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”

14 January 2024. Epiphany 2B. (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 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 gather 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

This day we shall let the hills embrace us,
the trees comfort us,
and the sun enlighten our minds.

This day we shall let the sap rise within us
and dance the music of the Cosmos.  (Adapt.William L. Wallace/wb)

Lighting of the Community Candle
The Community Candle is lit

So let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life.

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) Some specific resources on Terrorism
(iv) On Wonder, Awe, and Nature

Hymn/Song  The people stand as they are able, to sing
“The Night Has a Thousand Eyes”  (Tune: ‘Bourdillon’, 75.85 Irreg.)                            164 HCL
The night has a thousand eyes,
And the day but one;
Yet the light of the bright world dies
With the dying sun.

The mind has a thousand eyes,
And the heart but one;
Yet the light of the whole life dies
When love is done.  (Francis William Bourdillon, 1890)

OR

"When the Summer Sun is Shining"  (Tune: 'Nettleton', 87.87D)                                    66 SLT
When the summer sun is shining
over golden land and sea,
and the flowers in the hedge-row
welcome butterfly and bee,
then my open heart is glowing,
full of warmth for every one,
and I feel an inner beauty
which reflects the summer sun.

When the summer clouds of thunder
bring the long awaited rain,
and the thirsty soil is moistened
and the grass is green again;
then I long for summer sunshine,
but I know that clouds and tears
are a part of life's refreshment,
like the rainbow's hopes and fears.

In the cool of summer evening,
when the dancing insects play,
and in garden, street, and meadow
linger echoes of the day;
then my heart is full of yearning;
hopes and mem'ries flood the whole
of my being, reaching inwards
to the corners of my soul.  Sydney H Knight
Remain standing after hymn/song

Opening Sentences
Among us the spirit of Creativity God
conceives new life
All  And we feel the life within us.

In our history Jesus the Sage
makes gentle entry
All  And we see the light before us.

Within our dreams the truth of our God is revealed
All  We await the hope of the world.

Words of Awareness
Sing out happiness upon the morning.
Celebrate the famous sun and the comely earth.
Think upon love, that it may grow within us,
and compassion, that it may call us to its service.  (Kenneth Patton/sscl)

OR

We pray:
As we gather, let us affirm the connection we have:
with each other, and
with that creative mystery we call God.

May we remain open to the unfolding of
all that can be celebrated,
all that can be learned,
all that can be done,
all that can be,
without diminishing the life of others.
May it be so.

Hymn/Song  “Here We Gather” (Tune: ‘Holy Manna’)                                                     4 SiF
Here we gather, here we come together
Seeking wisdom, seeking truth.
Minds are ready, hearts are open
To receive what each can give,
   Drawing deep from wells of knowledge
   Sharing insights old and new,
As we gather, as we come together
Finding wisdom, finding truth.

As we gather, as we come together
Seeking comfort, seeking strength,
Minds are ready, hearts are open
To receive what each can give,
   Needs and fears expressed and honoured
   Care extended warm and free,
As we gather, as we come together
Finding comfort, finding strength.

Wide world over, we will come together
Seeking justice, seeking peace.
Minds are ready, hearts are open
To receive what each can give,
   Deep respect and deep compassion
   Lives committed to the cause,
Wide world over, we will come together
Bringing justice, bringing peace.  © Scott Kearns 2008

OR

In Southern Hemisphere:
"For This Great Sunburnt Land"  (Tune: 'Nun Danket’)                                                   18 HH
For this great sunburnt land
We join in celebration,
With all its native life,
The joy of God's creation:
Fresh lakes and tall blue gums
Who raise their voice on high,
Black swans that sweep with grace
Across the morning sky.

Now thank we, God, this day
For pioneers with vision,
Who found this heritage
A gift from God's deep passion.
O God of this wide land,
Grant us the faith to see,
You filled its soul with song,
A sacred mystery.

With this great sunburnt land
We join in celebration,
With roos and cockatoos
And mobs from ev'ry nation;
Custodians God chose
For bush and billabong,
We join with grateful voice
To sing this country strong.  (Norman Habel)

OR

In Northern Hemisphere:
“Through Winter Cold” (Tune: ‘Chilcombe’)                                                                 139 HoS
Through winter cold and drifted snow,
through bitter wind and biting frost
the silent seeds of spring will grow
and buried dreams will not be lost.

Within God’s world, as seasons turn,
we sleep and grow, with changing need
to shed old concepts and to learn
the faith that sprouts like mustard seed.

It is compassion warms the day
and hugs the lonely or the cold,
speaks out for justice, come what may
when people’s lives are bought and sold.

And as in winter, as in grief
the frozen heart of things in numb,
compassion melts our unbelief
and all is changed, for spring has come.  (Shirley Erena Murray)
People sit

Welcome
Or in your own words

A warm welcome is extended to all.
Especially those who are gathering here 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.
Those visiting, please sign our Visitors book.
Fellowship hour following the Gathering.

