Details on the availability of my books, supporting progressive religious thought available
Suggestion: ’Refresh’ each page before reading to make sure to get my latest edition
‘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
“Landscape is an incredible, mystical teacher, and when you begin to tune into its sacred presence,
something shifts inside you”
23 July 2023. Pentecost 8A. (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 called “Uluru Statement from the Heart"
A Response from Common Dreams5 Conference of Religious Progressives,
Australia/South Pacific 2019
Both available on Affirmations/Manifestos
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)
Multi-sensory artwork OR Floral/Symbols display (cloths, candles, stones, wood, leaves, flowers, earth, water) OR projection of Film/Slides
Gathering Music
Entry into the Celebration
The gong is sounded three times
Come into the joy of your divinity,
that the body-mind-spirit may be of one accord
in the fullness of life and of faith.
Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life.
Lighting of the Community Candle
The Community Candle is lit in silence
May this flame remind us of the light of wisdom.
May the warmth of its glow remind us
of the warmth of God's empowering love. (Adapt. Vernon Marshall)
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) Some specific resources on Terrorism
(iv) On Wonder, Awe, and Nature
Hymn/Song People stand as they are able, to sing
“Sing Praise To All” (Tune: ‘Lobe den Herren’, 14.14.4.7.8)
Sing praise to all that has offered us life and sustains us -
All that has opened our hearts to the love borne within us:
Family and friends,
Beauty we see without end -
Gifts that our lives lay before us.
Sing praise to all that has opened our minds to new vistas -
All that has called us to seek out new truths through the ages:
Vision and word,
Music that sought to be heard
These are the gifts that will mould us.
Sing praise to minds that will fashion our bold new tomorrows -
Yesterday's wisdom released from its dogma and credos.
Evermore free
To live out what we believe
Walking the path that Life hallows. (Gretta Vosper/wwg)
OR
“Shake Up the Morning” (Tune: ‘Shake up’). 18 HSNW
Shake up the morning, let the dawn undress,
Let dew reglisten nature’s loveliness;
Waken the songbird and unseal the throat
That greets the daybreak with a crystal note.
Praise to the Lord, whose morning we inherit;
Praise creation’s fuse, the Holy Spirit;
Praise to the Son who rises with the dawn,
Leaving graveclothes scarcely three days worn.
Shake up the world and let the Kingdom come,
The dumb be listened to, the lost find home;
Make earthly politics the stuff of prayer
Till want and warring are dispelled by care.
Praise to the Lord, whose world we inherit;
Praise God’s catalyst, the Holy Spirit;
Praise to the Son whose choice it is to bless
Those who work for peace and live on less.
Shake up the Church and let all Christians show
That faith is real, that God is good to know;
Fashion new symbols of the coming age
When hope and love with take the centre stage.
Praise to the Lord, whose Gospel we inherit;
Praise God’s bird of love, the Holy Spirit;
Praise to the Son whose will and words decree
All are one in this community.
Shake up the evening, let the shadows range
As clouds to castles in the sunset change;
Kindle the moon and stars which through each night
Reflect the glory of tomorrow’s light.
Praise to the Lord, whose evening we inherit;
Praise creation’s presence in the Holy Spirit;
Praise to the Son whose brightness none can kill,
Lighting paths for those who seek this will. © WGWG Iona Community
Remain standing
Opening Sentences
We are awakened from a week of work and worry
to a morning of fresh beginnings and new horizons.
All For this day of rest we give thanks and praise.
We are awakened from a night of tossing and turning
to a day of surprises and sanctuary.
All For this day of peace we give thanks and praise.
We are awakened from the mundane and ordinary
by an invitation for search and celebration.
All For this time of celebration we give thanks and praise.
This is the day that we are given.
Le Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Ri This is a day like no other!
All For senses awakened we give thanks and praise.
Blessed be! (George L Stewart/adapt)
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:
Though Winter covers our earth and cold frost stunts much growth,
yet the hope of Spring is awakening us.
For we all are the saplings God has
planted, watered and nurtured.
We and all creation are God’s handiwork,
a design of beauty.
May it be so.
Hymn/Song “We Gaze in Wonder…” (Tune: ‘Gaze in Wonder’, 11.10.11.9) 30 WNC
We gaze in wonder at the morning’s dawning,
positive witness to God’s faithful grace;
we turn our backs, and in the shadow standing,
shield the light we need to find our place.
In arrogance, in darkness we will stumble,
screening our eyes, we turn away from light.
We venerate our skill, the rocket’s rumble,
deadens sense, distorting wrong and right.
