Welcome to our Moment of Oneness celebrating the wonder and awe of being alive in Creation. We are related, we are one. Let us begin with our opening song.
Reading: An excerpt from We Make the Road by Walking by Brian McLaren
Wonder and Awe
The first and greatest surprise—a miracle, really—is this: that anything exists at all, and that we get to be part of it. Ripe peach, crisp apple, tall mountain, bright leaves, sparkling water, flying flock, flickering flame, and you and me… here, now!
On this, the first pages of the Bible and the best thinking of today’s scientists are in full agreement: it all began in the beginning, when space and time, energy and matter, gravity and light, burst or bloomed or banged into being. In light of the Genesis story, we would say that the possibility of this universe overflowed into actuality as God, the Creative Spirit, uttered the original joyful invitation: Let it be! And in response, what happened? Light. Time. Space. Matter. Motion. Sea. Stone. Fish. Sparrow. You. Me. Enjoying the unspeakable gift and privilege of being here, being alive.
Imagine how uncountable nucleii and electrons and sister particles danced and whirled. Imagine how space dust coalesced into clouds, and how clouds coalesced into galaxies, and how galaxies began to spin, sail, and dance through space. Imagine how in galaxy after galaxy, suns blazed, solar systems twirled, and worlds formed. Around some of those worlds, moons spun, and upon some of those worlds, storms swirled, seas formed, and waves rolled. And somewhere in between the smallest particles and the largest cosmic structures, here we are, in this galaxy, in this solar system, on this planet, in this story, around this table, at this moment—with this chance for us to breathe, think, dream, speak, and be alive together. (P.3-4)
Closing Meditation: In this meditation we are reminded of our responsibility to care for creation.
Please join us between 9:30 and 9:55 am via 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
Phillis: Introduction of Theme:
Welcome to all here present.We gather this day to celebrate Creation, reminding ourselves that we are a part of creation and have been provided the opportunity to care for this planet we call home.We reflect today on our role as co-creators and care-givers of the Earth, and the call to bring harmony to all that we touch with the love and beauty with which the Holy One graces Her creation.
Let us celebrate with joy the indwelling of our God among us and all of creation.Welcome, sisters and brothers, to the table where broken word and bread nourish us and feed our spirit.
Creator, Source of all that we are, we gather to honor your Creation as an integrated and holy system of plant, animal and human life placed lovingly side by side with water, air, wind, and earth. We pray for the imagination and resolve to establish a supportive ecology so that all of Creation may not just survive but thrive as a continuing sign of your wondrous love. Amen.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
Phillis: First Reading:
A reading by Rainer Maria Rilke
Go to the Limits of Your Longing
God speaks to each of us as he makes us,
then walks with us silently out of the night.
These are the words we dimly hear:
You, sent out beyond your recall,
go to the limits of your longing.
Embody me.
Flare up like a flame
and make big shadows I can move in.
Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.
Just keep going. No feeling is final.
Don’t let yourself lose me.
Nearby is the country they call life.
You will know it by its seriousness.
Give me your hand.
These are the inspired words of Rainer Maria Rilke and the community affirms them by saying: Amen
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia
Gospel: A reading from the Gospel of Mark
At that time, John said to Jesus,
"Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name,
and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us."
Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him.
There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name
who can at the same time speak ill of me.
For whoever is not against us is for us.
Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink
because you belong to Christ,
amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.
"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,
it would be better for him if a great millstone
were put around his neck
and he were thrown into the sea.
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.
It is better for you to enter into life maimed
than with two hands to go into Gehenna,
into the unquenchable fire.
And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off.
It is better for you to enter into life crippled
than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.
And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.
Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye
than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna,
where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’”
These are the inspired words from the gospel of Mark and the community affirms them by saying: Amen
Shared Homily: Kim Panaro
“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.”
When we read our often repeated parts of liturgy, I often wonder if I am paying enough attention to the meaning of the words. Do I really let them sink in and allow them to challenge or transform my consciousness? In this season of creation, this section of our statement of faith speaks to me. What does it mean or ask of me to have eyes to see it, hearts to receive it and hands to make it happen? During this past month, we have celebrated the beauty of nature in which we find so much peace, connection and meaning. Still, I can’t help but think that there is another dimension to the lessons of nature.
