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”

27 October 2024.  Pentecost 23B. (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 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

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

Morning has come.
Night is away.
Rise with the sun and welcome the day.

Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life.

Lighting of the Community Candle
The Community Candle is lit

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
“May the Sap Flow…”  (Tune: ‘Lucerne Laudoniae’)
May the sap flow in our hearts
Like the greening of the Earth:
May our liveliness unfold
Like the joyful Spring-time’s birth,
For these strengths dwell in our hearts
And await to be released.

May the waters of our love
Nurture joy in arid lives:
May the fire within consume
All injustice, hate and lies,
For these strengths dwell in our hearts
And await to be released.

May life’s unity in Christ
Shape the rhythm of our days:
May our dancing spirits’ song
Join the cosmic hymn of praise,
For these strengths dwell in our hearts
And await to be released.

May the love of Parent-God,
Child-like mirth instead of frowns
And the Spirit’s liveliness
Free our sacred inner clowns*
All these strengths dwell in our hearts
And through love shall be released.

May these dreams be born in us,
Taking flesh in all our ways
And the rainbow love of God
Fill our hearts with constant praise,
For these strengths are gifts from God
And to God we give all praise.  (William L Wallace)

OR

“We Look in Wonder” (Tune: ‘Lasst Uns Erfreuen’, 88.88)                                                 5 SNS
When we, in wonder, look beyond;
And with the cosmos feel a bond;
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
When we, in wonder, sleep and dream;
Imagine virtue is supreme;
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

When we, in wonder, look around;
Entranced with every sight and sound;
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
When we, in wonder, catch a smile;
Ponder on thoughts that are worthwhile;
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

When we, in wonder, look below;
Watch tiny ants run to and fro;
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
When we, in wonder, greet the dawn,
Enchanted as each day is born;
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

When we, in wonder, meet the night;
Then rest in God 'till morning light;
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
When we, in wonder, look about;
Know God is here. We wish to shout
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!  (George Stuart)
Remain standing

Opening Sentences
God of all time, God of eternity
All  our years belong to you.
Our endings are often your beginnings.
All  Our dreamings are often your realities.
You affirm our past
All  and give life to our future.

Words of Awareness
Marvel at life!
Strive to know its ways!
Seek wisdom and truth,
the gateways to life’s mysteries!

Wondrous indeed is life! (Adapt. Rabbi Rami M Shapiro/ep)

OR

We pray:
This day let us give thanks for the signs of Creativity God
that surround us and bless us.
May it be so.

Hymn/Song  "Whispers Rippled Through The Cosmos" (Tune: 'Nettleton', 87.87)
Whispers rippled through the cosmos,
pan-galactic breath of God;
marking paths of whirling planets,
stellar strings where stars first trod.

Major chords of constellations
ringing on the staves of time,
soften to a sombre minor,
echoes of an ancient rhyme.

God is in this wild confusion
bringing order, giving grace;
author, ground of all creation,
fount of being, Lord of space.

All transcendent power and glory
now distilled, condensed, confined;
shaped while shaping rich resources
cradling waiting humankind.  © 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

Reflection
"When Life is Messy”
By  Richard S Gilbert/edited.

It is easy to pray when the sun shines
and we are grateful for another glorious day of being.
It is hard to pray when wind and rain and thunder
plague our every step and spoil our every plan.

It is easy to be virtuous when life goes well
and our existence is a journey from bliss to beauty and back.
It is hard to be virtuous when life assaults us
and our very being is a pilgrimage from bad to worse to worst.

It is easy to be cheerful when health bursts in us
so that we can feel the very pulse of life.
It is hard to be happy when pain and fatigue beset us
and we wonder if we can go on...

God of order and neatness, we give thanks for all that is good.
We are grateful for manifold blessings bestowed upon us.
God of chaos and disorder, be with us also when life is messy.
Bless our coming in and our going out from this day forth.

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 honour of life itself and with this people
we gather together in this sacred place
(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:  Into this day will break moments of awareness,
tiny shards of light that illumine
the whole reality of existence.
All  May these readings be such a moment
and may we be blessed by their gift.  (Gretta Vosper/ab)

• Psalm 34.
A 21st century exploration by Francis Macnab. A Fine Wind is Blowing/16-17.

• The psalmist's psychology is starkly stated: What we believe about life makes a huge difference to us.  
He highlights the importance of having a meaning and purpose.
Above all, he says, keep looking for signs of God's presence.

We all want to embrace the great delights of life.
We all want to have a long life and enjoy all good things.
But we are constantly aware of how easily
our best endeavours can be undermined,
and our spirits can be swept into misery.

