Details on the availability of my books, supporting progressive religious thought, HERE
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”
26 March 2023. Lent 5A. (Purple).
Celebrating the Liturgy of the 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, 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)
Multi-sensory artwork OR Floral/Symbols display (cloths, candles, stones, wood, leaves, flowers, earth, water) OR projection of Film/Video
Refreshment Station/Water Basins
Pottery basins are set on stands near the entrance to the Gathering space.
Attendees are invited to dip their hands in the cool water in the basins as they arrive.
Or to rinse each other’s hands.
That we may relax, be refreshed, and prepare for this time together.
(Note: A small sign is placed above the basin explaining that as they dip their hands in the water, they are invited to relax and try to mindfully set aside or release for a time anything that might be preventing them from being fully present—each traveller rinsing the “dust from the road”).
OR
(A suggestion of other words)
We come together from our separate lives,
each of us bringing our concerns, our preoccupations, our hopes, and our dreams.
We are not yet fully present.
The traffic, the last-minute cooking, the final details still cling to us.
Our bodies hold the rush of the past few hours.
It is now time to let go of these pressures and really arrive…
When you are ready, repeat silently to yourself: ‘Hineini’ or ‘Here I am’.
Hineini is used in the Torah to signify being present
in body, mind, and spirit.
It means settling into where we are and simply being “here”. (Adapted/Nan Fink Gene)
Gathering Music
Entry into the Celebration
The gong is sounded three times
The creator of life and the giver of life is in our midst.
Life in all its fullness is God’s offer to all. (Adapt.WARC)
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
"Wake, Now My Senses" (Tune: ‘Slane', 10.10.10.10) 298 SLT
Wake, now my senses, and hear the earth call;
feel the deep power of being in all;
keep, with the web of creation your vow,
giving, receiving as love shows us how.
Wake, now my reason, reach out to the new,
join with each pilgrim who quests for the true;
honour the beauty and wisdom of time;
suffer your limit, and praise the sublime.
Wake, now compassion, give heed to the cry;
voices of suffering fill the wide sky;
take as your neighbour both stranger and friend,
praying and striving their hardship to end.
Wake, now my conscience, with justice your guide;
join with all people whose rights are denied;
take not for granted a privileged place;
God's love embraces the whole human race. Thomas J S Mikelson
OR
“Here Is A Canvas” (Tune: 11.10.11.10)
Here is a canvas as broad as creation,
here is a palette of life and of light.
Here God is painting through each generation,
mixing fresh pigments to move or delight.
Artists have joined in the bright celebration,
capturing images, pictures that shine;
telling new stories, recording our hist’ry,
moments of harmony, dancing through time.
Others reflecting, exploring and shaping,
seek to imagine, to let colours flow,
using their skills as they share in creation,
changing perspectives as images grow.
Now let us join in this same acclamation,
challenge perceptions and offer new ways,
new ways of seeing to share re-creation,
now in this place, in this time, in our days. © Andrew Pratt 24/4/2010
Opening Sentences
Praise to Creativity God, present through the ages,
All source of our living.
Praise to Creativity God, dancing within our lives,
All transforming and overflowing our lives.
Words of Awareness
We have gathered in this sacred place, again.
May we continue to create here a circle of love,
ever expanding,
ever growing.
A place of wisdom.
A place of connection.
A place of hope.
OR
We pray:
May our coming and our going be blessed,
this day and forever more.
May it be so.
Hymn/Song “Brother, Sister...” (Tune: 'Servant Song', 87.87)
Brother, sister I'm beside you,
Let me be as Christ to you,
Pray that I might have the grace
to let you be as Christ to me.
We are pilgrims on a journey
and companions on the road;
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.
I will share your problems with you
I'll support you in your space
I will help you run your distance
I will look you in the face.
I'll remember that God made you
I'll not take your dignity
I'll encourage you in your skills
to create and feel and be.
Brother, sister I'm beside you,
Let me be as Christ to you,
Pray that I might have the grace
to let you be as Christ to me. (Richard Gillard)
The people sit after the hymn/song
Welcome
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.
CENTERING
Presentation of Water Basins
Words which acknowledge that the dust of many roads and many life experiences has been rinsed into the basins, and calls for the contents of the basins and the gathering to be transformed, renewed, and more fully alive
The dust of many roads and may life experiences
has been washed in this refreshing water.
For this ordinary place is a sacred place.
May we
greet one another with open hearts and minds;
inspire each other to consider new questions
and seek deeper meaning;
and cultivate both wisdom and compassion.
And may this time together empower us to take some new steps
so all our living is transforming and the
yearning of our hearts become reality.