As stewards of love, let’s contemplate creation,
filigree frosting of a winter’s pain;
God hold in hand elation, desperation,
born in death that we might live again. (Andrew Pratt)
OR
“Touch the Earth, Reach the Sky” (Tune: ‘Touch the Earth’, 6.7.9.8) 301 SLT
Touch the earth, reach the sky!
Walk on shores while spirits fly
over the ocean, over the land,
our faith a quest to understand.
Touch the earth, reach the sky!
Children ask the reasons why.
In our lives the answers show,
and by our love they learn and grow.
Touch the earth, reach the sky!
All are born and all shall die;
Life’s the time left in between,
to follow a star, to build a dream.
Touch the earth, reach the sky!
Hug the laughter, feel the cry.
May we see where we can give,
for this is what it means to live.
Touch the earth, reach the sky!
Soar with courage ever high;
spirits joining as we fly,
to touch the earth, to reach the sky. Grace Lewis-McLaren.
The people sit
Welcome
Or in your own words
A warm welcome is extended to all.
Especially those who are worshipping 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 be still and know that all will be well,
that in all manner of things it will be well.
(Silence)
Questions linger…
Deep emotions are felt…
Fresh anticipation percolates, as this community
gathers together in this sacred place.
Draw your deep breath, knowing
you are welcomed and valued now, here.
Be at peace and at one with yourself
and with those close by…
(Silence)
Music of Reflection
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: 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).
• “Outside Earth, Inside Body”
By Karan R. Aggarwala
The most remarkable things are happening as I witness them.
Rainclouds are pouring their offerings to the earth.
Night follows day and though I sit away from my window,
I can hear the monsoon outside.
Inside, a most favorable climate is taking form.
I feel wheat grass is growing on my head.
The air I breathe is being absorbed by the leaves in my lungs.
Volcanoes on my skin are small red spots.
And beneath rivers of lava-blood flow endlessly.
My heart is a pulsating magnetic core that is immanent yet transcendent.
Like flashes of lightning thoughts permeate my being and
run through my nervous-river system.
My eyes blink wearily as the sun and moon traverse the planet’s horizons.
My roots chew on the food that is offered at the dining table.
A gentle breeze enters the caverns of my nose and then recedes
somewhat like the tides at the beach.
My toes and heels are the twelve constellations
through which my earth-body translates.
Mountains gyrating with joy, geysers simmering with quiet energy,
forests remembering the past, glaciers knowing fragments of the future.
Hymn/Song In solidarity with those for whom standing is not easy or possible we will remain seated to sing...
“Of the Multitude of Words” (Tune: ‘Vienna’, 77.77) 16 TMT
Of the multitude of words
held within the Bible's wall,
some bring life and some spread death,
some can liberate us all.
Should our use of sacred words
put all other views to flight?
Does our inner certainty
justify abuse of might?
Are our ways of using strength
open for the world to see?
Do they hide behind the texts
masking our transparency?
Loving God, the source of truth,
help us clearly to discern
what brings death and what brings life,
life for which our spirits yearn.
Then O God of spirit life,
we shall live with openness,
giving all the right to be
their true selves with graciousness. (William L Wallace)
• Matthew 13:24-30 (Inclusive Text)
Jesus put a parable before the crowds:
The reign of God may be compared to a sower who sowed good seed in a field.
While everybody was asleep an enemy came,
sowed darnel all among the wheat, and made off.
When the new wheat sprouted and ripened, the darnel appeared as well.
The owner's servants came and said:
‘Was it not good seed that you sowed in your field?
If so, where does the darnel come from?’
‘Some enemy has done this’, the owner answered.
And the servants said:
‘Do you want us to go and weed it out?’
No, because when you weed out the darnel
you might pull up the wheat with it.
Let them both grow until the harvest.
And at harvest time I will tell the reapers:
‘First collect the darnel and tie it in bundles to be burnt,
then gather the wheat into my barn’.
Contemporary Exploration (Check out the Sermon for this day, Year A)
Silence for Personal Reflection
AFFIRMING
A Litany: ‘Here in this Ordinary Place’ (Optional)
The people stand as they are able
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 neighbourhood 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. (Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer/wsj)
Sharing 'The Peace'
Let us take a moment to celebrate each other.
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
“Song for Planet Earth" (Tune: 'Bunessan')
Mystery and wonder greet Your creation;
out of the chaos galaxies grow:
may we discern Your purpose emerging –
inter-connections in all we know.