My experience has shown me there are ways to survive things
and get through our anxieties
and find a worthwhile joy.
What we believe about life makes a huge difference to us. 
We know that if we believe in a presence
that is good and supportive,
in a God who leads us to be positive,
then we can be in touch with a strength that helps us
through our misfortunes
and gives us hope
despite the inevitabilities of our mortality.

We know that life can leave many people feeling
there is no meaning and there is no purpose in it all.
But we are able to find meaning and purpose
as we seek peace and pursue it;
as we consider how we will speak to each other,
and how we will put controls on our destructiveness...

I commend this to you:
Find the freedom to turn your thoughts
to searching for signs of God's presence.
When you see those signs, be glad.
Look to that eternal goodness and let it permeate
your whole being,
your whole life.

Yes - 'Taste and see the goodness of God’.
You will be much happier as you learn
what these words can mean.

Though we cannot fully understand the mystery of life
and the mystery of God,
just a taste will show us the high value of goodness
which is at the heart of everything.

OR

•"Natural Theology”
By Kelly Cherry

You read it in the blue wind,
the blue water, the rock spill,
the blue hill

rising like a phoenix from ash. Some mind
makes itself known through the markings of light
on air; where earth rolls, right

comes after, our planet's bright spoor... If you look, you'll find
truth etched on the tree trunk,
the shark's tooth, a shell, a hunk

of room and soil. Study from beginning to end.
Alpha and omega—these are the cirrus alphabet,
the Gnostics' cloudy "so—and yet."

If a tree falls in a forest, a scared hind
leaps, hearing branches break;
you crawl under the log and shake

honey out of a hollow, eggs from a nest, ants from the end
of a stick; resting, you read God's name on the back of a bass
in a blue pool; God grows everywhere, like grass.

• Mark 10:46-52 (Inclusive Text)

As Jesus left Jericho with the disciples and a large crowd,
Bartimaeus (that is, the son of Timaeus),
a blind beggar, was sitting at the side of the road.

When Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth,
he began to shout out and to say,
'Descendant of David, Jesus, have pity on me.'

And many of them scolded him and told him to be quiet,
but Bartimaeus only shouted all the louder,
'Descendant of David, have pity on me!'

'Courage,' they said, get up; Jesus is calling you.'

So throwing off his cloak, Bartimaeus jumped up and went to Jesus.

Then Jesus spoke,'What do you want me to do for you?’’
'Rabbuni,' the blind man said, 'Let me see again.’Jesus said, 'Go; your faith has saved you.'

And immediately his sight returned
and Bartimaeus followed him along the road.

Contemporary Exploration

Silence for Personal Reflection

AFFIRMING

A "Families" Litany (Optional)
In response to the word reflected on
let us stand and share together a 'Families' litany.
The people stand as they are able

v1  We form families out of our need for intimacy and security.
All  We are foreigners in our own land
and often estranged from our own neighbours.

v1  A family is a safe haven, but not
a fortress, sanctuary or prison.
All  Some must be liberated from their families of origin
to find a place to be free.

v2  Some walk nameless streets in search of a family that never was.
All  Others remember their home street with
fond memories of family gatherings.

v1  We can be ‘family’ for one another;
this is not easy but it may be necessary.
All  No one should be homeless.
It shouldn’t hurt to be a child.

v2  It is never too late to find a family.
It is always timely to forgive.
All  May we find here a family that
dismisses the boundaries of blood
and speaks the language of love.  (George L Stewart)

OR

Litany: Spirit of Life… (Optional)
The people stand as they are able

Out of the ordinariness of the bare earth,
you brought the extra ordinariness of human life
All  Your spirit lives within us, O God.

In the ordinariness of the bare earth
we plant grain from last year's harvest
All  Your spirit lives within us, O God.

Out of the ordinariness of water
comes the life of the seed
All  Your spirit lives within the water, O God.

In human life and in the life of the seed
lies the life of this community
All  Your spirit lives within this community, O God.

From the life of God
comes creation and recreation
All  Your spirit lives within creation, O God.

Out of the heart of God
comes peace and hope
All  Your spirit lives within us, O God. (Pam Wyley/grpe)

Sharing 'The Peace’
Let us take some time to celebrate each other.

May a heart of peace be 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  The people stand, as they are able, to sing
“Just As The Rainbow” (Tune: ‘Colours of Hope’, D C Damon)                                           22 PaT
Just as the rainbow, bright with its promise,
holds in its prism spectrums of light,
sp do our human cultures and colours
bring to each other depth and delight.

Colours adorn us, colours define us,
colours enliven nature’s own art,
colours divide us, stark in their meaning,
black and white judgments tar us apart.

Fear of the stranger, unspoken anger,
shades of misgiving show in our face,
colours of blood have stained our traditions,
led us to conflict, race against race.

God give us eyes to value our neighbour,
judging no colour, image or skin,
but where the heart is, open to friendship,
care and connection making us kin.

