Details on the availability of my books, supporting progressive religious thought, HERE
‘The Other Lectionary’ - 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”
21 August 2022. Pentecost 11C. (Green).
Celebrating Community in the Tradition of the Meal
Acknowledgement of Country/First Peoples
(An act towards reconciliation)
For thousands of years Indigenous people have walked
in this land, on their own country.
Their relationship with the land is at the centre of their lives.
We acknowledge the (NN) People of the (NN) Nation, past, present, and emerging leaders,
and their stewardship of this land throughout the ages.
First Peoples Statement to the Nation 2017 called “Uluru Statement from the Heart” HERE
A Response from Common Dreams5 Conference of Religious Progressives,
Australia/South Pacific 2019 HERE
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
We gather together the strands of our hectic lives
and offer each other, this day, a breathing space...
We come in our 21st century lives
to retell stories from the past
to glean the meaning from the Jesus life
to be the 'god bearers’ of our day. (Adapt.Bronwyn A White/ywdm).
Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life.
Lighting of Community Candle
The Community Candle is lit
This is the light that is lit for everyone who comes into the world.
Bear this light to others, one by one.
Let the flame go from life to life
till all is lit with its warmth. (Elizabeth Strong)
Note: (i) A suggested process for introducing new hymns, called Hymn of the Month, can be found HERE
(ii) Additional Special Purpose Hymns that cover major international events or themes can be found HERE 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 HERE
(iv) On Wonder, Awe, and Nature HERE
Hymn/Song The people stand as they are able, to sing
“Our Life has its Seasons” (Tune: ‘Kotuku') 113 AA
Our life has its seasons,
and God has the reasons
why spring follows winter,
and new leaves grow,
for there's a connection
with our resurrection
that flowers will bud
after frost and snow.
Refrain:
So there's never a time to stop believing,
there's never a time for hope to die,
there's never a time to stop loving,
these three things go on.
There's a time to be planting,
a time to be plucking,
a time to be laughing,
a time to weep,
a time to be building,
a time to be breaking,
a time to be waking,
a time to sleep,
But there's never a time to stop believing,
there's never a time for hope to die,
there's never a time to stop loving,
these three things go on.
There's a time to be hurting,
a time to be healing,
a time to be saving,
a time to spend,
a time to be grieving,
a time to be dancing,
a time for beginning,
a time to end,
But there's never a time to stop believing,
there's never a time for hope to die,
there's never a time to stop loving,
these three things go on. (Shirley Erena Murray)
OR
“Watch and Wonder”
The hand that carves exquisite birds;
the mind that writes astounding words;
the child who smiles a thousand joys;
the day which Love and Life employs.
The wrinkles lining wisdom’s face;
All those who give in simple grace;
the changing leadership of geese;
the dusky night that brings sweet peace.
Refrain:
Worship now the Holy One!
Unknown Source of moon and sun;
peace and chaos, space and time;
All of us evolving, born Divine!
To wonder then with heart and mind;
is worship of the truest kind.
To watch from depths within one’s soul
enables Love to make us whole.
’Tis time to voice our deep content.
’Tis time to give our strong assent.
The Spirit thrives in all that lives.
The Spirit loves, the Spirit gives! (Emily Kierstead/ea)
Refrain:
Remain standing
Opening Sentences
We are moved to awe and wonder at the grandeur,
the poetry, the richness of natural beauty.
All It fills us with joy and thanksgiving.
And then all that has divided us will merge
and compassion will be wedded to power,
All Softness and wonder will come to a world that is harsh and unkind
And then both men and women will be gentle;
All both women and men will be strong.
And then no person will be subject to another’s will
All will be rich and free and varied
All And then the greed of some will give way to the needs of many
All will share equally in Earth’s abundance
All And then all will care for the sick and the weak and the old
All will nourish the young
All And then all will cherish life’s creatures
All will live in harmony with each other and the Earth
All And then everywhere will be called Eden once again. (C3Exchange)
Words of Awareness
We live our lives with little regard
for the import of each moment.
They come to us
in regular and rapid succession,
and we live through each of them into the next.
A simple, ongoing process
into which our lives are set at birth
and through which we will proceed unto our deaths.
Yet in each moment resides incredible power -
new life, healing, opportunity,
and we, who move near-blindly through them
look to one another as we gather
that we may do together
to the truth of our potential.
May our singing be filled with transformation,
our words reflect the yearning of our hearts,
and the spirit that build within us as we gather
hallow each and every passing moment
we know here together. (Gretta Vosper/ab).
OR
We pray:
God of the important and the common place,
you reach into our lives through story.
Open our hearts to be attentive:
that seeing, we may perceive,
and hearing, we may understand,
and understanding, we may act.
May it be so.
Hymn/Song "God Called Us" (Tune: ‘Duke Street’. 88.88)
God, you have called us to this hour:
now two or three or many claim
the promised gift of living power.
as your church meets in Jesus' name.
Open our minds and set us free
from spite and hurt, that we may face
the dread responsibility
of your church, meeting in this place.
