bishop certificate cmccmmcm----105105 · pdf fileyet all these people ... specially identified...

I would like to put together a ‘Carpe Diem Liturgy

community who experience a deep sense of loneliness: single parents, widowers, bachelors, in between jobs or relationships..

Three years ago, All Saints Anglican Church, Nelson Bay

well as reinforcing existing ministries (Seniors’ group, bereavement care...) new ministries were put in place like a weekly

5y.o and the Open Door Café and more recently an ESL (English as a Se

cultures...

For instance, The Open Door Café’s main goal is to

serve tea, coffee, cappuccino, fizzy drinks and light lunch three days a week, from 10am ‘till 2pm.

limitative ministry but the real purpose and great skills of our ministers is to ‘Be there...’ receiving, hosting and warmly

they are... Very close to a ‘Fresh Expression of the Church’ is it? Yet, what about the liturgical side of this ministry...

Over the years, people have come and go from all spheres of our community

passer by... Some became ‘regulars’, some we never saw again, some

BISHOP CERTIFICATEBISHOP CERTIFICATEBISHOP CERTIFICATEBISHOP CERTIFICATE

Introduction

iturgy’ open to all who find themselves in a transitional stage of their lives,

community who experience a deep sense of loneliness: single parents, widowers, bachelors, in between jobs or relationships..

All Saints Anglican Church, Nelson Bay decided to go even further in its mission to reach out to

well as reinforcing existing ministries (Seniors’ group, bereavement care...) new ministries were put in place like a weekly

and more recently an ESL (English as a Second Language) group ministering to those coming from different

main goal is to welcome everyone and be a first line resource to all. Ministers

and light lunch three days a week, from 10am ‘till 2pm. That is what might appear to be a very

limitative ministry but the real purpose and great skills of our ministers is to ‘Be there...’ receiving, hosting and warmly

.. Very close to a ‘Fresh Expression of the Church’ is it? Yet, what about the liturgical side of this ministry...

Over the years, people have come and go from all spheres of our community. We welcomed visitors of the area, seasonal holiday people, and

we never saw again, some joined in our Church family or other resources in our community we were

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1 BISHOP CERTIFICATEBISHOP CERTIFICATEBISHOP CERTIFICATEBISHOP CERTIFICATE CMCMCMCM----105105105105

Catherine AllaireCatherine AllaireCatherine AllaireCatherine Allaire

’ open to all who find themselves in a transitional stage of their lives, particularly those in our

community who experience a deep sense of loneliness: single parents, widowers, bachelors, in between jobs or relationships...

ach out to the community. Therefore, as

well as reinforcing existing ministries (Seniors’ group, bereavement care...) new ministries were put in place like a weekly Play group for the 0-

cond Language) group ministering to those coming from different

and be a first line resource to all. Ministers at the Café are on duty to

That is what might appear to be a very

limitative ministry but the real purpose and great skills of our ministers is to ‘Be there...’ receiving, hosting and warmly welcoming people as

.. Very close to a ‘Fresh Expression of the Church’ is it? Yet, what about the liturgical side of this ministry...

. We welcomed visitors of the area, seasonal holiday people, and

in our Church family or other resources in our community we were

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able to refer them to. Yet all these people shared a common bond, beyond their cultural, social or age group, they all seemed to be experiencing

loneliness. They were at a ‘Liminal’ or transitional stage of their lives, in great need to interact with people, searching for a ‘safe place’ to rest.

Therefore, I believe it is essential to extend our welcome on a Liturgical level and meet the spiritual needs resulting from this LIMINAL (in

between, seeking, lonely or wandering) transitional state very often overwhelming for those people we encounter in our different ministries, in

our community...

Therefore I don’t want to propose a ‘replacement’ liturgy or a ‘converting’ one... I have in mind the contemplative community held by Fr

Cardenal in Solentiname Archipelago on Lake Nicaragua. His form of preaching was so close to the reality of his community, including every

members in the reflective process of his service and yet much inspiring for us all.

The ultimate purpose of this ‘Carpe Diem Liturgy’ would be to release Jesus’ love and great message opening a true humanity to be revealed in

our community:

‘Jesus is the Way, at (Open door café, Play n’Pray, Seniors’ Group...) of course He is here with us, come have a ‘cuppa’ with Him;

He is knocking at YOUR door don’t hesitate to invite Him in...’

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A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE ‘CARPE DIEM LITURGY’:

A Clear Bowl, specially identified to receive ‘RPP’ –Request Prayer Pebbles- would be placed in the vicinity of the Open Door Café,

preferably in the Church foyer. This Bowl, will be used as a receptacle for ‘Painted Pebbles’ gathered in a basket next to a very simple

Cross and lighted candle to symbolise the hope and renewed life through Christ...

