I read with rapt attention the article, “Priests can bless same-sex couples, Pope says” (Dec. 19). While this decree is very wishy-washy and actually insulting to same sex couples because they still can’t marry in the Catholic Church, it may be progress.
As an excommunicated priest with the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests, I look at the blessing as a hopeful step and I’m waiting to see what comes next. Will our brother Pope Francis eventually make a bold statement for women’s equality by affirming the ordination of women priests?
Of course, I and many others support marriage for same-sex couples just as much as I want equality for women in the church. My faith tells me that a loving church encompasses inclusiveness in all its facets.
We are grateful for your ongoing support of our mission of ordaining women and all genders to promote women’s full equality in the Church. We are planning an Ordination of several candidates to the diaconate and priesthood from Europe and the United States in Rome during the Synod in October 2024. As the Synod meets to discuss further study of women in the diaconate, our prophetic witness will demonstrate that women are serving in inclusive communities in a Church for everyone. Therefore, we will have additional expenses for this prophetic action.,
We count on your financial support this year. Please donate through our ARCWP website by clicking on the link below
ARCWP 5342 Clark Road – PMB #1073 Sarasota, FL 34233
As you know, ARCWP, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) organization; all donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Every donation is significant regardless of amount.
Our movement is growing, and our costs are increasing! May we remain hopeful and joyful in proclaiming Good News, celebrating the sacred in ritual with God’s holy people, and continue to be prophets and peacemakers in our world.
On behalf of our entire international ARCWP movement, I thank you. May the Holy One continue to bless you and all those you love!
Sincerely,
The Finance Committee of ARCWP
ARCWP, Inc. - 5342 Clark Rd. PMB# 1073 - Sarasota, FL 34233
My friends Marion and Mark share their Thanksgiving dinner at McDonalds
Theologian Elizabeth Johnson summarizes the prophetic path as following a merciful God who abounds in kindness:
Abounding in kindness, the holy mystery of God is love beyond imagining. Not enough people seem to know this, even those who practice the Christian religion. But the drumbeat of this good news resounds throughout the history of ancient Israel where, from the start of their liberation from slavery, people encountered “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). The drumbeat becomes unmistakably intense in Jesus Christ who preached and enacted divine compassion in startling ways, all the way to the cross and beyond. Its volume ramps up in the church wherever this word is heard and practiced amid the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of people of this age.
This is not a word that returns to its Maker empty. Working creatively for peace amid horrific violence; struggling for justice in the face of massive poverty and military oppression; advocating ecological wholeness for the earth’s life-giving systems and stressed-out species; educating the young and the old; healing the sick and comforting those in despair; creating beauty; taking joy in nourishing children; promoting freedom for captives: the list could go on because the needs are enormous. Even a simple cup of cold water given in Christ’s name symbolizes how the abounding kindness of God becomes effective in this world. [1]
For Johnson, God’s compassion and solidarity for those who are suffering requires us to show the same:
If the heart of divine mystery is turned in compassion toward the world, then devotion to this God draws persons into the shape of divine communion with all others: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). To deny one’s connection with the suffering needs of others is to detach oneself from divine communion.
The praxis of mercy is propelled by this dynamic. So too is committed work on behalf of peace, human rights, economic justice, and the transformation of social structures. For those who engage in this work out of deep contemplative experience, it is far from mere activism or simple good deeds. Rather, solidarity with those who suffer, being there with commitment to their flourishing, is the locus of encounter with the living God. Through what is basically a prophetic stance, one shares in the passion of God for the world.…
The preferential option for the poor must now include the vulnerable, voiceless, nonhuman species and the ravaged natural world itself, all of which are kin to humankind. Loving these neighbors as their very selves, committed religious persons develop moral principles, political structures, and lifestyles that promote other creatures’ thriving and halt their exploitation. For the prophetic passion flowing from contemplative insight, action on behalf of justice for the earth participates in the compassionate care of the Creator God who wills the glorious well-being of the whole interdependent community of life. [2]
References:
[1] Elizabeth A. Johnson, introduction to Abounding in Kindness: Writings for the People of God (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2015), viii.
