We will meet at 2pm outside the Crichton chapel on the 19th of October.
Peace
We will meet in Peace and make peace by meeting. Whether you consider yourself a close friend of Jesus or are just a wee bit curious we meet in his name.
As we gather in the green we will take some time to reflect on the change in the season.
We will read from the book and read from creation – both that growing around us, and the creative acts of humans within the environment.
Prayer
Almighty and merciful God: in your goodness keep from us all that is harmful; that, being ready both in body and soul, we may freely accomplish your will;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
COLLECT (Proper 29) SEC liturgy
Reading from the book
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.
He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my accuser.’
For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’ ”
And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them.
And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Luke 18 1- 8 NRSVUE
Reading from Creation
Perhaps there will be fallen leaves, and we can make some leaf art?
Here is something to think about as you wander around.
We give ourselves haircuts, stroke our pets, and trim our finger nails. When you mow the lawn, or prune trees or rake leaves are you doing something similar?
One way to start to transform the way we think about “nature” might be to spend some time looking at leaves.
- Are the fallen leaves a mess needing cleared up?
- Examine them more closely, do they have a functional value as a raw resource for crafts? (look at the beauty of the colours and membrane)
- We are present in the annual cycle of growth at this time of change. We can help clear where leaves choke drains, we can rake away the dead leaves and use them to feed other areas. We can even monitor the pH levels of the soil. What else can you sense in the presence of the trees?
Gathering
We will use the Taize chant “Ubi Caritas” together together again.
Ubi Caritas, et amor
Ubi Caritas Deus ibi est.
Reflection
We will gather together and share our insights, or simply share the wordless experience of being in the place together.
Blessing
We will stand and sense the peace that surrounds us in the wind and sounds of the place where we are gathered.
(Stand and still yourself, rooted)
Sense the ground below our feet and draw life from it like the trees do.
(breathe in)
Breathe out the peace like the trees provide oxygen
(breathe out)
Solidness of stone and speed of lightning , ground you and quicken your hearts and minds. Now and in the days to come. Go in peace to love and co-create with the architect of the cosmos.
(shake out the fankles and prepare to walk!)
A wee drink and a bite to eat?
We will head over to the central café for a spot of refreshment together, and to continue chatting about what we have experienced. There will be a nature link up video call at 3pm for anyone who is interested. (see details below)
Nature Connections Linkup
We are planning a “Nature Connections Linkup” at 15.00. Follow the link for more info, but the quick version is that it will link people with a video chat doing forest church things wherever they are.
Get in touch if you discern God at work and want to share what you sense!