Encouraged by the risk you take
in trusting us to do your will,
we dare to offer, for your sake,
all this church gath'ring can fulfil. JWootton. © Stainer & Bell Ltd (Title and last line adapted/RAEHunt)
The people sit after the hymn/song
Welcome
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 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
In this time of silence together in this sacred place...
may it renew our hope
may it refresh our courage
may it lift our spirits
may it restore us in faith.
Silence
Music of Reflection
EXPLORING
Wisdom from the World/Religious Traditions
“Wisdom is not just special knowledge about something. Wisdom is a way of being, a way of inhabiting the world. The beauty of wisdom is harmony, belonging and illumination of thought, action, heart and mind.” (John O’Donohue)
Reader: May we open ourselves to the seeds of wisdom
that lies dormant in this reading.
All And may our minds be fertile soil
in which it may grow strong and true. (Gretta Vosper/ab)
• "Waiting for Spring”
By Raina Morreau. Eureka Street 20, 21 (2/11/2010)
The lights don't work
but I know
I am still reflected in my mirror
soon the sun will come and help to prove me right
It's getting cold and I am worried
about getting through the winter
burning candles in my room to cut the chill
But I can just see myself in spring
dressed up like a past-due notice
pale yellow…
or collection agency green
and I can just hear my brother laughing
when we can afford to go have dinner
There will always, always be a spring
Wherever the sun has gone I will always be me
OR
• “A Sweet Deal”
By Kai Siedenburg. Poems of Earth and Spirit/12
Here’s the deal,
says the tree
to the birds—
I’ll give you
an abundant array
of perches,
breathtaking views
of the landscape,
a safe place
to raise
your babies,
and all the
fruit, seeds,
and bugs
you can eat.
All I ask
in return
is that
you sing
your song.
• Luke 13:10-17 (NRSV)
Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit
that had crippled her for 18 years.
She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight.
When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said,
‘Woman, you are set free from your ailment’.
When he laid his hands on her, immediately
she stood up straight and began praising God.
But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus
had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd,
‘There are six days on which work ought to be done;
come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day’.
But Jesus said in response,
‘You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath
untie his ox or his donkey from the manger,
and lead it away to give it water?
‘And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham
whom Satan bound for 18 long years,
be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?’
At this response, all Jesus’ opponents were put to shame.
And the entire crowd was rejoicing
at all the wonderful things that he was doing.
Silence for Personal Reflection
AFFIRMING
A Celebration of Faith (Optional)
In response to the word reflected on, let us stand
and share together a celebration of faith.
The people stand as they are able
“The Womb of Stars”
By Joy Atkinson. (No. 445, Singing The Living Tradition)
v1 The womb of stars embraces us;
remnants of their fiery furnaces
pulse through our veins.
All We are of the stars, the dust of explosions
cast across space.
v2 We are of the earth:
we breathe and live in the breath
of ancient plants and beasts.
All Their cells nourish the soil;
we build our communities on their harvest of gifts.
v1 Our fingers trace the curves carved
in clay and stone by forebears unknown to us.
All We are a part of the great circle of humanity
gathered around the fire, the hearth, the altar.
v2 We gather anew this day
to celebrate our common heritage.
All May we recall in gratitude
all that has given us birth.
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
“Sing of a Sacred Circle” (Tune: ‘Sacred Circle', 75.65) 23 TMT
Sing of a sacred circle
round the sky and earth,
binding plants and creatures,
linking death and birth.
Sing of that ring of mystery,
changed by fearsome greed;
pawned for Judas silver,
sold for idols' needs.
See how a people's loving
greens the Mammon ring;
hear the people's sharing,
help creation sing.
Sing of the Gospel ring-time;
love embracing earth;
vibrant sphere of our living,
circle death and birth. (William L. Wallace)
OR
“Life is the Greatest Gift of All” (Tune: ‘Brother James’ Air’, 86.86.86) 331 SLT
Life is the greatest gift of all
the riches on this earth;
life and its creatures, great and small,
of high and lowly birth:
so treasure it and measure it
with deeds of shining worth.
Mind is the brightest gift of all,
its thought no barrier mars;
it seeks creation’s hidden p[lan,
its quest surrounds all bars;
it reins the wind, it chains the storm,
it weighs the outmost stars.
We are of life, its shining gift,
the measure of all things;
up from the dust our temples lift,
our vision soars on wings;
for seed and root, for flower and fruit,
our grateful spirit sings. William E Oliver
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:
Let each of us find a window
All To see beyond our own enclosures.
Let each of us find a door
All To open ourselves into new being. (Adapt.Kenneth Patton/sscl)
And so we take a flame and light our special Care Candle…
The Care Candle is lit
For ourselves, for those named or remembered, and in solidarity with those
who have not the freedom to express their concern or celebration
for fear of discrimination or condemnation.
In all our joys and in all our concerns, may we be ever mindful
of the presentness of the sacred among us,
and to see the new possibilities of the now.