[2] Johnson, Abounding in Kindness, 47–48.
Image credit: Madison Frambes, Untitled 8 (detail), 2023, naturally dyed paper and ink, Mexico, used with permission. Click here to enlarge image.
The prophetic path is a daily choice to walk along an ever-unfolding landscape.
The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP) join faith-based, humanitarian communities and all people of good will around the world in condemning Hamas’ October 7 brutal attack on Israel that caused the loss of life of over 1,200 Israelis and citizens of other nations. We call for the immediate release of all civilians Hamas captured and holds hostage.
This horrific violence of Hamas does not justify Israel’s retaliation with large-scale air bombardment and ground invasion that continues to have an indiscriminate and tragically disproportionate impact on civilians. We condemn this collective punishment imposed upon the more than 2.2 million Palestinians living in Gaza when, on October 8, the Israeli government cut off water, gas, and electricity, and all goods and supplies to the territory, putting even more pressure on a community already suffering from a humanitarian crisis more than a decade in the making. The pace of killing, injuring and destroying the infrastructure needs to stop with immediate unilateral ceasefire, adequate humanitarian aid, and peace with justice for everyone.
ARCWP will continue to stand in solidarity with all faith-based and humanist groups calling for a peaceful and just settlement for the Hamas-Israel conflict. We stand in solidarity with all people suffering from war and violence around the world.
MMOJ Liturgy- Christmas Eve- Dec. 24, 2023, Presiders: Bridget Mary Meehan and Beth Ponce, Readers: Anna Davis and Mary Al, Prayer Leaders: Jerry and Suzanne Bires, IT: Cheryl Brandi
Beth: Welcome to Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community where everyone is welcome to share in our celebration of the Eucharist. Please have bread and wine/juice nearby as we pray our Eucharistic prayer.
Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and of the Christ Presence in human hearts everywhere. Thomas Merton wrote: “Christ is born in us today in order that he may appear to the whole world through us.” We gather at this holy meal to celebrate the Christ Presence born in us and through us each day.
Opening Song: Cedarmont Kids - Angels We Have Heard on High
Beth: Emmanuel, God-with-us, we rejoice in your birth in Bethlehem and in your coming anew as the Presence of Christ within our souls. We are your dwelling place. We are now your Bethlehem. Like the angels and shepherds who were filled with wonder long ago, we sing and dance for joy as we welcome you again and again, in the love that flows through us to others. Amen, Alleluia!
LITURGY OF THE WORD
Anna :
First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of deep shadows a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us; They name him Wonder-Counselor, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful.
These are the inspired words of the Prophet Isaiah, and we respond
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Psalm Response: When Love Was Born - sung by Mark Schultz
Second Reading: From Excerpts from A Sermon by Pastor Dawn Hutchins
In a world gone mad, in a world where we have yet to learn just how to love one another, Christ comes to us. When we are hurting, when we are in pain, when our world is darkest, Christ comes to us. When we are sick and tired. Christ comes to us. When we have given up and can no longer bear to hope. Christ comes to us. CHRIST is our GOD which is the LOVE taking on flesh and dwelling among us. Christ laughs with us, cries with us, rejoices with us, suffers with us, heals with us, walks with us, shouts with us, struggles with us and loves with us. That beautiful parable of Jesus’ birth in the midst of deep darkness is the story of a child born to liberate people from fear. In that beautiful parable of Jesus’ birth is the Cosmic truth of LOVE’s power to burst forth even in the darkest of times.
For our GOD is the LOVE in which we live and move and have our being. Our GOD lives and breathes in, with, through, and beyond us. LOVE lives and breathes in, with, through, and beyond us.
