We began the liturgy by 'earthing our bodies'. We the introduced the theme for the week (one of the four 'elements'), through a bible reading, some conversation together (naming aspects of this element that we're thankful for, or that stir other feelings for us), and an action (e.g. pouring water, blowing bubbles, lighting candles, holding a pot of soil).
Some weeks we used a breathing exercise, to remember that we all breathe with God's breath. We've had 'information' presentations on forms of energy that use each of the 4 elements, and reflections that have sought to connect current world issues, our own experience, the Christian faith tradition, and opportunities for action.
After the reflection, we moved towards lament, confession and intercession (covered in the next few posts), by way of a South African prayer which affirms our dignity and interconnectedness:
AFFIRMATION OF
DIGNITY AND INTERCONNECTEDNESS
God
created human beings in God’s own image,
earth-creatures, Spirit-breathed,
part of the glorious, interconnected web of created life.
Let us stand together (if we are able)
and all affirm our dignity and our interdependence before God.
We stand
(if we are able) and join together in saying:
I
stand tall and dignified in the presence of God
and among my fellow human beings.
I accept myself as a precious and unique person,
created through Christ
to be the image of the living God.
Together with animals, trees and rivers
we are one living community,
belonging to the earth, our common home.
Guided by the Spirit,
we discover who we are, as a family:
I am who I am because of others.
[from the Uniting Reformed Church
of South Africa]
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