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”
21 April 2024. Easter 4B. (White).
World Earth Day
A Simple Practice…
During this coming week, take a moment to anoint part of your body, your hands, your feet, your head,
with "living water" if possible -- a creek, running snow melt, a lake.
Be present to the experience of water with all of your senses and emotions.
This simple action might become a 'yes' to take one action as a commitment to your connection with holy Earth.
Perhaps a one-step-action to involve yourself more deeply in a community resisting climate change.
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, plus a copy of the Earth Charter, 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 gather 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)
Gathering Music
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/Slides
Entry into the Celebration
The gong is sounded three times
Let us 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 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
Hymn/Song People stand as they are able, to sing
“The Arching Sky of Morning Glows” (Tune: ‘Tallis’ Canon’, L.M.) 330 SLT
The arching sky of morning glows
like frescoes high in vaulted rows.
The ragged hills of greening spring
like chorus masters bid us sing.
The colours of our contoured land
no artist born could hue as grand,
but contours of the human heart
sole groundings are for every art.
When ever sounds the sacred sigh
beneath this gable of the sky,
the forms of art and spirit blend,
by craft and morn our hearts transcend. (Mark L. Belletini)
OR
“God of Diversity” (Tune: ‘Margaret’. By Colin Gibson) 40 HoS
God of diversity, vibrant creation
is bursting with signs of extravagant joy.
In riot of blossom, in species unnumbered
we see that all difference is ours to enjoy.
God of diversity, nations and cultures
tell of the richness life offers to all.
In language and symbol, in story and doctrine
we clothe our experience, respond to your call.
God of diversity, humans embody
the interdependence of ear, eye and hand;
we struggle to learn, in this globe-become-village,
our need of each other in every land.
God of diversity, help us to honour
our different perspectives on things that are true,
as, knowing more deeply the God in Christ Jesus,
we learn how to worship with all who love you. (Margaret Bond)
Opening Sentences
As we enter 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. (EAHewitt/adapt)
All We bring all that we are and all that we yet can be,
to this safe and holy place.
Words of Awareness
Sing out happiness upon the morning.
Celebrate the famous sun and the comely earth.
Think upon love, that it may grow within us,
and compassion, that it may call us to its service. (Kenneth Patton/sscol)
OR
We pray:
God of sky and God of earth, we honour
your presence within us and beyond.
May we be empowered with a loving and just peace.
May it be so.
Lighting of the Community Candle
The Community Candle is lit
Hymn/Song "Song of Faith" (Tune: Abbeyfield, 87.87.87.87) 57 FFS
Song of faith that sings forever
through God's people, ages long,
Word that holds the world together
when our hearts take up the song,
always, always somewhere sounding,
though the source we do not see,
counterpoint to all despairing
it is hope that sets the key.
Song of faith in exultation,
rising through the vaults of prayer,
tune of simple celebration
offered up in open air,
song in chapel and cathedral,
descant to our daily tone,
song from sickbed or in prison:
faith must often sing alone.
And when life would overwhelm us,
when there seems no song to sing,
hear the constant voice of courage
out of fear and suffering:
all who've loved and trusted Jesus,
all who lift us to be strong,
endless, endless are the voices
of the faith that makes the song. (Shirley Erena Murray)
OR
“The Earth Is Home” (Tune: ‘St Petersburg’, 98.98.99. Irreg) 56 HCL
The earth is home and all abundant,
Source of what was before we were,
And will be, till, all life in ending,
The final seed shakes in its burr.
We suckle from the fount untiring,
Children born of earth’s desiring.
She is our friend, our ancient mother;
Her fate and all her ways are ours;
Each atom proves our common journey,
Bred as we were of dust and stars.
For we and all our forward yearning
Are yet a spark in natures’s burning. (Kenneth L. Patton)
Welcome
Or in our 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
Meditation
“Earth our Home”
v1 We acknowledge Earth in all her fragility and beauty.
We give thanks for her generous giving of life
so that all humans and non-humans may live.
Let us remember to tread consciously with reverence and gratitude…
v1 We belong to the universe, not the universe to us.
v2 Blessed be Earth.
