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”
5 October 2025. Pentecost 17C. (Green).
Celebrating Community: The Jesus Banquet
Pets/Animals Sunday
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 or the (NN) Nation, past, present, and 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 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 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 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
“Spring Song” (Tune: ‘Verdure’, Jillian Bray) 59 FFS
Spirit of springtime in creation’s garden,
tingling the senses,
tickling the earth,
sap that is rising where the seed was sleeping,
push for a new world
coming to birth!
Heard in the song that sweeps from bush to ocean,
seen in the sunlight,
felt in the blood,
surge of delight at every greening, growing,
God in the promise,
blossom from bud.
Fresh as the rain that washes clean our vision,
keen as the wind on
Pentecost day,
bright as the Spirit in the life of Jesus,
bold as the mindset
thinking his way.
Springtime of hope from out of winter’s clutches,
warm us to witness,
woo us to see
beauty will break through rotted leaves and ashes,
joy will erupt, and
life will leap free! (Shirley Erena Murray)
OR
"Dreaming of a New Faith" (Tune: 'Mainzer’ 88.88) 33 SNS2
We seek a faith community,
One which promotes inquiry,
And which eschews rigidity,
Yet opens to the mystery.
For God cannot be held inside
The thoughts and words that we provide;
Nor in our creeds which can divide;
Nor dogma that is glorified.
But dreams can challenge and correct;
Can prompt us question and reflect;
And with sincerity, to respect
The other faiths which some reject.
Our common dreams can be the seeds
Growing new truths a new age needs;
Our dreams can quash divisive creeds
From which exclusiveness proceeds.
Our common dreams can then ignite
Flames which can burn with wisdom's light;
And then responding with delight
Uncover more divine insight. (George Stuart)
Remain standing
Opening Sentences
As surely as we belong to the universe
, we belong together.
All We gather here to transcend the isolated self.
To reconnect,
To know ourselves to be at home,
Here on earth, under the stars,
Linked with each other. (Margaret A Keip)
Words of Awareness
We are part of all that sustains or destroys life.
Creation and destruction occur in continually unfolding ways.
And so may we open our ears to the continually unfolding Word.
Life speaks to us in new and vital and imperative ways.
With all the power we have been given,
let us be silent and open to listening…
for nourishment,
for comfort,
for challenge and new focus. (St Stephen’s Project).
OR
We pray:
God, source of life, may we be blessed with your presentness.
Each day may we be transformed so we become
more human, more friendly
towards our neighbour and all of creation.
May it be so.
Hymn/Song “Maker of Mystery” (Tune: By Colin Gibson) 47 FFS
Maker of mystery,
dreamer of what will be,
well-spring and fertile ground of all our growing:
tending the buried seed,
foreseeing every need,
you draw us into life beyond our knowing.
Christ, strong and living vine,
spreading through space and time,
deep rooted in the love of God our mother:
dying, you live and share
your strength with us, to bear
ripe fruit in season for the life of others.
Wild Spirit, springing green,
coiled in the depths unseen,
promise of fruit within the seed maturing:
new life, you grow and swell,
burst from the outgrown shell,
hundredfold yield in every age ensuring.
Living and loving God,
sing in the pulse of our blood,
help us to know you in your own creation,
love you, the life of all,
serve you and hear your call
from our first forming to our full salvation. Marnie Barrell
OR
"Spring Has Now Unwrapped..." (Tune: 'Blackburn', 76.76D) 63 SLT
Spring has now unwrapped the flowers,
day is fast reviving,
life in all her growing powers
toward the light is striving.
Gone the iron touch of cold,
winter time and frost time,
seedlings working through the mold
now make up for lost time.
Herb and plant that, winter long,
slumbered at their leisure,
now be stirring green and strong,
find in growth their pleasure.
All the world with beauty fills,
gold and green enhancing;
flowers make glee among the hills,
set the meadows dancing. (Piae Cantiones, 1582)
The people sit after the hymn
Welcome
Or in your own words
A warm welcome is extended to all.
Especially those who may be joining us for a first time.
Your presence enriches this gathering and contributes
to the creative evolution of community.
Thanks for the gift of you! (Central United, Moncton, Canada)
Refer to printed liturgy.
Fellowship hour following the Gathering.
Those visiting, please sign our Visitors book.
Reflection
“Robust Spirit” By Bruce Prewer. More Australian Prayers/53
O robust Spirit!
Enemy of sentimental delusions!
