Upper Room Saturday and Sunday Liturgy of Oneness, July 5 and 6, 2025 - Presiders: Eileen Kawola and Kathie Ryan, with Margaret Dilgen on Zoom

 

Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512159155 

phone-in for (audio only).Phone Number: (646) 558-8656
Meeting ID: 825 1215 9155

Welcome:  This weekend the United States is celebrating our Declaration of Independence.  This year we may not be experiencing the unity or joy of past celebrations.  Our eyes and hearts are open to the suffering of others. Perhaps the “other” among us rarely or never experienced unity or joy as one people.

Let us pray for justice and peace. May we stand in solidarity with each other and all creation remembering we are created to be One.

Opening Song: “God Beyond all Names”

https://youtu.be/8K6i08rFlh4?si=J4uEYHk-Gtu_rY4w

 

LITURGY OF THE WORD

 

First Reading: A Reading from Caste by Isabel Wilkerson

Throughout human history, three caste systems have stood out. The tragically accelerated, chilling, and officially vanquished caste of Nazi Germany. The lingering, millennia-long caste system of India. And the shapeshifting, unspoken, race-based caste pyramid in the United States. Each version relied on stigmatizing those deemed inferior to justify the dehumanization necessary to keep the lowest-ranked people at the bottom and to rationalize the protocols of enforcement.  A caste system endures because it is often justified as divine will, originating from sacred text or presumed laws of nature, reinforced throughout the culture and passed down through the generations.

We affirm these words with AMEN!

Second Reading: A reading from Rabbi Irwin Keller

TAKING SIDES

 

Today I am taking sides.

I am taking the side of Peace.

Peace, which I will not abandon
even when its voice is drowned out
by hurt and hatred,
bitterness of loss,
cries of right and wrong.

I am taking the side of Peace
whose name has barely been spoken
in this winnerless war.

I will call for de-escalation
even when I want nothing more 
than to get even.

I will hold Peace in my arms,

Today I am taking sides.

We affirm these words with Amen.

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia by Christopher Walker

https://youtu.be/4cs8NDVM3Vk

 

Gospel: A Gospel reading from Luke (Lk.10:1-12)

At that time Jesus appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.'
If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.

Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.

Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The kin-dom of God is at hand for you.'

We affirm these words with Amen

Shared  Homily

 

A few weeks ago, in our shared homily, something surfaced for me that I had not thought deeply about.  Members were sharing their thoughts on all the difficulties, suffering and pain in the world. It is crazy and chaotic.  And yet God is in our chaos!  I know I easily find the Holy One in the beauty around me, or with the many blessings I receive.  I often forget God is just as present in the chaos.

Our world is upside down. Maybe our world has always been upside down.  In her book Caste, Isabel Wilkerson, writes about three very specific castes systems. She describes the need to stigmatize “the other” to keep them down so those in and with power can be superior to the inferior.  You and I may not be in power but we each have power. Unfortunately, at times, we may seem or feel superior too. I know I used to love singing all those 4^th of July patriotic songs, You’re a Grand Old Flag and God Bless America.  I felt proud and a little superior.  Not so much these days.

I am guessing Jesus had conflicted feelings too. We know he was not happy with the Roman government, nor was he pleased with the temple authorities, scribes or pharisees. We also know Jesus took loving action.

Jesus knew that most of us would not be strong enough to stand in solidarity with suffering and discord by ourselves. He knew we needed at least one other person to walk with us. We are stronger two by two or in community.

Jesus warned that our efforts to offer peace will not necessarily be welcomed. He said, “don’t carry anything with you, money, sack, sandals.” Perhaps he is really saying “let go of all the things we think we must have in order to be strong enough to bring peace.”   Those things we let go of are not just tangible things, like money or sandals, but also our negative thinking that we are not “good enough”, or don’t have the skills, or perhaps we are not the ones chosen to bring peace into the world.

What are we to do?  Rabbi Keller says it beautifully in his poem.  Take sides!  Today we take sides on the side of peace.

I believe, just like all of creation, we humans are very slowly evolving. We are evolving into a new creation. I ask each of you; Do you see it? Do you feel it? Do you believe it?

