A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot) is a primary symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. Our congregation kindles a flaming chalice in worship and features the chalice symbol prominently.

Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol during his work with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To Deutsch, the image had connotations of sacrifice and love.

To Unitarian Universalists today, the flaming chalice is a symbol of hope, the sacred, the quest for truth, the light of reason, the warmth of community, and more.

We light a flaming chalice in worship to create a reverent space for prayer, reflection, meditation, and singing.