Come with your cyclonic love
and blow away our tents,
so that we may once more
look upon the midnight stars
and shiver with wonder
at your love for us
who love each other selectively
and worship you but fitfully.
O robust Spirit!
Friend of pilgrims and cross-bearers!
Toughen us for the journey
that awaits the pure in heart.
Music of Celebration
Centering Silence
Centering prayer and meditation are age-old techniques to put us in touch with what Jesus called ruah in Aramaic, the holy breath, a living and animating field that gives birth to the self, seed, storm and stellar nebulae…
Let us gather together in the silence of this place,
which now we make holy
by our every act of worship. Bob Holmes/adapted
(Silence)
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)
• “The Longing of Nature”
John O’Donohue. Eternal Echoes/14-15.
Celtic spirituality reminds us that we do not live simply in the thoughts, feelings or relationships.
We belong on the earth.
The rhythm of the clay and its seasons sings within our hearts.
The sun warms the clay and fosters life.
The moon blesses the night.
In the uncluttered world of Celtic spirituality there is a clear view of the sacrament of nature as it brings forth visible presence.
The Celts worshipped in groves in nature and attended to the silent divinity of wild places.
Certain wells, trees, animals and birds were sacred to them.
Where and what a people worship always offers a clue to where they understand the source of life to be.
Most of our experience of religion happens within the walled frame of church or temple.
Our God is approached through thought. word and ritual.
The Celts had no walls around their worship.
Being in nature was already to be in the Divine Presence.
Nature was the theatre of the diverse drama trudges of the Divine Imagination.
This freedom id beautifully echoed in the lyric poem:
Ah blackbird it is well for you,
Wherever in the thicket you next,
Hermit that sounds no bell,
Sweet, soft fairylike is your note. (Trans. Myles Dillion)
The contemplative presence of nature is not ostentatious or cluttered by thought.
Its majesty and elegance drift into voice in the single, subtle note of the blackbird.
• Luke 17:5-10 (Inclusive Text)
The apostles said to Jesus, "Increase our faith.”
Jesus replied,
"Were your faith the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree,
'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you."
"Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep,
would say when the servant returned from the fields,
'Come and have your meal immediately'?
“Would you not be more likely to say,
'Get my supper laid; make yourself tidy and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You can eat and drink yourself afterwards'?
“Must you be grateful to the servant for doing your bidding?
So with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say,
'We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty."
Contemporary Exploration
Silence for Personal Reflection
AFFIRMING
A Celebration of Faith (Optional)
In response to the word reflected on, let us stand
and join together in a celebration of faith.
The people stand as they are able
All We believe in our creativity.
v1 Making and transforming beauty
out of words and notes,
images and colours, lines and pictures...
and silence.
All We believe in doing justice.
v2 Justice that compels and empowers us
to risk whatever we must risk
to create a climate
in which all people can be who they are.
All We believe in our dreams.
v1 We experience the world as it is,
in both its ugliness and beauty,
and we see what it can become.
All We believe in making peace.
v2 A peace that is based on openness,
honesty and compassion.
All We believe in hope.
v1 We expect change to continue to occur in our world.
We rely on our courage to continue
to bring about these changes.
All We believe in love.
v2 A passionate love within and around us
that laughs and cries,
challenges and comforts,
a healing love that perseveres.
All We believe in potential.
v1 We know who we are,
painful as that can be at times,
yet we continue to call each other
to become more of who we are.
All We believe in celebrating.
v2 We remember and we commemorate.
We create rituals.
We play and dance, and sing and love well.
All We believe in our diversity.
v1 We affirm our many shapes and sizes,
colours and traditions,
emotions and thoughts,
differences and similarities.
All We believe in life.
v2 Life that wells up within
and flows out of us like a streaming fountain.
All We believe we are good and holy,
a sacred part of all creation. (SKramer/cl)
OR
CELEBRATION AND BLESSING OF PETS/ANIMALS
Remembering
Every part of this earth is sacred.
All Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore,
every mist in the dark woods, every clearing,
and every humming insect is holy.
We are part of the earth and it is part of us.
All The perfumed flowers are our sisters;
the deer, the horse, the great eagle - these are our brothers.
The rocky crests, the juices in the meadows, the body heat of the pony,
humans - all belong to the same family.
All This we know: the earth does not belong to humans;
humans belong to the earth.
This we know: all things are connected like the blood which unites one family.
All Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth.
