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

“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”

22 September 2024.  Season of Creation 4B/Pentecost 18B. (Green).
Mountain Sunday

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 (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 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

Refreshment Station/Water Basins
Pottery basins are set on stands near the entrance to the Gathering space. 
Attendees are invited to dip their hands in the cool water in the basins as they arrive. 
Or to rinse each other’s hands. 
That we may relax, be refreshed, and prepare for this time together.

(Note: A small sign is placed above the basin explaining that as they dip their hands in the water, they are invited to relax and try to mindfully set aside or release for a time anything that might be preventing them from being fully present—each traveller rinsing the “dust from the road”).

OR

(A suggestion of other words)
We come together from our separate lives,
each of us bringing our concerns, our preoccupations,
our hopes, and our dreams.

We are not yet fully present.
The traffic, the last-minute cooking, the final details still cling to us.
Our bodies hold the rush of the past few hours.

It is now time to let go of these pressures and really arrive…   

When you are ready, repeat silently to yourself: ‘Hineini’ or ‘Here I am’.
Hineini is used in the Torah to signify being present
in body, mind, and spirit.

It means settling into where we are and simply being “here”. (Adapted/Nan Fink Gene)

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

With respect and gratitude for the original custodians of this land,
we gather together this day
to affirm in hope and faith,
that we can create a sacred space of welcome
for all who live in Australia.

So let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life.

Lighting of the Community Candle
The Community Candle is lit

v2 Fountain of life…Pulse of life…
Breath of life…
All  Earth is filled with the presentness of God.

v1 A planet filled with the presence of God
All  a living green blue planet,
peoples from every corner of creation,
the vast reaches of space above us,
and the rocks and hills and wonders of the wild.
v2  Together this day,
let us sense the face of God in all creativity.

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 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
"The Majesty of Mountains"                                                                                                139 AA
The majesty of mountains,
the sovereignty of skies,
the regal rock that arch above
where veils of vapour rise,
are gifts of God, the Lord of love,
the worshipful, the wise.

The running of the river,
the surging of the sea,
the grass that grows high on the hill,
the flower and fruiting tree,
our Saviour sends us, by whose will
all creatures came to be.

The Glory of the Godhead,
the Spirit and the Son,
the Father, faithful down the days:
to them, the Three-in-One,
while life shall last, be perfect praise
and highest honour done!  MPerry.
Remain standing after the hymn

Opening Sentences
We invite the mountains to worship with us:
All  mighty boulders and deep forests,
sliding glaciers and swirling snow.

We invite the wild to join us in wonder:
All gliding eagles and rock wallabies,
mysterious moths and magic mushrooms.

We join with the mountain creatures in praising God:
All  leaping trout and crawling creatures,
exotic orchids and honey bees.

We call the depths of the mountains to celebrate:
All  precious gems and sparkling stones,
volcanic lava and rich red ore.

We enter the mountain of God today:
All  and we worship in God’s presence,
a sacred place on our planet.

Sing, mountains, sing!
All  Sing, creation, sing!  (Adapt.Norman Habel/soc)

Words of Awareness
We gather grateful for the companionship of hearts and minds
seeking to speak the truth in love.

We gather grateful for our heritage,
for the women and men before us
whose imagination, dedication and
prophetic words and deeds make possible
our dreams and our insight.

And we gather grateful for the gift of life itself,
mindful that to respect life means both to celebrate what life is
and to insist on what it can become.

May we always rejoice in life,
and work to cultivate a sense of its giftedness. (Adapt.M S Milnor)

OR

We pray:
Creativity God, whose renewing breath fills our planet,
may we discern your vibrant, creative presence among us.

And may our spirits be lifted
as we sing with the wild and the hills,
and connect with the mystery of the mountains 
through majestic rocks, this day.
May it be so.

Hymn/Song  “We Understand Tectonic Plates” (Tune: 588 MHB, ‘Sheltered Dale’, 86.86.86)
We understand tectonic plates
that move beneath our feet.
We understand that powerful waves
make rivers in the street.
But when we try to centre God
our sense is incomplete.

To say creation points to God
will never make real sense
except within a frame of faith,
outside it brings offence.
Our claim is more than paradox
within this present tense.

And so we struggle with the facts
that contradict belief
until we find a greater truth
we never find relief.
Reason and revelation clash
and die in disbelief.

