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
“...in the end the universe can only be explained in terms of celebration.
It is all an exuberant expression of existence itself”
27 July 2025. Pentecost 7C. (Green).
National Tree Day
Celebrating Community: The Jesus Banquet
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 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 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
Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life.
Lighting of Community Candle
The Community Candle is lit
Let the light we kindle go before us,
Strong in hope,
wide in good will,
Inviting the day to come. (Adapt/ G K. Beach)
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 the 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
“May We Cast the Vision” (Tune: ‘King’s Weston’)
Are we not still dreaming
of a world of peace,
where all live in freedom
and all hatred’s ceased?
Are we not still hoping
for a fair new day,
one for which all suffering
long before did fade?
Have we not the knowledge
that can feed each child,
shelter ev’ry family,
nations reconcile?
Have we not the wisdom
to look back and see
all that’s come between us
throughout history?
Can we not be faithful
to the call of love;
all it builds between us,
is that not enough?
Can we not find reasons
to reach out and share –
all we own, together –
all because we care?
On this day, we’re dreaming
of a world made bright,
freed from all its sorrows,
living into light.
May we feel the courage
stirring deep within.
May we cast the vision
and this work begin. (2017 gretta vosper)
Remain standing
Opening Sentences
Let us gather in celebration and community.
All It is good to be here.
Let us also pay deep attention to the world around us:
All we are present with our eyes,
…to hear the sounds of creation
All we are present with our ears,
…to feel the pain of our fellow people
All we are present with our hearts,
…to smell the banquet of abundant life
All we are present with our lives. (Adapt/Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer/wsj)
Words of Awareness
You are in the story of the world.
You are the world coming to know itself.
May you trust that all you will ever say or do
Belongs in the story of the world. (Ean Huntington Behr)
OR
We pray:
Blossom of Love, give us courage and an open spirit
as we consider the life and teachings of Jesus.
May we feel an invitational embrace
beckoning us to fullness of life where we
celebrate beauty and
engage the causes of suffering.
May it be so.
Hymn/Song “In the Bulb there is a Flower” (Tune: “Maria’s Tune”, 87.87D)
In the bulb there is a flower;
in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise;
butterflies with soon be free!
in the cold and snow of winter
there's a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
There's a song in every silence,
seeking word and melody.
there's a dawn in every darkness,
bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future,
what it holds, a mystery;
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
In our end is our beginning;
in our time, infinity;
in our doubt there is believing;
in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection;
at the last, a victory,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see. N A W Sleeth
The people sit after the hymn
OR
“Nature’s Beauty” (Tune: ‘Regent Square’, 87.87.47 Extend) 4 SNS3
Nature knows her sounds and movements
Heard and seen each day and night;
All her life in rich abundance
Fills my heart with great delight;
Celebrate with adoration;
Thankful for the world so bright.
Fearsome winds cause trees to whimper;
Storms can force the clouds to cry;
Raindrops, snowflakes dance together;
Sun and moon wink in reply;
Celebrate with adoration
All the wonders of the sky.
Celebrate all hidden textures;
Value all the roots below;
Celebrate all covered spendour;
Value beauty not on show;
Celebrate with adoration;
Thankful for the world we know.
Creatures bold and creatures timid
Offer beauty, each unique;
Trees and flowers paint a picture
On the plain and mountain peak;
Celebrate with adoration;
All revealed for those who seek.
We are blest with such profusion;
Beauty bursts out everywhere;
If we take the time to ponder
We may find a thankful prayer;
Celebrate with adoration
Thankful for the world we share. (George Stuart)
People sit after the hymn
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.
Music of Celebration
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: The delight of a story well-known fills our hearts
as we listen for its familiar end.
All May we hear in these stories, familiar and new,
both wisdom and meaning for the days ahead.
• Galatians 6:14-18 (Inclusive Text)
Paul is writing to the small gathering of Jewish Christians in Galatia…
The only thing I can boast about is the cross of Jesus Christ,
through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.
It does not matter if a person is circumcised or not.
What matters is becoming an altogether new creature.
Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, who form the Israel of God.
I want no more trouble from anybody after this;
the marks on my body are those of Jesus.
The grace of Jesus Christ be with your spirit,
my sisters and brothers. Amen.
OR
(Responsive reading)
• “In this Ordinary Place”
By Bret Hesla. Worship in the Spirit of Jesus/103.