Kangaroos bounding through ancient fern gullies,
whales in the oceans, birds in the air:
we are a part of all this profusion,
may we yet grasp how stewards should care.
We are a nation of droughts and downpours,
yet blighting our world by a consumerist urge:
may we have grace to repent of our folly,
move with Your rhythm, conserve Your earth.
You have endowed us with wisdom and foresight,
minds that can focus, dreams that bring life:
may we have wills to embrace all creation,
to faithfully serve You doing the right. (Neil Wilkinson, 2007)
People sit.
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)
Offerings
Presentation
May a good feeling be found in our hearts
as these gifts are used to
help free some people from hunger,
lift some people from their distress,
and encourage some people to be part of a better world.
In Solidarity
Care Candle:
We are people of all ages who enter this safe 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 a 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 Abba/Lord's Prayer, and in your original language, as that is appropriate
All O Birther! Father-Mother of the Cosmos
you create all that moves in light.
Hear the one Sound that created all others,
in this way the Name is hallowed
in silence.
Your rule springs into existence
as our arms reach out to embrace all creation.
Let all wills move together
in your vortex, as stars and planets
swirl through the sky.
Grant what we need each day in bread and insight:
subsistence for the call of
growing life.
Lighten our load of secret debts as
we relieve others of their
need to repay.
Keep us from hoarding false wealth,
and from the inner shame of
help not given in time. (Matthew Fox/ormw)
SCATTERING
Hymn/Song People stand as they are able, to sing
"Spirit of God" (Tune: ‘Passion Chorale’ 76.76D)
Spirit of God pervading
the earth as swirling mist,
enveloping creation,
her presence shall persist;
she rests on men and women,
she shares her gifts with all,
and we respond in freedom,
rejoicing at her call.
Her wisdom keeps creating
new wonders to behold,
through her creation's story
is constantly retold.
Mountain and river valley
acclaim her name with praise,
the glacier and the desert
as one their voices raise.
Midst folk she freely mingles
to challenge and inspire,
dream dreams, and share visions,
rekindle sparks of fire,
a passion for God's mission
we all are called to share
'til heaven and earth both mirror
koinonia and care.
Remain standing
Parting Words
The presentness of God reaches beyond this place...
The Community Candle is extinguished
May the flame that has brightened our time together
warm our hearts, light our paths,
All and inspire our vision, as we once again
go our separate ways. (FRDay)
Words of Blessing
Walk well your journey in peace and in justice.
May you be wrapped in the shawl of God's loving.
May you be cherished.
May you be blessed.
All Amen. May it be so.
Hymn/Song (Cont) "Spirit of God" (Tune: ‘Passion Chorale’ 76.76D)
Spirit of God empowering
each of us as we sing,
our faith-skills and whole being
before you now we bring.
Embrace us with your blessing,
transform us through your word,
so we may live confessing,
the love and grace of God. (LSanderson/sco)
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:
Aggarwala, K. R. Ecological Meditations: A Collection of Poems. Xlibris Corporation, 2010).
(HSNW) Bell, J. & G. Maule. Heaven Shall Not Wait. Wild Goose Songs Vol. 1. Revised edition. Glasgow. Wild Goose Publications, 1989.
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.
(SCO) Duncan, G. (ed). Seeing Christ in Others. An Anthology for Worship, Mediation and Mission. Norwich. The Canterbury Press, 1998.
Fox, M. One River, Many Wells. Wisdom Springing from Global Faiths. New York. Tarcher/Penguin Publishing, 2000.
(HoS) Hope is our Song. New Hymns and Songs from Aotearoa New Zealand. Palmerston North. New Zealand Hymnbook Trust, 2009.
Inclusive Readings. Year A. Brisbane. Inclusive Language Project. In private circulation, 2004.
Nelson-Pallmeyer, J. & B. Hesle. Worship in the Spirit of Jesus. Theology, Liturgy, and Songs without Violence. Cleveland. The Pilgrim Press, 2005.
(WNC) Pratt, A. Whatever Name or Creed. Hymns and Songs. London: Stainer & Bell Ltd, 2002.
(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.
(TMT) Wallace, W. L. The Mystery Telling. Hymns and Songs for the New Millennium. Kingston. Selah Publishing, 2001.
Web sites/Other:
Day. UUA Worship Web. Boston. <www.uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/>
George L Stewart. UUChurch of San Francisco. <www.uusf.org>
Neil Wilkinson. "Song for Planet Earth". Direct from the author.
David Galston. Quest Learning Centre for Religious Literacy. http://www.questcentre.ca/