Have no fear for LOVE is born over and over again, in us, among us, through us, and beyond us. Therein lies the hopes and fears of all the years, met in LOVE tonight. Come by here O LOVE, come by here. Come by here and help us to bring the good news of great joy for all the people. Come by here and help us to sing Glory to God in the highest heaven and on Earth peace good will, and good health to all. Come by here O LOVE. Come by here. O LOVE come by here.
Do you hear what I hear? It is the sound of the SPIRIT of LOVE breathing in us. LOVE has come by here. LOVE has come by you. LOVE comes into the world day after day after day. Embrace LOVE, so that you can bring Good News of great joy. Joy to the world. For LOVE has come! You are ONE with the LOVE, which IS BEYOND, the BEYOND, and BEYOND that ALSO, our LOVER, BELOVED, and LOVE Itself! Merry Christmas! GOD has blessed us everyone! Amen.
These are the inspired words of Pastor Dawn Hutchins and we respond
Gospel: A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 2:1-14
In those days, Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole Roman world. This first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone went to register, each to the town of their birth. And so, Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s town of Bethlehem in Judea, because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David; he went to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was pregnant.
While they were there, the time came for her delivery. She gave birth to her firstborn and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.
There were shepherds in the area living in the fields and keeping nightwatch by turns over their flock. The angel of God appeared to them, and the glory of God shone around them, they were very much afraid. The angel said to them, “You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you - tidings of great joy to be shared by the whole people. This day in David’s city, a savior - the Messiah - has been born to you. Let this be a sign to you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts, praising God and saying,
Glory to God in high heavens! And on earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.
These are the inspired words of the evangelist Luke. We respond
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Homily Starter: Bridget Mary and Beth Ponce
A Meditation - Christ is born through us by Bridget Mary
BMM: Imagine that you were present in the stable with Mary and Joseph when Jesus was born.
Be aware of what you see, hear, or feel...
Like Jesus, Mary and Joseph who were forced to flee a ruler's terror, Christ is born today in refugee families, fleeing war and violence in their native lands...
Christ is born each day in the hungry, the homeless, the nobodies, the least and the last in our midst....
Christ is born through us when we visit the sick, comfort the grieving, and help those in need...
Christ is born through us when we look at life with eyes filled with child-like wonder...
Christ is born through us when we gather at table with family and friends to nourish one another...
Christ is born through us…when we listen to people with whom we disagree and treat them with respect....
Christ is born through us…when we welcome people of every race, nation and gender into a circle of love...
We rejoice this Christmas that we are Bethlehem where Christ is always welcome, loved and cherished in all people and creation!
(Silent pause)
Homily Starter:Beth Ponce
Community Sharing: Share one way Christ is born anew through us/others in our world today.
Statement of Faith:
Jerry and ALL:
We believe in God who is creator and nurturer of all. We believe in Jesus, the Christ, who is our love, our hope, and our light. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the breath of Wisdom Sophia, who energizes and guides us to build caring communities and to challenge injustices. We believe in the communion of saints our heavenly friends, who support us on life’s journey. We believe in the partnership and equality of women and men in our church and world. We believe that all are one in the community of creation. We believe that God calls us to live fully, love tenderly, and serve generously. Amen.
(Statement of Faith from Bridget Mary)
Prayers of the Community: Suzanne
For a deeper realization of the Christ Presence working through us each day, we pray. ALL: May Christ be born anew in us each day.
For good health, energy and vitality for ourselves and all for whom, we pray
ALL: May Christ be born anew in us each day.
For healing for the sick and comfort for the grieving, we pray
ALL: May Christ be born anew in us each day.
For our loved ones who have passed into God's eternal embrace, we pray.
ALL: May Christ be born anew in us each day.
Joan Meehan shares Prayer Intentions in MMOJ book
and for what else do we pray?