Everyone would be invited and encouraged (without any pressure) to express their special needs-thanksgivings-private inner desires or

thoughts via ‘Painted Pebbles’ and put it/them in the Clear Bowl as a ‘Let Go, Let God’ metaphoric gesture...

These very special requests, therefore, would be an intimate, very personal interaction with God...

Each month a special liturgy would be celebrated in order to stop and pray for the content of our Clear Bowl and give thanks for our

Responsive God who hears our prayers and calms our fear and anguish. A God we can rely and can depend on to carry our inner

turmoils for us; God who is our Refuge and our Strength...

An especially custom made meditative service would be the nucleus of this liturgy, during which all participants will be invited to

remember those who took the time to ‘Let Go’ of their concerns and ‘Let God’... self-assured of His authority to receive and handle

them in His loving Grace and Forgiveness of our sins...

A ‘Special Intercession Candle’ illuminating all those prayer requests would be lighted by the minister on behalf of all who entrusted the

most inner thoughts of their heart and soul in the last month and in the weeks to come. White beach sand will be added by the leading

priest to the content of the bowl to symbolise the infinitesimal worries and hurts induced by those ‘Request-Prayer-Pebbles’. Finally,

water symbolising God’s renewal of life and the cleansing of our heart will be poured in the Clear Bowl.

A choice of Bible reading like a psalm will be presented to all participants in a non traditional way like a power point presentation as

well as a meditative inspiring reading of a text by a participant to remind us of God’s almighty forgiveness and Love for all His Creation.

Except for the time where singing will be performed a background of Australian bird songs will play on speakers...

In conclusion, the priest would insist on the great commissioning Jesus gave us all to minister to one another, reaffirming our

commitment in ministry following Jesus great commandment to serve and love our neighbours with the help of the Holy Spirit, inviting

all to gather around the ‘best cuppa in the Bay’ (at the Open Door Café, of course!).

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THE WELCOMING:

This service would be lead by a priest. Welcoming and introducing him/herself to all participants it will be emphasised that ‘EVERYONE IS

WELCOME IN GOD’S PRESENCE’. This prelude to the service is most crucial as it would set the tone of the whole liturgy to come. We want

to have a warm, non-threatening, inviting atmosphere.

It would seem right to have the liturgy in the church Hall. The setting is very important here as it needs to be simple, warm and ‘cosy’, yet in

reverence to God and respect to our Anglican Tradition. Consequently, before the service, we need to prayerfully invite God’ Spirit to guide our

liturgy and inspire all participants...

The priest would be dress casually and be known by the participants (church goers or not). This implies that the priest would have been

‘mingling’ with the visitors of our ministries and our local community.

After greating the people, the priest says:

‘Loving God,

Thank you for all that is good,

For our creation and our humanity,

For the gifts of life and of one another,

For your love which is unbounded and eternal.

We come together in your presence,

Conscious of the great hopes you have for us,

Conscious of our own limitations and knowing that you love us still.

(A New Zealand Prayer Book)

An opening song would be play on CD or even better, played by on acoustic guitar by the priest or other participant. The choice of this song is

also very importantly welcoming, probably of more contemporary style and inviting to all... (“Come as you are”; “Here is love...”). Each

Participant will be giving a Welcoming booklet describing the Liturgy and providing the lyrics of the song and the text of the readings and

prayers. They will also be giving a bookmark to help them keep track of the service all of which they can bring home with them...

During this song, the ‘ELEMENTS OF THE LITURGY’

big circle of chairs for all participants to be joined and equally i

monitor, link to a laptop operated by a ‘computer

Again, it is important to note that the whole liturgy woul

candle will already be placed on the table in order to be lighted later during the liturgy.

already diffusing its soothing odour creating a mood for relaxation.

PRESENTATION OF THE ELEMENTS:

The Priest will move toward the table thanking the participant (using his/her name) for bringing the elements on which the Li

Each element will then be describe to the participants:

Glass Bowl and the Pebbles:

Our glass bowl holds the requests accumulated during the last month (or length of time between each liturgy). It is a clear

which transparency represents the purity and fragility of

We need to establish that These Pebbles are only a physical sign of all the prayer requests that have been deposit in the Cle

Note: Each pebble as been uniquely painted (hopefully by ki

request;


ELEMENTS OF THE LITURGY’ will be brought forward by participants and disposed on a

big circle of chairs for all participants to be joined and equally included, together with the leading priest (who will sit next to a wide screen

monitor, link to a laptop operated by a ‘computer-wiz’ behind a 3 legged easel exposing a painting by a local artist).

the whole liturgy would carry an atmosphere of simplicity and reverence to God and His Creation. A Special

candle will already be placed on the table in order to be lighted later during the liturgy. Soft burning essential oil (lavender, jasmine...) will

oothing odour creating a mood for relaxation.

