‘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
“We are thoroughly nature. To claim otherwise is to attempt to place human beings
and everything we do in some rare unimaginable realm beyond the universe,
thus rendering the power of our origins lost and our obligations vague”
10 December 2023. Advent 2B. (Blue).
Celebrating Community in the Tradition of the Meal
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 or the (NN) Nation, Past, present, 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 available at 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 gather 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
The gong is sounded three times
Advent is about the birth of something sacred.
For something sacred needs to be born:
born from the mating of what is,
and what might be.
It needs a manger.
So let us prepare a manger in our hearts
for the birth of the sacred. (Davidson Loehr/First UU Church of Austin).
OR
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.
Lighting of the Community Candle
The Community Candle is lit
In this special season, let us continue to celebrate
the richness and diversity of life.
Note: Check out 'Special Liturgies’ (this site) for the following:
(i) A suggested process for introducing new hymns is called Hymn of the Month,
(ii) Additional Special Purpose Hymns that 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) Some specific resources on Terrorism
(iv) On Wonder, Awe, and Nature
Song/Hymn The people stand as they are able, to sing
"God Given Energy, Flaring and Fiery" (Tune: ‘Liebster Immanuel’, 11.10.11.10)
God given energy, flaring and fiery,
stella collisions of fury and pace;
shafts of the light from the cosmic conception
searing to earth from infinity's space.
Stars from eternity, driven by forces
formed at the birthing of matter and time;
mystical sinews restraining the planets,
elegant science and God's hidden rhyme;
These are the visions of wonder and rapture,
signs of significance, pointers to place,
drawing us out from our narrow discernment,
windows to love and God's infinite grace. Andrew Pratt
OR
“For Everyone Born (A Place At The Table)” 6 PaT
For everyone born, a place at the table,
for everyone born, clean water and bread,
a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,
for everyone born, a star overhead
And God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace:
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice and joy!
For woman and man, a place at the table,
revising the roles, deciding the share,
with wisdom and grace, dividing the
for woman and man, a system that’s fair
And God will delight when we are creators…
For young and for old, a place at the table,
a voice to be heard, a part in the song,
the hand of a child in hands that are wrinkled,
for young and for old, the right to belong,
And God will delight when we are creators…
For just and unjust, a place at the table,
abuser, abused, with need to forgive,
in anger, in hurt, a mindset of mercy,
for just and unjust, a new way to live
And God will delight when we are creators…
For everyone born, a place at the table,
to live without fear, and simply to be,
to work, to speak out, to witness and worship,
for everyone born, the right to be free
And God will delight when we are creators...
For gay and for straight, a place at the table,
a covenant shared, a welcoming space,
a rainbow of race and gender and colour,
for gay and for straight, a chalice of grace
And God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace:
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice and joy! (Shirley Erena Murray)
Remain standing after the hymn/song
Opening Sentences
The presentness of Creativity God is among us,
Wm in the wilderness of our cities,
Mn furrowed by freeways and shaded by skyscrapers.
v2 Prepare a way…
The presentness of Creativity God is among us,
Wm in the wilderness of our countryside,
Mn where farmers eke out a drought-feed existence.
v2 Prepare a way...
The presentness of Creativity God is among us,
Wm moving in the air, the land, and the waters,
Mn making our world whole.
v2 Prepare a way...
All Smooth the rough places, move the mountains;
let Creativity God’s glory be displayed. (Adapt.Bruce Prewer/ap)
OR
A voice cries out in the wilderness,
“Prepare the way of our God.”
All We hear God’s voice and so we come
to proclaim God’s justice for all.
A voice cries out in the wilderness,
“Prepare the way of our God.”
All We hear God’s voice and so we come
to announce peace to all our neighbours.
A voice cries out in the wilderness,
“Prepare the way of our God.”
All We hear God’s voice and so we come
to live out God’s unconditional love.
You cry out to us, O God,
calling us to come to you.
All Open our ears to hear your voice of love
that we might experience your unending grace
as we are gathered here today.
Open our ears to hear your voice of justice
that we might boldly work to realize your peace
throughout all creation. (Adapt.Jessica Perersen/ct)
Words of Awareness
The thought manifests as the word.
The word manifests as the deed.
The deed develops into habit.
And habit harden into character.
So watch the thought and its ways with care.
And let it spring from love
born out of concern for all beings. (The Buddha/lp).
OR
We pray:
Gentle God, as the sun rises each day,
and light lifts our world out of darkness,
give new energy to our bodies,
new healing to our minds,
new strength to our spirits.
May it be so.
