and the people at Channing have a wonderful small group ministry which I have been fortunate to see grow over the past few years. I just so happen to be married to the Rev. Amy Freedman!

This is a wonderful reading to keep on hand. I have a copy of this in the binder I take to group and facilitator sessions. I encourage all small group leaders to collect great "all purpose" readings and meditations.

I hope you enjoy this one.

Hands by the Rev. Amy Freedman

Become aware of the hands that you are holding.
Their warmth, texture, and weight.
As an infant these same hands reached outfor the nourishment of milk.
As a child these hands shakily wrote a name on paper for the first time.
These hands have wiped away tears, clenched in anger,waved hello and good-bye countless timesand embraced loved ones.
And now these hands are the tangible link that connect us to one another.
These are hands that have worked, are working, and will work to make the world a better place.
I invite you to look around and see those around you who have experienced so much that is life.
May the circle be open but never broken.
Go in peace.
Go in love.
Work for justice.
Go forth and bless the world.

Copyright 2005 by The Rev. Amy Freedman. Permission granted to use in Unitarian Universalist worship services and Unitarian Universalist small group ministry sessions with attribution.

Reading in a Word Doc