We did not weave the web of life; we are merely a strand in it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All What are humans without the beasts?
If all the beasts were gone, humans would die
from a great loneliness of spirit.
All For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to humans.
All things are connected.
(Adapted from statements of Chief Sealth, better known as Chief Seattle, from a speech delivered in 1854.)
v1 Today we are surrounded by the animals we love.
We remember with gratitude the pets, protectors, and animal companions
who have blessed our lives.
We give thanks for our childhood pets,
who taught us to love and to cry.
We give thanks for our children's pets,
who help us to teach them responsibility and relationship,
and we give thanks for the pets who brighten our days and comfort our nights.
v2 Today we are surrounded by the animals we love.
We acknowledge that many animals contribute to our lives.
We give thanks for all those animals who help us:
working animals who guard us and find our lost and guide the blind,
the animals who provide us food and clothing,
who tote our burdens and entertain us with their antics,
and for animals who give their lives to help us learn.
v1 But we also remember that many animals suffer.
We remember that some animals are hunted or deserted or tortured or hungry.
We remember that nature can be cruel and that people can be mean.
(Silence)
So today we bless these animals…
Animals we love.
Animals who are the companions of our lives.
We pledge to care for them tenderly and faithfully,
and to remember that we are not alone on the earth. (Adapt/Christine Robinson)
Circle of Blessing
Beginning with the back rows, please bring your companion animals to the front of the Gathering space, forming a circle.
After the Blessing, walk in a circle around the Gathering space before returning to your seat
[Pet’s name], may the Spirit of Life be with you and your human friends.
May you have a long life and a happy home.
Amen! Shalom! Salaam! Peace!
Thanksgiving
When all have returned to their seats
v1 Abundant Earth, mother of all that is natural,
mother of all that is human, for everything you freely give us,
All We express our gratitude and dedicate ourselves
to being faithful stewards of your abundance.
v2 For the air we breathe, and for all creatures of the air,
All We give thanks, and pledge ourselves to preserve your purity.
v1 For the water we drink, and in which we bathe and swim,
and for all creatures of the oceans, lakes, rivers, and creeks,
All We give thanks, and commit ourselves to keeping you clean and pure.
v2 For the soil we walk upon, for all life rooted in the soil,
for cultivated trees, wild trees, food plants,
flowers, grasses, and growing things of all kinds,
All We express our gratitude and pledge ourselves to your preservation.
v1 For all the animals of the earth, for all creatures great and small,
All We give thanks and pledge our loving protection.
v2 For all the great earth gives us, for all that graces and blesses our lives,
All Let our words and our works express our gratitude and praise. (Bruce A. Bode)
Sharing 'The Peace'
Let us take a moment to celebrate each other.
May a heart of peace be 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
"O Brother Sun" (Tune: 'Ye Banks & Braes', 88.88D) 1066 STJ
O Brother Sun, you bring us light,
all shining 'round in fiery might.
O Sister Moon, you heal and bless,
your beauty shines in tenderness.
O Brother Wind, you sweep the hills,
your mighty breath both freshens and fills.
O Sister Water, you cleanse and flow
through rivers and streams, in ice and snow.
O Brother Fire, you warm our night,
with all your dancing coloured light.
O Sister Earth, you feed all things,
all birds, all creatures, all scales and wings.
O Sister Death, you meet us here
and take us to our God so near.
O God of Life, we give you praise
for all your creatures, for all your ways.
The people sit after the hymn. (Adpated from St Francis of Assisi by Sharon Anway)
OR
“The Lone, Wild Bird” (Tune: ‘Prospect’, LM) 15 SLT
The lone, wild bird in lofty flight
is still with thee, nor leaves they sight.
And I am thine! I rest in thee.
Great spirit come and rest in me.
The ends of earth are in thy hand,
the sea’s dark deep and far off land.
And I am thine! I rest in thee.
Great spirit come and rest in me. (H R MacFayden, 1877-1964)
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:
May we have courage in uncertain times,
All Let it all happen. No mood is final.
May we recognise new beginnings
in what seem to be endings,
All Let it all happen. No feeling is final. (3C Exchange)
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 Most compassionate Life-giver,
may we honour and praise you:
may we work with you to establish
your new order of justice, peace and love.
Give us what we need for growth,
and help us, through forgiving others, to accept forgiveness.
Strengthen us in the time of testing,
that we may resist all evil.