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

In this time of silence may we move
from concerns and busy-ness, to quietness...
(Silence)

God of life
God of seasons
God of wonders that will not cease...

Present with us now.
(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: May we be struck by the wisdom of these words
and marked by hearing them.
All  For within story lies meaning, and
within meaning, the wisdom for which we seek.  (Gretta Vosper/ab)

• John 1:43-48  (NRSV)

Jesus decided to go to Galilee.
He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me."

Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
Philip found Nathanael and said to him,
"We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, 
Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth."

Nathanael said to him,  "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
Philip said to him, "Come and see.”

• “Call of Beauty”
Graeme Garrett.  On The Edge/36

The sea today is (yes, the cliché) ‘stunningly beautiful’; something that ‘stops me in my tracks’ suddenly, irresistibly. 
I feel speechless. The blue of the sea is exhilarating. 
There seems to be a dozen shades of it shifting and melding into one another out to the horizon; a vast blue field which meets at the horizon a second even vaster field—the blue sky. 

Two blue worlds completely fill my vision. There is no room for anything else. 
But it doesn't feel crammed or cramped. 
This colour blue is running in excess of itself, juggling more than it can hold, spilling over. 
The waves are huge. Their white crowns shimmer in the sunlight.
The white contrast magnifies the brilliance of the blue.

Contemporary Exploration

Silence for Personal Reflection

CELEBRATING

A Celebration of Connectedness (Optional)
The chorus of suns and planets announce
the beginning of a new day.
All  Each morning births new possibilities
and beckons fresh challenges.

The cycle of morning music and starry silence
promise second chances.
All  Each day provides new vistas
and promotes further exploration.

The laughter of oceans and the wailing of winds
reflect the human condition.
All  Each week declares we are in the world
and determines we are of the world.

The praises and prayers of all living things
affirm our connectedness.
All  Each month begs for our nurture
and betrays our own nature.

What can ever separate us?
Only the self-imposed isolation
of arrogance or ignorance.
All  What can draw us homeward?
Only the self-possessed compassion
of radical hospitality.
It begins with us.
It begins right now.
All  It embraces morning.
It bursts forth in music. (George Stewart/www.uusf.org)

Sharing 'The Peace'
v1   Let there be spaces in your togetherness,
and let the winds of the heavens dance between you…  Kahlil Gibran.

v2  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
"May God's Wisdom"  (Tune: ‘Stuttgart’, 87.87)
May God's wisdom deep within us
Shape the joy within our hearts,
Smooth the road we travel gently
Using all our loving arts.

May fair blossoms dropping petals
On the living path we tread,
Make a cushioned, glorious carpet,
Fragrancing the way ahead.

May we root our dreams and longings
In a true integrity,
Clearing out all that will hinder
Love's own creativity.  June Boyce-Tillman

OR

“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

“Yahweh, Breathe the Breath of God” (Tune: ‘Te Rahui’. By Colin Gibson)                    158 HoS
Yahweh, Yahweh, breathe the breath of God.
Yahweh, Yahweh, draw the breath of God.
Fill me, empty me, catch the pulse of God.
Yahweh, Yahweh, breathe the breath of God.

Yahweh, Yahweh, breathe the life of God.
Yahweh, Yahweh, draw the life of God.
Fill me, empty me, catch the pulse of God.
Yahweh, Yahweh, breathe the life of God.

Yahweh, Yahweh, breathe the love of God.
Yahweh, Yahweh, draw the love of God.
Fill me, empty me, catch the pulse of God.
Yahweh, Yahweh, breathe the love of God.  (Colin Gibson)
People sit

AFFIRMING

Offerings
Presentation
We are grateful that these gifts enable us
to share in the lives of others.

May we be empowered by the Spirit of Life,
to share more deeply in both
the sorrows and joys of others.

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 the light and beauty of day
All  We give thanks in awe and wonder.
In the dark and stillness of night
All  We dream of healing and hope.  (Gretta Vosper/wwg)

And so we take this flame and light our special care candle...
The Care Candle is lit

v2  May we find in this day
an awareness of the freedom we are given
to know life unshackled from fear,
v1  and embrace the possibilities of the present,
with every breath we take. (Gretta Vosper/ab)

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  Father, may your name be holy.
May your rule take place.
Give us each day our daily bread.

Pardon our debts, for we ourselves pardon
everyone in debt to us.

And do not bring us to trial
into a trying situation.  (Burton Mack/Q) 

SCATTERING

Hymn/Song  The people stand as they are able, to sing
“Climate is Warming” (Tune: ‘The Ash Grove’, 12.11.12.11D)                                        44(v1-3) SNS2
As climate is warming
Will bees keep on swarming
If we just continue to damage the earth?
Will birds and sea-creatures
With beautiful features
Forever be lost by denying their worth?
Will trees and each flower
Succumb to the power
Of poisons and toxins we put in the air?
As ice-caps diminish,
A sign of the finish,
We must meet this crisis and show that we care.

