Advent1C.1.12.2024 — Rex A E Hunt

Suggestion: ’Refresh’ each page before reading to make sure to get my latest edition

‘The Other Lectionary’ is a suggested ‘southern hemisphere’ Lectionary (with a few Resources added) offered in parallel to,
or even replacement of, the RCL which is in standard use by many.

A GATHERING LITURGY FOR THE
CELEBRATION OF LIFE

“...in the end the universe can only be explained in terms of celebration.
It is all an exuberant expression of existence itself”
1 December 2024. Advent 1C (Blue)

Acknowledgement of Country/First Peoples
(An act towards reconciliation)

For thousands of years Indigenous people have walked
in this land, on their own country.
Their relationship with the land is at the centre of their lives.

We acknowledge the (NN) People of the (N) Nation, past, present, and emerging,
and their stewardship of this land throughout the ages.

First Peoples Statement to the Nation 2017 is called “Uluru Statement from the Heart”
A Response from Common Dreams5 Conference of Religious Progressives,
Australia/South Pacific 2019

Both found in Affirmations/Manifestoes

And we recognise and give thanks that we humans
are creatures of the Earth living in the ecosystem
—flowers, trees and insects; land, waters and mountain range—
that is unique to (NN).
May we honour one another and honour life itself.

(NN) is a safe place for all people to worship regardless of
race, creed, age, cultural background or sexual orientation

GATHERING

Rich and Striking Visuals
“The function of beauty… is to make us aware of a reality which is richer and deeper
and more marvellous than anything we can dream or conceive.” (Henry N. Wieman)
Artwork OR Floral/Symbols display (cloths, candles, stones, wood, leaves, flowers, earth, water) OR projection of Film/Video

Gathering Music

Entry into the Celebration
v1 The season of Advent challenges us
to see God's vision of what is yet to be,
to hear God's voice calling anew,
to smell the scent of God in our world.

v2 Peace be upon all who enter this house.
Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life.

Music of Celebration

THE ADVENT WREATH WITH THE CHILDREN
Advent 1
Summer is in the air:
we look for the joys ahead;
for holy-days and recreation,
waiting and discerning.
All Come, companion Jesus, and walk with us.

v1 Let us prepare a manger in our hearts
for the birth of the sacred.
v3 Why do we light one candle?
v2 This candle reminds us of the light of hope.
A candle is lit.

We give thanks that throughout this season of hope
we are warmed by the signs of hope
we see in our world and in our own lives… (Gretta Vosper/ab)

Advent Wreath – ‘Source of light’
Advent 1
v1 Spontaneous sun
generous giver of light,
heat and energy…
Light first candle

v2 We give thanks for the sun,
for its rising and setting that never fails.
All May we not to waste these hours of light

Presentation of the Christmas Bowl
Information: https://www.actforpeace.org.au/Christmas-Bowl

Note: (i) A suggested process for introducing new hymns is called Hymn of the Month
(ii) Additional Special Purpose Hymns cover major international events or themes. They include these categories: 1. Bush (Brush) Fire, 2. Tsunami, Storms/Cyclones, 3. Earthquakes, 4. War/Remembrance, 5. Caregiving, 6. God as Mother, 7. Human Trafficking, 8. Disabled, 9. Migration/Refugees, 10. Terrorist Attacks, 11. Science/Cosmology
(iii) Specific resources on Terrorism
(iv) On Wonder, Awe, and Nature

Hymn/Song In solidarity with those for whom standing is not easy or possible we will remain seated to sing...
“Anna’s Song” 55(v1) ISIT
Lift this child to the sun,
Raise this child to the sky;
God has come from above,
Come to earth from on high.
Lift this child, lift this child to the sun. © Norman Habel.
The children depart for Sunday Club.

Opening Sentences
Let us acknowledge the
awesome mystery embodied in every person.
All Through us God comes to unique
and personal expression.

Let us give thanks
for the abundance of life on this earth.
All Through it we and all people
may be nourished. (Michael Morwood/adapt/pns)

Words of Awareness
Marvel at life!
Strive to know its ways!
Seek wisdom and truth,
the gateways
to life’s mysteries!