Song/Hymn
In the 19th century John Mason Neale translated the 9th century hymn ‘O come, O come, Emmanuel’.
As we sing this traditional Advent hymn we do so honouring our past, even as we affirm we have moved on in our religious journey and thinking.
“O Come, Emmanuel” (Tune: ‘Veni Emmanuel’, 88.88 & refrain) 265 TiS
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to
you, O Israel.
O come, O come, great Lord of might
who to the tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! rejoice!...
O come, O key of David, come,
and open wide our heavenly home;
make safe the way that leads on high
and close the path to misery.
Rejoice! rejoice!...
O come, O branch of Jesse, free
your own from Satan's tyranny;
from depths of hell your people save
and give them victory o'er the grave.
Rejoice! rejoice!...
O come, O dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by your advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! rejoice!…
OR
“The Earth is Our Cradle” 7 OHV
The earth is our cradle, our ground and our home.
The sky is our blanket, protective and warm.
The stars are our ancestors, ancient and bright,
their glow is a glimpse of our life’s burning light.
The creatures of land, the swimmers of sea,
the birds of the air, the green plants and trees:
They’re all of our siblings with equal share
in Earth as our home and duty to care.
Our ancient atoms arranged and reformed,
connect us and bind us with the stuff of the stars.
When all is over, our substance returned
to our elements birth-place, our atom’s next turn. (Christopher New)
The people sit
Welcome
Or in your own words
A warm welcome is extended to all.
Especially those who are gathering here 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
OR
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)
THE CHILDREN LEAD US...
Advent Candle Lighting 2
Peace
v1 As this season of “sparkle and bright” unfolds around us,
the silent prayers of peace lie like stars
hidden in a clouded night,
v2 May we inspire the world with peace.
v3 May we touch it to our lives that in every place of stress, frustration, or fear,
we might feel the presence of peace easing our hearts
and transforming our lives.
v4 And may we share the its healing power with our children,
that they might become the inspiration through which
peace makes its way to a new yet-dreamt-of world.
Light candle
May Peace light the world this Christmas.
OR
Advent Candle of Trust
The winds are scented with every growing thing;
the jacaranda blossoms,
clothes fit for a royal person.
All Come, Companion Jesus, Come. (Adapt.BPrewer/bpa)
Last Sunday we lit the first Advent candle, the candle of hope.
We light it again remembering the hope,
which will always be brought to birth
in, through, and among, all creation.
First candle is lit
The second Advent candle is the candle of trust.
In the stillness of our worship here we light it,
watching it burn and glow.
Second candle is lit
And we affirm that we are a people of God
willing to walk and live in partnership
with all who seek to be people of peace.
Presentation of the Christmas Bowl
Let us again remember that without hope and trust,
people struggle to find their way.
The Bowl is placed near the candles
Song "Child of Christmas Story" (Tune: ‘Incarnation’ 65.65) 12(v1-2) AA
Child of Christmas story,
stable straw and star,
small and sweet and gentle:
tell us who you are.
Child whose baby finger
round our own is curled,
come to melt our hearts, and
come to change the world. Shirley Erena Murray
The children leave to go to Sunday Club
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
Let there now be a silence among us…
(Silence)
May we become conscious in this moment
and in every moment of our gathering,
that the Holy One, Creativity God,
is the life giving energy pulsing through us...
(Silence)
Music of Reflection
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: May we open ourselves to the seeds of wisdom
that lies dormant in this/these reading/s.
All And may our minds be fertile soil
in which it/they may grow strong and true. (Gretta Vosper/ab)
• Mark 1:2-3 (Inclusive Text)
As it is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah,
Look, I am going to send my messenger before you,
who will prepare your way.
A voice cries in the wilderness:
‘Make ready a way for God,
clear a straight path.’
• "Apocalyptic Awakening"
By Bruce Sanguin. If Darwin Prayed/11.
O Holy One,
we are a sleepy lot,
slow to stir to the calling of the cosmos,
deaf to the cries of the Earth
and the forgotten ones,
human and other-than-human.
We distract ourselves
with trivialities that have become idols;
while the sun and the moon darken,
and the stars fall from the skies,
we are mesmerized by the market's alluring power,
eyes unflinchingly fixed upon the naval of our own net worth.
"O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,"
cries the prophet,
or at least tear open our hearts, pry open our eyes,
and end this slumber that blocks out pain,
but with it, wonder.
Our hope, O Holy One, is found in eyes wide open,
in hearts linked in common cause,
in small gestures of compassion,
and in alertness to your coming,
again and again.
