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”
12 January 2025. Baptism/Naming of Jesus. (White).
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 can be 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
The gong is sounded three times
v1 Let there be joy in our coming together this day.
Let there be truth heard in the words we speak
and the songs we sing.
v2 Let there be help and healing for our disharmony and despair.
Let there be silence for the voice within us and beyond us. (Carl Seaburg)
v1 So let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life.
Lighting of Community Candle
The Community Candle is lit
We light this flame to honour our past.
We light this flame to endorse our present.
We light this flame to symbolise our future.
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 The people stand, as they are able to sing
“We Walk The Way That Has No End” (Tune: ‘Winchester’, 88.88)
We walk in silence while the earth
Quivers and cracks beneath our feet
Swallows our dreams and shatters worth
Solemn, we trudge to hearts’ dull beat.
We walk while singing, motley choir
of traitors, lovers, meek and proud
Small sparks of apostolic fire
light up the path, lighten the shroud.
We walk in solidarity
and sing of hope that never dies
We march to end disparity
graves open as our spirits rise.
We walk the way that has no end
Free to evolve, transform our creed
Hearts, torn like curtains, start to mend
Love rising now in word, in deed.
(optional verse)
There are no strangers on the way
Just travellers who will soon be friends
And destination—there is none:
A spiral path that never ends. © Bronwyn Angela White (2012)
OR
"God Molds The Shapes…" (Tune: 'Little Conard’, 66.66.88) 38 TMT
God molds the shapes of life,
drawing the flow of tides,
firing the sunlight's blaze,
glazing the night with pride:
God gives the love which warms and moves
the patterned rhythm life provides.
Ponder the rising sap
changing to leaf's decay;
think of the winter's death
turning to spring's new day,
and in these cycles find the shapes
of all God dreams and all God makes.
Pulse of the veins and lungs,
seasons of human hearts -
patterns that intertwine,
shaping our thought and art;
all these are part of nature's flow -
the life of God we reap and sow.
Sing to the God of change,
chaos, and fine design;
hallow the ordered forms
filled with the life divine.
In God the universe is one
and sings the hymn which God first sung! William L Wallace
Remain standing
Opening Sentences
As we settle into this sacred place,
put away the pressures of the world that ask us
to perform,
to take up masks,
to put on brave fronts.
Silence the voices that ask you to be perfect.
This is a community of compassion and welcoming. (EA Hewitt/adapt)
All We bring all that we are and all that we yet can be,
to this safe and sacred place.
OR
We are called into this celebration,
not just by words spoken,
but also by miracles recalled:
All a baby's first cry,
the petals of a rose,
mist-covered hills,
the restless tides of the seas,
human love,
human hope.
We respond:
All with gratitude,
with joy,
with wonder,
at life's boundless possibilities. (Adapted/Gordon B. McKeeman)
Words of Awareness
We receive fragments of holiness,
glimpses of eternity,
brief moments of insight.
Let us gather them up for the precious gifts that they are
and, renewed by their grace,
move boldly into the unknown. (Sara M Campbell/slt)
OR
We pray:
May we look to the past with gratitude and
to the future with hope,
unafraid of hopes and dreams, yet
realistic about our limitations.
May we realize the significance of these moments together.
May we also gather courage for today and tomorrow.
May it be so.
Hymn/Song “Birth of a Boy-child…” (Tune: ‘Away in a Manager’, 11.11.11.11) 43 RP
The birth of a boy-child, the growth of a man:
his mother's enigma; a part of God's plan?
Uncertain, now standing a part of the crowd;
the still of the water foreshadows a shroud.
The death of an old life, the birth of a new,
as values are challenged, past choices askew.
Fierce currents of feeling, encounters of love,
a man by a river, a voice and a dove.
That voice stills the crowd at the slow river's rim:
'My son, my beloved, now listen to him.’
The birth of a boy-child, the growth of a man:
his mother's enigma; a part of God's plan? (Andrew Pratt)
OR
“A Laser Like Tongue” (Tune: 11.11.11.11. ‘Paderborn’)
A hymn inspired by Jesus baptism. (Based on Isaiah 49 vs 1-7; Mark 1: 9 – 15; John 1 vs 29-42)
Perhaps this text could be read dramatically rather than sung
A laser like tongue used when speaking God's word,
an arc-light to shine through the crass or absurd.
The prophet had spoken of just such a voice,
embodied in John who would offer God's choice.
A preacher from Galilee joined in the crowd,
not hidden, John pointed and called him out loud.
The lamb, God's anointed, Messiah had come,
the Spirit confirming that this was God's son.