In pondering the natural world, one of the things to notice is that nature accepts all cycles. Every season allows both death and life to co-exist. Nature does not reject anything. As our beautiful poem from Rilke teaches, God creates us to allow everything to happen, both beauty and terror. We need not fear or avoid feelings because all feelings will end, none are permanent. We don’t need to spend our lives hiding or justifying our lesser angels. We are called to transform them, knowing that any accompanying emotions are temporary.
Animals are such good role models. In nature, animals, unless they are diseased, do not do anything that is not in alignment with their God given nature. Animals do not kill for sport or pleasure. They do not steal for fun or to needlessly amass stockpiles of goods for the future. They do not envy how much prettier another animal is. They do not lie. They do not judge, They do not hold grudges and look for revenge. So, when we do these things, we used to count them among the seven deadly sins. Now, to be clear, I believe the self hatred that was fostered by the focus on “sin” was in itself a form of cruelty. However, it’s possible that we have forgotten that part of the spiritual path is the requirement to cooperate with the Holy One to transform our hearts and minds in order to be a more clear reflection of our true nature. We are called to become, as Rilke puts it, flames creating shadows for God to dance in.
Our gospel today talks in such violent terms of chopping off body parts and gouging out eyes. Perhaps we can consider this as a metaphor for how difficult and painful but necessary it is for us to do the hard work of spiritual evolution. For some, it may seem less painful or easier to lose a body part than to change lifelong patterns of misused anger, jealousy, judging others, anxiety, reactivity, gossip, comparing……to name only a few. But, if we are to have eyes, hearts and hands to live in the kindom, this is our call. We cannot make anything good happen if our hands are clenched in fists of anger and holding onto old hurts or wounds. Our eyes can’t see the kindom if our vision is distorted by old, unhelpful patterns of “seeing” things. A heart that is perpetually surrounded by a wall of protection cannot easily receive or express authentic love. We are all called to walk in faith and joy through the valley of the shadow of death , that is, transformation, knowing God is with us and guiding us. The earth, animals, and our human companions on this life journey are all for us. We have so many allies and as the gospel says, whatever is not against us is for us. Living an awakened, healed, brave life is not for the faint of heart. It is however the best hope for us, and for our children and this planet we call home.
Statement of Faith – Community Member
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.
Phillis: As we prepare for this sacred meal, we are aware of our call to serve, and just as Jesus is anointed, so is each of us. We bring to this table our blessings, cares and concerns.
Intentions read
We bring these and all deeply held blessings, cares, and concerns to the table of friendship and peace.
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Kim: Please join us, with arms raised, in the praying of the Eucharistic Prayer.
Sonowweenterintotheoneness of creation,attuneourselvestojoinintheharmony,letourselves embrace that oneness withthankfulness andjoy. And so, we join with all of creationand sing in glory for the beauty that encircles us.
Holy, Holy: Here in This Place by Christopher Grundy
Phillis: Creator of the whole universe, we glory in the environment, especially forests, that surround us. May we have the vision and strength to protect all forest ecosystems and the whole of Your creation, which have been corrupted by human exploitation, pollution, and destruction, so that the whole of creation may be renewed and made whole,
We join with the earth and with each other, to bring new life to the land, to restore the waters, to refresh the air.
We join with the earth and with each other to renew the forests, to care for the plants, to protect the creatures.
We join with the earth and with each other to celebrate the seas, to rejoice in the sunlight, to sing the song of the stars.
We join together as many and diverse expressions of one loving mystery: for the healing of the earth and the renewal of life.
We join together and call the Spirit upon the gifts of the earth, bread and wine, as we bless them and remember our call to be the Body of Christ in the world.
On the night before he died, he sat at a table with friends and relived with them his work, his teaching and wisdom of the universe. Then he went among them as servant, washing their feet, touching their hearts.
When he returned to his place at the table, he lifted the bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread and offered it to them saying:
Take and eat, this is my very self.
Pause
Kim: Then he took the cup of blessing, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying:
Take and drink.
Whenever you remember me like this,
I am among you.