May we awaken to the presence of God,
All here in this ordinary place.
May we awaken to the power of love,
All here in this ordinary crowd.
May we build a neighborhood of justice for all,
All now in this ordinary time.
May we daily work to build a world at peace,
All now with these ordinary hands.
Hymn/Song In solidarity with those for whom standing is not easy or possible we will remain seated to sing...
“Perfect Singer” (Tune: ‘Catherine’, 77.77) 332 SLT
Perfect Singer, songs of earth
rise on every field and hearth;
let our voices sound again
ancient songs of joy and pain.
All your creatures strive for life
suffer hurt in angry strife,
seek compassion, find release
in the covenant of peace.
Sing a sacred melody
for the justice that shall be;
let our harmonies resolve
dissonance in steadfast love.
Steadfast Seeker, find our song
woven into lives made strong;
let the patterns of surprise
kindle hope with each sunrise. G K Beach
OR
“The Footprints Where Your People Tread” (Tune: ‘Irish’, 86.86)
The footprints where your people tread
have marked and marred the earth,
the global warming that we dread
has shadowed us from birth.
As climates change and nature shifts,
we play a god-less game.
We reap rewards from what we sow,
yet try to shift the blame.
O gracious God we pray for help,
that we might learn to live
in harmony within this world
with all you gave and give. © Andrew Pratt
• Luke 11:1-13 (Inclusive Text)
Once Jesus was in a certain place praying,
and when Jesus had finished, one of the disciples said,
'Teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.'
Jesus said to them,
'Say this when you pray:
Father, may your name be held holy,
your kingdom come;
give us each day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive
each one who is in debt to us.
And do not put us to the test.
Jesus also said to them,
'Suppose one of you has a friend and goes in the middle of the night to say:
My friend, lend me three loaves because a friend of mine,
a traveller, has just arrived at my house
and I have nothing to offer.
‘And suppose the householder answers from inside the house:
Do not bother me. The door is bolted now,
and my children and I are in bed;
I cannot get up to give it to you!
‘I tell you, if this friend does not get up and give it to you for friendship sake,
persistence will be enough to make that friend get up
and give you all you want.
‘So I say to you:
Ask, and it will be given to you;
search, and you will find;
knock, and the door will be opened to you.
‘For the one who asks always receives;
the one who searches always finds;
the one who knocks will always have the door opened.
‘What parent among you would hand a child a stone
when he or she asked for bread?
Or hand them a snake instead of a fish?
Or hand them a scorpion if they asked for an egg?
‘If you then, who are evil, know how to give your children
what is good, how much more will your loving God in heaven
give the Holy Spirit to those who ask!’
Contemporary Exploration
Silence for Personal Reflection
AFFIRMING
An Affirmation of Faith (Optional)
In response to the word reflected on, let us stand
and share together an affirmation of faith.
The people stand as they are able
We believe in God
All who made the world, loves it and smiles on it;
Wn who created human beings to be different and asked them to get on with each other;
Mn who took the risk of leaving us alone,
knowing that one day our differences
might threaten the earth's safety;
All who trusts us in full knowledge or our frailness.
We believe in Jesus, Human One
Wn who came among us insignificantly, who grew among us uneventfully,
All who walked among us incognito;
Mn who, to change the world, became redundant
and called others away from security;
who befriended those whose company would discredit him;
Wn who pardoned those who deserved to be condemned;
Mn who healed those who were hopeless cases;
Wn who spoke the deepest truths in the language of the living room;
who contradicted common sense
by accepting the cross and taking on the grave
and being liberated to live on the third day;
All who calls us, now as then, to a life which is absurd
by the standards of the world.
We believe in the Holy Spirit
All through whom God surprises, disappoints, lures and questions us;
Wn who is the bringer of strength and source of humour;
Mn who leads us to discover the truth we avoid;
who is a paradox - ever present yet unpredictable.
All And we believe that the foolishness of God
is wiser than the wisdom of the world:
and we rejoice that God has made it so. (Unknown)
OR
A Litany: "Our Home…" (Optional)
v1 Our true home is in the present moment.
v2 To live in the present moment is a miracle.
v3 The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment,
to appreciate the eace and beauty that are available now.
All Peace is all around us -
in the world and in nature -
and within us -
in our bodies and our spirits.
v1 Once we learn to touch this peace,
we will be healed and transformed.
