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 January 2024. Epiphany 3B. (Green).

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 available 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

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

Each new day is a gift.
Each new phase of life brings generous possibilities.
Each new question brings learning and growth.  (Francis Macnab/h).

Lighting of the Community Candle
The Community Candle is lit

So 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  The people stand as they are able, to sing
“One in Love, we meet Together” (Tune: ‘Hyfrydol’ 87 87D) 
One in love, we meet together,
one in time, and never apart.
We in flesh as brother, sister,
makes us one in mind and heart.
All incarnate, we would offer,
all we most sincerely prize,
Learning though traditions differ
how they join to make us wise.

One in outlook, always searching,
not to bind in common creed,
As a people, be more ready
to respond to other’s need.
Here we are so finely fashioned,
understanding, here to serve,
Never narrow in compassion,
empathy without reserve.

As in Christ, may we discover
that to give is to receive,
That in God the good is present,
ever, always we perceive.
Not by chance the world’s creation,
not by chance was life begun,
God is love and our vocation
is to love ‘til love has won.  (Adapted by Betty Van Till/3CExchange)

OR

“A Hymn of Exploration” (Tune: ‘Northbrook’, 11.10.11.10)
We take the path that leads beyond this moment, 
while seeking all the hope faith has to give; 
we walk so near the edge of understanding,
while grasping what we need to know to live.

This is no abstract whim that we are tracing, 
this story of God’s free, creative grace; 
this is no empty, useless recitation, 
but God’s own love that nothing can erase.

The vision that you give, each new disclosure, 
will bring us closer to our common goal, 
the point where you assure us of salvation,
for us and every other living soul.  (© Andrew Pratt 23/6/2010)
Remain standing after hymn/song

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

Let us give thanks for the abundance
of life on this earth.
All Through it we and all people may be nourished.

Words of Awareness
Is it morning, really morning, or is it just another day?
A new beginning
or just a continuing yesterday…?

May we greet each day as gift and blessing
fold its promise into who we will become,
and live the fullness of its teachings:
new thoughts,
new ideas,
new potentials,
new promises.

OR

We pray:
As we gather, let us affirm the connection we have:
with each other, and
with that creative mystery we call God.

May we remain open to the unfolding of
all that can be celebrated,
all that can be learned,
all that can be done,
all that can be,
without diminishing the life of others.
May it be so.

Hymn/Song  “Celebrating God's Goodness" (Tune: ‘Kremser’, 12.11.12.12)
Great God of all faithfulness, mercy and wisdom
who chose us, a people, and made us your own,
you called us to serve as a light to the nations,
to stand firm for justice and make your truth known.

From honoured traditions and cultures we gather
to share life together and learn of your ways.
For visions and leaders you send to inspire us,
in covenant joining, we offer our praise.

Confessing our sins and our failure to serve you,
we ask your forgiveness with strength to reform.
May Christ live within us, his Spirit empowering.
Take all that we offer. Take, use and transform.

In humble devotion we bring our thanksgiving
for mercy and guidance in days that are past.
Give courage and faithfulness, God of the future:
Beginning and Ending, the First and the Last.  (© Keith Pearson) 
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.
Those visiting, please sign our Visitors book.
Fellowship hour following the Gathering.

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

Gathering as we do in this sacred place,
we pause again to reflect, to feel, and to commit
to thoughtful and mindful intention.
(Silence)

We wonder again about the ebb and flow
of this living, breathing, expanding universe…
And of this community.
(Silence)

We give our attention right now...
(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 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)

• Mark 1:14-20  (Inclusive Text)
After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee.

There Jesus proclaimed the good news from God, saying,
'The time has come and the reign of God is close at hand.
Repent, and believe the good news.'

Walking along by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw Simon and Simon's brother Andrew
casting a net into the sea - for they were fishermen.

And Jesus said to them,
'Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men and women.'
And at once they left their nets and followed.

Going a little further, Jesus saw James son of Zebedee and Jame's brother John;
they too were in their boat, mending their nets.

Jesus called them at once, and,
leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the workers,
they went after Jesus.

Contemporary Exploration

Silence for Personal Reflection

CELEBRATING

A Celebration of Faith (Optional)
v1 The sky does it simply, naturally
day by day by day

v2 the sun does it joyfully
like someone in love
like a runner on the starting-line

v1 the sky, the sun,
they just can't help themselves

v2 no loud voices, no grand speeches
but everyone sees,
and is happy with them.