All Blessed be Earth.
(Become aware your surrounds and several deep breaths)
v1 Blessed be wondrous spinning jewel.
v2 Blessed be wondrous spinning jewel.
All O Earth, beautiful one!
O Earth, awesome and good.
Earth, our Home. (Adapt/ Margie Abbott/cs)
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
Now let silence gently enfold us.
(Silence)
In this day made fresh,
In the chorus of birds,
In the scent of wild flowers,
We embrace this day in hope.
(Silence)
Reflective Music
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: Even as we seek understanding, our minds,
too often, shelter us from the realities we might uncover.
All May we have the courage to hear and hold truths
found within these words. (Gretta Vosper/ab)
• “Earth”
By Jim Gronvold
Our rolling home spins
in an endless expanse
of wheels within wheels
with wheels of their own.
The birthplace of
our existence
a speck afloat
on seas unknown
a drop in an ocean
floating on oceans
where I have felt
stars at my feet
and echoes of you
in my own heartbeat.
OR
• Psalm 23 (Accompanied by drum beat)
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
All Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
The Lord lets me rest in green pastures
All Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
by still waters he leads me, restores my soul.
All God leads me in paths that are right and true
All Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
for the sake of the name of my Shepherd, the Lord.
All Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
Silence
No drum beat
Even though I walk through the valley,
the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, - they comfort me.
Silence
Drum beat
You prepare a table before me,
All Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
and I’m safe from those who would harm me.
All Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
With oil on my head you anoint me.
All Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
My cup overflows with God’s goodness,
All Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all my life
All Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
and I’ll live in God’s house all my days.
All Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
Quieter
All Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
Whisper
All Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me. (WPoG)
Silence
• John 10:11-18 (Inclusive Text)
Jesus said:
"I am the good shepherd.
Good shepherds lay down their lives for their sheep.
"The hirelings, since they are not the shepherds
and the sheep do not belong to them,
abandon the sheep and run away
as soon as they see a wolf coming,
and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep.
"I am the good shepherd.
I know my own and my own know me,
just as God, who sent me, knows me, and I know God.
"And I lay down my life for the sheep.
There are other sheep I have that are not of this fold,
and these I have to lead as well.
"They too will listen to my voice,
and there will be only one flock and one shepherd.
"God loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.
"No one takes it from me; I lay it down of my own free will,
and as it is in my power to take it up again.
"And this is the command I have been given
by the One who sent me."
Contemporary Exploration
Silence for Personal Reflection
AFFIRMING
Earth Litany (Optional)
In response to the word reflected on, and in celebration of the season of Autumn (Southern Hemisphere),
let us share a special Earth litany.
The people remain seated
v1 After the sun of Summer has done its work,
people gather in threshing fields,
vineyards,
orchards and
home vegetable gardens,
to celebrate their reward.
v2 The seeds entrusted to Mother Earth in the Spring
have been watched, watered and weeded
until the time of harvest is at hand.
This morning, we celebrate the season of change and reward - Autumn.
And witness it daily in the changing colours of the leaves.
v1 But let us also remember the earth and our attachment to it.
Welcome are all earth’s lands, each for its kind.
Wm Welcome are lands of pine and gum tree,
welcome are lands of the lemon, coconut and fig.
Mn Welcome are lands of gold.
All Welcome are lands of rye and oats,
welcome those of the grape and nut.
v1 Welcome are lands of sugar and rice.
Welcome the cotton lands,
Wm welcome those of the onion and potato.
Mn Welcome are mountains, valleys, sands and forests.
All Welcome the rich river flats,
open paddocks and grassed park lands.
v1 Welcome the measureless farmlands,
welcome the teeming soil of orchards, pineapple and honey.
Wm Welcome just as much the other more hard-faced lands,
Mn lands rich as lands of vegetables or wheat and fruit lands,
lands of mines, lands of rugged ores,
Wm lands of coal, copper, lead, tin and iron.
All Welcome are all earth’s lands, each for its kind. (WWhitman. Adapted RAEHunt)
OR
Celebrating the Earth (Optional)
v1 We light this candle for the land, sea and sky.