Pause
What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives, as we share Communion, we will become Communion, both love’s nourishment and love’s challenge
Please receive the blessed bread and cup with the words, “I am a steward of Creation”.
Kim: Mystery of Life present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures, embrace with tenderness all that exists. May the power of divine love rain down upon us, that we may protect life and beauty. Help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards divine light and love. We are thankful for the pulse of life that fills us each day. May we be encouraged and strengthened for our struggle for justice, love and peace in the world.
Community Member: Let us pray the prayer of Jesus:
Let us pray as Jesus taught us with an eye toward this Season of Creation:
Generous Creator, the intricate and elegant biodiversity of our world is your hallowed autograph on our lives, on our souls and in our hearts.
We yearn for the wholeness of being in harmony with Your will and with all living things.
Each day we draw on your creative, life-giving energy with gratitude and awe as we find nourishment in, seed and field, river and forest.
May we be stewards and co-creators with you in caring for the gifts of Your Creation.
We acknowledge our shortcomings, especially our neglect of the environment on this Creation Sunday. We seek to be reconciled with those we have hurt and we resolve to do better.
With your unfailing wisdom and the wind of Your Spirit, inspire us that we may reach out and love one another and care for the world, our home.
Strengthen us to work for local and global justice so that we may one day reap a harvest of equality and fairness as if they were wildflowers, propagating spontaneously, unerringly and in surprising abundance. Amen.
BLESSING
Phillis: Let us raise our hands and pray our closing blessing:
Go out from this place, ready to hear creation’s call.
Go out, ready to answer, “I am here, standing up for you!”
And as you go, know that the love of Divine Mystery surrounds you,
the peace of Christ empowers you,
and the companionship of the Spirit moves within you
and all of creation, now and always. AMEN
Closing Song: What a Wonderful World by Playing for Change
Holy One, you flow through us and all of creation as an eternal river of love and creativity. As we learn more every day about how everything in this universe is inter-related may we come to appreciate more and more our connection with all that is. May we see you where you really are, deep within everything and everyone.
First Reading:
A selection from an interview in Emergence Magazine with Suzanne Simard, discoverer of “the wood-wide web”:
Trees aren’t just individuals competing for resources but are actually connected. And so, how are they connected?
Mycorrhizal fungi are one of several types of fungi that exist in forests. The word “mycorrhiza” literally means “fungus root,” and it describes the relationship between the trees and these fungi. They’re in a mutualistic relationship, where the tree provides food for the fungus, because the fungus doesn’t have leaves. It lives in the soil, and it’s dark down there. So the tree provides food to the fungus, and the fungus takes that food, and picks up nutrients and water and then transports it back to the tree, and they trade. That’s why it’s called mutualism: they’re both mutually benefiting from this relationship.
So the wood-wide web is about these mycorrhizal fungi connecting trees together, and forming this network, flying in the face of the idea that trees are individuals, justout there to compete for their own resources. Now, suddenly, they’re an integrated whole.
Second Reading:
From: You are a Unique Part of Me I Don’t Know Yet, by Terri Kozlowski
I believe that we are all connected, and these connections to others are vital to us and our growth. From a physical perspective, the brain is wired for human associations, which enhances our social relationships. But how are we all linked scientifically?
Science’s current theory of the evolution of the Universe is the Big Bang. At its basis is the belief that everything, all that is in the Universe, was, at one time, altogether. All that is was once one concentrated mass, a singularity. Then, B-A-N-G! The Universe expanded into what it currently is.
So, at one point, we really were all connected. And more importantly, we are all created from the same origin. All the energy that existed from the Big Bang is still all the energy that exists in the Universe, because energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed.
As human beings, we are energy inside our bodies. We can feel that force within us. The universal power flows through each of us and everything in the Universe. That is why you are a unique part of me I may not know yet.
Please join us between 9:30 and 9:55 am via 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
Dennis: Theme
Welcome to all here present.We gather this day to celebrate Creation, reminding ourselves that we are a part of creation and have been provided the opportunity to care for this planet we call home.We reflect today on our role as co-creators and care-givers of the Earth, and the call to bring harmony to all that we touch with the love and beauty with which the Holy One graces Her creation.