Wondrous indeed is life! (Adapt. Rabbi Rami M Shapiro/ep)

We pray:
Holy and Creative Light, may we continue
to love this earth, our home.

This quiet star, marbled blue and white,
was spinning in black space long before we came:
delicate,
self-contained,
easily torn apart!

Holy it is. As caretakers and stewards
may we watch over it, savor its beauty,
and breathe its air. (CGrady /adapt)
May it be so.

Hymn/Song People stand as they are able, to sing
“Advent Song” 281(v1-3) GA
Refrain:
Gather in hope, people of God.
Sing the Advent song!
Song of faith, song of trust,
a song to welcome the Christ.

Let the warmth of our love,
like the long summer days,
prepare the way of the Lord,
prepare the way of the Lord.

Let our will for justice,
as strong as the sun,
prepare the way of the Lord,
prepare the way of the Lord.
Refrain:

Let our thirst for the truth,
like the dry, parched earth,
prepare the way of the Lord,
prepare the way of the Lord.

Let our dream for peace,
as bright as the sky,
prepare the way of the Lord,
prepare the way of the Lord.
Refrain:

Let the prophet be heard,
like the blaze of fire,
prepare the way of the Lord,
prepare the way of the Lord.

Let the poor and the rich,
as the lamb and the lion,
prepare the way of the Lord,
prepare the way of the Lord.
Refrain: DBrowne

“Hope” (Tune: ‘Maccabeus’ 10.11.11.11.& Refrain) 20 SNS3
Hope is forever; it will never end;
Like the rainbow — ageless; we can’t comprehend;
Like the mountains — matchless; as a trusted friend;
Like the ocean — boundless; on it we depend.
Refrain:
Hope is forever; like the rising sun;
Always brings new promise; light to everyone.

Hope is elusive when we’re feeling low;
Dark clouds are depressing; life has lost its glow;
Duty can be pressing; pulls like undertow;
Hope then brings a blessing; joy can overﬂow.
Refrain:

Hope in the future; God is always there
In love and compassion, and with more to spare;
Love that has no ration, for all, everywhere;
This was Jesus’ passion, shown in love and care. (George Stuart)
Refrain:

“All Over Creation” (Tune: ‘Elizabeth’) 3 COC
All over creation
joy spills into light,
stars, candles ablaze this Christmas night;
where Jesus is sleeping,
peace kisses the earth,
O that we could know who Mary has brought to birth!

This child will bring freedom,
this child will release
wellsprings of compassion, ways to peace,
this child will bring healing,
this child will inspire
love answering love, and spirit to Spirit's fire.

This child will befriend us,
this child will invite
all children to share his world's delight:
this Christ will confront us
when, children no more,
we plunder our planet, crying from want and war.

Let there be a moment
held, as in one breath,
when all the earth turns away from death,
peace nursing creation,
peace spreading her wing,
O that we could know what Christmas is meant to bring! (Shirley Erena Murray)
The people sit

Welcome
Or in your own words

A warm welcome is extended to all.
Especially those who are gathering at (NN) for the first time
or who have returned after an absence.

Your presence both enriches us and this time of celebration together.
Refer to printed liturgy.
Fellowship hour following the Gathering.
Those visiting, please sign our Visitors book.

A warm welcome is extended to all.
Especially those who may be joining us for a first time.

Your presence enriches this gathering and contributes to
the creative evolution of community.
Thanks for the gift of you! (Central United, Moncton, Canada)

CENTERING

Centering Silence
Centering silence has its roots in the earliest of monastic traditions of the ‘desert Fathers (abbas)/Mothers (ammas)’
and the Christian mystic tradition… Relaxing into ‘quietness’ creates the space for deep listening and draws you into yourself

In this familiar place, listen:
to the sounds of breathing,
creaking chairs,
shuffling feet,
clearing throats,
and sighing all around.