The world and God's people spun round by this man
discovered that grace had a limitless span;
and this, while offending the pious, the priest,
brought joy to the ones once regarded as least.
Some soon caught the essence, the crisis, the power,
the challenge of Jesus to twist or devour
their present conceptions, their life-long deceit,
to turn them, re-focus, and make them complete.
And so those around heard both challenge and choice,
the sense of authority rang through his voice.
The call to leave everything seemed so absurd
and yet they responded to Jesus's word.
That word is still rippling, extending through space,
it reaches through time and it tells of God's grace;
it sharpens perception, it rings in each ear,
the spirit is moving, the Kingdom is near. (Andrew Pratt) © Stainer & Bell Ltd.
OR
“Wisdom Far Beyond” (Tune: ‘Coronation Road’) 157 HoS
Wisdom far beyond our knowledge,
Word of endless mystery,
God, in whom is comprehended
all that was, is now, will be,
you have set us free to wander,
world on world, through time and space,
haunted by the hope of heaven,
nurtured by your constant grace.
Unimaginable lover,
faithful to eternity,
God, fulfilling and indwelling
all that was, is now, will be,
we can never stray beyond you,
loving Presence, you are here:
called to join your great adventure,
forth we go to find you there.
Beating heart of all creation,
first and final unity,
God who draws all things together,
all that was, is now, will be,
we have heard your distant music,
shared your dream of harmony:
now we go as reconcilers,
makers of community.
Focus of our search for meaning,
truth in our perplexity,
God the One by whom we measure
all that was, is now, will be,
centre of our heart’s devotion,
magnet of our questing mind,
spirit’s birth and soul’s companion,
journey’s end in you we find. (Colin Gibson).
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.
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)
CENTERING
Meditation (Optional)
“The Elements - Water”
A Hindu Prayer
Waters, you are the ones who bring us the life force.
Help us to find nourishment so that we may look upon great joy.
Let us share in the most delicious sap that you have,
as if you were loving mothers.
Let us go straight to the house of the one for whom your waters
give us life and give us birth.
For our well-being let the goddesses be an aid to us, the waters be for us to drink.
Let them cause well-being and health to flow over us.
Mistresses of all the things that are chosen, rulers over all peoples,
the waters are the ones I beg for a cure.
Soma has told me that within the waters are all cures and Agni who is salutary to all.
Waters, yield your cure as an armour for my body,
so that | may see the sun for a long time.
Waters, carry far away all of this that has gone bad in me,
either what I have done in malicious deceit or whatever lie I have sworn to.
I have sought the waters today; we have joined with their sap.
O Agni full of moisture, come and flood me with splendour.
OR
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 us now settle into silence and stillness.
(Silence)
Music of Reflection
Response
v1 Let us take time to stand in awe of this self-evolving universe.
v2 Let us marvel at the living eco-sphere of this planet.
Wm Let us set a supreme value on all forms of life.
Mn Let us develop a lifestyle that preserves the balance
of the planetary eco-system.
All Let us refrain from all activities that endanger the future of any species.
Let us devote ourselves to maximizing the future
of all living creatures.
Let us set the needs of the coming global society before
those of ourselves, our tribe, society, or nation.
v1 Let us learn to value the human relationships that bind us
together into social groups.
v2 Let us learn to appreciate the total cultural legacy
we have received from the past.
All Let us accept in a self-sacrificing fashion
the responsibility now laid upon us all
for the future of our species and of all planetary life. (Lloyd Geering/gc).
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 be struck by the wisdom of these words
and marked by hearing them.
All For within story lies meaning, and
within meaning, the wisdom for which we seek. (Gretta Vosper/ab)
• “Summer is Here”
By Mary Ackerson. SBNR.org blog site
Summer is here – lush, seductive…
Sultry breezes awaken memories of summers past,
lure us to beaches, decks… ice cream.
Our senses are aroused by abundant life – verdant full trees,
nighttime cricket lullabies that fade to morning wake-up birdcalls.
Buzzing, hovering insects startle and harass
on afternoon walks…
Ripe tomato juice dribbles into our salads and off our sandwiches,
sugary berry juice trickles down our throats.
Fresh colorful flowers fuel our eyes and perfume our noses,
Our caresses are steamy, our skin salty.
Evenings are highlighted by golden side-rays of sun
as sea-gulls circle overhead before settling
onto water beds for the night.
We gather by lake’s edge to watch the crimson sun
paint the water pink and dip into the horizon in fiery display.
We relax while fading sunlight allows an early sprinkling of stars;
and we linger into wonder at the dusty swath
of the Milky Way curve.