Let us celebrate with joy the indwelling of our God among us and all of creation.Welcome, sisters and brothers, to the table where broken word and bread nourish us and feed our spirit.
Creator, Source of all that we are, we gather to honor your Creation as an integrated and holy system of plant, animal and human life placed lovingly side by side with water, air, wind, and earth. We pray for the imagination and resolve to establish a supportive ecology so that all of Creation may not just survive but thrive as a continuing sign of your wondrous love. Amen.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
Juanita - First Reading
A reading from Astro-Physicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson
“We are part of this universe.
We are in this universe. The universe is in us.
Every atom in your body
Came from a star that exploded
You are all star dust from a star that exploded.
Look up at the night sky
We are part of that
The universe itself
Exists within us
We are star dust
In the highest exalted way
Called by the universe
Reaching out to the universe
We are star dust
The atoms that make up the human body
Are traceable to the crucibles
That cooked light elements
Into heavy elements.
We are part of this universe and the universe is in us.”
These are the inspired words of Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and we affirm them by saying, Amen.
Teresa Kerr - Second Reading
A passage inspired by Celtic theologian Pelagius (360-418):
Look at the animals roaming the forest: God’s spirit dwells within them. Look at the birds flying across the sky: God’s spirit dwells within them. Look at the tiny insects crawling in the grass: God’s spirit dwells within them. Look at the fish in the river and sea: God’s spirit dwells within them. There is no creature on earth in whom God is absent. . . . When God pronounced that his creation was good, it was not only that his hand had fashioned every creature; it was that his breath had brought every creature to life. Look too at the great trees of the forest; look even at your crops. God’s spirit is present within all plants as well. The presence of God’s spirit in all living things is what makes them beautiful; and if we look with God’s eyes, nothing on the earth is ugly. [3] Go out into the natural world and look with God’s eyes; listen with God’s ears; know your place within God’s good creation.
These are the inspired words of Pelagius, Celtic theologian and we affirm them by saying: AMEN
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia
Phillis - Gospel:A reading from the Gospel attributed to Mark
They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” He placed a child in their midst, and putting his arms around the child, he said to them, “Whoever embraces a child as I do, embraces me; and whoever embraces me, embraces not me but the One who sent me.”
These are the inspired words of the writer known as Mark, and we affirm them by saying, Amen.
Shared Homily: Dennis
“We are part of this universe.
We are in this universe. The universe is in us.”
Neil DeGrasse Tyson makes this astounding statement in our first reading, that we are made of the stardust of the universe.
Think of that statement. It is amazing when you stop to think about it.We are part of something so much bigger than me, than us, than Earth. We are enveloped as part of this entity, this experience, we call the universe. And yet, it also resides within us.
Jan Philips says it this way:
“Think of yourself as a soul who took on a body to be of use, to radiate love and receive it in return—
Deep inside you the fire of creation burns day and night, atoms from the Big Bang spin and swirl in your blood and bones, your lungs and your legs. The One you cry out to is in your breath, in every cell and every thought.”
It is remarkable when you consider the expanse of the universe, that we are, down to our cellular level, made in its image and likeness, and meant to “radiate love and receive it in return”.
Our second reading by Pelagius, reminds us that all creation - animals, plants, birds, fish, all creatures have the Divine Nature within them.They, too, are of the universe, and have the same stardust within them. They, too, “radiate love and receive it in return”.
In our Gospel, Jesus reminds us that to be first in his eyes, we must be last and “servant of all”.Notice that it is not servant to some, it is servant of all. And if we are to follow this call and recognize the Divine Nature that exists in the universe, then our service is to all living things. Jesus reminds the disciples and reminds us, that we must embrace the child. To embrace the child, for me, means to see creation through the eyes of a child, to take delight, to stand in awe and wonder of the beauty and magnificence that flows from the Creator. I don’t know about you, but I have those moments when my eyes behold the beauty of a flower, a bird flying majestically in the sky, the rushing waters of a waterfall, all radiating love, and I absorbing that love.In these moments when I view through those eyes, I am embracing and being embraced by Divine Nature.