Know that each breath, each movement, holds a life within it. (BPescan/adapt.)
(Silence)

EXPLORING

Wisdom from the World/Religious Traditions
“Wisdom is not just special knowledge about something. Wisdom is a way of being, a way of inhabiting the world.
The beauty of wisdom is harmony, belonging and illumination of thought, action, heart and mind.” (John O’Donohue)

Reader: Into this day will break moments of awareness,
tiny shards of light that illumine
the whole reality of existence.
All May these readings be such a moment
and may we be blessed by their gift. (Gretta Vosper/ab)

• "In Your Midst"
By Hildegard of Bingen. The Essential Mystics/192.

I, God, am in your midst.
Whoever knows me can never fall,
Not in the heights,
Nor in the depths,
Nor in the breadths,

For I am love,
Which the vast expanses of evil
Can never still.

• Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 (Inclusive Text)

Jesus said to the disciples:
'There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars;
on earth nations in agony, bewildered
by the clamour of the ocean and its waves;
people dying of fear as they await
what menaces the world,
for the powers of heaven will be shaken.

'And then they will see the Promised One
coming in the cloud with power and great glory.

'When these things begin to take place,
stand erect, hold your heads high,
because your liberation is near at hand...'

'Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened
with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of life,
and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap.

'For it will come down on every living person
on the face of the earth.

'Stay awake, praying at all times
for the strength to survive all that is going to happen,
and to stand with confidence before the Promised One.’

Contemporary Exploration

Silence for Personal Reflection

AFFIRMING

Advent Litany (Optional)
The people stand as they are able

v1 Among the poor,
v2 among the proud,
v3 among the persecuted,
v2 among the privileged,
v1 Christ is coming.
All Is coming to make all things new.

v3 In the private house,
v2 in the market place,
v1 in the wedding feast,
v2 in the judgement hall,
v3 Christ is coming.
All Is coming to make all things new.

v1 With a gentle touch,
v2 with an angry word,
v3 with a clear conscience,
v2 with burning love,
v1 Christ is coming,
All Is coming to make all things new.

v3 Within us,
v2 without us,
v1 among us,
v2 before us,
v3 in this place,
v2 in every place,
v1 for this time,
v2 for all time,
v1 Christ is coming,
All Is coming to make all things new. (wgwg)

If remembering Aids Sunday
"A Song of Welcome"
By Stephen Jay. Courage to Love

v1 It doesn't matter who you are or where you’re coming from,
This place has got an open door to make you feel at home.
And if you will come in and join us, you will soon perceive
That though we might all have our doubts,
there's something we believe:

v2 The shape and form of every person comes from God’s own hand;
And though you might not recognise it, or yet understand,
To all who see your deepest nature there’s a sign that shows
You share a likeness with the One
from whom all life arose.

v1 This world may soil you or contort you, robbing you of pride,
And people leave you feeling small, with words aimed to deride,
Still nothing can defeat the truth that you derive from One
Who counts your worth today as much
as when you first were born.

v2 So join your hands with ours and let us grow in self-respect,
And hear the story of a Friend who calls us to connect
Around this table where we share the bread and wine that give
A healthy new-found conﬁdence,
and let your spirit live.

Sharing of 'The Peace'
Let us take a moment to celebrate each other.

May a heart of peace rest with you. (David Galston/q)
All And also with you.
You are invited to share the peace with your neighbours

Namaste
Facing the person with right hand on your heart and a slight bow of the head…

The Divine in me honours the Divine in you.
OR

The Light in me recognises the Light in you.
OR

The spirit within me sees the spirit within you.

Hymn/Song People stand as they are able, to sing
“Be Open To…” (Tune: ‘O Perfect Love’, 11.10.11.10) 54(v1-2, 5-6) SNS2
Be open to the universe around us;
Be open to is fury and its charm,
To all the harmony and all the harshness,
Exposing us to love, pain, joy and harm.

Be open to the stirring of the Spirit
That prompts us say a word or do a deed;
The possibilities that may confront us
To build a bridge, give gifts, and sow a seed.

Be open to our beauty and our value;
In God’s own image we are born to live;
Be open to a word of commendation
For times we love and care, for times we give.

