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

“...in the end the universe can only be explained in terms of celebration.
It is all an exuberant expression of existence itself”

20 November 2022. Reign of Christ C. (White).
OR
Jesus and his Kingdom of Nobodies

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 (N) Nation, past, present, and emerging,
and their stewardship of this land throughout the ages.

First Peoples Statement to the Nation 2017 called “Uluru Statement from the Heart” HERE
A Response from Common Dreams5 Conference of Religious Progressives,
Australia/South Pacific 2019 HERE

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

Holy and beautiful the custom which brings us together,
In the presence of the Most High. (Robert F Leavens/slt)

Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life.

Lighting of the Community Candle
The Community Candle is lit

Note: (i) A suggested process for introducing new hymns, called Hymn of the Month, can be found HERE
(ii) Additional Special Purpose Hymns that cover major international events or themes can be found HERE  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 HERE
(iv) On Wonder, Awe, and Nature  HERE

Hymn/Song  The people stand as they are able, to sing
“Faith Writes the Hymn” (Tune: 'Woodlands', 10.10.10.10)                                                           10 TEL
Faith writes the hymn that celebrates the world,
tomorrow's world, more hopeful than today's;
God sets the key for faith to call the tune,
and make of us the instruments of praise.

Faith uses song to stir us and move on,
to rally and to raise our spirits high,
to whistle up the courage to be changed,
and lift our wings in learning how to fly.

Faith need a song to heal our deepest pain:
lament and loss would silence us in tears.
God gives us music to anoint the soul,
and speak in ways that only sorrow hears.

Faith writes the hymn that keeps us singing hope,
although we cannot see the sun will shine;
faith sets a lively rhythm to our step,
and draws our hearts to beat with the divine.  Shirley Erena Murray
Remain standing

Opening Sentences
Deep within us, creeping past the facts
that stand before us, is hope:
All  And we lift up our hearts to God.

We walk towards the barriers to change,
believing they will fall to your power:
All  And we lift up our hearts to God.

We gather up the remnants of our energy
and wait for the extra we pray will come:
All  And we lift up our hearts to God.

In the moments of our lowness,
in the doubts which rise among us,
in the depths of weakness and failing,
All  God’s hand is discovered beneath our wavering,
and we are called again to hope.  (mph 1993)

Words of Awareness
May all sentient beings be well and enjoy the root of happiness:
Free from suffering and the root of suffering.
May they not be separated from the joy beyond sorrow.
May they dwell is spacious equanimity
Free from craving, fear, and ignorance.  (Adapt.Bodhisattva Vows/slt)

OR

We pray:
Spirit of God, you are the breath of life within us.
You call us to be one with you.
You breathe among us in all of creation.
Give us the strength and courage to live in your love.
May it be so.

Hymn/Song   “We Sing Now Together” (‘Kremser’, 12.11.13.12)                                                  67 SLT
We sing now together our song of thanksgiving,
rejoicing in goods which the ages have wrought,
for Life that enfolds us, and helps and heals and holds us,
and leads beyond the goals our forbears once sought.

We sing of the freedoms which martyrs and heroes
have won by their labor, their sorrow, their pain;
the oppressed befriending, our ampler hopes defending,
their death becomes a triumph, they died not in vain.

We sing of the prophets, the teachers, the dreamers,
designers, creators, and workers, and seers;
our own lives expanding, our gratitude commanding,
their deeds have made immortal their days and their years.

We sing of community now in the making
in every far continent, region, and land;
with those of all races, all times and names and places,
we pledge ourselves in covenant firmly to stand.   (Edward T Buehrer)

OR

“Hymn to Christ the Companion"                                                                                  1FTS
Where two or three are gathered
in the name of Christ,
there will we know his presence,
share in a love unpriced.
He will be with us always,
even to journey's end;
found in our humblest neighbour,
present in foe and friend.

Forward our path together,
through a mysterious land,
darkened by our unknowing,
desert of rock and sand.
Spirit of Christ before us,
lead us through storm and night;
beacon of hope unfailing,
draw us towards your light.

Spur us to seek each other,
following the pilgrim way,
and, if our footsteps falter,
feed and sustain, we pray.
Broken the bread you offer,
shared is the cup you pour,
calling to true communion
now and for ever more.

O loving Christ-companion,
bond us, that we may be
one in our common purpose,
one in our loyalty;
strong for the weak and powerless,
open to truth, and pain,
daring to stand for justice,
working to bring your reign.  Colin Gibson.
The people sit after the hymn

Welcome 
 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
“Time”
By Marjorie Dobson. Multi-coloured Maze/178

Time is measured and regulated and passes
at the same speed each minute, hour and day.

Our perception of time is a different matter altogether.
If we are waiting for something to happen,
time can appear to pass very slowly.