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Preparation of The Gifts
(All hold bread plate)
Bridget Mary: Blessed are you, God of all Life. Through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you fruit of the earth, and work of human hands. It will become for us the bread of life.
ALL: Blessed by God forever.
(All hold cup)
Beth: Blessed are you, God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink.
Mary Kay: Blessed by God forever.
PREFACE
Jerry : God dwells in us.
ALL: And in all people everywhere.
Suzanne: Lift up your hearts.
ALL: We lift them up in the joy of Divine Presence within us.
Jerry : Affirm the power of love within you and within all.
ALL: Alleluia
Jerry: With all creation and the angels and saints, we sing our hymn of praise:
Suzanne: Mothering Presence, you brought forth all creation from your Life-Giving Womb. O Giver of all Gifts, you came as Love Poured Out to dwell among us. You revealed yourself in Mary's womb, in a shining star, in humble shepherds, and in a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Jerry: Today, we see the Christ Presence shining forth as pure love in the eyes of the elderly, in the service of care-givers, in the witness of justice-makers, and in the dreams embedded in our own hearts. We give thanks for the Giver of Abundant gifts that nourishes and sustains us. We commit ourselves to be gifts of your goodness and generosity as we serve the needs of the least and the last in our world.
Invocation of the Holy Spirit:
( All raise hands toward bread and wine for Invocation of the Holy Spirit)
Beth: We ritualize the Christ Presence born anew each day in us and in the entire cosmos as we pray:
All: Come Holy Spirit deepen your Presence within us and in these gifts of bread and wine.
Bridget Mary: Now, as we share the bread of life and lift the cup of blessing at this festive meal we pray:
Bridget Mary and ALL: On the night before he died, while at supper with his friends, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to them saying, “Take this, all of you, and eat. Do this in memory of me.”
Pause for silent reflection
Beth and ALL: In the same way, Jesus took the cup of wine. He said the blessing, gave the cup to his friends and said, “Take this all of you and drink. Do this in memory of me.”
Pause for silent reflection
Beth and ALL: Let us proclaim the sacred presence of our nurturing God: Jesus, you are born again and again in us and through us each day.
Suzanne: We remember the prophet and saints in every age, who, like candles in the night, illuminated the darkness of doubt with faith, courage and wisdom: Miriam and Moses, Mary, Mother of Jesus, and Joseph, and all our beloved family and friends. We recall the spiritual treasures they passed down to us through the ages.
Jerry: We join in the divine cosmic dance in communion with all that is, all that was, and all that will be. Through Christ, in Christ, with Christ, all praise and glory echoes through the universe as your Spirit leaps for joy within 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
THE SIGN OF PEACE
Beth: Jesus, you said: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. May we be the peace we wish to see in the world. Let us share a gesture of deep peace and justice with everyone in the circle of life as we bow toward you with hands folded, saying together:
ALL: The peace of Christ be with you. Namaste, Namaste, Namaste.
LITANY FOR THE BREAKING OF BREAD
BMM and ALL:
Loving God, we are called to speak truth to power. We will do so.
Loving God, we are called to live the Gospel of peace and justice. We will do so.
Loving God, we are called to be Your presence in the world. We will do so.
Beth and ALL:
We are the hands and feet of Christ in our world. All are invited to this banquet of love.
Beth : Receive the Bread of Life and Cup of Blessing.
Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright
Round every birthday, each mother and child Each Holy Infant is tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, each holy child sleep in peace.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
BMM: May your tender presence continue to open our hearts to the daily miracles of Christ Presence that surround us each day. May Christ be born anew through us in our world this Christmas and New Year! ALL: Amen.
Welcome, Gratitude, and Announcements
CONCLUDING RITE
DISMISSAL
Beth: The Holy One is within you. ALL: May we sing and dance for joy as we celebrate every day as Christmas!
BLESSING (everyone please extend your hands in mutual blessing)
BMM: Let us rejoice that Christ is born anew through you and me in our world today. Go in peace and let the service continue.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
CONCLUDING HYMN: Joy to World - Music (see new words!)
