Welcome, everyone. We're glad you're here.
This is a gathering for all ages, children and grown-ups together.
Today we will walk through the 12 Steps on the Way Home,
taking turns as we read around the circle.
Peace be with you
Peace be with you
(All together)
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
(After each step, pass to the next person in the circle.)
We admitted that we cannot do everything by ourselves,
like a tiny bird discovering it cannot fly alone.
We came to believe that help and hope are always nearby,
like a flower turning toward the morning sun.
We made a decision to entrust ourselves to the care of God, as we understood Him,
like a seed resting in the earth before it begins to grow.
We looked honestly at our thoughts and actions,
like a still pond reflecting everything around it.
We told the truth, even when it was hard,
like rain falling on thirsty ground.
We opened our hearts entirely ready to let God make all things new,
like stepping into fresh water and starting anew.
We humbly asked God to help us grow in kindness and love,
like a young tree stretching toward the light.
We took responsibility for the times we forgot that everyone belongs,
like remembering there is room for every bird at the feeder.
We said sorry, forgave others, and tried to fix what we could,
like mending a torn kite so it can fly again.
We kept growing in love, one day at a time,
like a garden growing one small leaf at a time.
We stayed close to God and to people who help us grow,
like a vine growing near the branch that gives it life.
We shared the peace and welcomed others in,
like a lantern shining its light for everyone nearby.
(All together)
One step at a time,
we find our way home.
We turn now to one another,
and take turns sharing, or simply listening.
You might share:
Which step feels important to you today?
Or a time you said sorry, told the truth, or helped someone feel welcome.
If no one has anything to share, we will just take the quiet moment
to listen to nature, with gratitude.
(Pause for the time of sharing and quiet moment)
Thank you all for sharing, and for listening.
We now will end our time of gathering by lighting a candle with a prayer for peace.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
(A grown-up lights the candle. A moment of quiet.)
Let us go out in peace,
like a lantern shining its light for everyone nearby.
Peace be with you
Peace be with you
This circle is not affiliated with Al-Anon, Alcoholics Anonymous, or any other Twelve Step fellowship. To find a meeting, visit al-anon.org or aa.org.