Mary, Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community,Feast of the Holy Trinity ,May, 29 2021, Presiders: Kathryn Shea, ARCWP and Mary Al Gagnon , Readers: Sally Brochu and Janet Blakeley , Music Minister: Linda Lee Miller

 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85108095506?pwd=Y3IyS0xkaWZ1WGRUOXlZMm5qcE1Fdz09         

Zoom link for video- 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

ID 851- 0809-5506

Passcode 1066  

             

                   

         Theme: Embracing the Trinity as a Divine Dance  

Welcome and Gathering 

Mary Al: Welcome to our Zoom liturgy at Mary Mother of Jesus, an inclusive Catholic Community where all are welcome. 

-We invite you to pray the liturgy and respond where it says “All.” 

-All participants will be muted during the liturgy except for the presiders and readers. 

-Please have bread and wine/juice nearby as we pray our Eucharistic prayer.

Whoever you are, 

Wherever you are, 

Just as you are, 

You are welcome at this table. (Integral Christianity by Paul Smith)

Let us now take a few minutes to collect ourselves as we prepare to focus our minds and our hearts on our knowledge that we are all one, brought together at this time to transform ourselves and our world through love; love for our Holy One, love for our neighbors, love for ourselves, and love for our planet.  Let us begin our liturgy by expressing this love through song.  

Gathering Song: Lord of the Dance

https://youtu.be/G_20yKI5Z9w

Opening Prayer

Kathryn: In the name of our Beloved; our Creator, Jesus our brother, and Holy Spirit Wisdom, we gather to celebrate the feast of the Trinity and our oneness with and in you and in all things.  This Great Mystery is the foundation and template for the entire universe, and when fully experienced, has the capacity to change everything. We seek to fully understand this Great Mystery, but more importantly to understand how we live it in our lives.  Let our ears hear, our eyes see, and our hearts receive as we remember and expand the power of love on Earth.  During these dark days, we live with the certainty that you walk with us, Infinite One, as we continue to awaken to the fullness of grace consciousness, united as one people, one planet, one universe, expressing unconditional love toward all living things.  

A Joyful Gloria: Linda Lee Miller and graphics by Rick Miller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lA5I0nODZI

Liturgy of the Word

Sally:  First Reading: Deuteronomy  4:32-34, 39-40

Moses said to the people: "Ask this question, now, looking to the ages that are past,  that went before you, starting from the time when God created people on earth:

“Was there ever a word so majestic, from one end of heaven to the other?  Was anything ever like it ever heard?  Did ever a people hear the voice of the living God speaking from the heart of the fire, as you hear it, and live to tell of it?  Has any god before ever ventured to take one nation from the midst of another by ordeals, by signs and wonders, by war with a might hand and an outstretch arm, by the power of terror, as Your God did in Egypt before your eyes?

“Know this today, therefore, and take it into your hearts:  Your God is God indeed, in heaven above and on earth below, and there is no other.  Keep the laws and commandments of the Most High as I give them to you this day, so that you and your children may prosper and live long in the land that Your God gives you forever.  And we respond by saying Amen.

Responsorial – Spirit of the Living God by Linda Lee Miller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfl1ZbTjluY

Janet: Second Reading: Romans 8:14-17

A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans: 

Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. For the Spirit that God has given you does not enslave you and trap you in fear; instead, through the Spirit God has adopted you as children, and by the Spirit we cry out, “Abba Mother, Abba Father!” God’s Spirit joins with our spirit to declare that we are God’s children.  And if we are children, we are heirs as well:  heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, sharing in Christ’s suffering and sharing in Christ’s glory.  

These are the inspired words of the apostle Paul, and we respond by saying, Amen. 

Alle, Alle, Alleluia: Linda Lee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID5UGWcS6Ws

Mary Al:  Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:16-20  - A reading from the Gospel of Mathew

The eleven disciples went to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had summoned.  At the sight of the risen Christ they fell down in homage, though some doubted what they were seeing.  Jesus came forward and addressed them in these words: 

"All authority has been given to me, both in heaven and on earth.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.
Baptize them in the name of our Holy One, and the Child of Humanity, and of the Holy Spirit.

Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you.
And know that I am with you always, even until the end of time!” 