We honour God for all that is
and all that is to be.
We may not understand God's ways,
until eternity.
But love is stronger than belief
and faith can help us see.  © Andrew Pratt, 2004
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.

CENTERING

Presentation of Water Basins
Words which acknowledge that the dust of many roads and many life experiences has been rinsed into the basins, and calls for the contents of the basins and the gathering to be transformed, renewed, and more fully alive

The dust of many roads and may life experiences
has been washed in this refreshing water.
For this place is a sacred place.

May we
greet one another with open hearts and minds;
inspire each other to consider new questions
and seek deeper meaning;
and cultivate both wisdom and compassion.

And may this time together empower us to take some new steps
so all our living is transforming and the
yearning of our hearts become reality.
The bowls of water are removed from the Gathering space and placed on an outside garden

Remembering
Take the symbol (smooth stone)
you received at the door, rub it between your fingers,
and share with the person next to you a memory
of climbing rocks and hills
and enjoying the wonders of the wild.
Conversation

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

We remember our connection to mountains
and hills and the wild.

We lament the time we have become alienated from Earth
and viewed mountains as little more tourist spots,
hills for mining uranium and riches.

Yet we celebrate our kinship one with another
and with the whole of creation.
All  We remember and rejoice.

Now away from the busyness of life
and in the silence of this place,
let us give thanks
for the gift of one another!
(Silence)

We celebrate the song of the mountains and the hills!
All  Sing, mountains, Sing!  (Norman Habel/soc)

Music of Celebration

EXPLORING

Wisdom from the World/Religious Traditiosn
“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:  We listen for truth, yet it is elusive - a thought here, a verse there.
All  May we collect it all, write what is worthy on our hearts,
and let the rest spill past our consciousness
leaving us clear and whole.  (Gretta Vosper/ab)

• "How Wonderful is our Home, the Earth…”
By Edward Abbey. Earth Prayers /62.

How strange and wonderful is our home, our earth,
With its swirling vaporous atmosphere,
Its flowing and frozen climbing creatures,
The croaking things with wings that hang on rocks
And soar through fog, the furry grass, the scaly seas...

How utterly rich and wild...

Yet some among us have the nerve,
The insolence, the brass, the gall to whine
About the limitations of our earthbound fate
And yearn for some more perfect world beyond the sky.
We are none of us good enough
For the world we have.

OR

• "Memory of a Sacred Rock"
By Norman Habel. Rainbow of Mysteries/206

I stood on a hill at sunset
overlooking a massive rock;
a mile high, same say,
and twenty miles around.

The rock was Uluru,
a golden boulder rising from deep in the red centre of Australia,
a sacred site of Aboriginal peoples.

As I watched, the rock exuded wonder,
changing colour from instant to instant,
from celestial gold to earthly orange,
from vivid bronze to blazing red,
all the colours of a desert rainbow.

I sensed what many had sensed in other lands before me,
that point of spiritual concentration,
the navel of Earth
where spirit is incarnate in the soil
and the intrinsic worth of Earth is revealed.
Wonder in a rock
and in my consciousness.

OR

If in Northern Hemisphere
“An Autumn Equinox Blessing”
By Wendy Janzen

Blessed are you, autumn,
season of unavoidable endings.
You show us how letting go
can be a glorious, joyful practice
with your spectacular colours.
You model how to hold 
paradoxes with grace -
the balance living and dying,
relinquishing and receiving,
gathering and sharing.
You know that death is not
and ending, but a passage,
a transformation into new life.
May we learn these lessons well:
to celebrated with abandon
to practice reverence 
to surrender completely
to embrace tenderly
to love without regret.

• Psalm 1
A 21st century exploration by Francis Macnab.

There are many pathways in front of us.
We see some people take pathways that turn-out
to  be destructive and unhealthy.
All  But our happiness and well-being depend on us 
taking the pathways that keep us connected 
with the best purposes
and with the best spirit.

Look carefully at the tree that flourishes beside the river -
its leaves are healthy and it bears fruit in season.

We can be like the tree.
All  But we can forget all that and become
like chaff blown in all directions by the wind.

God of all life has created in us a desire to be the best we can be.
When we follow that desire,
our whole being is strongly affirmed.
All  But when we become indifferent to that desire,
we lose our connection with the best purposes
and the best spirit.  (Francis Macnab/fwb)

• Mark 9:33-37 (Inclusive Text)

Jesus and the disciples made their way to Capernaum.

And when Jesus was in the house he asked them,
'What were you arguing about on the way?'