In predawn darkness we ooh at shooting star exhibits
of burning comet debris – an ancient summer ritual
marking earth’s yearly tour…
So, for today, let us breathe deeply and embrace life’s gifts,
let us be gentle with ourselves and each other,
caressing all our glorious flawed humanity,
let us find balance as we dive face-first into life rhythm,
and let us reach out to support and hold each other close.
OR
• "Ordinary Graces"
By Joy Atkinson. For All that is Our Life/2-3.
The red orange glaze on the low-sunk moon
seen in the parting of clouds.
The sight and sound of a bright field of wheat,
whispering, bending in waves.
The scent of a wind-borne sea, pine, jasmine,
and the waiting gifts of a harvest table.
The gentle tug of creation's umbilical cord
calling us out of despair.
The warmth of linked hands and shared thoughts,
calling us into community.
These gifts of grace we receive.
In them we rejoice
as we return our thanks.
• Luke 3:15-22 (NRSV)
As the people were filled with expectation, and all
were questioning in their hearts concerning John,
whether he might be the Messiah,
John answered all of them by saying,
“I baptize you with water;
but one who is more powerful than I is coming;
I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals.
“He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fork is in his hand,
to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat
into his granary; but the chaff he will burn
with unquenchable fire.”
So, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed
the good news to the people.
But Herod the ruler, who had been rebuked by John
because of Herodias, his brother’s wife,
and because of all the evil things that Herod had done,
added to them all by shutting up John in prison.
Now when all the people were baptized,
and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
the heaven was opened, and
the Holy Spirit descended upon him
in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven,
“You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
OR
• Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 (Inclusive Text)
A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people,
who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ,
so John declared before them all,
'I baptise you with water,
but someone is coming,
someone who is more powerful than I am,
the strap of whose sandals I am not fit to undo;
this one will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire'.
Now when all the people had been baptised
and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer,
heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus
in bodily shape, like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven,
'You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.'
Contemporary Exploration
Silence for Personal Reflection
AFFIRMING
A Litany: "We Come Together" (Optional)
People stand as they are able
We are people of all ages who enter this space
bringing our joys and our concerns.
All We come together in hope.
We greet each other warmly
with our voices and our smiles.
All We come together in peace.
We share our growth and our aspirations.
All We come together in wonder.
We share our losses and our disappointments.
All We come together in sorrow.
We share our concern and our compassion.
All We come together in love.
We sing and pray and listen.
We speak and read and dream.
We think and ponder and reflect.
We cry and laugh and centre.
We mourn and celebrate and meditate.
We strive for justice and for mercy.
All We come together to celebrate life,
all of life, in the presentness of God. (Adapt.CMeyer)
Sharing of 'The Peace’
Let us now take a moment to celebrate each other.
May a heart of peace rest with you.
All And also with you. (David Galston/q)
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.
Hymn/Song People stand as they are able, to sing
“The Vast Expanse of Time and Space” (Tune: ‘Chrysalis’ LMD)
The vast. expanse of time and space
outruns the reach of human mind.
Not years, but eons mark this place,
this earth, the home of human-kind.
What quantum particles emerged
in light years far beyond our ken?
What strands of matter first converged,
in time becoming rock and wren?
What pulsing forces formed the stars
and led their fiery cosmic dance?
Then Earth and Saturn, Venus, Mars—
what plucked them out of random chance?
What pow’r brought forth this universe
among the many that could be,
caused form and substance to disperse,
evolving into you and me?
New universes may appear
to which my life and death give birth.
The self same pow’r that brought me here
gives life to all—and gives it worth.
Though other worlds and wonders wait,
though time and space may cease to be,
God’s love for me will not abate,
for it enfolds eternity. (Barbara Hamm © 2020)
The people sit
The Offerings
The Presentation
God of Love, God of our baptism,
we rejoice to commit ourselves anew with our gifts.
Inspire each person to invest fully in the work
set before us.
In Solidarity
Care Candle:
We are people of all ages who enter this space
bringing our joys and concerns.
Joys and Celebrations; Griefs and Concerns shared
Focused Thoughts:
Listening Response:
In this abundant blessing
All We share the joy.
In this, our time of need,
All May love abound. (Gretta Vosper/wwg)
And so we take this flame and light our special care candle…
The Care Candle is lit
When we are grieving or sad,
When we are challenged,
When we need help,
All This flame guides us out of the darkness.