The bowls of water are removed from the Gathering space and placed on an outside garden
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
I invite you now into a time of silence
(Silence)
May this time of silence together
renew our hope
refresh our courage
lift our spirits
restore us in faith.
(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: Until we see ourselves in the words we read
and the stories we hear,
it is easy to remark on the rest of the world.
All May the light of these words fall strong upon each of us,
that we can find the truth they reveal
in our own hearts. (Gretta Vosper/ab)
• “Perpetual Motion”
By Kai Siedenburg. Space Between the Stones/48
Clouds race by
overhead,
propelled by
a mighty river of air.
Hawks swoop
and soar,
skillfully riding
the swift current.
Trees dance
wildly,
branches tossed
by the gale.
A boundless stream
of sunlight hurtles
through the cosmos
at the speed of light,
and planet Earth
spins through space
at a dizzying rate.
And yet,
at the center
of this vast swirl
of perpetual motion,
there is
an infinite
and abiding
stillness.
OR
• “Australian Street”
By Brenda Saunders. Eureka Street, Vol 22, No. 10. 21/5/2012
I know it's autumn when exotic imports
lose their cargo of leaves
Empty branches startle the sky
Northern cut-outs curling in the sun
catch on fence wire at the school
flooding gutters after rain
In summer the gumtree
in our yard
slims down, mindful of the dry spell
Oily crescents pressed underfoot
soften the asphalt under the line
Loose bark hangs in strips for weeks
like forgotten underwear
Gum nuts line the pathway to the bin
tiny hulls, our hidden progeny.
• Matthew 26: 6-13. (Inclusive Text)
While Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,
a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment,
and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table.
But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said,
‘Why this waste? This ointment could have been sold for a large sum,
and the money given to the poor.’
But Jesus, aware of this, said to them,
‘Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a good service for me.
For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.
‘By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial
‘Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world,
what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.’
Contemporary Exploration HERE and HERE
Silence for Personal Reflection
AFFIRMING
A Litany: Life in All its Fullness (Optional)
The people stand as they are able
Bless you Wise and Holy One,
for your down-to-earth vision
of the best of what human life can be.
All Bless you Wise and Holy One,
for your call to life in all its fullness…
v1 when we honour who we are as easily
as we are enthralled by what others want us to be;
v2 when we stop pursuing happiness and let it embrace us;
v3 when we love not in the hope of getting
but for the joy of giving;
v4 when love is not what-you-can-do-for-me
but what-we-can-be together;
v5 when we choose our leaders not for their image
but for their imagination,
not for the politics they play
but for the principles they live;
v6 when our economy thrives on our expressing who we are
not on our spending what we have;
v7 when the earth itself is our communion table;
v8 when we bite into theology's questions
as readily as we swallow technology’s answers;
v9 when we celebrate today as not just all we have but all we need.
Bless you Wise and Holy One
All for calling us to life in all its fullness,
not just hereafter, but here and now. (N S D Esdon.edited/ea)
OR
A Litany (Optional)
Snow-capped peaks and warming valleys;
rolling spinifex and rocky outcroppings;
All These are the splendours for which
we raise our songs of grateful praise.
Blue sky mornings and blood-red sunsets;
whirling dances between soil and sun;
All These are the splendours for which
we raise our songs of grateful praise.
Bustling streets and lonely sidewalks;
rivers both mysterious and majestic;
All These are the splendours for which
we raise our songs of grateful praise.
Ghost towns and gold mines;
sea breezes and desert palms;
All These are the splendours for which
we raise our songs of grateful praise.
A place of Celebration that honours the earth
on which we walk, live and love,
All With a spirit of compassion and a commitment
to community, the eternal ‘We’,
we raise our songs of grateful praise. (George L Stewart/Adapt)
Sharing 'The Peace’ (Optional)
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
“God, Composer and Conductor” (Tune: ‘Regent Square’ OR ‘Westminster Abbey’) 34 HoS
God, composer and conductor
of earth’s matchless symphony,
makes from silence glorious music,
from discordance, harmony;
brings forth joy from deepest sorrow,
ecstasy from agony.
God, the architect and artist
of earth’s colours, textures, forms,
gives new wonder to our vision,
light in even darkest storms,
teaches that with understanding,
faith redeems and love reforms.
God of science, healer, teacher,
pushes out the boundaries
of capacity and knowledge,
challenges and gently frees
from the limits that restrain us,
offers opportunities.
God, creative spirit in us,
inspiration, force sublime,
leading us to new endeavour,
you, our living paradigm,
may we know your constant presence
now, and to the end of time. (Jocelyn Marshall)
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:
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 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 in your original language, as that is appropriate
All Eternal Spirit
Source of all that is and ever shall be,
Loving Parent in whom we discern heaven,
May knowledge of your holiness inspire all peoples.