Yes, we are living in a world of chaos.  No matter how small or seemingly unimportant we have choices and actions to take. Every act of living is a chance to improve the world.  We can let go of our fears and act, for we know God is in the chaos just as God is in our blessings.  

 

Statement of Faith:

We believe in the Holy One, a divine mystery
beyond all definition and rational understanding,
the heart of all that has ever existed,
that exists now, or that ever will exist.

We believe in Jesus, messenger of the Divine Word,
bringer of healing, heart of Divine compassion,
bright star in the firmament of the Holy One's
prophets, mystics, and saints.

 We believe that We are called to follow Jesus
as a vehicle of divine love,
a source of wisdom and truth,
and an instrument of peace in the world.

We believe in the Spirit of the Holy One,
the life that is our innermost life,
the breath moving in our being,
the depth living in each of us.

We believe that the Divine kin-dom is here and now,
stretched out all around us for those
with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it,
and hands to make it happen.

Prayers of the Community

 

As we prepare for the sacred meal, we bring to the table our prayers and intentions:  

We pray for these and all unspoken prayers of our hearts. Amen.

 

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

 

With open hands and hearts let us pray our Eucharistic Prayer together:

 

All: O Holy One you have sent prophets and messengers to show us the way-Abraham, Sarah and Hagar, Moses and Jesus, Buddha and Mohammad, Hildegard and Teresa, Oscar and Dorothy, and all of us here and now who celebrate this liturgy today.

 

Everything we do, we do together with You. We cannot be without You. We cannot be without each other. You are made visible in this world with our acts of love and kindness. With grateful hearts we raise our voices and sing

Holy, Holy: Here in This Place by Christopher Grundy

https://youtu.be/sgkWXOSGmOQ

 

All: Holy One, slowly this world is moving toward oneness. Your pattern of Love is in everything and there are messages of Love in every pattern.  Help us to stand with each other in  love and suffering.  The pain of one, is the pain of all.  May we co-create with You and restore balance and harmony in our world.

Please extend your hands in blessing.

We are ever aware of your Spirit in us and among us at this Eucharistic table and we are grateful for this bread and wine which reminds us of our call to be the body of Christ in the world.

 

On the night before he died Jesus did more than ask us to remember him.  He showed us how to live when he washed the feet of his friends.

 

 lift the bread

 

All: At the table, he took the Bread, spoke the grace, broke the bread and offered it to them saying:

 

Take and eat of the Bread of Life

given to strengthen you.

Whenever you remember me like this

go and share your love with one another.  (pause)

lift the cup

 

ALL:  Jesus then raised a cup of blessing, spoke the grace saying:

Take and drink of the covenant,

made new again through my life in you.

Whenever you remember me like this,

I am among you.

We share this bread and cup to proclaim and live the gospel of justice and peace.   Please receive this bread with the words: God is in the chaos and the blessing.

Communion Song: Until All are Fed by Bryan McFarland

https://youtu.be/RkwSHYlf9TQ 

Post Communion Prayer

 

ALL: Holy One we know you as the voice of kindness within us and the constant hope that lives in our hearts. We are grateful for the gift of your Spirit, always drawing beauty and balance out of chaos. And like Jesus,

Standing where he stood,

and for what he stood,

and with whom he stood,

we are united in your Spirit

now and forever.  Amen.

 

 

Let us pray together the prayer of Jesus: 

Adapted from Miriam Therese Winter 

 

O Holy One who is within, around and among us, 
We celebrate your many names. 
Your wisdom come; your will be done, 
unfolding from the depths within us. 
 Each day you give us all that we need. 
You remind us of our limits, and we let go. 
You support us in our power, and we act with courage. 
For you are the dwelling place within us, 
the empowerment around us, 
and the celebration among us,  
now and forever.  Amen.

 

All: Loving Source of our being, we are called to live the gospel of peace and love. This is our faith, to embrace life, to increase love, to have courage to be and walk into the mystery of your presence.

 

 

BLESSING

 

Please extend your hands and pray our blessing together.

(adapted from Rabbi Weinberg’s prayer for peace)

 We are one earth, one mother, one sky, one beginning, one future, one destiny, one broken heart, one blessing, One God.