Let us be open to the unknown future;
God is our partner in our joy and pain;
Be open to our living in God’s spirit
Let truth and peace abound; let hope sustain. (George Stuart)
People sit

"Today We Celebrate" (Tune: 'St. Peter', 86.86)
Today we come to celebrate
the start of a new year.
With joyful hearts we dedicate
the faith we hold so dear.

With each new year our children grow,
they blossom in our sight.
They live with zeal and help to show
love's joy and deep delight.

With understanding and in trust
we've built a sacred space.
Through learning, teaching, sharing too
our children we embrace.

In gratitude we name our thanks
for smiles and fun and play.
We pray for young hearts in our midst,
for love to guide their way.

“Drones, Not Angels Herald Horror” (Tune: 8.7.8.7, Hyfrydol or Scarlet Ribbons)
(A hymn for 2024 from Remembrance through Advent to Christmas

Drones, not angels herald horror,
children shelter without hope,
singing now, but hell will follow.
God, through grace, give strength to cope.
Here where human hearts are broken,
all cried out, no tears to shed,
prayers are held, for fear, unspoken,
shrouded now in clouds of dread.

God reach deep through hateful anger
bent on vengeance, recompense;
listen through our warring clangour,
re-enliven common sense.
Guide us through the dust and rubble,
where our blood has stained the earth,
turning fields where all is stubble,
seeding love that signs new birth.
Andrew E Pratt (4/11/2024)
Words © 2024 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk
People sit

Offerings

Presentation
Open your eyes:
the landscape of life shows the sacred is near:
a rose in bloom,
a single green leaf,
the red and green flash of a parrot.

May we be a people of adventure and life,
grace-filled companions, offering
courage and hope in unexpected places.

In Solidarity
Care Candle:
We are people of all ages who enter this space
bringing our joys and concern.
Joys and Celebrations; Griefs and Concerns shared

Focused Thoughts:

Listening Response
As one heart is lifted
All May we share its celebration
As one heart is burdened
All May we share the pain it knows. (Gretta Vosper/wwg)

And so we take this flame and light this special care candle...
The Care Candle is lit

For ourselves, for those named or remembered,
and in solidarity with those  who have not the freedom
to express their concern or celebration
for fear of discrimination or condemnation.

In all our joys and in all our concerns, may we be ever mindful
of the presence of the sacred among us,
and to see the new possibilities of the now.

The 'Abba’ Prayer: (Optional)
You are invited to pray the Abba/Lord's Prayer in your original language, as that is appropriate.

All Our Mother, whose body is the Earth,
Sacred is thy being. Thy gardens grow.
Thy will be done in our cities,
as it is in nature.

Thanks be this day
for food, and air, and water.

Forgive us our sins against Earth,
as we are learning to forgive one another.
And surrender us not unto extinction,
but deliver us from our folly.

For thine is the beauty, and the power,
and all life, from birth to death,
from beginning to end. Amen.
So be it.
Forever.
Blessed be. (Henry Horton/lp)

PARTING

Hymn/Song The people stand as they are able, to sing
“The World is Burning” Advent after COVID & COP 26 (Tune: ‘Woodlands’, 10.10.10.10)
The world is burning, twinkling lights betray
a damaged conscience, we have lost our way.
Our neighbours drown, we build on solid ground,
as Jesus weeps while songs of praise resound.

Within this season darkness clouds each mind,
consumption numbs the pain we ought to find
when hearing news of hunger and of drought,
a stable’s birth should soon erase all doubt:

"The Ceaseless Flow Of Time" (Tune: ‘McKee’, 86.86) 350(v1-2) SLT
The ceaseless flow of endless time
no one can check or stay;
we'll view the past with no regret,
nor future with dismay.

The present slips into the past,
and dream-like melts away;
the breaking of tomorrow's dawn
begins a new today.

Parting Words
Celebration need not cease.
All It can echo in our lives,
in our words,
in our deeds,
in our moods,
in our dreams.

Carry wonder and celebration with you wherever you may go.
All We will be a blessing in our
going out and your coming in. (Adapt/Gordon BMcKeeman)

Words of Blessing
May the God you see in all the colours of creation
arouse in you a sense of awe and wonder.
May the God who is a sacred presence be real to you.
May the God who is a source of inspiration and courage
keep calling you forward.