For all the tenderness, strength and love are yours,
now and forever. Amen. (William L Wallace)
CELEBRATING
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY: THE JESUS BANQUET
Offerings
Presentation
v1 The earth has gone the round of seasons:
from the vibrant green of spring's new life
to the lush richness of warm summer,
to the brilliant fulfilment of riotous autumn,
to the generosity and self-giving of winter.
Now we stand again, touched by the promise of new life in the spring.
v2 This time of year each day grows a little longer.
Across time and throughout various cultures,
the theme related to this season of waiting are consistent:
anticipation,
excitement,
hope,
rebirth,
renewal,
resurrection.
All Egyptian or Hebrew, Christian or Pagan,
members of First Nations or descendents of Europeans,
indeed people all around the world share this one promise:
the light is breaking forward;
dawn is on the way.
v1 The Hebrew Bible speaks of hope against hope and of waiting upon the light.
“Arise, shine, your light has come,”
proclaimed the prophet Isaiah.
v2 And in the Exodus story, Israel is led through the darkness with a fiery light.
v1 Early Gnostic movements spoke of an ocean of light
above us from which we are in temporary exile,
and the Apostle Paul described Christian people as the children of light.
v2 In ancient Egypt, Horus was a sun god whose journey
across the sky defeated the darkness of night.
v1 The Akkadian sun god Shamash was a being
of justice and correct balance;
and Sumer’s Utu, the son of the moon, was the spirit of the law.
All Jesus said, “Let your light shine” and
“a city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
He did not call his followers into
depression and hopelessness, but rather to vision and to light.
v2 During this season of waiting upon the light,
may the practice of our daily lives
reflect the anticipated light.
Bread and White Wine
v1 May the gifts we offer the world,
share in those ancient notions of the balance of justice,
the light of hope, and
the peace of understanding.
v2 Welcome everyone to this banqueting time.
We break bread as a community in solidarity,
and we share wine to express our common bond.
This is bread for your journey and wine for your life. (David Galston/q)
Bread and White Wine shared
PARTING
Hymn/Song The people stand as they are able, to sing
“Just as the Rainbow” (Tune: ‘Colours of Hope’, D C Damon) 22(v1-3) PaT
Just as the rainbow, bright with its promise,
holds in its prism spectrums of light,
so 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 tear 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.
Remain standing
Parting Words
The presentness of God reaches beyond this place...
The Community Candle is extinguished
Be assured that God’s presence goes with us.
All We face the world with renewed faith and hope.
Let your hearts burn within you
as you dare to trust.
All God’s love is real and alive within us.
Live in gratitude each and every day;
All We will love sincerely and live confidently.
Words of Blessing
Go as far as your courage takes you,
for you cannot go beyond the reach of God.
Give as extravagantly as you may,
for you cannot spend all the riches of God.
Care as lavishly as you are able,
for you cannot exhaust the love of God.
Keep journeying as a servant,
for God will always be with you. (BHughes)
All Amen! May it be so!
Hymn/Song (Cont) “Just as the Rainbow” (Tune: ‘Colours of Hope’, D C Damon) 22(v4-5) PaT
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)
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:
(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 C. Brisbane. Inclusive Language Project. In private circulation, 2013.
Macnab, F. Hope: The Deeper Longings of the Mind and Heart.. Richmond. Spectrum Publications, 1996.
(PaT) Murray, S. E. A Place at the Table. New Hymns written between 2009 and 2013 Carol Stream. Hope Publishing, 2013.
O’Donohue, J. Eternal Echoes. Exploring Our Hunger to Belong. London. Bantam Press, 1998.
Prewer, B. D. More Australian Psalms. Adelaide. OpenBook Publishers, 1996.
(STJ) Singing The Journey. Boston. UUA, 2005.
(SLT) Singing the Living Tradition. Boston. UUA, 1993.
(SNS2) Stuart, G. Singing a New Song. Traditional Hymn Tunes with New Century Lyrics. Volume 2. Toronto. G Stuart, 2009.
Vosper, G. Another Breath. Prayers for Celebration and Reflection. Brisbane. The Centre for Progressive Religious Thought Brisbane, 2009/2010.
Web sites/Other:
Hughes, Kramer, UUA Worship Web. Boston. <www.uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/>
David Galston. “Jesus Banquet”. Quest Learning Centre for Religious Literacy. <http://www.questcentre.ca/>
"Words of Awareness". One of several non-theistic resources found at: <http://www.ualberta.ca/ST.STEPHENS/resources>