May we practice unity in the midst of chaos and blessings.  May we see the many in the one and one in the many.  May the Holy One, Life of all the worlds, source of all amazing differences, help us to see clearly. Guide us gently and firmly toward each other, toward peace. Amen

Closing Song: Everything is Holy Now, Peter Mayer

https://youtu.be/s_SgAmljIJc 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moment of Oneness July 2, 2025 - Prepared by Kathie Ryan

 

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81507551772
Meeting ID: 815 0755 1772

To connect by phone dial: +1 646 558 8656

Opening Prayer: Let us breathe deeply for the Holy One is in our next breath.   Holy One you created our world so we could be one with you and all creation. As you hold each of us, we hold each other. May we bring peace and harmony to our world. Amen.

Opening Song: Namaste by Mark Hayes and Monique Danielle

https://youtu.be/Hxf8QFTkYY8

 

Reading:  A reading from Gandhi Essential Writings.   “Nonviolence means avoiding injury to anything on earth, in thought, word, or deed,” Gandhi told an interviewer in 1935. But for Gandhi, nonviolence meant not just refraining from physical violence interpersonally and nationally, but refraining from the inner violence of the heart as well. It meant the practice of active love toward one’s oppressors and enemies in the pursuit of justice, truth, and peace. “Nonviolence cannot be preached,” he insisted. “It has to be practiced.” For fifty years, Gandhi sought to practice nonviolence at every level in life, in his own heart, among his family and friends, and publicly in his struggle for equality in South Africa and freedom for India. It was the means by which he sought the ends of truth; in fact, he later concluded that the ends were in the means, or perhaps they were even the same. In other words, the practice of nonviolence is not just the way to peace; it is the way to God.

Silent reflection

Intentions:   We bring to prayer tonight:

All those gathered here, for our community, and for all of us on earth. 

All those suffering from grief and loss.

All our families- those struggling with careers, health issues, addiction, separation or divorce.

All those suffering from mental illness.

All those suffering from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.

All those suffering from cancer, or any illness, especially those on our prayer list.

 All the medical staff and caregivers who are doing their best to provide healing and love.

All those who are in need of fairness - those mistreated because of the color of their skin, sexual orientation, disability or gender.

All those who live in poverty, especially those suffering from the devastation of war.

All our politicians who are at war with each other for the sake of power. May they lay their weapons of power down and do their best for our nation and world.

All those suffering from earthquakes, famine, fires, floods and all environmental disasters.

All of creation. May we take care of all that you have given us and may we take care of each other with loving kindness. 

Please voice any other prayers you may wish to bring forward……

We pray for these and all unspoken prayers that we hold in our hearts.  Amen

 

Closing prayer: Holy One we brought those we love and those who are in-need of knowing they are loved to you tonight. In struggles and chaos, we turn to you and are grateful for your presence. We will not give up.  Let us open our eyes and find you everywhere! Amen

Closing Song:  Until All are Fed by Bryan McFarland

https://youtu.be/RkwSHYlf9TQ

The Companions' Rosary

THE COMPANIONS’ ROSARY

Praying the Holy Rosary

In Original Blessing Theology

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87530775820

Introduction to The Companions’ Rosary

Saying the Holy Rosary is a special focus of prayer and meditation that provides for each of us a state of contemplation and mystical connection. 

When aligning to the Grace of Mary, we can have a sense of purpose in praying for others and ourselves. It can be a singular and private prayer or a community endeavor. 

For those of us who are becoming steeped in Original Blessing Theology, the traditional prayers of the Holy Rosary can be daunting. When changing the wording to better reflect the concepts of Blessing Theology, it seems important to keep a sense of the timing and inflection of the prayers as we have learned them. 

The Companions' Rosary is an attempt to combine the prayers of the rosary within present-day theology of original blessing. 

To all whom feel called to pray in this way, prayers and blessings to you. May we all continue to connect, in whatever way we can, to the Holy One, to Mary and to each other.  

And so it is.

The Sign of the “Cross”.  A Shield of Protection and Love.