As fire kindles brushwood
and causes water to boil,
so we await to be set on fire
with hope and gospel passion.
OR
• "The Flame-Tree Blooms"
By Judith Wright. Collected Poems/291.
It was you planted it;
and it grew high and put on crops of leaves,
extravagant fans; sheltered in it the spider weaves
and birds move through it.
For all it grew so well
it never bloomed, though we watched patiently,
having chosen its place where we could see
it from our window-sill.
Now, in its eighteenth spring,
suddenly, wholly, ceremoniously
it puts off every leaf and stands up nakedly,
calling and gathering
every capacity in it, every power,
drawing up from the very roots of being
this pulse of total red that shocks my seeing
into an agony of flower.
It was you planted it;
and I lean on the sill to see it stand
in its dry shuffle of leaves, just as we planned,
these past years feeding it.
• Mark 1:4-8 (Inclusive Text, adapted)
And so it was that John the baptiser appeared in the wilderness,
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
All Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem made their way to John,
and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan,
they confessed their sins.
John wore a garment of camel-skin, and lived on locusts and wild honey.
In the course of preaching John said,
'Someone is following me, someone who is more powerful than I am,
and I am not fit to kneel down
and undo the strap of his sandals.
'I have baptised you with water,
but the One to come will baptise you
with the Breath of God.'
Contemporary Exploration
Silence for Personal Reflection
AFFIRMING
A Celebration of Faith (Optional)
On this second Sunday in Advent and in response to the word reflected on,
let us stand and share a celebration of faith.
The people stand as they are able
Unpredictable, irrepressible,
dancing, laughing Spirit,
when we're tempted to be cautious and hesitate,
All Draw us forward
into the surprising and joyful future
you have waiting for us.
Unpredictable, elusive Spirit,
when we're tempted to opt for certainty,
All Free our spirits to adventure and risk,
as your people have always done.
Unpredictable, people-loving,
freedom-loving Spirit,
when we're tempted to be shackled to comfort and conformity,
All Enable us to leave such things behind,
call us through your people
into the surprise of each new day.
Clear our vision, so we may see things,
to which we've paid no attention in the past.
All Sharpen our listening,
so we may hear pleadings and cries
we've never heard before.
Strengthen our hands,
so we may do things we've previously not dared try.
All Put a new spring into our step,
so we may follow your leading into new situations.
Draw us dancing and laughing into tomorrow. JConnan
OR
If remembering the Eureka Stockade…
"We Remember Them”
By Roland B Gittelsohn (Adapted). #720 SLT
In the rising of the sun and in its going dopwn,
we remember them.
All In the blowing of the wind and in
the chill of winter, we remember them.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
we remember them.
All In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,
we remember them.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
we remember them.
All In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
we remember them.
All When we are lost and sick at heart,
we remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
we remember them.
All So long as we live, they too shall live,
for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them.
Sharing 'The Peace'
Let us take a moment to celebrate each other.
May a heart of peace rest with you.
All And also with you. (David Galston/q)
You are invited to share the peace with your neighbours
OR
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.
CELEBRATING
Song/Hymn People stand as they are able, to sing
"Bring Many Names" (Tune: ‘Westchase', 9.10.11.9) 182 TiS
Bring many names, beautiful and good,
celebrate in parable and story,
holiness in glory, living, loving God
Hail and Hosanna!
Bring many names.
Strong mother God, working night and day,
planning all the wonders of creation,
setting each equation, genius at play:
Hail and Hosanna,
strong mother God!
Warm father God, hugging every child,
feeling all the strain of human living
caring and forgiving, till we're reconciled:
Hail and Hosanna,
warm father God!
Old, aching God, grey with endless care,
calmly piercing evil's new disguises,
glad of good surprises, wiser than despair:
Hail and Hosanna,
old, aching God!
Young, growing God, eager, on the move,
seeing all, and fretting at our blindness,
crying out for justice, giving all you have:
Hail and Hosanna,
young, growing God!
Great, living God, never fully known,
joyful darkness far beyond our seeing,
closer yet than breathing, everlasting home:
Hail and Hosanna,
great, living God! Brian Wren
People sit
In Solidarity
Care Candle:
We are people of all ages who enter this space
bringing our joys and concerns.
Joys and Celebrations; Griefs 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)
OR
Song/Hymn “Spirit of Life” (Tune: ‘Spirit of Life’, 8.12.8.12.8.10) 123 SLT
Spirit of Life, come unto me.
Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea;
Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.
Roots hold me close; wings set me free;
Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me. (Carolyn McDade)
And so we take a flame and light our 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 presentness of the sacred among us,
and to see the new possibilities of the now.