We share with all of creation this Divine Nature from which all life flows.Thus, it is our responsibility to protect the environment, to live in a way that enriches creation, and that fulfills the call to be good stewards and caregivers of the earth. Again, we hear from Jan Phillips, who states, “together we are creating the life we experience—it is happening not TO us, but THROUGH us, as the cosmos is being created by the Mind of the Infinite One, this world is being created by the minds of the finite ones, by us. Yes, think of yourself as a creator…the peace you desire, the justice you cry for —these will come as we speak them into being.”I would add, as we envision justice, peace, and love through childlike eyes, open to all things new, recognizing the universe in me and all creation, we can “radiate love” and transform the world.
Statement of Faith – Srs. Pat & Marjorie
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.
Dennis: As we prepare for this sacred meal, we are aware of our call to serve, and just as Jesus is anointed, so is each of us. We bring to this table our blessings, cares, and concerns.
Intentions read
We bring these and all deeply held blessings, cares, and concerns to the table of friendship and peace.
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Jean: Please join us, with arms raised, in the praying of the Eucharistic Prayer.
Sonowweenterintotheoneness of creation,attuneourselvestojoinintheharmony,letourselves embrace that oneness withthankfulness andjoy. And so, we join with all of creationand sing in glory for the beauty that encircles us.
Holy, Holy: Here in This Place by Christopher Grundy
Dennis: Creator of the whole universe, we glory in the environment, especially forests, that surround us. May we have the vision and strength to protect all forest ecosystems and the whole of Your creation, which have been corrupted by human exploitation, pollution, and destruction, so that the whole of creation may be renewed and made whole,
We join with the earth and with each other, to bring new life to the land, to restore the waters, to refresh the air.
We join with the earth and with each other to renew the forests, to care for the plants, to protect the creatures.
We join with the earth and with each other to celebrate the seas, to rejoice in the sunlight, to sing the song of the stars.
We join together as many and diverse expressions of one loving mystery: for the healing of the earth and the renewal of life.
We join together and call the Spirit upon the gifts of the earth, bread and wine, as we bless them and remember our call to be the Body of Christ in the world.
On the night before he died, he sat at a table with friends and relived with them his work, his teaching and wisdom of the universe. Then he went among them as servant, washing their feet, touching their hearts.
When he returned to his place at the table, he lifted the bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread and offered it to them saying:
Take and eat, this is my very self.
Pause
Jean: Then he took the cup of blessing, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying:
Take and drink.
Whenever you remember me like this,
I am among you.
Pause
What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives, as we share Communion, we will become Communion, both love’s nourishment and love’s challenge
Please receive the blessed bread and cup with the words, “I am a steward of Creation”.
Communion Meditation: So Will I by Hillsong United
Jean: Mystery of Life present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures, embrace with tenderness all that exists. May the power of divine love rain down upon us, that we may protect life and beauty. Help us to reach out to the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards divine light and love. We are thankful for the pulse of life that fills us each day. May we be encouraged and strengthened for our struggle for justice, love and peace in the world.
Lynn - Let us pray the prayer of Jesus:
Let us pray as Jesus taught us with an eye toward this Season of Creation:
Generous Creator, the intricate and elegant biodiversity of our world is your hallowed autograph on our lives, on our souls and in our hearts.
We yearn for the wholeness of being in harmony with Your will and with all living things.
Each day we draw on your creative, life-giving energy with gratitude and awe as we find nourishment in, seed and field, river and forest.
May we be stewards and co-creators with you in caring for the gifts of Your Creation.
We acknowledge our shortcomings, especially our neglect of the environment on this Creation Sunday. We seek to be reconciled with those we have hurt and we resolve to do better.
With your unfailing wisdom and the wind of Your Spirit, inspire us that we may reach out and love one another and care for the world, our home.
Strengthen us to work for local and global justice so that we may one day reap a harvest of equality and fairness as if they were wildflowers, propagating spontaneously, unerringly and in surprising abundance. Amen.
BLESSING
Dennis: Let us raise our hands and pray our closing blessing:
Go out from this place, ready to hear creation’s call.
Go out, ready to answer, “I am here, standing up for you!”
And as you go, know that the love of Divine Mystery surrounds you,
the peace of Christ empowers you,
and the companionship of the Spirit moves within you