The 'Abba’ Prayer: (Optional)
You are invited to pray in the spirit of the Abba/Lord's Prayer, and in your original language, as that is appropriate
All God - heart of the world:
revealed through every aspect of creation:
understood through our awareness.
May we honour the holiness of creation and act accordingly
so that your love is reflected in the way we live.
May we always be thankful for the food we eat
and the friends we have.
May we forgive those who transgress against us
and be forgiven for our own.
In the freedom of love may we live as your heartbeat
and not be compromised by hesitation.
Through our freedom, may your justice
be seen and heard and experienced
forever and ever. Sherri J Weinberg
CELEBRATING
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)
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY IN THE TRADITION OF THE MEAL
Offerings
Presentation
May our actions be blessed through what we have been moved to share.
And may our love and concern for others be increased.
Welcoming to the Table
At this table we give thanks for justice, love, peace and freedom.
All At this table we give thanks for friends and strangers.
At this table we welcome old and young.
All are invited. (Carter Heyward)
Thanksgiving
Source of Life and Creativity whom we name God,
we are gathered together in this sacred place.
Here we offer praise and thanksgiving.
Here we remember the words and deeds
of the one called Jesus of Nazareth.
We remember that wherever he came, people rediscovered their humanity,
became filled with new meaning and purpose,
and found a new courage to live,
not just for themselves but for others.
We remember how he spoke of a new reality he called the realm of God,
already among us yet coming in ever greater fullness,
creating communities of justice, love and peace.
We remember how he spoke in parables about
a lost coin, a lost child and a sheep that strayed,
in order to proclaim your inclusive love.
And we remember our tradition over the ages…
How, in a meal with his disciples, he took bread in his hands,
blessed it, broke it, and shared it with them:
‘Let the bread you share be the means of my presence with you for all time.’
After the meal, Jesus poured a cup of wine:
‘Share this cup, all of you, as a remembrance of the open meals I shared with all.’
Bread and White Wine
So now we take this bread and white wine,
breaking it and pouring it out…
that they might be shared among us as equals.
Bread broken, Wine poured out
May they nourish and sustain us on our life’s journey:
transforming, enabling, and empowering us,
as we continue to follow in the way of Jesus. (Adapt.Robert Osing, L&L Seminar)
Communion
Let us break bread together.
All Together, we celebrate the festival of our liberation.
Bread and White Wine served
PARTING
Hymn/Song The people stand as they are able, to sing
“God Marks No Ending…” (Tune: ‘Intercessor’, 11.10.11.10) 150(v1-2) RP
God marks no ending, only new beginnings,
until the consummation of our lives;
God keeps no count of losses, nor of winnings,
we move through grace, the holy spirit thrives.
So as we go beyond this time, this setting,
remembering all the laughter and the tears,
we go with God in faith, so not regretting
the moments shared, the hopes, the dreams, the fears.
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
As we leave this place of worship and celebration:
may we remember that each day
offers more things than we can do.
All May we do what needs to be done,
postpone what does not,
and be at peace with what we can be and do.
Therefore, may we learn to separate
that which matters most
All and that which matters least of all.
Words of Blessing
And now may the blessings of life be upon us, and upon this congregation.
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) “God Marks No Ending…” (Tune: ‘Intercessor’, 11.10.11.10) 150(v3) RP
Though parted for a while, we travel onward,
not knowing what the future has in store.
This phase will close, the spirit draws us forward,
we've tasted love, but God has promised more (Andrew Pratt)
The people sit after the hymn
'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
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.
Duncan, G. (ed). Entertaining Angels. A Worship Anthology on Sharing Christ’s Hospitality. Norwich. The Canterbury Press, 2005.
Inclusive Readings. Year C. Brisbane. Inclusive Language Project. In private circulation, 2006.
Osing, R. 2006. Liturgy: Holy Eucharist. In private circulation from the author.
Patton, K. Services and Songs for the Celebration of Life. Boston. Beacon Press, 1967.
(RP) Pratt, A. Reclaiming Praise. Hymns from a spiritual journey. London. Stainer & Bell Ltd, 2006.
(SLT) Singing The Living Tradition. Boston. UUA, 1993.
Vosper, G. 2009/2010. Another Breath. Prayers for Celebration and Reflection. Brisbane. The Centre for Progressive Religious Thought Brisbane.
Wallace, W. L. The Mystery Telling. Hymns and Songs for the New Millennium. Kingston. Selah Publishing, 2001.
White, B. A. You Who Delight Me. Words of Spirit and Faith. Wellington: Steele Roberts Publishers, 2012.
Web sites/Other:
Strong. UUA Worship Web. Boston. < www.uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/>
Sherri Weinberg. St Paul's Presbyterian Church. 2004. NZ: Devonport.
"God Called Us". Stainer & Bell Ltd. Web site: hymns.uk.com
Carter Heyward, quoted in L Bruce Miller. Edmonton, Canada
C3Exchange Community, Spring Lake. MI. . <http://www.c3exchange.org/>