The 'Abba' Prayer: (Optional)
You are invited to pray in the spirit of the Abba/Lord's Prayer, and in your original language, as that is appropriate
All Eternal Spirit
Source of all that is and ever shall be,
Loving Parent in whom we discern heaven,
May knowledge of your holiness inspire all peoples.
And may your commonwealth of peace and freedom
flourish on earth, until all of humankind
heed your call to justice and compassion.
May we find the bread that we need for today.
And for the hurts we cause one another
may we be forgiven in the same measure
that we forgive.
In times of trial and temptation,
help us to be strong;
When life seems overwhelming,
Help us to endure;
And thus from the yoke of sin deliver us.
May you reign in the power of human love,
Now and forever. (Tom Hall)
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY IN THE TRADITION OF THE MEAL
Offerings
Presentation
Blessed are you, Holy Wisdom,
inweave the fabric of our common life
that the many-coloured beauty of your love
may find expression in all that we do and give.
Introduction
Members of the Jesus movements regularly ate a meal together
when they met as a community.
It was a characteristic that they had in common
with virtually every other social group in their world.
It was considered primary to the early developments
in the movements’ meal liturgy.
These meal traditions were not about personal salvation or payment for sin.
Instead, they were about actions and offering hospitality, social identity,
and being in solidarity with those around us.
The liturgical movements centred on celebration, presence, and joy.
I invite you into the spirit of those meals…
Invitation
In faith and love, gathered in this place,
we celebrate the brightness of community
and the season of early Summer called 'Balalambar'
(Season of Butterflies)
by the Djab Wurrung and Jardwidjarli People.
Thanksgiving
In time beyond our dreaming, at a time
when earth was desolate, not-yet inhabited…
Creativity God hovered over the water,
and was revealed in fire and storm and precious law.
Likewise, humanity in this creative likeness evolved on this earth,
along with earth’s minerals and waters,
flowers and fruits,
living creatures of grace and beauty!
All Our response is both wonder and awe.
Our stories go on to say:
Noah was shown a rainbow,
Moses gained strength to free his people,
in the face of danger Miriam would sing,
Esther found courage, and
Ruth stayed loyal.
All We give thanks for women and men
in many different cultures and times who spoke about
our connectedness with each other,
and with all of creation.
In this age and season, with its TV and shopping and summer sun,
we wait again with expectant hearts and hopeful spirits,
as we seek to discern your presentness among us.
So we join our celebration to all people:
All Holy, holy, holy, compassionate God,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
All Hosanna in the highest.
Celebration of the Gifts
Bread and wine tell a very special story…
About women, about men, about life.
Bread has its beginnings in the earth:
it is gathered, ground and kneaded by loving hands,
tired backs, by sweat of toil.
Bread from paddock and mill and store.
Bread to break, to give and eat, shared from hand to hand.
Bread that must be broken open, to be used, to feed.
Bread broken to fill emptiness.
The Bread is broken
Likewise, the wine is of the earth, bitter and sweet.
From vine to glass, given and shared,
of people's labour.
Wine of joy and pain, grief and gladness.
Wine to be spilled to slake thirst and enliven the heart
just the way spirits can. (Adapted.Nancy L Steeves)
The White Wine is poured out.
Both then served in small groups at the front by intinction
SCATTERING
Song/Hymn People stand as they are able, to sing
"Where Is The Room?" (Tune: ‘Michaela') 48(v1-3) COC
Where is the room,
where is the house of Christmas?
Where shall we welcome Jesus,
where are the signs of home?
Where are the signs of home?
Let Christ have space,
place at the heart of living,
centre for birth's new breathing,
cradle for hope and peace,
cradle for hope and peace.
Let there be room,
room for the friend and stranger,
room without hurt or anger,
room for whoever come,
room for whoever come.
Remain standing
OR
“’Til All, In Truth, Are Free” (Tune: ’Aurelia’ 76.76D)
If truth still guides our journey,
where does it lead from here?
Our world lies there before us
but nothing seems that clear.
We used to think we knew things,
that all had been revealed,
but now all truths we question,
and much is yet concealed.
Our faith in higher powers,
our confidence in love,
our hope for bright tomorrows
our trust in things above –
each must be proved and tested:
what’s fantasy, what’s truth?
It’s while we’re on this journey,
we one another soothe.
Remain standing
Parting Words
Let us embrace the wonder of this week
with expectation and imagination...
The Community Candle is extinguished
Gathered together
All We wait for the light.
Standing together
All We trust in the light.
Praying together
All We hope for the light.