God give us wisdom, luminous thinking,
prizing this rainbow, sensing its scope,
finding the gold in icons of others,
working to paint the colours of hope. (Shirley Erena Murray)
People sit

CELEBRATING

Offerings

Presentation
We give thanks for all we have, for all we are.
And we give thanks for the privilege we have
of responding generosity to others
with these gifts and with our lives.

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 this abundant blessing
All  We share the joy.
In this, our time of need,
All  May love abound.  (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  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. (DSorril)

PARTING

Hymn/Song  The people stand, as they are able, to sing
“In Places Where There Is No Church”  (Tune: ‘Working for Christ’, CMD)                      70(v1-3) MTH
In places where there is no church,
where hope is hard to find,
we touch the hands made rough by life
to seek a common mind.
We go where others would not go,
perhaps would fear to tread,
out far beyond our walls and ways
wherever we are led.

Where commerce rules we ply our trade,
our currency is grace,
and all we have to offer is
God’s love to fill this place.
In prisons where we sit with those
whom justice has condemned,
we seek to mirror Jesus’ love
that fear might have an end.

And while a person lives in pain
a quiet voice can say,
this time will pass, love holds you still,
we'll see another day.
In searing heat or arctic cold
where lives are ripped and torn,
or where a family waits in fear
we share another dawn.

OR

“God of Dawn” (Tune: ‘Abbot’s Leigh, 87.87D)
God of dawn, each day’s renewal
brings the world into your light.
As your sun defeats the shadows,
drives away the darkest night:
we would greet this new beginning
as your call to start again,
lead us on with hope and courage,
make your will and purpose plain.

Christ, you walked the world as we do,
knew its human pain and loss.
As your love broke through the barriers
by your death upon the cross;
we still speak your gospel message,
though two thousand years have gone.
Help us now translate its meaning
in this present world of wrong.

Holy Spirit, inspiration,
light and truth and root of prayer,
as your challenge moves us forward
taking us we know not where:
we will follow your direction,
though the way may not be clear.
Shape us, change, recreate us,
so the future holds no fear.
Remain standing

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

Flame-dancing spirit, come
All  sweep us off our feet and
dance us through our days.
Surprise us with your rhythms,
All  dare us to try new steps, explore new patterns
and new adventures.
And in the intervals, rest us
All  in your still centre.  (A Lewin-adapted/wb)

Words of Blessing
May the love that gives to life its beauty
The reverence that gives to life its sacredness
And the purposes that give to life its deep significance,
be strong within each of us and lead us
into ever deepening relationships with all of life.  (G G Brooks)
All  Amen! May it be so!

Hymn/Song (Cont). "In Places Where There Is No Church’  (Tune: ‘Working for Christ’, CMD)        70(v4) MTH
And is it arrogant to say
we look with Jesus’ eyes?
We seek to see his face in all,
to hear him in their sighs.
And so our calling is to serve,
to go where Christ has led,
go out, go all, go to the world,
God’s people must be fed.  (Andrew Pratt/ © Copyright 2015 Stainer 8: Bell Ltd)

OR

“God of Dawn” (Tune: ‘Abbot’s Leigh, 87.87D)
Praise to God, who spoke creation,
giving life to time and space.
Praise to Christ, whose living presence
showed the world your human face.
Praise the Spirit, daily witness
to you ever-loving way.
Take us now and reawake us,
challenge us to use this day.  Marjorie Dobson/mcm
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 the moment 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:
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.
Dobson, M. Multi-coloured Maze. Drama, Hymns, Prayers and Poems for Worship and Everyday Living. London: Stainer & Bell, 2004.
Duncan, G. (ed). A World of Blessing. Benedictions from Every Continent and Many Cultures. Norwich: The Canterbury Press, 2000.
(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.
Liebelt, P. & N. Nicholls. (ed). Gentle Rain on Parched Earth. Worship Resources for Rural Situations. Melbourne. JBCE, 1996.
Macnab, F. A Fine Wind is Blowing: Psalms of the Bible in Words that Blow you away. Richmon.: Spectrum Publications, 2006.
(PaT) Murray, S. E. A Place at the Table. New Hymns Written between 2009 and 2013. Carol Stream. Hope Publishing, 2013.
(MTH) Pratt, A. More Than Hymns. Words for a Lyrical Faith. London. Stainer & Bell, 2015.
(SNS) Stuart, G. Singing a New Song. Traditional Hymn Tunes with New Century Lyrics. Second edition. Sydney: CPRT Sydney, 2006.
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 site/Others:
Gilbert, Sorril. UUA Worship Web. Boston: UUA. www.uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/>
"Whispers Rippled Through the Cosmos" Andrew Pratt  eMail distribution. UK.
David Galston. Quest Learning Centre for Religious Literacy. http://www.questcentre.ca