Homily Starter – Kathryn Shea, ARCWP

I’m beginning my homily starter with a confession.  When I realized about two weeks ago that the date I signed up to preside was the Feast of the Holy Trinity, I nearly fainted.  You see, I don’t believe in the Holy Trinity, at least not the idea of three people within one person.  And certainly not the big man upstairs with a flowing white beard as God.   So I considered asking someone to trade dates, but it was much too late for that. I had to just suck it up and do my best and discover what meaning I could find in the Holy Mystery.  Indeed, it is a Holy Mystery, perhaps with no one clear definition or understanding.  Perhaps each person must discover for themselves what it means to them.  I want to try to understand as much as I can, go far enough so that it holds truth and meaning to me while realizing that I can only go a certain distance in my understanding.  

I turned to my two favorite spiritual teachers; Richard Rohr and Paul Smith and found a whole new way to consider the Holy Trinity.  Richard Rohr recently wrote a book called, “The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation” in hopes of inviting Christians to renew their lives by thinking “trinitarily”.  Richard explains that our current concept of the Trinity that there is a Being out there, critically watching reality and judging it – usually judging it to be inadequate – is not creating happy people, or peaceful people.  The old paradigm, without realizing it, has been falling apart. He further states the every science is discovering in it’s entirely a relational universe.  Nothing stands autonomously.  Relationship is the thing, the core.   Richard sums up his new way of thinking by saying, “Whatever is going on In God is a flow, a radical relatedness, a perfect communion between Three-a circle dance of love.  And God is not just a dancer; God is the dance itself.”

Paul Smith in his book, “Integral Christianity: The Spirit’s Call to Evolve” talks about the Trinity as the Three Faces of God; the Infinite Face of God (the Creator), the Intimate Face of God (Jesus) and the Inner Face of God (Holy Spirit).  Without going into too much detail, he summarizes that “Jesus embraced all three faces of God- the Infinite Face, the Intimate Face, and the Inner Face- as he demonstrated the fullest possible relationship to God.  The soul of the Jesus path is that these three points of view are also a model for us in relating to God”.   

For me, embracing the Three Faces of God is quite radical, amazing and profound.  I can easily adapt to this way of thinking about the Trinity, as well as the Beloved being a Divine Dance.  In our readings today, we hear “Your God is God”, “Those who are led by the Spirit of God, are the children of God”, and “Know that I am with you always, even until the end of time.”   These are the voices of the Infinite Face, the Intimate Face, and the Inner Face of God.  We are already participating in this Divine Dance whether we realize it or not.  But when we consciously engage in loving communion and deep relationship, we open ourselves to being transformed at the deepest levels.

So, the lesson learned for me in all of this is, I will no longer say I don’t believe.  I will say, “How do I believe differently?” and I am grateful to the Spirit, even if I was initially kicking and screaming, for leading me on this journey of discovery. 

So, I invite you to please share your reflections on the Holy Trinity, our Readings, or Homily you’ve heard today.   

.     

Community Sharing

Communal Statement of Faith

Mary Al and ALL: We believe in one God, 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 God's Word, bringer of God's healing, heart of God's compassion, bright star in the firmament of God's prophets, mystics, and saints. 

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

We believe that God's 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 and for the Community

Kathryn: We now bring our prayer intentions to the Table

 

Our response is: All: Holy One, we know you respond to our prayers. 

We pray for our MMOJ intentions on our community prayer list. (Joan shares)

Our response is: All: Holy One, we know you respond to our prayers. 

For what else should we pray?

Kathryn: Holy Mystery may we respond to the needs of our sisters and brothers in loving prayer and solidarity. Amen

Presentation of the Bread and Wine

Anna: Gracious God, you have set the banquet table and have invited all of us to a feast of unending delight.  Blessed are You, Holy One, through Your divine providence we have this bread, to share, the Bread of Life. 

Anna and All: Blessed are You, Holy One, forever.  

Mary Al: Blessed are You, O Loving One through Your divine providence we have this wine to share, our spiritual drink. 

Mary Al All: Blessed are, You, Holy One, forever.

Sally: Let us lift up our hearts.

Sally and All:  We lift them up to the Holy One, living in us and loving through us.  Namaste (3x)

Eucharistic Prayer

Janet: Gracious Wisdom, you embrace us with your extravagant affection in our times of both blessedness and weakness.  You are always with us…you living in us and we living in you.  In this festive meal, your Spirit is poured out on each of us gathered in the circle of your friends and disciples, we also ask that your Spirit be spread to those of our community who are not with us today.