All It is not a matter of faith;
it is a matter of practice. (Thich Nhat Hanh/lp)
OR
A Litany: “Turn Scarlet, Leaves!” (National Tree Day)
v1 Turn scarlet, leaves!
v2 Spin earth!
All Tumble the shadows into dawn,
The morning out of night;
v1 Spill stars across these skies
v2 And hide them with the suns.
All Teach me to turn
My sullen sense toward marvel.
Let green and red
And dark and day
Concur with the returning life
I am. (Raymond J. Baughan, SLT485)
OR
A Story...
A loving ‘nana’ to three grand children, she has been a volunteer teacher’s aid at the local public schools for nearly ten years.
Reading, Science, and Maths are her helping specialities.
But this day it was an outdoors activity - tree planting.
Down on her knees with the children, hands deep into the earth, one seven year old with tiny, dirty hands, looked up and said:
‘When I grow up I want to be a tree planter…'
Then pausing, her head cocked on one side, the seven year old asked:
‘How do you be a tree planter?’
Before an answer could be given, the regular teacher called: 'Time! Everyone back in the classroom.’
As they walked across the oval towards the classroom and regular teaching, the nana helper said:
‘Well, I’m not sure how you’ll do it in the future, but today you are a tree planter…
‘And you can consider yourself a tree planter for all your days on one condition.’
‘What’s that?’ asked the seven year old.
‘You keep planting trees…'
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
"Let Justice Roll Down” 85 AA
Refrain:
Let justice roll down like a river,
let justice roll down like a sea,
let justice roll down like a river,
let justice begin through me.
Justice for all who go hungry,
crying to God to be fed,
left in a world of abundance
to beg for a morsel of bread.
Refrain:
Justice for those who are homeless,
victims of warfare or need,
trapped on the borders of no-where,
lost in the canyons of greed.
Refrain:
Justice for all who are powerless,
yearning for freedom in vain,
plundered, and robbed of their birth-right,
silently bearing their pain.
Refrain: (Colin Gibson)
OR
“Hymn of Confidence” (Tune: ‘Sing Hosanna’, 10.8.10.9 & Refrain)
God is worthy of praises unending
for such love, faithfulness and grace;
let the church grasp anew our high calling
to bear witness to God’s wide embrace.
Refrain:
Come, O God, empower our witness
by your Spirit’s wind extend our range;
may we set our sails in earnest
confident in times of change.
Jesus calls us to constant renewal
as we serve him in testing times;
we can cling to the past at our peril
but in faith we trace the future’s signs.
Refrain:
In the Spirit we have great resources:
unity in diversity;
we grow strong as we welcome each other
as God’s servants working mutually.
Refrain:
We are one in our faith and our mission
of God’s call steadfastly aware;
so we offer ourselves for the kingdom
with enthusiasm backed by prayer. (Don Evans. Direct from the author)
Refrain:
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:
We turn to Life, to that vast creativity
All that empowers the universe
as the ocean animates the wave,
seeking to let go of that which blocks our healing.
All May we open ourselves even now
to the wonder of Life.
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 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 O presence and pow’r within us,
Being and Life of all.
How we are filled, how we o’erflow
with infinite love and gladness!
We shall this day sow grace and peace,
and show mercy to all,
and gentle loving-kindness.
And we shall be not so self-serving,
but a constant source of giving.
For ours is the essence,
and the wholeness,
and the fullness forever. (Paul Alan Laughlin/4r)
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: THE JESUS BANQUET
Offerings
Introduction (Optional)
Members of the Jesus movements regularly ate a meal together
when they met as a community.
It was a characteristic that they had in common
with virtually every other social group in their world.
It was considered primary to the early developments
in the movements’ meal liturgy.
These meal traditions were not about personal salvation or payment for sin.
Instead, they were about actions and offering hospitality, social identity,
and being in solidarity with those around us.
The liturgical movements centred on celebration, presence, and joy.
I invite you into the spirit of those meals…
Welcome...
Welcome to this banqueting table.
This is a table of hospitality,
of sharing, and of celebration.
We break bread and pour wine
because these are the gifts that strengthen
our journey together.
Remembering our Common Humanity…
v1 We remember and honour the justice imperative
that is the biblical heritage:
justice is not belief but action,
not silence but voice,
not tolerance but compassion.
v2 A banquet reminds us of our common humanity
and our common need for just relationships.