If we are particularly busy, or enjoying a special occasion,
time seems to fly.

Young people are eager to grow up:
older people find it difficult to believe
how many years have passed.

Historians look back and point at significant lessons that we should learn: 
scientists predict a future that sometimes 
does not seem to offer a great deal of hope…

Time runs in circles and cycles.
Day follows night; weeks turn into months, then months into years.
One generation follows another.

Our lives are locked and linked by time.

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 silence be placed around us now, like a mantle.
Let us enter into it, as through a small secret door…
(Silence)

May this mantle of silence
become a cloak of understanding
to warm our hearts this day.  (Adapted/Kate McIlhagga/ghs)
(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)

xxx

• Jeremiah 23:1-6  (NRSV)

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord.

Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel,
concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people:
It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away,
and you have not attended to them.

So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord.

Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock 
out of all the lands where I have driven them,
and I will bring them back to their fold,
and they shall be fruitful and multiply.

I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them,
and they shall not fear any longer,
or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.

The days are surely coming, says the Lord,
when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch,
and he shall reign as king and deal wisely,
and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.

In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety.
And this is the name by which he will be called:
“The Lord is our righteousness.”

OR

• "Deep Incarnation”
By Elizabeth Johnson (An Extract)

Born of a woman… and the Hebrew gene pool, Jesus of Nazareth was a creature of earth, 
a complex unit of minerals and fluids, an item in the carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen cycles, 
a moment in the biological evolution of this planet. 

Like all human beings, he carried within himself the signature of the supernovas and the geology and life history of the Earth. 
The atoms comprising his body once belonged to other creatures. 
The genetic structure of his cells made him part of the whole community of life 
that descended from common ancestors in the ancient seas.

• Luke 23:35-43 (Inclusive Text)

The people stayed before the cross watching Jesus.
As for the leaders, they jeered at Jesus.
'He saved others,' they said, 'let him save himself if he is Christ of God, the Chosen One.'

The soldiers mocked too, and when they approached to offer
Jesus vinegar they said, 'If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.'

Above Jesus there was an inscription:
'This is the King of the Jews.'

One of the criminals hanging there abused him.
'Are you not the Christ?' he said. 'Save yourself and us as well.'

But the other spoke up and rebuked that one.
'Have you no fear of God at all?' he said, 'you got the same sentence,
but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did.
'But this one has done nothing wrong.'

'Jesus,' he said, 'remember me when you come into your kingdom.’
'Indeed, I promise you,' Jesus replied, 'today you will be with me in paradise.'

OR

• Matthew 5:1-12  (Inclusive Text)

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill.
There he sat down and was joined by the disciples.

Then Jesus began to speak.  This is what he taught them:
How happy are the poor in spirit:
theirs is the unfolding of the divine dream.

How happy the gentle:
they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right: they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart: they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers: they shall be called beloved of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
theirs is the unfolding of the divine dream.

(For those interested...
You can purchase a copy of the Inclusive Texts/Readings (AU$50) from:
Inclusive Language Project
PO Box 1303
Toombul QLD 4012 Australia)

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

Beckoning Christ,
you call us out of our comfortable ghetto of 'us' and 'them'
to risk discipleship without walls.
All  You call us into a world-wide fellowship
where God is worshipped above all other.

Wn  You call us into a world-wide fellowship
where prayer is offered day and night.

All  You call us into a world-wide fellowship
where we can share what we are
with others who love you.

Mn  You call us into a world-wide fellowship
where each person has something to give to the whole.
All  You call us into a world-wide fellowship
where compassion and respect shape missionary endeavour.

Keep on beckoning us out of our safe havens
into your rich fellowship
of challenge and reconciliation, faith and hope.  (Kate Compston/sco)

OR

We affirm the unfailing renewal of life.
All  Rising from the earth, and reaching for the sun,
all living creatures shall fulfill themselves.

We affirm the steady growth of human companionship.
All  Rising from ancient cradles and reaching for the stars,
people the world over shall seek
the ways of understanding.

We affirm a continuing hope.
All  That out of every tragedy
the spirits of individuals shall rise
to build a better world.  (Leonard Mason/slt)

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  "He Came Singing Love"  (Tune: 'Singing Love')                                              59 AA
He came singing love
and he lived singing love;
he died singing love.
He arose in silence.
For the love to go on
we must make it our song:
you and I be the singers.

He came singing faith
and he lived singing faith;
he died singing faith.
He arose in silence.
For the faith to go on
we must make it our song:
you and I be the singers.

He came singing hope
and he lived singing hope;
he died singing hope.
He arose in silence.
For the hope to go on
we must make it our song:
you and I be the singers.