The sign of the cross can impress on us the concept of a theology of sacrifice and atonement.  The sign of the “cross”, here, building on the trinity and St. Paul's greetings, can also be a Shield of Protection and Love.

In the name of Peace (hand at the forehead)

And Love (hand at the heart)

And Grace (The Infinity sign across from one shoulder to the other, and back to the heart.) 

AMEN.

Rose Aglow,

DETrees, 2017

THE COMPANIONS’ ROSARY

Praying the Holy Rosary

In Original Blessing Theology

The Sign of Protection and Love

In the name of Peace and Love and Grace. Amen.

A Simple Companions’ Creed

I believe in the Holy One, Lover, Creator, Enhancer, WHO IS Infinite and Present all at the same time.

Our Field of PEACE in all things.

I believe in Jesus, Friend and Companion, who shows us the Face of God in our human form. 

Our Sign of LOVE in all things.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, Our Heart and Soul, moving within and among us. 

Our Show of GRACE in all things.

I believe in this, our creed, in our communion of angels and saints and in life everlasting.
Amen.

The Prayer of Jesus

(From Miriam Therese Winter)

O Holy One, who is within, around and among us.

We celebrate your many names.

Your Wisdom Come. Your will be done,

Unfolding from the depths within us.

Each day you give us all that we need.

You remind us of our limits, and we let go.

You support us in our power, and we act with courage.

For you are the dwelling place within us,

The empowerment around us,

And the celebration among us,

Now and forever. Amen.

The Hail Mary

Hail Mary, Full of grace, Our God is with you.

Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother and Friend,

Be with us now, at our hour, and beyond.  Amen.

The Glory Be

Glory and Joy Be to Peace and Love and Grace.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,

World without End. Amen.

Hail Holy Mary

Hail Holy Mary, Mother and Leader, Our Life, our Sweetness and our Hope. You show us how to live with Courage in our convictions. You teach us to stand by each other with unending support and love.

Thank you for being with us now.  Walk this path with us as you did with your son, Jesus. May we follow his example of inclusive love, as you taught him.

O Clement, O Loving, Sweet Mary of Nazareth. Be with us as we look to you.

Praying the Companions’ Rosary

1.   Make the Sign of the Protection and Love.

2.   Say the Simple Companions’ Creed.

3.   On the first bead, say The Prayer of Jesus.

4.   Say The Hail Mary on each of the next three beads.

5.   Say The Glory Be on the fifth bead.

6.   For each of the five decades, announce the Mystery or a special intention then say The Prayer of Jesus

7.   While fingering each of the ten beads of the decade, say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery or Intention. Then say a Glory Be.

8.   After saying the five decades, say the Hail, Holy Mary.

Diagram from USCCB, Accessed 9-29-19

A PRAYER FOR YOU

For all who say the Companions’ Rosary, a special Blessing from our Lady and Above. The Angels watch over you in Peace, Grace and Love.

With Joy and Appreciation for All,

Deb Trees, 2019

Debra Trees, FCM, ARCWP

The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

Upper Room Sunday Liturgy, June 29, 2025 - Presiders: Dennis McDonald and, Presiders

 

Opening Prayer

The Flames of Love by Kimi Floyd Reisch, 2021

 We light the flame of commitment,

To stand with and work to create change,
Until all know they are beloved.
 
We light the flame of survival,
Grateful for our lives,
Remembering in love those lost along the road.
 
We light the flame of change,
Committing to recenter toward love,
In hearts, in minds, in our world.
 
We light the flame of hope,
Loving each other, building community,
even when it is uncomfortable.
 
We light the flame of knowledge,
Following the path of justice,
Justice that is love embodied.
 
We light this flame of radical love.
To speak out for those who have been silenced.
Those who have been rejected for who they love.
Those who have been persecuted for who they are.
Those who have been bullied for daring to be bold.
Those who have been othered and forced into the margins.
Those who have been lonely.
Those who have been hurt.
Those who are still hurting.
 
