Revd Rex A E Hunt
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‘The Other Lectuonary’ 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
27 August 2023. Pentecost 13A. (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) People, past, present, emerging,
and their stewardship of this land throughout the ages.
First Peoples Statement to the Nation 2017 called “Uluru Statement from the Heart”
A Response from Common Dreams5 Conference of Religious Progressives,
Australia/South Pacific 2019
Both available at 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 deepe
and more marvellous than anything we can dream or conceive.” (Henry N. Wieman)
Multi-sensory 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
In the breaking of the morning…
In the breaking of the bread…
Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life.
Lighting of the Community Candle
The Community Candle is lit in silence
May the blessing of light be upon us:
the blessing of daylight
the blessing of sunlight
the blessing of Christ light. (Adapt. David Adam/og)
Note: Check out Special Liturgies (this site) for the following:
(i) A suggested process for introducing new hymns, called Hymn of the Month
(ii) Additional Special Purpose Hymns that cover major international events. 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
“Come, Teach Us, Spirit of God” (Tune: ‘Educare’) 11 FFS
Come, teach us, Spirit of God,
the language of your way,
the lessons that we need to live,
the faith for every day.
Excite our minds to follow you,
to trace new truths in store,
new flight paths for our spirit space,
new marvels to explore.
Engage our wits to dance with you,
to leap from logic’s base,
to capture insight on the wing,
to sense your cosmic grace.
Inspire our spark to light from you,
to catch creation’s flair,
new artistry to celebrate,
new harmonies to dare.
Delight our hearts to worship you,
to learn compassion’s code,
to live in context of your love,
great teacher who is God. (Shirley Erena Murray)
OR
"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 by RAEHunt)
Remain standing after the hymn
Opening Sentences
v1 In the name of Creativity God
who has shaped you in the divine image
and delights in the diversity of creation...
v2 In the name of Liberator God
who breaks the bonds of oppression...
v1 In the name of Love-maker God
who rejoices in true love wherever it is found,
All We are welcome in this place.
Act of Awareness
May the atmosphere we breathe
breathe fearlessness into us:
fearlessness on earth
and fearlessness in heaven!
May fearlessness guard us
behind and before!
May fearlessness surround us
above and below!
May we be without fear
of friend or foe!
May we be without fear
by night and by day!
Let all the world be my friend! (Atharva Veda xix, 15/lp)
OR
We pray:
God of surprises,
startle us with truth we do not see,
amaze us with your power and grace,
beckon us, and lead us far above
restricted hope and narrow faith (MRose-adapt/sco).
May it be so.
Hymn/Song “Great God of Many Names” (Tune: 66.84 + Chorus: 444) 39 WNC
Great God of many names:
Jehovah, Allah, Lord,
Christ, Brahman, Spirit, Adonai;
we worship you.
Chorus:
Whatever name,
whichever face,
we worship you.
With pomp and pageantry
Beneath an onion dome,
Or in a bare and simple room,
we worship you.
Chorus:
In chapel, mosque or shrine
we wait to praise your name,
through icon, book or choir
we worship you.
Chorus:
With tabla or guitar,
or with a thousand lights,
through fasting, feasting, fellowship
we worship you.
Chorus:
With formal dress or free,
we meditate or dance,
through pesach, hajj or nam simran
we worship you.
Chorus:
Whatever name or creed,
enlightenment or book,
we seek you through our pilgrimage
and worship you.
Chorus: Andrew Pratt
The 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
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 take a moment to settle into the silence.
(Silence)
In these brief moments of silence and meditation may we find strength.
May our lives be rich in affection,
deep in understanding and
sympathy for each other.
(Silence)
Music of Reflection
Silence
May the blessings of life be known to all. (Bob Holmes/adapt)
(Silence)
EXPLORING
Wisdom from the 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: 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)
• “Like the Wind”
By Bruce Prewer. Prayers Encircling the World/66.
Like the wind swaying through mountain trees,
or surging through thickets of wattle,
so, God, is your presence with us;
your power thrusts through our lives.
You sweep away our petty worries
and shake us free from fears.
At your pressure we move and sway together,
as if we were of one mind.
Sometimes you are as strong as winter storms,
at others as soft as the rustling of ferns.
We are taught to bend and not be broken,
to be flexible without shifting ground.
You test the strength of our feet
and whatever proves shallow is uprooted.
On calm days we rest content,
glad to watch each other in stillness;
enjoying quietness because we know
you are still with us.
• Matthew 16:13-20 (Inclusive Text)
When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked the disciples,
‘Who do people say that the Chosen One is?’
And they said,
‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah,
and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’
Jesus said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’
Simon Peter answered,
‘You are the Messiah, the Firstborn of the living God.’
And Jesus answered,
‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah!
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you,
but the One in heaven who sent me.
‘And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of the underworld will not prevail against it.
‘I will give you the keys to God's realm, and whatever you bind on earth
will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’
Then Jesus sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone
that he was the Christ.
Contemporary Exploration
Silence for Personal Reflection
AFFIRMING
An Affirmation of Faith (Optional)
In response to the word reflected on, let us stand
and share an affirmation of faith.
The people stand as they are able
From all corners of the world:
All God has called a pilgrim people.
From all walks and ways of life:
All God has called a pilgrim people.
Black and white, male and female
All We are signs of God's division.
Black and white, male and female
All We are signs of God's new creation
joined together by love.
So let us not journey alone with God.
All So let us not journey only with our friends.