Sound forth the news that Wisdom comes to bring new life to birth. Arise with hope, Her labor join, and peace shall fill the earth, and peace shall fill the earth, and peace, and peace shall fill the earth.
No more let fear and custom hide the path of Wisdom fair. She leads the way to life and joy, with gifts for all to share, with gifts for all to share, with gifts, with gifts for all to share.
Joyful are we who heed the call of Wisdom in our souls. With Her we break oppression’s wall, so love may freely flow, so love may freely flow, so love, so love may freely flow.
Crown Wisdom Queen of heaven and earth; Her reign will set us free. Fling wide the gates that all may come join hands and dance with glee, join hands and dance with glee, join hands, join hands and dance with glee.
MMOJ Liturgy- Christmas Eve- Dec. 24, 2023, Presiders: Bridget Mary Meehan and Beth Ponce, Readers: Anna Davis and Mary Al, Prayer Leaders: Jerry and Suzanne Bires, IT: Cheryl Brandi
Beth: Welcome to Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community where everyone is welcome to share in our celebration of the Eucharist. Please have bread and wine/juice nearby as we pray our Eucharistic prayer.
Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and of the Christ Presence in human hearts everywhere. Thomas Merton wrote: “Christ is born in us today in order that he may appear to the whole world through us.” We gather at this holy meal to celebrate the Christ Presence born in us and through us each day.
Opening Song: Cedarmont Kids - Angels We Have Heard on High
Beth: Emmanuel, God-with-us, we rejoice in your birth in Bethlehem and in your coming anew as the Presence of Christ within our souls. We are your dwelling place. We are now your Bethlehem. Like the angels and shepherds who were filled with wonder long ago, we sing and dance for joy as we welcome you again and again, in the love that flows through us to others. Amen, Alleluia!
LITURGY OF THE WORD
Anna :
First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of deep shadows a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us; They name him Wonder-Counselor, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful.
These are the inspired words of the Prophet Isaiah, and we respond
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Psalm Response: When Love Was Born - sung by Mark Schultz
Second Reading: From Excerpts from A Sermon by Pastor Dawn Hutchins
In a world gone mad, in a world where we have yet to learn just how to love one another, Christ comes to us. When we are hurting, when we are in pain, when our world is darkest, Christ comes to us. When we are sick and tired. Christ comes to us. When we have given up and can no longer bear to hope. Christ comes to us. CHRIST is our GOD which is the LOVE taking on flesh and dwelling among us. Christ laughs with us, cries with us, rejoices with us, suffers with us, heals with us, walks with us, shouts with us, struggles with us and loves with us. That beautiful parable of Jesus’ birth in the midst of deep darkness is the story of a child born to liberate people from fear. In that beautiful parable of Jesus’ birth is the Cosmic truth of LOVE’s power to burst forth even in the darkest of times.
For our GOD is the LOVE in which we live and move and have our being. Our GOD lives and breathes in, with, through, and beyond us. LOVE lives and breathes in, with, through, and beyond us.
Have no fear for LOVE is born over and over again, in us, among us, through us, and beyond us. Therein lies the hopes and fears of all the years, met in LOVE tonight. Come by here O LOVE, come by here. Come by here and help us to bring the good news of great joy for all the people. Come by here and help us to sing Glory to God in the highest heaven and on Earth peace good will, and good health to all. Come by here O LOVE. Come by here. O LOVE come by here.
Do you hear what I hear? It is the sound of the SPIRIT of LOVE breathing in us. LOVE has come by here. LOVE has come by you. LOVE comes into the world day after day after day. Embrace LOVE, so that you can bring Good News of great joy. Joy to the world. For LOVE has come! You are ONE with the LOVE, which IS BEYOND, the BEYOND, and BEYOND that ALSO, our LOVER, BELOVED, and LOVE Itself! Merry Christmas! GOD has blessed us everyone! Amen.