They said nothing because they had been arguing
which of them was the greatest.

So Jesus sat down, called the Twelve and said,
'Whoever wants to be first must be last of all
and servant of all.'

Jesus then took a little child, set it in front of them,
put his arms around it, and said to them,

'Anyone who welcomes one of these little children
in my name, welcomes me;
and anyone who welcomes me
welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’

OR

• Mark 16:14-18 (NRSV)

Later [Jesus] appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table;
and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness,
because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.

And he said to them,
"Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.
The one who believes and is baptised will be saved;
but the one who does not believe will be condemned.

"And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name thy will cast out demons; 
 they will speak in now tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, 
 and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; 
 they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover”.

Contemporary Exploration

Silence for Personal Reflection

AFFIRMING

A Celebration of Faith
In response to the word reflected on, let us stand
and share together a celebration of faith.
The people stand as they are able

Our land is alive with the glory of God:
All  desert sands hum and gum trees dance,
brown grasses sing
All  and mountains breathe their stillness.

All created things add their rhythm of delight
All  and even the stones rap out their praise.

Let our voices mingle with the song of the earth.
All  May our hearts join the beat of her joy.
For our triune God is with us:
All  our creator surrounds and upholds us.
Christ Jesus walks beside and before us.
The Spirit moves within and between us.

Blessed be God, our wonder and our delight.  Jenny Tymms/mgs

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.

Hymn/Song The people stand, as they are able, to sing
“Nature’s Beauty” (Tune: ‘Regent Square’, 87.87.47 Extend.)                               4 SNS3
Nature knows her sounds and movements
Heard and seen each day and night;
All her life in rich abundance
Fills my heart with great delight;
Celebrate with adoration;
Thankful for the world so bright.

Fearsome winds cause trees to whimper;
Storms can force the clouds to cry;
Raindrops, snowflakes dance together;
Sun and moon wink in reply;
Celebrate with adoration
All the wonders of the sky.

Celebrate all hidden textures;
Value all the roots below;
Celebrate all covered spendour;
Value beauty not on show;
Celebrate with adoration;
Thankful for the world we know.

Creatures bold and creatures timid
Offer beauty, each unique;
Trees and flowers paint a picture
On the plain and mountain peak;
Celebrate with adoration;
All revealed for those who seek.

We are blest with such profusion;
Beauty bursts out everywhere;
If we take the time to ponder
We may find a thankful prayer;
Celebrate with adoration
Thankful for the world we share.  (George Stuart).

CELEBRATING

Offerings

Presentation
The landscape of life is always near:
a daffodil in bloom,
a single green leaf,
the red and green flash of a parrot.
Common, yet unexpected places.
All  May we too be a people of adventure and life,
grace-filled companions, offering
courage and hope in unexpected places.

Conversation with the Children
Children gather on the conversation mat

Conversation:

"Somewhere someone...:"

The kingdom of love is coming because:
All  somewhere someone is kind when others are unkind,
somewhere someone shares with another in need,
somewhere someone refuses to hate, while others hate,
somewhere someone is patient - and waits in love,
somewhere someone returns good for evil,
somewhere someone serves another, in love,
somewhere someone is calm in a storm,
somewhere someone is loving everybody.
Is that someone you?  (Binkley & McKeel/jke)

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 the light and beauty of day
All  We give thanks in awe and wonder.
In the dark and stillness of night
All  We dream of healing and hope.  (Gretta Vosper/wwg)

And so we take this 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 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 appropriate

All Good caring presence within us, around us, and above us;
Hold us in a sense of mystery and wonder.

Let the fullness of your goodness be within us and around us.
Let all the world know your ways of caring and generosity.
May we find we have all we need
to meet each day without undue anxiety.

Overlook our many stupidities,
and help us to release everyone from their stupidities.
May we know we are accepted.
Strengthen us that we will reach out to the best,
always with the faith
to rise above the ugly realities of our existence.

And we celebrate the gifts you have given us:
the rich kingdom of life’s possibilities,
the power to do good and the triumphs of good,
and the moments when we have seen
the glory and wonder of everything.

You are life’s richness.
You are life’s power.
You are life’s ultimate meaning.
Always.
And for everyone.
And for ever more.  Amen.  (Francis Macnab/fwb)

SCATTERING

Hymn/Song  The people stand, as they are able, to sing
“It Is So Grand” (Tune: ‘Woodlands’, 10.10.10.10)                                                               4(v1-3) SNS
It is so grand - the cosmos with its store 
Of galaxies and stars; we stand in awe; 
The constellations, nebulae and more, 
So limitless, no human can explore.