Let us rejoice as we sing: 

All:  Holy, Holy, Holy Linda Lee Miller

 (adapted from Holy, Holy, Holy by Karen Drucker)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orKBBIj5LZA

 

Joan M: We thank you for the gift of Jesus of Nazareth in history -- and the gift of Jesus in faith. On earth, his life burned with the vision of his mission on earth. Through the example of his life – his teachings and actions - he showed us not only how we should live, but also what was worth even dying for. 

Mary AL: When his time on earth had come to an end, Jesus – aware of and accepting his destiny – gave us his life for the values that he deeply believed, lived and taught…his conviction that love is stronger than death.  And then, in providing an example of this wisdom for all people in ages to come, he opened wide his arms…and died.  And the spirit that lived in Jesus resurrected him to a new life, a promise made to all of us too who live the new story.  Jesus is with us today and he will be through the end of time.

(With an outstretched arm, we pray the consecration together.  We remember the gift that Jesus gave us on the night before he died.  He gathered with his friends to share a final Passover meal.  And it was at that supper that Jesus took bread, said the blessing and shared it with them saying: take this, all of you, and eat it.  This bread is you; this bread is me.  We are one body, the presence of God in the world. When you do this, remember me and all that I have taught you.  This is the new and everlasting covenant.  

           [short pause]

In the same way, Jesus took a cup of wine, said the blessing and gave it to his friends saying: take this, all of you, and drink it.  This wine is you; this wine is me.  We are one blood, the presence of God in the world.  When you do this, remember me and all that I have taught you. This is the new and everlasting covenant.

Kathryn: Jesus, who was with God “in the beginning of the creation of the heavens and the earth,” is with us now in this bread. The Spirit, of whom the prophets spoke in history, is with us now in this cup.  Let us proclaim this mystery of faith.

Kathryn and All:  Jesus has died.  Christ is risen.  The Divine Presence lives in us and through us in the world today.

Janet: God, we know that you bless your church throughout the world. We, your people, ask for your grace that we may continually grow in our love and caring for Francis, our Pope, Bridget Mary, our Bishop and for everyone with whom we come in contact, especially those who live on the margins of church and society. They are all our brothers and sisters, members of your Blessed Family.  We remember also all those, living and dead, who touched our lives and left their footprints on our hearts.  We remember especially….(mention names here, if you would like to..) 

Janet and All: We believe that the Spirit of God is at work in and among us and will do more than we could ever ask or imagine.  We believe that it is through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, Creator God, forever and ever.  

Great Amen: Linda Lee Miller

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy76fpfkNsg

COMMUNION RITE

The Prayer of Jesus

Mary Al: Let us pray as Jesus taught us. 

Mary Al and All:  O Holy One, you are 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 we need.  You remind us of our limits, and we let go.  You support us in your 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    Adapted, Miriam Therese Winter, MMS

Sign of Peace:

Kathryn: Jesus said to his disciples, “My peace I leave You.  My peace I give You.” 

Let us join in singing, Peace is flowing like a river by Carey Landry:  

Linda Lee Miller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrLnCPq1GJk 

Sally:  Please join in praying the Litany for the Breaking of the Bread:

Mary Al: Holy One, You call us to speak truth to power; we will do so.

Holy One, You call us to live the Gospel of healing and justice; we will do so. Holy One, You call us to be Your presence in the world; we will do so.

Kathryn: This is the bread of life and the cup of blessing. Blessed are we who are called to Christ’s table.  

Kathryn All:  May we live as the Body of Christ in the world, serving all in need, especially those living on the margin.                          

Please receive/share Eucharist now, saying: “You are the bread of life.” And “You are the cup of compassion.”

Communion Song:  You Are the Face of God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH-BKtAP2q4&t=47s

Introductions/Thanksgiving/Announcements

Closing Community Commissioning

Kathryn: And together with our arms extended to one another we say: 

May God bless and keep you, 

May God’s Countenance be lifted up upon you,

That Infinite Face shining throughout the cosmos, 

That Intimate Face in gracious guiding presence,

That Inner Face flowing from you like rivers of living water, 

And giving you peace.