These are the inspired words of Pastor Dawn Hutchins and we respond
Gospel: A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 2:1-14
In those days, Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole Roman world. This first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone went to register, each to the town of their birth. And so, Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s town of Bethlehem in Judea, because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David; he went to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was pregnant.
While they were there, the time came for her delivery. She gave birth to her firstborn and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.
There were shepherds in the area living in the fields and keeping nightwatch by turns over their flock. The angel of God appeared to them, and the glory of God shone around them, they were very much afraid. The angel said to them, “You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you - tidings of great joy to be shared by the whole people. This day in David’s city, a savior - the Messiah - has been born to you. Let this be a sign to you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts, praising God and saying,
Glory to God in high heavens! And on earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.
These are the inspired words of the evangelist Luke. We respond
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Homily Starter: Bridget Mary and Beth Ponce
A Meditation - Christ is born through us by Bridget Mary
BMM: Imagine that you were present in the stable with Mary and Joseph when Jesus was born.
Be aware of what you see, hear, or feel...
Like Jesus, Mary and Joseph who were forced to flee a ruler's terror, Christ is born today in refugee families, fleeing war and violence in their native lands...
Christ is born each day in the hungry, the homeless, the nobodies, the least and the last in our midst....
Christ is born through us when we visit the sick, comfort the grieving, and help those in need...
Christ is born through us when we look at life with eyes filled with child-like wonder...
Christ is born through us when we gather at table with family and friends to nourish one another...
Christ is born through us…when we listen to people with whom we disagree and treat them with respect....
Christ is born through us…when we welcome people of every race, nation and gender into a circle of love...
We rejoice this Christmas that we are Bethlehem where Christ is always welcome, loved and cherished in all people and creation!
(Silent pause)
Homily Starter:Beth Ponce
Community Sharing: Share one way Christ is born anew through us/others in our world today.
Statement of Faith:
Jerry and ALL:
We believe in God who is creator and nurturer of all. We believe in Jesus, the Christ, who is our love, our hope, and our light. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the breath of Wisdom Sophia, who energizes and guides us to build caring communities and to challenge injustices. We believe in the communion of saints our heavenly friends, who support us on life’s journey. We believe in the partnership and equality of women and men in our church and world. We believe that all are one in the community of creation. We believe that God calls us to live fully, love tenderly, and serve generously. Amen.
(Statement of Faith from Bridget Mary)
Prayers of the Community: Suzanne
For a deeper realization of the Christ Presence working through us each day, we pray. ALL: May Christ be born anew in us each day.
For good health, energy and vitality for ourselves and all for whom, we pray
ALL: May Christ be born anew in us each day.
For healing for the sick and comfort for the grieving, we pray
ALL: May Christ be born anew in us each day.
For our loved ones who have passed into God's eternal embrace, we pray.
ALL: May Christ be born anew in us each day.
Joan Meehan shares Prayer Intentions in MMOJ book
and for what else do we pray?
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Preparation of The Gifts
(All hold bread plate)
Bridget Mary: Blessed are you, God of all Life. Through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you fruit of the earth, and work of human hands. It will become for us the bread of life.
ALL: Blessed by God forever.
(All hold cup)
Beth: Blessed are you, God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink.
Mary Kay: Blessed by God forever.
PREFACE
Jerry : God dwells in us.
ALL: And in all people everywhere.
Suzanne: Lift up your hearts.
ALL: We lift them up in the joy of Divine Presence within us.
Jerry : Affirm the power of love within you and within all.