He came singing peace
and he lived singing peace;
he died singing peace.
He arose in silence.
For the peace to go on
we must make it our song:
you and I be the singers.  (Colin Gibson) 

Offerings

Presentation
Valuing God, help us to find a meaning in life,
a purpose, a belonging.
Help us to find pleasure in receiving from life
and satisfaction in enriching life.  (Francis Macnab/h).

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)

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.

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 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  Life-Giver, Pain-Bearer, Love-Maker.
Source of all that is and that shall be.

Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed
by all peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.

With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.

For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and forever. Amen.  (UIW2)

PARTING

Hymn/Song  The people stand as they are able, to sing
“Call to Action”  (Tune: ‘Wir Pflugen’, 76.76D)                                                                           69(v1-2) SNS
When bad laws are not questioned,
Good policies not tried,
Then God is kept in heaven
And God within denied.
For when we sit in silence
Much wrong can go unchecked;
We need to speak out loudly,
Make governments reflect.

We may voice opinions
Although with censored voice;
Let shouts be strong,
Against all wrong;
We really have no choice.

The Jesus we have heard of,
Was always strong to state
That he was for the weak ones,
The poor and not the great.
He challenged all the leaders;
Would not be overawed.
He saw injustice rampant;
And equity ignored.

We should voice opinions
To gain a listening ear;
Let shouts be strong,
Against all wrong;
We need to interfere.
Remain standing

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

In our lives, may we know the holy meaning,
the mystery that breaks into it every moment.
All  May we live at peace with our world
and at peace with ourselves.

Words of Blessing
As the kookaburra gently settles on the tree,
receive the gift of peace.

As the flame rises with light and warmth,
receive the gift of life.

As the wind moves and dances round the earth,
receive the gracious gift of the Spirit.  (Adapted.Dorothy M Stewart/wb).
All  Amen! May it be so!

OR

Hold on to what is good
even if it is a handful of earth.

Hold on to what you believe
even if it is a tree which stands by itself.

Hold on to what you must do
even if it is a long way from here.

Hold on to my hand even when
we have gone away from each other.  (Adapt.Nancy Wood/slt)

OR

Through this day and every day,
May the sun bless us with its warmth,
May snowflakes soothe us with their soft composure,
Each after its own proper season.

May we gaze up at the brilliance of stars
So very far away,
And into the eyes of loved ones,
So very near.

May we know how tiny we are,
And also how great and wonderful we are.
The world went on before us and it will go on after us,
But for this time and space together,

Let it be our choice to bring
Enlightenment and compassion and mystery and joy
To those with us now
And also those who come after us in the future.  (Dennis McCarty/gta)

Hymn/Song  (Cont)  “Call to Action”  (Tune: ‘Wir Pflugen’, 76.76D)                                        69(v3) SNS
If we are Christ's disciples,
We cannot turn our backs
When called to face a conflict
And follow in his tracks.
For Jesus it was costly;
It lead to Calvary;
When power is oppressive
And causes misery –

We shall voice opinions;
We too shall not succumb.
Let shouts be strong,
Against all wrong;
And we shall overcome.  George Stuart
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:
(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, 2002.
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.
Duncan, G. (ed). Seeing Christ in Others. An Anthology for Worship, Mediation and Mission. Norwich. The Canterbury Press, 1998.
(FTS) Forward Together Songs. Melbourne. JBCE, 1991.
Holy Bible. NRSV. Nashville. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989.
Inclusive Readings. Year C. Brisbane. Inclusive Language Project. In private circulation, 2006.
(TEL) Murray, S. E. Touch the Earth Lightly. New Hymns Written between 2003 & 2008. Carol Stream. Hope Publishing, 2008.
McCarty, D. Thoughts from a Gentle Atheist. Religious Readings for the Skeptical. USA. Dennis McCarty, 2019
McIlhagga, K. The Green Heart of the Snowdrop. Glasgow. Wild Goose Publications, 2004.
Macnab, F. Hope: The Deeper Longings of the Mind and Heart. Richmond. Spectrum Publications, 1996.
(MPH) Mission Prayer Handbook: And There is God. Sydney. National Assembly, Uniting Church in Australia, 1993.
(SLT) Singing The Living Tradition. Boston. UUA, 1993.
(SNS) Stuart, G. Singing a New Song. Traditional Hymn Tunes with New Century Lyrics. Sydney. CPRT Sydney, 2006. 
(UIW2) Uniting in Worship 2. Sydney. Uniting Church Press, 2005.

Web sites/Other:
UUA Worship Web. Boston. UUA. <www.uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/>
Johnson, E. “Deep Incarnation: Prepare to be Astonished”, UNIFAS Conference, Rio de Janeiro, 7-14 July 2010. <https://sgfp.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/deep-incarnation-prepare-to-be-astonished/> Accessed 4 October 2016