All Make we be like that…
so our faith is not in our words but in our lives,
not in what we say but in who we are,
passing on love like an infectious laugh:
not worried,
not threatening,
just shining
like the sun, like a starry night,
like a lamp on a stand,
light for life – in our lives.  (Adapted.Kathy Galloway/pod)

Sharing 'The Peace'
v1   Let us take a moment to celebrate each other.

v2  May a heart of peace rest with you. (David Galston/q)
All  And also with you
You are invited to share the peace with your neighbours

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

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

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

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

OR

“Earth Is Enough”  (Tune: ‘Fillmore’, 88 88 88)   180 HCL
Here on the paths of every day
Here on the common human way
Is all the stuff the gods would take
To build a heaven, to mould and make
New Edens. Ours the task sublime
To build eternity in time.

We need no other stones to build
The temple of the unfulfilled
No other ivory for the doors
No other marble for the floors
No other cedar for the beam
And dome of man’s immortal dream.  (Edwin Markham, 1913)
People sit

AFFIRMING

Offerings

Presentation
Receive these our gifts, gracious God.
In hope and thanksgiving
we offer them to you.

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:
Into the silence of our hopes and dreams,
words work upon us to break, crack, open us
to new understanding.
All May we experience, in these words,
a seeking after truth, that we may lift ourselves
to this same desire.  (Gretta Vosper/ab)

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

v2  May we find in this day
an awareness of the freedom we are given
to know life unshackled from fear,
v1  and embrace the possibilities of the present,
with every breath we take. (Gretta Vosper/ab)

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  The people stand as they are able, to sing
“This Day”  (Tune: ‘Distress’, LM)               139(v1-2) SSCL
This day within its fullest breadth
Is all time past, all time to come;
Within its miracles of breath
Are moment, hours, and life, and home.

The sea, a thousand thousand years
Of rushing waves, of tumbling shove,
Holds all our unforgotten fears,
And all its majesties we love.
Remain standing

Parting Words
Time has now come for us to leave this sacred place.
As we do, may we embrace the challenges
of our lives and our world...
The Community Candle is extinguished

May you know fully and deeply the blessings of each of your heart's seasons
The inward turning of winter
Springtime's lush renewal
The effortless, steady growth of summer
And autumn's rich harvest

May your passage from season to season be blessed—
Eased by hands to hold, and by the light of love
to guide you on.  (Andrew Pakula)

Words of Blessing
My friends, when you go from here
know that our hearts are always in a holy place,
for we are always connected to one another.

Know that deep down,
our hearts beat in one universal rhythm.

May we each find the sacred space to hear it.
All  Amen. May it be so.

Hymn/Song  (Cont)  “This Day”  (Tune: ‘Distress’, LM)               139(v3-4) SSCL
The sun bombarding is all stars,
All galaxies brought to one fire;
The freedom of this day unbars
All doors, all thought, and all desire.

One gathered form within the mind
Holds body, beauty, and the world;
Here is what being we will find,
And our eternity unfurled.  (Kenneth Patton)
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 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:
Galloway, K. (ed). The Pattern of Our Days. Liturgies and Resources for Worship. Glasgow: Wild Goose Publications, 1996.
(HCL) Hymns for the Celebration of Life. Boston: Beacon Press, 1964.
Inclusive Readings. Year B. Brisbane. Inclusive Language Project. In private circulation, 2005
Mack, B. L. The Lost Gospel. The Book of Q and Christian Origins. New York. HarperSanFrancisco, 1993.
Patton, K. Services and Songs for the Celebration of Life. Boston: Beacon Press, 1967.
(WNC) Pratt, A. Whatever Name or Creed. Hymns and Songs. London. Stainer & Bell Ltd, 2002.
(SLT) Singing the Living Tradition. Boston. UUA, 1993.
(SNS2) Stuart, G. Singing a New Song. Traditional Hymn Tunes with New Century Lyrics. Volume 2. Toronto. G Stuart, 2009.
Vosper, G. Another Breath. Prayers for Celebration and Reflection. Brisbane. The Centre for Progressive Religious Thought Brisbane, 2009/2010.

Web sites/Other:
UUA Worship Web. Boston. <www.uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/>
David Galston. Quest Learning Centre for Religious Literacy. http://www.questcentre.ca/