We light this flame as
a people committed,
we are survivors.
we will change the world,
until no one lives without hope,
until no one lives without justice.
We light this flame and pledge that
In love, with love, and through love,
All things are possible. Amen

Opening Song: Whoever You Are by Hal Walker

https://youtu.be/1Tk0eQdsuZg?si=NnalznWDZrZExlSJ 

 

LITURGY OF THE WORD

Reading 1: A reading from Richard Rohr

Jesus didn’t want his community to have a social ethic; he wanted it to be a social ethic. Their very way of relating was to be an affront to the system of dominance and power; it was to name reality in a new way. They were to live in a new symbolic universe. This radical idea is given in a simple clue found throughout the Christian Scriptures—one that biblical scholars overlooked until only recently: Jesus’ presence with others at table.

That theme is so constant in the Christian Scriptures that scholars today see it as central to Jesus’ message. Jesus never appears to be pushing what we call social programs. He is much more radical. He calls us to a new social order in which we literally share table differently!  

 

The mystery of sharing food and a common table takes place on different levels. First, there’s the unifying idea of sharing the same food. Then, there is the whole symbolism of the table itself: where we sit at the table and how the table is arranged. Together, the food and table become a symbol of how our social world is arranged. Once we rearrange life around the table we begin to change our notions of social life.  That, I believe, was Jesus’ most consistent social action: eating in new ways! In the midst of that eating, he announced the reign of God and talked in new ways.

 

It’s necessary to calculate very carefully what was lost and what was gained as Christianity developed. The church moved from Jesus’ real meal with open table fellowship to its continuance in the relatively safe ritual meal that became the Christian Eucharist. Unfortunately, the meal itself came to redefine social reality in a negative way, in terms of worthiness and unworthiness. 

 

That is almost exactly the opposite of Jesus’ intention.

 

These are inspired words from Richard Rohr and we affirm them with, Amen.

Reading 2:  A reading adapted from a speech by Rabbi Adam Rosenwasser

 

One of the most important teachings of the torah is v’ahavta l’reacha kamocha, love your neighbor as yourself.  There are no ifs ands or buts.  We are commanded to love all members of the fabulous human family. In the creation account of the Book of Genesis, God creates us betzelem elohim, in God’s image.  That means that all of us, no matter our race, religion, gender, gender identity, nationality, economic status, disability, or sexual orientation — are reflections of the Divine Being who created us all. Therefore, when we act with love and compassion toward one another, we become holy.  But holiness is not enough.  Being holy means we become aware of our task, to fix this broken world.  The biblical prophets urge us on with their words, “Justice, justice shall you pursue.” Pursuing justice means that we will keep working until our objectives are achieved, until we gain full civil rights for all, including marriage equality and non-discrimination protections across our country.

 

Each one of us carries the divine spark within, and when these sparks come together, be they two sparks in marriage, or many more sparks in community, there is that much more godliness in the world.  Bigotry prevents the sparks from uniting, from joining with other sparks. Bigotry and hatred keep people in their shells, afraid.  Bigotry is the absence of justice.  So pursuing justice means dealing with bigotry head on.  It means educating others about the diversity and beauty of God’s creation.  It means not being afraid of ourselves.  It means letting our sparks shine as bright as they can, for where there is light, there is hope, and justice penetrates the dark, Baruch atah adonai, elohaynu melech haolam, she’asanu betzelem elohim.  Praised are you our God, ruler of the universe, who has made all of us in your image, as amazing, awesome, and wonderful creations.  

 

These are inspired words of Rabbi Adam Rosenwasser, and we affirm them with, Amen.

 

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia by W. Clifford Petty

https://youtu.be/WYJajwW9Zhc?si=jYBsRQLkEGSULE93

 

Gospel: A reading from the Gospel attributed to Mark

 

One of the religion scholars came up. Hearing the lively exchanges of question and answer and seeing how sharp Jesus was in his answers, he put in his question: “Which is most important of all the commandments?” Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.” The religion scholar said, “A wonderful answer, Teacher! So clear-cut and accurate—that God is one and there is no other. And loving him with all passion and intelligence and energy, and loving others as well as you love yourself. Why, that’s better than all offerings and sacrifices put right on the border of God’s kindom.”

 

We affirm these inspired words from the Gospel attributed to Mark with, Amen.