A Candle is lit
v2 We remember the richness of Planet Earth:
All mountains unfolding to desert and plain,
seas swaying to the rhythm of tides,
skies reflecting the colours of light.
v3 We light this candle for the creatures of Earth.
A second Candle is lit
v2 We remember creatures of land, air and sea:
All horses running for the joy of living,
parrots chatting on roofs and branches,
dolphins leaping from sea to sky.
v4 We light this candle for the fruits of Earth.
A third Candle is lit
v2 We remember fruits of the land:
All grasses bursting with nourishing grain,
flowers exuding colour and fragrance,
trees renewing the sweetness of air.
v5 We light this candle for humanity.
A fourth Candle is lit
v2 We remember all sages and prophets:
All through them recalling the power of love;
through them reclaiming a spirit of compassion;
through them embracing Earth and each other. (Adapt.PCNV Earth Liturgy)
OR
“Simply Cherish The Earth”
By William F Schulz
Regardless of our differences, there are a host of affirmations
that we embrace as the basis for our faith.
Whatever we think the holy may be,
Creation itself is holy.
All We make no distinctions between the natural and the supernatural,
the secular and the sacred.
We simply cherish the earth and all its creatures,
the stars in all their glory.
Life’s gifts are available to everyone,
not just the chosen or the saved.
All Only human artifice or blind ill fortune can separate us
from the source of our blessings.
That which is Divine, Precious, or Profound
is made evident not in the miraculous or otherworldly,
but in the simple and the everyday.
All We look not to the heavens
or an afterlife for our meaning,
but to the exuberance of this life's unfolding.
Human beings themselves are responsible
for the planet and its future.
All Social and environmental justice is a religious obligation.
The future is never fated.
Every one of us is held in Creation's hand.
We share its burdens and its radiance.
Hence strangers need not be enemies.
All The earth is our cherished home;
all its inhabitants our companions.
Although death confronts us all,
we love life all the more,
perhaps because we loose it.
All An honourable and impassioned life
may not deny death its due,
but it can surely deny it of its victory.
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 People stand as they are able, to sing
“All Creatures of Our God” (Tune: ‘Lasst Uns Erfreuen’, 88.88. Alleluias)
(Voices (two lines each) spoken, All sung response)
v1 Praise God, you holy ones…
Praise Wisdom Sophia, all shining stars.
All creatures of our loving God,
Lift up your voice with praise and laud,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
You blazing sun with golden beam.
You silver moon with softer gleam!
O praise God! O praise God!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
v2 Praise God, highest heavens…
She established you forever and ever.
You rushing wind, air, clouds, and rain,
By which all creatures you sustain.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
You rising morn, in praise rejoice,
You lights of evening, find a voice
O praise God! O praise God!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
v3 Praise Wisdom Sophia, all the Earth…
Storm winds that fulfill God’s word.
You swirling water, flowing clear,
Make music for your God to hear,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
You glowing fire who lights the night,
Providing warmth, enhancing sight…
O praise God! O praise God!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
v1 You mountains and all you hills.
You creeping things and flying birds.
Dear gentle Earth, who day by day
Unfolds your blessings on our way,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruit that in you grow,
Let them God's glory also show!
O praise God! O praise God!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
v2 Let God be praised by all the faithful ones,
By the people/women of (name your group), the people close to God.
All Let all on Earth our Creator bless,
And praise our God in holiness,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!’ (Adapted from the original by Diann Neu)
OR
“God The One Forever Making” (Tune: ‘Making New’, Wm Wallace/Suxanne Lennon. Alternate Tune: ‘Deerhurst’, J Langran)
God the One forever making
All the old into the new,
Source of all creative passion
Found in each emerging view,
You are God forever dreaming,
You are Spirit in each part,
You are Christ the Sacred Presence
Found within each human heart.
Through our worship, with its rituals,
We can shape new songs of praise,
We can touch without molesting,
Share in all God’s pictured ways.