In the name of our loving, Infinite, Intimate, Inner God.  Amen

(from Integral Christianity by Paul Smith)

ALL:  Thanks be to God.  Let it be so!     Alleluia! 

Closing Song: 

Great Spirits Hands by MaMuse

https://youtube.com/watch?v=HzGwskTFZS0&feature=share

If you would like to add your intercession to our MMOJ Community Prayers book,

Please send an email to jmeehan515@aol.com

If you would like to invite another person to attend our liturgy please refer them to

www.marymotherofJesus.org where the day’s liturgy is found. Zoom instructions are also included there.

Please support our community, send your check to:

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community

% St Andrews UCC, 6908 Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL 34328

  

 

"Because He Lives" on Saxophone, Soul-Moving, Beautiful Rendition by Uriel Vega

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhHrY4Z732A

Here's a rendition of bill Gaithers "Because He Lives" Soul-Moving

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiO6qxlIPJnDWfAg3Cdf7iA

The Mothers March For Life, for Justice, for Peace on May 27, 2021 in Colombia, South American by Olga Lucia Alvarez Benjumea ARCWP

 

¡Por la vida, la justicia y la paz!

Por Javier Jaramillo
 
Varias cosas me llamaron la atención de la marcha del 27 de mayo. 
1) Muchas canas, las de siempre, las históricas y también muchas otras nuevas, incluso muchas con caras de “los buenos somos más” o “gente de bien”… eso se ve, se nota, y no lo digo para molestar o discriminar, sino para celebrar que, me dio la impresión, algunas mujeres mayores están allí no por combativas o beligerantes, sino porque son madres, que despertaron y que están tocadas con esta situación y lo que están viviendo las y los jóvenes.

2) Muchas muchachas jóvenes, entusiastas y valientes.
3) Vi niños, madres y jóvenes ostentando orgullosamente la denominación de “primera línea”, como les digo… “primera línea kid”, “mujeres y madres que siempre han sido primera línea” y jóvenes, mujeres y hombres, más cubiertos que el resto, y efectivamente, muy orondos y orgullosos, en la primera línea, dispuestos a todo. 

Tengo la impresión que, este aprendizaje, que si no me equivoco viene de “la guardia” de las movilizaciones indígenas, va a calar, en adelante, en las marchas urbanas y se convertirá en un lugar, para apostarlo todo, ganar pertenencia y jugarse la vida por la avanzada y la protección de las marchas y los marchantes.
4) Como siempre, lo que tiene que ver con las mujeres y con lo femenino, fue una marcha cargada de símbolos y estéticas: zapatos sembrados con plantas, rosas y claveles, inciensos, faldas blancas, blusas negras, collares pintorescos, pañoletas moradas, cuerdas rojas de las que penden pañuelos tejidos con nombres de personas asesinadas, víctimas de feminicidios y desaparecidas/os, performances, música y cantos. 

Especialmente el canto, “a grito herido”, de “canción sin miedo”. Yo quedé con un corazón bordado rojo encendido que me ofreció la Presbítera Católica Romana Olga Álvarez y pañoleta morada ¡#elparonopara. Resistencia!

Viví la marcha como un acto y un hecho espiritual, en silencio, en el centro de la vía detrás de la pancarta de la Organización Indígena de Antioquia, en la quinta línea, al final, detrás de las mujeres, como testigo y como ciudadano partícipe del paro nacional.

La marcha responde a la necesidad de decirle al gobierno y a la sociedad que nuestros hijos e hijas movilizados en la lucha y el paro nacional nos importan, los respaldamos, les agradecemos y pedimos se respete su vida.

También responde a la necesidad de sumarnos y sentir propia las razones del paro nacional.

Fue una marcha No-violenta por la vida y la esperanza, convocada por las mujeres independientes, movimiento sociales de mujeres y el movimiento Estamos Listas. Fue una voz por la vida, la justicia y la paz, porque los mayores tenemos el corazón desgarrado y sentimos como propio el dolor de quienes han perdido a sus hijos e hijas. 

A veces se siente más presión de los motociclistas, conductores y comerciantes que de las mismas autoridades. Pero bueno, también nos movilizamos por todos ellos y por sus derechos, algún día lo entenderán. Ningún derecho, de los que nos queda, nos fue regalado, fue conquistado por marchantes y víctimas ancestrales.  Gracias Olga Álvarez, Gracias Felipe Jaramillo, crece nuestra hermandad.