Let us be a place and a people of welcome
All signs of God's all embracing love. (PCruchley-Jones/wb)
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 In solidarity with others, all will remain seated
“Seek Not Afar for Beauty” (Tune: ‘Cliff Town’, 10.10.10.10) 174 HCL/77 SLT
Seek not afar for beauty; lo, it glows
In dew-wet grasses all about your feet,
In birds, in sunshine, childish faces sweet,
In stars and mountains summits topped with snows.
Go not abroad for happiness; behold
It in a flower blooming at your door.
Bring love and laughter home, and ever more
Joy shall be yours as changing years unfold.
Dream not of noble service elsewhere wrought;
In simple duties that await your hand
God’s voice is speaking his divine command:
Life’s common deeds build all that saints have taught.
In wonder workings, or some bush aflame,
Men look for God and fancy him concealed;
But in earth’s common things he stands revealed,
While grass and flowers and stars spell out his name. (Minot Judson Savage, 1883)
OR
“Name Unnamed” (Tune: ‘Samuel’, Irreg.) 31 SLT
Refrain:
Name unnamed,
hidden and shown,
knowing and known,
Gloria!
Beautifully moving, ceaselessly forming,
growing, emerging with awesome delight,
Maker of Rainbows, growing with colour,
arching in wonder,
energy flowing in darkness an light:
Refrain:
Spinner of Chaos, pulling and twisting,
freeing the fibers of pattern and form,
Weaver of Stories, famed or unspoken,
tangled or broken,
shaping a tapestry vivid and warm:
Refrain:
Nudging Discomfort, prodding and shaking,
waking our lives to creative unease,
Straight-talking Lover, checking and humbling
jargon and grumbling,
speaking the truth that refreshes and frees:
Refrain:
Midwife of Changes, skilfully guiding,
drawing us out through the shock of the new,
Woman of Wisdom, deeply perceiving,
never deceiving,
freeing and leading in all that we do:
Refrain:
Daredevil Gambler, risking and loving,
giving us freedom to shatter your drams,
Lifegiving Loser, wounded and weeping,
dancing and leaping,
sharing the caring that heals and redeems. (Brian Wren)
CELEBRATING
Offerings
Presentation
We give thanks for all we have and for all we are.
Let us accept the privilege of responding
to the generosity of these gifts
with lives lived for others.
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 joy and in sorrow
All We do not walk alone. (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 Lord's Prayer, and in your original language, as that is appropriate
All O God, you love us like a good parent,
and are present in every aspect of our existence
May your nature become known and respected by all
May your joy, peace, wholeness and justice
be the reality for everyone
as we live by the Jesus Way
Give us all that we really need to live every day for you
And forgive us our failures as we forgive others for their failures
Keep us from doing those things which are not of you,
and cause us always to be centred on your love
For you are the true reality in this our now,
and in all our future.
In the Jesus Way we pray.
Amen. David Sorrill
SCATTERING
Hymn/Song "God of Unexplored Tomorrows ” (Tune: ‘Marching’, 87.87) 27(v1-2) FFS
God of unexplored tomorrows,
of today and yesterday,
God of rock and flowing river,
be our refuge, be our way.
Guardian rock above, before us,
strong foundation where we build,
landmark through the haze of doubting,
shelter where our fears are stilled.
Remain standing
Parting Words
Let us embrace the wonder of this week
with expectation and imagination...
The Community Candle is extinguished
Our time of celebration in this place is now coming to an end.
All For it is merely a resting place,
a place of transit, where we, together
with Creativity God, can pause
before taking to the road again.
Words of Blessing
Fall in love with living
Wrestling with the chaos and the pain
Within ourself and within the world.
Join the celebration of life,
Dancing with the angels and the clowns.
And may the God of peace and joy,
Who is continually making all things new,
Embrace you
As a partner
In the divine creating. (JBoyce-Tillman/wb)
All Amen. May it be so.
Hymn/Song (Cont) “God of Unexplored Tomorrows” (Tune: ‘Marching’, 87.87) 27(v3-4) FFS
Be the cleansing, quenching water,
irrigate, disturb and move,
stir us from our easy shallows,
current of refreshing love.
God of rock and flowing river
now and ever with us stand,
to transform our land of promise
into each one's promised land. BJones
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
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:
Adam, D. The Open Gate. Celtic Prayers for Growing Spiritually. London. Triangle/SPCK, 1994.
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). A World of Blessing. Benedictions from Every Continent and Many Cultures. Norwich. The Canterbury Press, 2000.
Duncan, G. (ed). Seeing Christ in Others. An Anthology for Worship, Mediation and Mission. Norwich. The Canterbury Press, 1998.
(FFS) Faith Forever Singing. Songs for a new day. Raumati. New Zealand Hymnbook Trust, 2000.
Holmes, R. H. The Bob Holmes Worship Materials. Vol 1. Little Falls. Self published, 1972.
Inclusive Readings. Year A. Brisbane. Inclusive Language Project. In private circulation, 2004.
(WNC) Pratt, A. Whatever Name or Creed. Hymns and Songs. London. Stainer & Bell Ltd., 2002
Prayers Encircling the World. An International Anthology. London. SPCK, 1998.
(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.
Vosper, G. Another Breath. Prayers for Celebration and Reflection. Brisbane. The Centre for Progressive Religious Thought Brisbane, 2009/2010.
Web sites/Other:
Sorrill, UUA Worship Web. Boston. < www.uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/>
J Wootton, "God Called Us", Stainer & Bell Ltd. Web site: hymns.uk.com
David Galston. Quest Learning Centre for Religious Literacy. http://www.questcentre.ca/