Every person is creative
Like the God who gives us birth;
As God’s priests and as God’s prophets
We hold power to change this Earth.
When we pray for other people,
When we meet them face to face,
Our imagination helps us
Share the others’ pain with grace.
Every person is creative
Like the God who gives us birth;
As God’s movers and God’s shakers
We hold power to change this Earth.
In a world of many viewpoints,
Many shapes of social norms,
We will value our own vision
While respecting other forms.
Every person is creative
Like the God who gives us birth;
As God’s movers and God’s shakers
We hold power to change this Earth.
Every day has new beginnings,
Every heart creative fire,
Waiting, waiting for the fanning
Sparked by Spirit’s deep desire.
You are God forever dreaming
You are Spirit in each part,
You are Christ the Sacred Presence
Found within each human heart. (William L Wallace)
OR
“Take Off Your Shoes” (Tune: ’Take Off Your Shoes’) 651 TiS
Refrain:
Take, take off your shoes,
you're standing on holy ground;
take, take off your shoes,
you're standing on holy ground.
Well, the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof
from the waters beneath to the heav’ens above,
so take, take, take off your shoes,
you're standing on my holy ground,
you’re standing on my holy ground.
On the eighth day of creation, well, the Lord looked around
at the power stations, freeways and the junk on the ground,
the factories with their waste-dumps and their chimneys so high,
you couldn't see the sun for all the smog in the sky.
Well, kids, you really filled the earth and then you subdued it,
but there's nothing in my book that says you've got to pollute it.
So,
Take, take off your shoes
You've heated up my rivers with industrial mills,
you're killing off my oceans with your wastes and your spills,
you're fishing like there'll always be an endless supply,
and fighting one another for what's left to divide.
You didn't want advice when I first gave you dominion,
but maybe now it's time to get a second opinion.
So,
Take, take off your shoes
Your scientific minds - make sure you use them with care:
you're breaking down my ozone layer up in the air,
your fertilizer's turning mighty rivers bright green.
some folks are getting fatter while so many grow lean.
I told you to be fruitful and you sure multiplied,
but the rich took all the land and never learned to divide.
So,
Take, take off your shoes
(James K. Manlev 1940. A version for Australia)
Offerings
Presentation
Here today,
we renew our unity with one another,
and with all those who have gone before us in this place.
Here today,
we renew our communion with the earth
and our interwovenness with the broken ones of the world.
OR
Offering of Nature’s Gifts
Water
v1 Water is the source of all life.
It is pure and refreshing. It flows, cleans, and nourishes.
Water is a vital element we must take care of.
Through the water cycle we are intimately connected to all of creation.
v2 As we offer this jug of water,
let us remember how essential it is to all life on our planet.
All And let us strive to always care for it, use it wisely,
and help keep it clean of pollutants.
Soil
v1 Soil is a major component of the Earth’s ecosystem.
It is a medium for plant growth.
It is a means of water storage, supply and purification.
It is a modifier of Earth's atmosphere.
It is a habitat for many organisms.
v2 We offer this bowl of soil to remind us of all the minerals
and unseen resources it harbours within.
Sometimes we forget that the earth we walk on is,
like water, another source of life.
v1 From it, plants, trees, and all living creatures are nourished.
We harvest its minerals and rocks to build our homes and cities.
All Let us remember to care for our earth
and harvest its resources in moderation.
Seeds
v1 A seed is an embryonic plant enclosed in a protective outer covering.
Seeds are full of potential.
If cared for lovingly and properly, they will grow, mature, and bear fruit.
v2 Like the seed, we too need to be loved, cared for and nurtured
by all those around us in order to grow to our full potential.
All As we offer these seeds,
let us remember not only our potential,
but that we need to love and care for others as well.
Plants and Animals
v1 Plants play a vital role in the maintenance of life on Earth.
There are an estimated 390,900 different species of plants known to science.
Plants evolved from aquatic ancestors and have subsequently
migrated over the entire surface of Earth.
v2 It has also been estimated there are over 7 million animal species in the world.
All energy used by living organisms depends on the complex process of photosynthesis,
which is mostly carried out by green plants.