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests Connect Mystical Oneness and Prophetic Social Justice Action in Public Witness by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

 

From our foundation, ARCWP members have demonstrated the connection between our mystical and prophetic call by our public witness as individuals and as an organization. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

"The experience of oneness brings us back into relationship with the allness. The oneness and the allness inter-be (to return to the term from Thich Nhat Hanh). Thus we feel deeply the wounds of a battered world, and the suffering and the needs of the people—including, as Thurman puts it in Jesus and the Disinherited, those “with their backs against the wall”—the disenfranchised, the marginalized and the oppressed. [2] Inaction is not an option. The mystic worldview creates an ethical mandate, and it offers a new way to enter the world of social transformation—from the position of oneness rather than dualism. It shifts the paradigm. . . ."

Action Based on Oneness, Week 21, Center for Action and Contemplation: Richard Rohr's Meditation 

1] Liza J. Rankow, “Mysticism and Social Action: The Ethical Demands of Oneness,” in Anchored in the Current: Discovering Howard Thurman as Educator, Activist, Guide, and Prophet, ed. Gregory C. Ellison II (Westminster John Knox Press: 2020), 117–118.  [2] Howard Thurman, Jesus and the Disinherited (Beacon Press: 1996, 1976), 11. Liza J. Rankow, “Mysticism and Social Action,” 120, 121, 126.

The Constitution of the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests states 

"In the tradition of our mystics and prophets, we challenge the dominance of patriarchal systems by promoting practices of equality that lead us to recognize and stand for justice on behalf of all people, locally and globally, and on behalf of the urgent needs of Eco-justice for our planet.

We strive to live as justice makers in right relation to self, to others, and to the earth. Aware of the interconnectedness of all, we believe that action on behalf of justice is constitutive to the Gospels. Because we understand how unjust structures marginalize people on the basis of class, race, gender, sexual orientation, and mental and physical challenges, we collaborate to create alternative structures that are inclusive of all and are deeply based in the traditions of social justice within our church.

Dr. Shefali Tsabary: A Radical Awakening

 https://omny.fm/shows/oprah-s-supersoul-conversations/dr-shefali-tsabary-a-radical-awakening

Fabulous  interview on the radical emancipated woman from toxic patriarchy. We need to radically awakened to our co-creation. 

Spiritual quest to discover metric of worthiness deep within us, not in matrix of success, competition... what you look like, what you drive, what we serve at our tables etc.

Own shadow that women are in this matrix, needing approval, validation and praise from others. 

Are women ready to take ownership of themselves, not looking for self in external world, but in their inner selves. 

My take: I know women who are in deep communion with their their mystical center, and there discover their spiritual power that is always evolving, liberating, healing and transforming. Bridget Mary Meehan

Oprah talks to New York Times best-selling author and clinical psychologist Dr. Shefali Tsabary about her fifth book, A Radical Awakening: Turn Pain into Power, Embrace Your Truth. Sharing life experiences and her East-meets-West approach, Dr. Shefali teaches women how to discover their inner truths and awaken the conscious self.

Pentecost Sunday Liturgy , Free Spirit Inclusive Catholic Community’s Eighth Birthday, May 23, 2021, Ann Harrington ARCWP, North Carolina

                                                        Theme Weaving Dreams

Our evolving renewal movement is a holy shakeup that provides a new way of being Roman Catholic rooted in the teachings and ministry of Jesus, the witness of the mystics and prophets, and the spiritual equality and empowerment of all of God’s people.  Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

Reflective Music (could be playing for those on Zoom as we gather in person and ease into silence)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4pQ7O8uQRw 

Liza Greeting  Welcome dear friends as we gather in person and virtually to celebrate two significant events; our 8^th birthday and the feast of Pentecost.

We at Free Spirit have been building a new, more inclusive universal church as it was meant to be. 

Let us take a brief walk down memory lane.  It started in 2012  when Ann was the celebrant for the memorial service for Dennis,   a dear friend of Ann and Mark’s. She heard a call or a whisper, to the Catholic priesthood.  As Ann was sharing her reflection at the service, she heard with the ears of her heart, “You can do this, you can be a Catholic priest.  There are people who need your priestly healing gifts.” 