And may your commonwealth of peace and freedom
flourish on earth, until all of humankind
heed your call to justice and compassion.
May we find the bread that we need for today.
And for the hurts we cause one another
may we be forgiven in the same measure
that we forgive.
In times of trial and temptation, help us to be strong;
When life seems overwhelming, help us to endure;
And thus from the yoke of sin deliver us.
May you reign in the power of human love,
Now and forever. (Tom Hall)
THE LITURGY OF THE BANQUET
Offerings
Welcome
Welcome to this Banqueting Table.
This is a table of hospitality, of sharing, and of celebration.
All 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 served in small groups around the worship space
PARTING
Hymn/Song The people stand as they are able, to sing
“Celebrate Each Difference” (Tune: ‘Intercessor’, 11.10.11.10)
We cannot make an easy, safe distinction,
all people are our neighbours, none denied.
The voices of all nations heard beside us:
all sisters, brothers, none we should deride.
The wall between the peoples has been broken.
In love of God divisions disappear.
As seen in Christ, we recognise our neighbours.
We greet unusual faces without fear.
We celebrate each difference God has given.
Each nation, black and white, both straight and gay,
the able and the challenged, God has offered,
that we might share together, learn and pray
Remain standing
Parting Words
The God we worship is never confined to this holy place.
So go and travel with the God found
in ordinary and surprising places.
The Community Candle is extinguished
You are wayfarers, following roads to the end of the earth,
pilgrims on your way to the end of the age.
All We are travellers on the road to freedom,
a community of grace, with good news for all we meet.
Travel lightly, travel together, learn as you go:
you are disciples, the mission is urgent, the journey is long.
All We will take heart.
When the way is uncertain,
shadows are sinister and dangers threaten,
All we will not be afraid.
For we are in God and God is in us.
Words of Blessing
Go in peace.
And may the Holy God surprise you on the way,
Christ Jesus be your company,
and the Spirit lift up your life.
All Amen! May it be so!
Hymn/Song (Cont) “Celebrate Each Difference” (Tune: ‘Intercessor’, 11.10.11.10)
We meet with those who paint a different picture,
who value God in words not yet our own.
In dialogue we offer one another
a vision we could never find alone.
This God we seek is greater than each difference;
the source and ground of all variety,
the centre and the soul of all creation,
erasing hate with love, to set us free. Andrew Pratt/ea
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.
During Lent…
As a family, be more mindful of how we live in partnership with the earth. Consider not only what you may choose to give up, but also what you may choose to do. This sample list of earth-friendly activities may give you/family members some ideas. Then when Easter comes, we can truly celebrate the renewal of life.
1. Search out information about any local wildlife creatures. Share what you discover with others.
2. Make a wildlife or habitat map of your back yard or neighbourhood.
3. Set up a bird feeder. Note how many different varieties of birds attend.
4. Take care of houseplants.
5. Recycle shopping bags or use a sturdy cloth bag when going to the supermarket.
6. Use natural light when possible.
7. Recycle clothes by passing them along to friends, family, or local thrift shops.
8. Avoid using styrofoam or plastic containers and products.
9. Go on a walk and observe nature - plants, water, insects, bird life.
10. Talk to grandparents or local ‘old-timers’ about how the local neighbourhood has changed over the years. How has their relationship with the area changed?
11. When visiting a supermarket, pause… What plant or animal died to provide your favourite foods? What died to provide food for your food?
12. Spend a clear evening counting falling stars.
13. Monitor social media for stories on any new scars that were made on the earth. Create an album of newspaper clippings and look for patterns or trends.
14. Write a letter to a company or agency that is creating earth scars (a pesticide company for example). Cite the effects about which you are concerned and encourage corrective action.
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:
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.
Duncan, G. (ed). Entertaining Angels. A Worship Anthology on Sharing Christ’s Hospitality. Norwich. The Canterbury Press, 2005.
(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.
(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.
Web sites/Other, etc:
Tom Hall. The Lord's Prayer. Direct form the author. (Also published in The Fourth 4).
Liturgy of the Banquet. David Galston. Quest Learning Centre for Religious Literacy. <http://www.questcentre.ca/>
"Here is a Canvas" Andrew Pratt. Direct from the author.
"A Litany" George L Stewart. 2011. UUChurch of San Francisco. www.uusf.org
Refreshment Station. Words by Nan Fink Gefen, taken from an Evolutionary Passover Haggadah by Tree Bressen.