When we are cheerful,
When we celebrate,
When we accomplish a great task,
When we return to a place that makes us happy,
All This flame reminds us to share our happiness with others. (Adapt/APalmer)
The 'Abba' Prayer: (Optional)
You are invited to pray in the spirit of the Abba/Lord's Prayer, and in your original language, as appropriate
All Loving Presence, luminous in all creation,
hallowed be your name.
Thy kin-dom come.
May we reflect on earth
the yielding perfection of the heavens.
Help us to receive an illumined measure from the earth this day.
Forgive us when we trespass against others,
human and other than human,
as we forgive others who trespass against us.
Keep us on the path of wisdom
when we are tempted to take the selfish path.
May it be your rule we follow,
your power we exercise,
and your radiance that allures.
May this be the truth that guides our lives,
the ground from which our future will grow,
until we meet again. (Bruce Sanguin/dddc)
PARTING
Hymn/Song The people stand as they are able, to sing
“You Are Born In Us Again” (Tune: ‘Dunstan’) 52(v1-2) COC
You are born in us again
Like the warmth of the summer wind you come,
to melt away the icicles of vanity and pride;
you come to blow the very doors of loving open wide.
Like the warmth of the summer wind you come,
like the warmth of the summer wind you come.
You are born in us again
Like the scent of the summer rain you come,
You come to quench the thirsty and to freshen up the land;
you come to clean away the dust that settled in our hand.
Like the scent of the summer rain you come,
like the scent of the summer rain you come.
Parting Words
Let us embrace the wonder of this week
with expectation and imagination…
The Community Candle is extinguished
Our time in this sacred place may have ended,
but our connection to each other
and this community remains.
All Together may we walk the path of justice,
speak words of love,
live the selfless deed,
tread gently upon the earth,
and fill the world with compassion. (Kathy Huff)
Words of Blessing
May our eyes open amazingly to the mystery of summer.
May our ears open amazingly to the sounds of summer.
May our spines buckle with unknowable beauty...
May the music of summer be on our lips.
May the warmth of the sun relax our muscles, and refresh our minds.
May the whole community of life be truly alive
with the energy of Summer. (Kathleen Glennon/hs)
All Amen. May it be so!
Hymn/Song (Cont.) “You Are Born In Us Again” (Tune: ‘Dunstan’) 52(v3) COC
You are born in us again
Like the light of the summer sun you come,
to give light to the places that have never seen the Son;
you come now to embrace us, you’re the holy, holy one.
Like the light of the summer sun you come,
like the light of the summer sun you come. (Marie Wilson)
The people sit after the hymn/song, then prepare to leave
Recessional Music
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.
Geering, L. The Greening of Christianity. Wellington: St Andrew’s Trust for the Study of Religion and Society, 2005.
Glennon, K. Heartbeat of the Seasons. Earth Rituals for the Celtic Year. Dublin: Columba Press, 2005.
Holy Bible. NRSV. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989.
(HoS) Hope Is Our Song. New Hymns and Songs from Aotearoa New Zealand. Palmerston North: New Zealand Hymnbook Trust, 2009.
Inclusive Readings. Year C. Brisbane: Inclusive Language Project. In private circulation, 2006.
(RP) Pratt, A. Reclaiming Praise. Hymns from a Spiritual Journey. London: Stainer & Bell Ltd, 2006. (And the Hymn ‘Laser Like Tongue’ 2024)
Pickett, H & E. (ed). For All That is Our Life. A Meditation Anthology. Boston: Skinner House Books, 2005.
Sanguin, B. Darwin, Divinity, and the Dance of the Cosmos. An Ecological Christianity. Kelowna: CopperHouse, 2007.
(SLT) Singing The Living Tradition. Boston: UUA, 1993.
Vosper, G. With or Without God. Why the way we Live is More Important than What we Believe. Toronto: HarperCollins, 2008.
(TMT) Wallace, W. L. The Mystery Telling. Hymns and Songs for the New Millennium. Kingston: Selah Publishing, 2001.
Web sites/Others:
Seaburg, McKeeman, Hewill, Palmer, Meyer, Huff. UUA Worship Web. Boston. http://uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/index.php
Margaret Ackerson. 2010. SBNR.org Blog/web site. USA.
David Galston. Quest Learning Centre for Religious Literacy. <http://www.questcentre.ca/>
"We Walk the Way..." Bronwyn Angela White, Wellington, New Zealand. < http://www.spirit-and-faith.com/16346232>
‘A Hindu Prayer” in Roberts, E. & E. Amidon. Earth Prayers from Around the World. 365 Prayers, Poems, and Invocations for Honoring the Earth. New York. HarperCollins, 1991