 Ann says, “I wanted to be like some of the compassionate priests I had met. But I knew I would bring a new, more accessible priesthood into being. I could mirror God as a woman with unique experiences of marriage and motherhood.  I sensed a God who wanted to reveal Her vulnerability and presence in the everyday, both the joys and the sorrows.  In my struggles with depression, I experienced death and resurrection.  I wanted to proclaim that God can and does heal and liberate. I wanted to help people open their eyes to their belovedness.  I wanted to break down the barriers that prevented God from being with God’s people.  I wanted to bring celebration to the center of the worship experience.  I was experiencing the God of Abundant Love and wanted to share that with others.”

She processed this experience with her spiritual director and applied to the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests in the Fall of 2012.

After Ann was received into the program of priestly formation with ARCWP in early 2013.  Ann’s enthusiasm for inclusive community led her to celebrate Free Spirit’s first Eucharist on May 18, 2013, Pentecost- one year and two months before Ann’s priestly ordination.  She began to ask other women who might also be hearing this call to help in forming a Eucharistic faith community.  Among those answering that call were Lynn Caverly, Liza Hardy-Braz and Christina Logan.  A Founders Circle was formed and first met on November 9, 2013.  

The name emerged as Ann was driving in Pitt county around that time and noticed a small church called “Free Spirit”. Since that resonated well with the Founders Circle, they unanimously embraced it for their own. 

Then in 2014, Ann made contact with Sister Mary Ann Czaja of Tarboro.  Sister Mary Ann invited Ann to preach the Gospel with the people of Tarboro Community Outreach, a mission to the needy. Each week for nearly 7 years, Ann has facilitated a variety of prayer experiences for their community. 

Each month on the fourth Sunday Free Spirit celebrated Eucharist at Greenville’s Unitarian Church followed by delicious pot luck suppers.   Eventually we also celebrated Eucharist on second Sundays at Ann and Mark’s house combining it with a planning meeting. Gradually, our circle enlarged. In March of 2021 we began our celebrations on Zoom and our community grew to include folks many miles away. Today we embark on another new way to celebrate Eucharist with our inaugural hybrid liturgy.

With the help of God, we will continue to grow.  Let us rejoice in the gift that we are for each other as we weave our gifts together to bring forth a stronger community. 

To our virtual friends we invite you to bring bread and wine/water to your table as we prepare for our celebration, lead by our   founder and priest Ann. 

Opening Song Weave Us Together https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiTS6RPYTNE                        We are many textures,
we are many colours,
Each one different from the other.
But we are entwined with one another
in one great tapestry.

Weave, weave, weave us together,
Weave us together, in unity and love.
Weave, weave, weave us together,
weave us together, together in love.


We are diff’rent instruments,
playing our own melodies,
Each one tuning to a diff’rent key.
But we are all playing in harmony,
in one great symphony.

Weave, weave, weave us together,
Weave us together, in unity and love.
Weave, weave, weave us together,
weave us together, together in love.


A moment ago, we did not know
our unity, only diversity,
Now the Christ in me
greets the Christ in thee,
in one great family.

Weave, weave, weave us together,
Weave us together, in unity and love.
Weave, weave, weave us together,
weave us together, together in love.

Opening Prayer                                                                               Presider: We gather here today to celebrate how a dream of God incarnated in us, the Free Spirit Community.  We ask you O Creator God,  to expand the horizons of our limited imaginations and awaken in our souls, dangerous dreams for a new tomorrow and enkindle in us the Fire of Your Love.  ALL: Amen                                                                                        

Liturgy of the Word

Mark First Reading:  Acts 2:1-11                                                             When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.
And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind,
and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Now there were devout people from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.
At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

They were astounded, and in amazement they asked,
“Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?
Then how does each of us hear them in his native language?
We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the marvels of God.

These are the words of the Acts of the Apostles and the community affirms them with, AMEN!

Responsorial Companions on the Journey (slideshow by Mark)

Christina Second Reading:  Vision Statement                                       Free Spirit Inclusive Catholic Community is a welcoming community that provides its members and guests the Living Waters of Christ Sophia.  We offer vibrant sacramental celebrations and spiritual formation experiences to empower one another to be co-creators with God of a peaceful, just and caring world.