All As we offer this plant and this symbolic animal,
we realise that we are integrally connected to all living things
through the food chain and the elements of the earth.
And may we always remember to make wise decisions
and treat all living creatures with kindness.
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 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 appropriate
All Father, may your name be holy.
May your rule take place.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Pardon our debts, for we ourselves pardon
everyone in debt to us.
And do not bring us to trial
into a trying situation. (Burton Mack/Q)
SCATTERING
Hymn/Song People stand as they are able, to sing
“A Firemist and a Planet” (Tune: 'Thornbury', 76.76D) 343(v1-2) SLT
A firemist and a planet,
a crystal and a cell,
a starfish and a saurian,
and caves where ancients dwelt;
the sense of law and beauty,
a face turned from the sod
- some call it evolution,
and others call it God.
Haze on the far horizon,
the infinite tender sky,
the ripe, rich tints of [wheat]fields,
and wild geese sailing high;
and over high and low-land,
the charm of golden rod
- some people call it autumn,
and others call it God.
Parting Words
Let us take on this week’s life with renewed hope and imagination...
The Community Candle is extinguished
v1 Blessed be earth.
v2 Blessed be the sky at night.
All Blessed be all the birds departing on their long journeys.
v1 Blessed be the 'garden of creativity’ growing in me.
v2 Blessed be the leaves in the wind.
All Blessed be the evening ocean.
v1 Blessed be the outback and ancient bushland.
v2 Blessed be the tendrils of plants and grasses.
All Blessed be all living and non-living members of Earth Community. (Margie Abbott/cs)
Words of Blessing
Now may the blessings of life
be upon us, and upon this Gathering.
May the memories we gather here give us hope for the future.
May the love that we share
bring strength and joy to our hearts,
and the peace of this community be with us
until we meet again.
All Amen. May it be so.
Hymn/Song (Cont). “A Firemist…” (Tune: 'Thornbury', 76.76D) 343(v1-2) SLT
Like tides on crescent sea-beach,
when moon's so new and thin,
into our hearts high yearnings
come welling, surging in,
come from the mystic ocean
whose rim not foot has trod
- some people call it longing,
and others call it God.
A sentry lone and frozen,
a mother starved for her brood,
and Socrates' dread hemlock,
and Jesus on the rood;
and millions, who, though nameless,
the straight, hard pathway trod,
- some call it consecration,
and others call it God. Wm H Carruth
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:
Abbott, M. Cosmic Sparks. Igniting a Re-Enchantment with the Sacred. Bayswater. Coventry Press, 2020
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.
(FFS) Faith Forever Singing. Songs for a New Day. Raumati. New Zealand Hymnbook Trust, 2000.
(HCL) Hymns for the Celebration of Life. Boston: Beacon Press, 1964.
(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.
Nelson-Pallmeyer, J. & B. Hesle. Worship in the Spirit of Jesus. Theology, Liturgy, and Songs Without Violence. Cleveland. The Pilgrim Press, 2005.
Neu, D. L. Return Blessings: Ecofeminist Liturgies Renewing the Earth. Cleveland. Pilgrim Press, 2002.
Mack, B. L. The Lost Gospel. The Book of Q and Christian Origins. New York. HarperSanFrancisco, 1993.
Morwood, M. Praying a New Story. Richmond. Spectrum Publications, 2003.
Patton, K. L. Services and Songs for the Celebration of Life. New Resource Material. Boston. Beacon Press, 1967.
(MTH) Pratt, A. More Than Hymns. Words for a Lyrical Faith. London. Stainer & Bell, 2015.
(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. Canada: Toronto. HarperCollins, 2008.
Web Sites/Other:
Hewitt, Schulz. UUA Worship Web. Boston. < www.uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/>
William L Wallace. "God the One..." Musical Score: http://progressivechristianity.org/resources/god-the-one-forever-making/
Refreshment Station. Words by Nan Fink Gefen, taken from an Evolutionary Passover Haggadah by Tree Bressen.
Jim Gronvold. “Earth” from Sphere Spun, 2021