May your God go with you, and bless you. (Francis Macnab)
All Amen. May it be so.

May the embrace of our Mother Earth,
who unites us all in mystery,
move us to embrace and care for
all our kindred Earth beings,
whose orange clay and breath from God
we share in this our planet home.
All May it be so! (Norman Habel/rm)

Hymn/Song (Cont.) “The World is Burning” Advent after COVID & COP 26 (Tune: ‘Woodlands’, 10.10.10.10)
the Christ we claim to know, born in the dirt,
while at our doors our neighbours starve and hurt.
So put aside this carolling and praise
until compassion drives our words and ways. (Direct from Andrew Pratt 19/11/2021)
• Words © 2021 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, http://www.stainer.co.uk.

"The Ceaseless Flow Of Time" (Tune: ‘McKee’, 86.86) 350(v3) SLT
The past and future ever meet
in the eternal now:
to make each day a thing complete
shall be our Advent vow. John Storey/adapted
The people sit after the hymn

'This Week' at (NN)
Notices
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Significant Events
Journey Candles

Music

Fellowship
Morning tea is now served
You are invited to share in this time of fellowship

You are invited to keep this copy of the liturgy and take it home with you
to share with another member of your family, or with a friend.

Please include any reproduction of hymns/songs for local church use
on your Music Licence returns, as appropriate

Some of the Resources used in Shaping this Liturgy:
(COC) Carol Our Christmas. A Book of New Zealand Carols. Raumati: New Zealand Hymnbook Trust, 1996.
Duncan, G. (ed). Courage to Love. An Anthology of Inclusive Worship Material. Norwich: The Canterbury Press, 2002.
(GA) Gather Australia. Ashburton: NLMC Publications, 1995.
Habel, N. Rainbow of Mysteries. Meeting the Sacred in Nature. Kelowna: Copper House/Wood Lake Publishing, 2012.
Harvey, A. (ed). The Essential Mystics. New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 1996.
(ISIT) In Spirit and In Truth. A Worship Book. Geneva: World Council of Churches. Seventh Assembly, 1991.
Inclusive Readings. Year C. Brisbane: Inclusive Language Project. In private circulation, 2007.
Morwood, M. Praying a New StoryEarth Prayers from Around the World. 365 Prayers, Poems, and Invocations for Honoring the Earth. Richmond: Spectrum Publications, 2003.
Roberts, E. & E. Amidon. . New York: HarperCollins, 1991.
(SLT) Singing the Living Tradition. Boston: UUA, 1993.
(SNS2) Stuart, G. Singing a New Song. Traditional Hymn Tunes with New Century Lyrics. Volume 2. Toronto. G Stuart, 2009.
(SNS3) Stuart, G. Singing a New Song. Traditional Hymn Tunes with New Century Lyrics. Volume 3. Toronto. G Stuart, 2011.
Vosper, G. Another Breath. Prayers for Celebration and Reflection. Brisbane: The Centre for Progressive Religious Thought Brisbane, 2009/2010.
Vosper, G. With or Without God. Why the way we Live is More Important than what we Believe. Canada: Toronto. HarperCollins, 2008.
Wild Goose Worship Group. Cloth For The Cradle. Worship Resources and Readings for Advent, Christmas & Epiphany. Glasgow: Iona Community 1997.

Web sites/Other:
Grady, Hill, Pescan, McKeeman. UUA Worship Web. Boston: <http://uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/index.php>
Francis Macnab. “Words of Blessing". 2006. St Michael's Church, Melbourne, Web site.
David Galston. Quest Learning Centre for Religious Literacy. <http://www.questcentre.ca/>
Peggy McDonagh, “Today We Celebrate”. St Stephen’s Non-Theistic Project. <http://stephen.srv.ualberta.ca/publications/non-theistic-liturgy-resources/#sthash.0Sd5KwzN.wLO2Tlw4.dpbs>

A GATHERING LITURGY FOR THECELEBRATION OF LIFE

Rex A. E. Hunt

A GATHERING LITURGY FOR THE
CELEBRATION OF LIFE