Gospel Acclamation –    

Spirit of the Living God                                                          Fall fresh on us

Melt us, mold us,

Fill us, use us,

Spirit of the Living God

Fall fresh on us

Gary Gospel:  John 20:19-23 – 

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the authorities. 

Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  Having said this, the savior showed them the marks of crucifixion.

The disciples were filled with joy when they saw Jesus, who said to them again, “Peace be with you.  As Abba God sent me, so I’m sending you.”

After saying this, Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven.  If you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained.  These are the inspired words of John, a disciple of Jesus and the community affirms them with, AMEN!

Homily

We have experienced many things in eight years-hurricanes, illnesses, deaths, grandbabies being born, children moving away, a year of quarantine, civil strife.  Among positive world events during this time are same-sex marriage became legal in all 50 US states, the viral infection rubella has been eliminated, the US congress is becoming more diverse, Sesame Street’s newest resident, Julia is an autistic child, and the world population of mountain gorillas is increasing. 

  Life can be compared to a weaving together of a myriad of things, some we like and others we don’t much care for. One of the earliest challenges we faced on the Founders Circle was whether to have the word “Catholic” in our name.  Still, sometimes people ask me, why not start something new, quit the Catholic church?  I heard a clear call to this tradition, which remember is not limited or defined by the hierarchy, no matter what they say or believe.  Catholicism has beautiful traditions, a veritable cornucopia of spiritual delights. I have been deeply touched by the many Saints of our tradition who struggled and are struggling to live in conformity with Jesus.  They did and are doing amazing things. They open me to the wonder and awe of God.  Catholicism is deeply embedded in my heart and soul.

 I still use a paper calendar, for me it is a better instrument of planning than the electronic ones.  The point being that sometimes we keep one foot in the old and one in the new.  Has Free Spirit made a difference?  Are we creating positive changes in the institutional church?  The structural reforms that the women’s priest movement is embracing and that we are using as the model for our community, are in the infancy stage.  Who knows how it will turn out?  Certainly, the first Christians could have never envisioned the Church that we all grew up in.  But they believed something new had been revealed in Jesus.  Jesus opened them up to a new way of being in the world.  And that is one of our essential tasks and gifts to the Catholic Church and world-to recover and reclaim essential truths of our faith rooted in Jesus.  That the realm of God is to be understood experientially, beyond the limits of time and space.  This is mysticism and impossible to codify and control.  Jesus in the third chapter of John says the Holy Spirit is like the wind, “that blows where it will and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or where it goes”.  We here at Free Spirit have heard that Ruah, that breath of God and joined Her breath with ours, that breath of God that in the words of Irish theologian, Diarmuid O’Murchu, is:

 “breathing down on our troubled world.  We are shaking the foundations of our crumbling institutional church and breaking the rules that keep you, O Fire of Love, out of sacred places and we are from the dust and rubble, gathering up seedlings of a New Creation.”  

We are the tender seedlings who will blossom if we trust Spirit Divine to be our guide. Let us pray frequently for the grace to hear Her more and more. If we stay true to the Living God, there is only one place to go-the place of Fullness of Life.  May it be so!

Questions for shared homily: (choose one)

What does the Free Spirit Community mean to you?

What drew you to Free Spirit? What attracts you to this style of spirituality?

Do you have a personal story to relate about how you were led to Free Spirit?

Is the Holy Spirit present? If so, how?

ALL: 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.

Sharing of the Peace 

Presider:  Let us celebrate our faith by joining in song and body movement to Namaste:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hxf8QFTkYY8 

Prayers of the Community Please submit by email to Ann before the liturgy

For all those who have been wounded by institutional church, that they may experience Spirit Divine and find peace within.

For Patrick O’Neill and the other Kings Bay Plowshares activists’  safety and peace of mind during their incarceration.

                                Eucharistic Prayer

Presider:  With open hearts and hands let us pray our Eucharistic prayer in one voice:

All:  We gather together today to give thanks for the great gift of the Spirit/Sophia.  It is through her gifts of discernment, wisdom, and love that this Free Spirit Community came to be.  We celebrate today the eighth anniversary of our birth.  Our prophetic vision is to be an inclusive community, providing equal treatment of all.  The Spirit has called us to courageous service in promoting social justice and ecological sustainability.  We come together today, realizing our limitations in light of the great work that lies ahead.  We place our hope in Christ that the work which began in the Spirit will continue to transform us until our heart’s desires are brought to fruition.