Seeking together
All We step out with the light.
Singing together
All We are blessed by the light. (Trisha Watts/s)
Words of Blessing
Go now in joy, building, living in, and enjoying
a community full of welcome and equality.
All Amen. May it be so. (Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer/wsj)
Hymn/Song (Cont.) "Where Is The Room?" (Tune: ‘Michaela') 48(v4) COC
Let love be here,
love from the Christmas stable,
love at our open table,
love to be shared all year,
love to be shared all year. Shirley Erena Murray
OR
“’Til All, In Truth, Are Free” (Tune: ’Aurelia’ 76.76D)
If we would share with others
the way we choose to live;
if justice and compassion
inspired us all to give,
we would not need to worry
that truths do not agree
for all could live together
in love and harmony.
So walk with me in courage
across truth’s great divides.
We’ll listen to each other
until the hate subsides.
Together we’ll speak boldly
of what the world still needs
and speak a truth to power
‘til all, in truth, are free. (Gretta Vosper/2015)
The people sit after the hymn/song
'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 the moment 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:
(AA) Alleluia Aotearoa. Hymns and Songs for all Churches. Raumati. New Zealand Hymnbook Trust, 1993.
(COC) Carol our Christmas. A Book of New Zealand Carols. Raumati. New Zealand Hymnbook Trust, 1996.
(HoS) Hope Is Our Song. New Hymns and Songs from Aotearoa New Zealand. Palmerston North. New Zealand Hymnbook Trust, 2009.
Inclusive Readings. Year B. Brisbane. Inclusive Language Project. In private circulation, 2005.
Morwood, M. Praying a New Story. Richmond. Spectrum Publications, 2003.
(PaT) Murray, S. E. A Place at the Table. New Hymns Written Between 2009 and 2013. Carol Stream: Hope Publishing, 2013.
Nelson-Pallmeyer, J. & B. Hesle. Worship in the Spirit of Jesus. Theology, Liturgy, and Songs Without Violence. Cleveland. The Pilgrim Press, 2005.
(OHV) New, C. Our Highest Values: A Collection of Songs for an Expansive Spirituality. Edmonton. Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 2015. (chris@smsuc.com)
Prewer, B. D. Australian Psalms. Revised and expanded. Adelaide. OpenBook Publishers, 2000.
Prewer, B. D. Brief Prayers for Australians. Vol 3. Adelaide. OpenBook Publishers, 1992.
Roberts, E. & E. Amidon. Life Prayers from Around the World. 365 Prayers, Blessings, and Affirmations to Celebrate the Human Journey. New York: HarperCollins, 1996.
Seaburg, C. (ed). The Communion Book. Boston. UUMA, 1993.
Sanguin, B. If Darwin Prayed. Prayers for Evolutionary Mystics. Canada: Vancouver. EOS, 2010.
(SLT) Singing The Living Tradition. Boston. UUA, 1993.
(TiS) Together in Song. Australian Hymn Book 2. Sydney. HarperCollins Religious, 1999.
Vosper, G. With or Without God. Why the way we Live is More Important than What we Believe. Canada: Toronto. HarperCollins, 2008.
Vosper, G. Another Breath. Prayers for Celebration and Reflection. Brisbane. The Centre for Progressive Religious Thought Brisbane, 2009/2010.
Ward, H. J. Wild, & J Morley. (ed). Celebrating Women. New edition. London. SPCK, 1995.
Watts, T. & G. Lord. Sanctuary. Where Heaven Touches Earth. A Group Resource for those Seeking Simplicity, Silence, and Nurture. Canada: Kelowna. Wood Lake Books, 2005.
Wright, J. Collected Poems. 1942-1970. Melbourne. Angus & Robertson Publishers, 1971.
Web sites/Other:
Connan. UUA Worship Web. Boston. <www.uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/>
Andrew Pratt. "God Given Energy". Direct from the author.
Tom Hall. ''The Abba Prayer'. Reprinted in Laughlin, P. A. 2009. “Pray without Seeking. Toward a truly mystical Lord’s Prayer” in The Fourth R 22, 6, 20-24.
David Galston. Quest Learning Centre for Religious Literacy. http://www.questcentre.ca/
Gretta Vosper. "’Till All…” Direct from the author
Jessica Petersen. Advent 2. Creative Transformation 20, 3-4, Summer/Fall 2011. Process & Faith. http://processandfaith.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/CT/CT%2020.3-4_1.pdf
Celebration of the Gifts. Nancy L Steeves. One of several non-theistic resources found at: http://stephen.srv.ualberta.ca/publications/non-theistic-liturgy-resources/