 

Peterson, Eugene H.. The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language . The Navigators. Kindle Edition.

 

Reflections on the Word

Richard Rohr explains Jesus’ call for a social ethic to “share the  table differently”, that it be a table that is open to all. And Rohr continues that, unfortunately, over the centuries, even in the early days of the church, that openness became based on whether someone was worthy or not. It has continued to our current time, with certain groups being dismissed, and being ostracized for behavior deemed unworthy.

When we pray our intentions each week, we begin with the words, “I bring to the table”. This is something that was introduced to us by Diarmuid O’Murchu at a retreat a number of us attended in the early days of the Upper Room. It seems to connect very well with the message in Rohr’s reading. It is the table around which we gather weekly as a community committed to following the way of Jesus. We share the bread each week, a recognition of the common bond we hold, as we strive to fulfill Jesus’ command to love one another and to recognize the sanctity in each of us. In this sharing, we are also strengthened for the work ahead of us, which we hear of in our second reading.

Rabbi Rossenwasser, starts with the torah teaching, love your neighbor as yourself.  As we know, Jesus was very aware of his Jewish scripture, thus his sharing in today’s Gospel of this very teaching. The Rabbi shares another teaching that we are all made in the image of the Divine. And as reflections of the Divine we are called to “love and compassion”, in order to heal the world and seek justice for all those who are seen as less then, are ostracized, are banished. Our sisters and brothers of the LGBTQ community are a group that continues to face discrimination and are now threatened with turning back the gains that have been made to undo centuries of mistreatment and to deny their dignity and right to live the life they choose.

The struggle for justice is a continuous task, and one made difficult by the bigotry and hate that exists in our world. That can often inhibit us from stepping forward and speaking out. But  by coming together at the table, recognizing each other’s divine nature and combining our sparks of the Divine, we are strengthened to stand with our LGBTQ sisters and brothers, crying out for justice and the recognition of the dignity and sanctity of every single person. 

Corey Herlevsen, a former Mennonite pastor states, “Everybody knows the phrase, ‘God is love’ but when we really let that sink in, when we embrace it, when we are real and present to each other and to God, the sparks of truth within us can catch on fire. We can become a little freer, then a little freer again. Love can have the run of the place. And we don’t have to sit around wringing our hands or hiding our face because we are afraid of being judged and told that we are not enough. We are enough. We each bear the image of God, and we are in this thing together. Relax. Because in Christ we are all in the same room and we don’t need to be afraid.”

 

Let us, as members of the Upper Room, continue to make real the meal of Jesus, at the open table, inviting all to share in the Divine Presence found in the common bond of love of God and love of neighbor. In doing so we take a step closer to bringing justice and compassion to the world in which we live.

Please share what spoke to you in today’s readings or in my reflection, since we also break open the Word while gathered at table. 

Statement of Faith

We believe in the Holy One, a divine mystery
beyond all definition and rational understanding,
the heart of all that has ever existed,
that exists now, or that ever will exist.

We believe in Jesus, messenger of the Divine Word,
bringer of healing, heart of Divine compassion,
bright star in the firmament of the Holy One's
prophets, mystics, and saints.

We believe that We are called to follow Jesus
as a vehicle of divine love,
a source of wisdom and truth,
and an instrument of peace in the world.

We believe in the Spirit of the Holy One,
the life that is our innermost life,
the breath moving in our being,
the depth living in each of us.

We believe that the Divine kin-dom is here and now,
stretched out all around us for those
with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it,
and hands to make it happen.

Prayers of the Community

As we prepare for the sacred meal, we bring to this table our blessings, cares and concerns. Please feel free to voice your concerns beginning with the words “I bring to the table….”