If we start to measure
Some things that we treasure
It may cause us anguish to let these things go;
For comfort and leisure,
Our life-style and pleasure,
We claim we have earned and don't wish to forgo;
But we can all ponder
And face what we squander,
Then start to make change in the way that we live;
We can curb excesses;
Each harms and oppresses
The poor and the weak; we take what they don't give.

To greenhouse emissions
We make our additions
And by them we foster some possible gloom,
But with perseverance
We can make a diff’rence;
We can work to limit the fuel we consume,
We'll tell each law-maker
That every green acre
Is ours to look after and not to destroy,
God's bounty possessing;
We're stewards of blessing;
We meet our commitment with challenging joy.

OR

“Life is the Greatest Gift of All”  (Tune: ‘Brother James’ Air’, 86.86.86)                        331(v1-2) SLT
Life is the greatest gift of all
the riches on this earth;
life and its creatures, great and small,
of high and lowly birth:
so treasure it and measure it
with deeds of shining worth.

Mind is the brightest gift of all,
its thought no barrier mars;
it seeks creation’s hidden p[lan,
its quest surrounds all bars;
it reins the wind, it chains the storm,
it weighs the outmost stars.
Remain standing

Parting Words
Let us embrace the wonder of this week
with expectation and imagination...
The Community Candle is extinguished

By learning to trust nature, including our human nature
- our dreams and imaginations –
we can unleash the creativity that lies within
each human being.  Matthew Fox.

Words of Blessing
Take time to listen to the birds, the waves, the wind.
Take time to breathe in the air, the earth, the ocean.
Take time to be still, to be silent,
to allow God to fill you up
with deep peace and love.  (Ian Lawton)
All  Amen. May it be so.

Hymn/Song  (Cont)  “Climate is Warming” (Tune: ‘The Ash Grove’, 12.11.12.11D)                  44(v4-5) SNS2
With nature so fragile,
Yet dazzling and fertile,
We ponder its beauty, its charm and its grace;
Evolving triumphant
With life so abundant,
Confounded we are with so much to embrace.
Yet these green-house gases
Pollute in their masses;
We need to decrease them; we know that we should!
When nature is bleeding
We hear urgent pleading
To change our behaviour; we know how we could!

If we stop this warming
Then bees will keep swarming
And sweetness of honey remains for our taste.
Then birds and sea creatures
And hills and sea beaches
Will stay in their magic, unharmed by our waste.
The charm every hour
Of trees and each flower
Will bring us to silence in wonder and awe.
With God so surrounding
In beauty astounding
We kneel in God's presence to praise and adore.  (George Stuart)

OR

“Life is the Greatest Gift of All”  (Cont.) (Tune: ‘Brother James’ Air’, 86.86.86)               331(v3) SLT
We are of life, its shining gift,
the measure of all things;
up from the dust our temples lift,
our vision soars on wings;
for seed and root, for flower and fruit,
our grateful spirit sings.  William E Oliver
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:
Duncan, G. (ed). A World of Blessing. Benedictions from Every Continent and Many Cultures. Norwich. The Canterbury Press, 2000.
Gibran, K. The Prophet. London. Heinemann., 1926/1969
(HH) Habel, Norman. Habel Hymns 1. Songs to Celebrate with Creation. Adelaide. Flinders Press, 2004.
(HoS) Hope Is Our Song. New Hymns and Songs from Aotearoa New Zealand. Palmerston North: New Zealand Hymnbook Trust, 2009.
(HCL) Hymns for the Celebration of Life. Boston: Beacon Press, 1964.
Inclusive Readings. Year B. Brisbane. Inclusive Language Project. In private circulation, 2005
(SiF) Kearns, S. (ed). Sing it Forward. Traditional Hymns Recast and Rewritten for Non-Exclusive Communities.  In circulation from the author, 2009.
Mack, B. L. The Lost Gospel. The Book of Q and Christian Origins. New York. HarperSanFrancisco, 1993.
McRae-McMahon, D. The Glory of Blood, Sweat and Tears. Liturgies for Living and Dying. Melbourne. JBCE, 1996.
Patton, K. Services and Songs for the Celebration of Life. Boston: Beacon Press, 1967.
(WNC) Pratt, A. Whatever Name or Creed. Hymns and Songs. London. Stainer & Bell Ltd, 2002.
(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. With or Without God. Why the Way we Live is more Important than What we Believe. Canada: Toronto. HarperCollins, 2008.
Vosper, G. Another Breath. Prayers for Celebration and Reflection. Brisbane. The Centre for Progressive Religious Thought Brisbane, 2009/2010.

Web sites/Other:
Carley. UUA Worship Web. Boston. <www.uua.org/spirituallife/worshipweb/>
Ian Lawton. C3 Exchange, Spring Lake. MI. <www.c3exchange.net/> 2012.
David Galston. Quest Learning Centre for Religious Literacy. http://www.questcentre.ca/
"A Celebration of Connectedness". George L Stewart. 2011. UUChurch of San Francisco. www.uusf.org
June Boyce-Tillman. “May God’s Wisdom”. Stainer & Bell Ltd. Web site: hymns.uk.com