It is so grand - the beauty of the earth - 
Abundant life; all species seek re-birth; 
We look at nature; she responds with mirth; 
And then we wonder at her dazzling worth.

It is so grand - the body, soul and mind - 
So complex yet exquisitely combined; 
Belief, thought, deed - effectively entwined 
Reveal the miracle of humankind.
Remain standing

Parting Words
The God we worship is never confined to this holy place.
So go and travel with the God
who is found in ordinary and surprising places.
The Community Candle is extinguished

Hold again the fragrant symbol in your hands
and go forth to serve.

v2 Will you care for Planet Earth?
All We will remember our planet home!
We will nurture our planet!
We will act graciously to all humanity!
We will wonder at the beauty of dawn and sunset!
We will rejoice in the mountains!
We will celebrate life!

Words of Blessing
May the places where you walk become
sacred spaces of Creativity God...

The places where you take your stand
be signposts to the love of the Human One...

The places where you rest be filled with 
the renewing grace of the Spirit.  (Adapted. Dorothy McRae-McMahon/ith)
All  Amen! May it be so!

Hymn/Song (Cont). “It Is So Grand”  (Tune: ‘Woodlands’, 10.10.10.10)                     4(4-5) SNS
It is so grand - the virtues we hold dear -
Soft kindness, goodness, gentleness sincere;
Faith, hope and love which constantly appear;
And grace, compassion which helps conquer fear.

The God beyond is always on display;
The God within sustains us all each day;
The God between in all our interplay;
We are so blest; we need to kneel and pray. (George Stuart)
The people sit

'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:
(AA) Alleluia Aotearoa.  Hymns and Songs for all Churches. Raumati: New Zealand Hymnbook Trust, 1993.
Binkley, C. G. & J. M. McKeel. Jesus and his Kingdom of Equals. An International Curriculum on the Life and Teaching of Jesus. Santa Rosa: Polebridge Press, 2001.
Habel, N. Rainbow of Mysteries. Meeting the Sacred in Nature. Kelowna: Copper House/Wood Lake Publishing, 2012.
Holy Bible. NRSV. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989
Inclusive Readings. Year B. Brisbane: Inclusive Language Project. In private circulation, 2005.
Iona Community. Iona Abbey Worship Book. Glasgow: Wild Goose Publications, 2001.
Macnab, F. A Fine Wind Is Blowing: Psalms of the Bible in Words that Blow you Away. Richmond: Spectrum Publications, 2006.
McRae-McMahon, D. In This Hour. Liturgies for Pausing. Thornbury: DesBooks, 2001.
Moving with God's Spirit. A collection of Prayers, Hymns, Affirmations and Reflections. Perth: Uniting Church in Australia, National Assembly, 1997.
Roberts, E. & E. Amidon. Earth Prayers from Around the World. 365 Prayers, Poems, and Invocations for Honoring the Earth. New York. HarperCollins, 1991.
(SLT) Singing the Living Tradition. Boston: UUA, 1993.
(SNS) Stuart, G. Singing a New Song. Traditional Hymn Tunes with New Century Lyrics. Second edition. Sydney: CPRT Sydney, 2006.
(SNS3) Stuart, G. Singing a New Song. Traditional Hymn Tunes with New Century Lyrics. Volume 3. Toronto. G Stuart, 2011.
The St Hilda Community. The New Women Included. A Book of Services and Prayers. London:  SPCK, 1996.
Vosper, G. With or Without God. Why the way we Live is more Important than what we Believe. Toronto: HarperCollins, 2008.
Vosper, G. Another Breath. Prayers for Celebration and Reflection. Brisbane. The Centre for Progressive Religious Thought Brisbane, 2009/2010.

Web Sites/Other:
Milnor. UUA Worship Web. Boston. <www.uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/>
Norman Habel Creation Liturgies. <www.seasonofcreation.com>
Andrew Pratt. "We Understand...". Andrew Pratt Hymns and Words blog site. UK. <http://hymnsandbooks.blogspot.com/>
Refreshment Station. Words by Nan Fink Gefen, taken from an Evolutionary Passover Haggadah by Tree Bressen.
David Galston. Quest Learning Centre for Religious Literacy. http://www.questcentre.ca/