All Jesus said, “If you love those who love you, what merit is there in that?
An outlaw can do the same thing.
And if you give only to those who give back to you,
do you really expect congratulations?
Rather, love your enemies, do good,
and lend without expecting anything in return.”
Bread and White Wine
v1 The call to follow justice is easy to issue,
but the resolve to follow justice is difficult to muster.
Together, let us be a community
that not only issues the word but follows the dictate.
v2 May our community be one that holds
the strength of compassion and the resolve to act.
May we be a people who unites
our words with our deeds.
All For the dignity of life and the hope of humanity, may it be so.
v1 We break bread as an act of solidarity.
We pour wine as an act of sharing.
Welcome to this banquet celebration.
You are invited to participate. (David Galston/q).
Bread and White Wine shared
PARTING
Hymn/Song The people stand as they are able, to sing
“Where the Love of God” (Tune: ‘Reconciliation’) 76(v1-2) FFS
Where the love of God is guiding,
there is now another way:
new awareness of compassion
learned from one another;
love, the face of God in Jesus,
new creation's thrust,
love, transforming tears and terror
into health and trust.
Where the truth of God is driving,
there is now another way,
shining through our times' confusion,
sharp with revelation:
words that stifle sense or spirit
changed and redefined,
crosses raised to teach division
lowered, left behind.
Where the life on earth is cherished,
there is now another way,
where a child may grow in safety,
where there's peace and shelter,
when we hold the fragile planet
in our conscious care,
when we see again as sacred
all we are and share.
Remain standing
Parting Words
The presentness of God reaches beyond this place...
The Community Candle is extinguished
The days pass and the years vanish,
and we walk sightless among miracles.
May our eyes be filled with seeing
and our minds with knowing.
All As the sun rises each day in perfect newness,
so may we break upon each new day
with splendour and expectation. (Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer)
Words of Blessing
May the God you see in all the colours of creation
arouse in you a sense of awe and wonder.
May the God who is a sacred presence be real to you.
May the God who is a source of inspiration and courage keep calling you forward.
May your God go with you, and bless you. (Francis Macnab/fwb)
All May it be so. Amen.
Hymn/Song (Cont “Where the Love of God” (Tune: ‘Reconciliation’) 76(v3) FFS
God will lead us on this mission,
God, the flightpath and the power,
lifting all who grasp the vision
into understanding:
so the heart and hope within us
set each other free,
where the love of God is guiding,
this shall come to be. Shirley Erena Murray
The people sit after the hymn
'This Week' at (NN)
Notices
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Significant Events
Journey Candles
Recessional Music
Fellowship
Morning tea is now served
You are invited to share in a time of fellowship and conversation
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:
(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.
(FFS) Faith Forever Singing. Songs for a new day. Raumati. New Zealand Hymnbook Trust, 2000.
Inclusive Readings. Year C. Brisbane. Inclusive Language Project. In private circulation, 2006.
Laughlin, P. A. “Pray without Seeking. Toward a Truly Mystical Lord’s Prayer” in The Fourth R 22, 6, 20-24. 2009
Macnab, F. A Fine Wind is Blowing: Psalms of the Bible in Words that Blow you Away. Richmond. Spectrum Publications, 2006.
Nelson-Pallmeyer, J. & B. Hesle. Worship in the Spirit of Jesus. Theology, Liturgy, and Songs without Violence. Cleveland. The Pilgrim Press, 2005.
(RP) Pratt, A. Reclaiming Praise. Hymns from a Spiritual Journey. London. Stainer & Bell Ltd, 2006
Roberts, E. & E. Amidon. Life Prayers from Around the World. 365 Prayers, Blessings, and Affirmations to Celebrate the Human Journey. New York. HarperCollins, 1996.
(SLT) Singing the Living Tradition. Boston. UUA, 1993.
(SNS3) Stuart, G. Singing a New Song. Traditional Hymn Tunes with New Century Lyrics. Volume 3. Toronto. G Stuart, 2011.
Web sites/Other:
Behr, Beach, Sleath. UUA Worship Web. Boston. UUA. http://uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/index.php
David Galston. Quest Learning Centre for Religious Literacy. <http://www.questcentre.ca/>
“The Footprints Where Your People Tread”. Andrew Pratt. Direct from the author