 

We pray for these, and all the unspoken blessings, cares, and concerns held in the silence of our hearts. AMEN

 

 

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

(Eucharistic Prayer by Michael Coffey with adaptation by Dennis)

 

Please join in the praying of the Eucharistic Prayer:

 

Holy God of wonder, you created light that shines through clouds with every color.
Through Noah you made your promise to love all humanity no matter what by revealing your expansive rainbow. Through your people you revealed your will that loving you alone leads us to love our neighbors. When some of our neighbors were rejected and neglected you sent prophets to call us back to full inclusion of all persons at blessed tables of bread, wine, and friendship.  We join prophets today with a song of thanksgiving and praise:

Holy, Holy, Holy by Karen Drucker video by Denise Hackert-Stoner 

https://youtu.be/u5E5f38w0K0 

You revealed the fullness of your love in Jesus of Nazareth, who loved all persons in their human dignity, who forgave us for our failure to see your image in all genders, all sexualities, all colors, who suffered in solidarity with all the rejected, who inspires us now to celebrate love in all its wonderful forms, who fills us with pride and gratitude for being born this way, and for being made new in endless grace.

 

Please raise your hands in blessing

Send now your life-giving Spirit upon this gathering of queer and straight, wondering and wonderful. Let the fire of your love reveal once again your rainbow of love in our lives.
Bless this bread and wine so that as we are loved in Christ here and now, we have courage and strength to embrace those feeling unloved, to advocate for those still facing rejection, seeking justice, reconciliation, and healing in families, in churches, in societies, in governments. Unite us at this table of grace, so that each of us knows we are cherished by you, and we love each of your beloved.

 

We ask you to awaken anew in our hearts the empowering grace of your abundant Spirit, who infuses these gifts of bread and wine with the transforming energy of life,
to nourish and sustain us in our time of need.

(lift bread as community prays the following:)

Jesus took the bread and broke it, to restore the unity of our broken world. Jesus blessed you, God of healing and hope, then Jesus shared the bread with those at table saying:

Take and eat, the bread of life for all who hunger for peace and justice.

 

lift the cup as community prays the following

 

After the meal, he then raised the cup of blessing poured in a spirit of solidarity and empowerment, spoke the grace, and offered them the wine saying:

 

Take and drink the Cup of Compassion for a broken world.

Whenever you remember me like this, I am among you. 

 

What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives.  As we share communion, we become communion, both Love’s nourishment and love’s challenge.

 

Today, I am going to ask those who are able to come to the table to receive communion, as a sign of our common bond of love and the invitation that all are welcome.

 

Receive the Bread of Life and the Cup of Compassion with the words,

I am made in the image of the Divine.

 

Communion Song: For Everyone Born - Shirley Erena Murray - Communion

https://youtu.be/cdOvOXEiss0?si=NCDr7CQeMZQgSAXe

 

Post-Communion Prayer

God of stunning diversity,
receive our thanksgiving
as Jesus receives each of us in his embrace, that we can say:

 

This my body:

Passionate, struggling

Broken, healing

Tempted, steadfast

 

This is my body:

Alive in the margins

Black, brown, yellow, pink

Lesbian, gay, bi

Male, female, trans, queer

Rich, poor, hungry, lost

 

This is my body:

Loving, laughing

Aging, newborn

Thirsty, satisfied

Aching, strong

 

Feed us with hope now
so that we may continue our journey
of loving who we love
and seeking your just society
until all creation shines with your praise,
O God, through Christ, by your Spirit,
in the beloved community
now and forever.
Amen.

 

Carol Wise, Executive Director, BMC (Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests), All Along the Arc: Worship and Ritual for Welcoming Communities (Minneapolis: BMC, 2017), 9-10.

 

FINAL BLESSING

 

Loving God, You made humanity in your likeness. Each and every human identity, in all our sexual and gender diversity, in all our racial and cultural diversity – we

bear Your sacred image. Press us, compel us, inspire us to fully live the power and

beauty of this truth every day.

 

We marvel in awe of the expansiveness of your creation. Your margins of diversity are boundless, and for that, we thank you. Every Queer and Trans sibling, and every sibling of color are beautifully and wonderfully made, all in Your image. Teach us to love people, just as they are, and embrace their identity fully, as you have embraced us. In the name of the extravagantly loving, table turning, disruptive One we call Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

Proud Anglicans of Huron: Pride Liturgical Resources 2022

Closing Song: Draw the Circle Wide by Gordon Light, Mark Miller – Closing Song

https://youtu.be/PcIQrWOYug8?si=io_cFxRICBmCH_vk