Presider:  Guiding Spirt, we are full of gratitude today for the many gifts you have bestowed on this community.  You have bathed us in your light, you have stirred our hearts, you have grown us as individuals and as a community.  We trust that our continued openness to your presence in our community will inspire and enable us to face the future with your peace.

ALL: Amen

Holy Holy Holy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTewBnxBy30 

We are holy, holy, holy.

We are holy, holy, holy.

We are holy, holy, holy.

We are whole.

Spirit Divine, Come to me.

Feeling love, healing me.

Open My heart, allow me to see,

Beauty and love, lives in me.

You are holy, holy, holy

We are whole

I am whole

All:  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.

Presider:  On the night before he faced his own death, Jesus sat at table with his friends and taught them, and to fix that memory clearly with them, he bent down and washed their feet.  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.

Presider continues:  Then he took the cup of the covenant, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying:  Take and drink.  Whenever you remember me like this, I am among you.

Virtual Community: (recited in litany form by individuals) 

Sue Holy One, your transforming energy is within us and we join our hearts with all who are working for a just world.

Maureen We pray for wise leaders in our religious communities.

We pray for courageous and compassionate leaders in our world communities.

We pray for those working to end hunger.

We pray for those who strive to bring about a just and equal society.

We pray for all those who honor the earth and work for its sustainability.

We pray for our families and friends.

        We pray in thanksgiving for Christina, Gary, Liza, Lynn and Mark for their “yes” to Free Spirit’s birth,

We pray for ourselves and for Ann that her gifts may bond us and direct us to grow in your Spirit.

Presider:  Let us pray as Jesus taught us:

All:  Holy One, you are 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. (Adapted by Miriam Therese Winter)

LITANY FOR THE BREAKING OF BREAD

ALL:  Fountain of Life,                                                        You call us to spirit-filled living; we embrace a life of Spirit and Truth.  

Fountain of Life,                                                                                 You call us to spirit-filled service; we will serve with compassion.  

Fountain of Life,                                                                   You call us to be Your spirit in the world, we will be your peacemakers.

(Presider and distance congregation lifts bread and wine, live congregation lifts hands in blessing )

All:  This is the Body of Christ for the Body of Christ!

Communion Song Spirit Come https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Zn4BU2BCNL0 

Announcements  

Noon Day Prayer, tomorrow at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, this is outdoors and masks are required .  Sponsored by Interfaith Clergy

Need a few laughs?  Movie night at Gary’s?  If you’ve never seen “What About Bob?” or seen it often, let’s get together and enjoy the mirth.  What’s a good day?

Reminder: “Healing Justice” film showing Thursday, June 3 at 815pm via Zoom, link will be sent that morning

Friday June 18, 6pm, Greenville Grooves and Juneteenth Celebration at Town Common.  Does anyone want to gather together for this?  Food trucks will be providing eats or we could have a pot luck picnic!

Blessing

Presider:  I invite you to lift your hands in mutual blessing:      May the Spirit of God who illuminates us and leads us to places we would rather not go,                                                                 expand the horizons of our limited imaginations,                                 awaken in our soul’s dangerous dreams for a new tomorrow and rekindle in our hearts the fire of prophetic enthusiasm.

All:  Let It Be So!

All:  May the Fire of Love ignite our hearts and radiate compassion through us.  May we continue to be the face, hands and feet of Christ Sophia, and may we be a blessing in our time. Amen!

Closing Song: Joyful, Joyful (Julie plays on violin)

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,                                                God of glory, Lord of Love,                                                   Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,                                           Hail Thee as the sun above,                                                         Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,                                                        Drive the dark of doubt away,                                                            Giver of immortal gladness,                                                                      Fill us with the light of day.

                                                                                          All All Thy works with joy surround Thee,                                                          Earth and Heaven reflect Thy rays,                                                                Stars and angels sing around Thee                                             Center of unbroken praise                                                           Field and forest, vale and mountain,                                                  Blossoming meadow, flashing sea,                                                 Chanting bird and flowing fountain                                                             Call us to rejoice in thee

This liturgy composed in association with the Free Spirit Inclusive Catholic Community Liturgy Committee: Barbara Glatthorn, Kate Cole and Liza Hardy-Braz

Special thanks to Mark Harrington for sharing his Mad Max IT skills.