ALL: Alleluia
Jerry: With all creation and the angels and saints, we sing our hymn of praise:
Suzanne: Mothering Presence, you brought forth all creation from your Life-Giving Womb. O Giver of all Gifts, you came as Love Poured Out to dwell among us. You revealed yourself in Mary's womb, in a shining star, in humble shepherds, and in a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Jerry: Today, we see the Christ Presence shining forth as pure love in the eyes of the elderly, in the service of care-givers, in the witness of justice-makers, and in the dreams embedded in our own hearts. We give thanks for the Giver of Abundant gifts that nourishes and sustains us. We commit ourselves to be gifts of your goodness and generosity as we serve the needs of the least and the last in our world.
Invocation of the Holy Spirit:
( All raise hands toward bread and wine for Invocation of the Holy Spirit)
Beth: We ritualize the Christ Presence born anew each day in us and in the entire cosmos as we pray:
All: Come Holy Spirit deepen your Presence within us and in these gifts of bread and wine.
Bridget Mary: Now, as we share the bread of life and lift the cup of blessing at this festive meal we pray:
Bridget Mary and ALL: On the night before he died, while at supper with his friends, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to them saying, “Take this, all of you, and eat. Do this in memory of me.”
Pause for silent reflection
Beth and ALL: In the same way, Jesus took the cup of wine. He said the blessing, gave the cup to his friends and said, “Take this all of you and drink. Do this in memory of me.”
Pause for silent reflection
Beth and ALL: Let us proclaim the sacred presence of our nurturing God: Jesus, you are born again and again in us and through us each day.
Suzanne: We remember the prophet and saints in every age, who, like candles in the night, illuminated the darkness of doubt with faith, courage and wisdom: Miriam and Moses, Mary, Mother of Jesus, and Joseph, and all our beloved family and friends. We recall the spiritual treasures they passed down to us through the ages.
Jerry: We join in the divine cosmic dance in communion with all that is, all that was, and all that will be. Through Christ, in Christ, with Christ, all praise and glory echoes through the universe as your Spirit leaps for joy within 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
THE SIGN OF PEACE
Beth: Jesus, you said: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. May we be the peace we wish to see in the world. Let us share a gesture of deep peace and justice with everyone in the circle of life as we bow toward you with hands folded, saying together:
ALL: The peace of Christ be with you. Namaste, Namaste, Namaste.
LITANY FOR THE BREAKING OF BREAD
BMM and ALL:
Loving God, we are called to speak truth to power. We will do so.
Loving God, we are called to live the Gospel of peace and justice. We will do so.
Loving God, we are called to be Your presence in the world. We will do so.
Beth and ALL:
We are the hands and feet of Christ in our world. All are invited to this banquet of love.
Beth : Receive the Bread of Life and Cup of Blessing.
Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright
Round every birthday, each mother and child Each Holy Infant is tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, each holy child sleep in peace.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
BMM: May your tender presence continue to open our hearts to the daily miracles of Christ Presence that surround us each day. May Christ be born anew through us in our world this Christmas and New Year! ALL: Amen.
Welcome, Gratitude, and Announcements
CONCLUDING RITE
DISMISSAL
Beth: The Holy One is within you. ALL: May we sing and dance for joy as we celebrate every day as Christmas!
BLESSING (everyone please extend your hands in mutual blessing)
BMM: Let us rejoice that Christ is born anew through you and me in our world today. Go in peace and let the service continue.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
CONCLUDING HYMN: Joy to World - Music (see new words!)
Sound forth the news that Wisdom comes to bring new life to birth. Arise with hope, Her labor join, and peace shall fill the earth, and peace shall fill the earth, and peace, and peace shall fill the earth.
No more let fear and custom hide the path of Wisdom fair. She leads the way to life and joy, with gifts for all to share, with gifts for all to share, with gifts, with gifts for all to share.
Joyful are we who heed the call of Wisdom in our souls. With Her we break oppression’s wall, so love may freely flow, so love may freely flow, so love, so love may freely flow.
Crown Wisdom Queen of heaven and earth; Her reign will set us free. Fling wide the gates that all may come join hands and dance with glee, join hands and dance with glee, join hands, join hands and dance with glee.