The Priest will move toward the table thanking the participant (using his/her name) for bringing the elements on which the Li

to the participants:

Our glass bowl holds the requests accumulated during the last month (or length of time between each liturgy). It is a clear

which transparency represents the purity and fragility of those ‘RPP’ as they are entrusted in all humility to God...;

We need to establish that These Pebbles are only a physical sign of all the prayer requests that have been deposit in the Cle

Note: Each pebble as been uniquely painted (hopefully by kids from jam or playgroup) in order to represent the individuality and anonymity of each

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on a table placed in the centre of a

ncluded, together with the leading priest (who will sit next to a wide screen

wiz’ behind a 3 legged easel exposing a painting by a local artist).

d carry an atmosphere of simplicity and reverence to God and His Creation. A Special

Soft burning essential oil (lavender, jasmine...) will

The Priest will move toward the table thanking the participant (using his/her name) for bringing the elements on which the Liturgy will focus.

Our glass bowl holds the requests accumulated during the last month (or length of time between each liturgy). It is a clear glass (or plastic) bowl

those ‘RPP’ as they are entrusted in all humility to God...;

We need to establish that These Pebbles are only a physical sign of all the prayer requests that have been deposit in the Clear bowl.

ds from jam or playgroup) in order to represent the individuality and anonymity of each

Sand:

This white local beach (the name of the Beach to be mentioned) sand is to be incorporated in the bowl by the

infinitesimal yet innumerable worries and hurts

available in our area, can also be reminiscent of God’s presence in our lives, who is aware of all our inner most

receive them all no matter how deep or secretive the yearning of our hearts can be, even hidden, concealed from our conscious

are well known to Him...;

Water:

Water is life, through God’s unconditional love, through our Saviour Jesus Christ who took all our sins on himself to free us and reunite us with God!

Water would be poured in the bowl and graphically represent how it flows through the stones of our humanity; the sandy hurts

aspirations purge and cleanse to be entwined with God’s eternal love and forgiveness;

A Candle:

Finally, the priest will lit a candle and dispose it on top of it all... This candle will give light to all the elements in

rebirth in God’s forgiveness... God’s light that shines on our requests, on our lives, reaching the darkest corner of our he

guiding our daily existence, our journey through life, through Faith...


This white local beach (the name of the Beach to be mentioned) sand is to be incorporated in the bowl by the

worries and hurts that troubled our souls and brought us to present those ‘RPP’.

available in our area, can also be reminiscent of God’s presence in our lives, who is aware of all our inner most

receive them all no matter how deep or secretive the yearning of our hearts can be, even hidden, concealed from our conscious

unconditional love, through our Saviour Jesus Christ who took all our sins on himself to free us and reunite us with God!

Water would be poured in the bowl and graphically represent how it flows through the stones of our humanity; the sandy hurts

aspirations purge and cleanse to be entwined with God’s eternal love and forgiveness;

Finally, the priest will lit a candle and dispose it on top of it all... This candle will give light to all the elements in

rebirth in God’s forgiveness... God’s light that shines on our requests, on our lives, reaching the darkest corner of our he

guiding our daily existence, our journey through life, through Faith...

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This white local beach (the name of the Beach to be mentioned) sand is to be incorporated in the bowl by the leading priest. It represents the

. This beautiful sand, so abundantly

available in our area, can also be reminiscent of God’s presence in our lives, who is aware of all our inner most private thoughts and His ability to

receive them all no matter how deep or secretive the yearning of our hearts can be, even hidden, concealed from our conscious self issues and needs

unconditional love, through our Saviour Jesus Christ who took all our sins on himself to free us and reunite us with God!

Water would be poured in the bowl and graphically represent how it flows through the stones of our humanity; the sandy hurts and our false

Finally, the priest will lit a candle and dispose it on top of it all... This candle will give light to all the elements in the clear bowl. It is a symbol of

rebirth in God’s forgiveness... God’s light that shines on our requests, on our lives, reaching the darkest corner of our hearts and souls. A light that is

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FIRST READING:

The first reading will be presented on Power Point Presentation on a wide screen monitor for all participants to see... I chose Psalm 23 from

the Aussie Bible which set a most informal, yet recognised Anglican version of a Scripture passage that convey the message of unity and

forgiveness in God’s love (in a very Australian context).

n.b. See the attached Power Point Presentation which is intended to give the reading a meditative character...

Psalm 23 - Aussie version.

‘God is the station owner,

And I am just one of the sheep.

He musters me down to the Lucerne

flats,

And feeds me there all week.

When I'm feeling poorly,

And at something less than my peak,

He leads me to the restfulness,

Of a coolabah shaded creek.

He teaches me not to break away,

Not to be a loner;

He teaches me to stick with his mob,

And acknowledge him as my owner.

Even when the droughts are bad,

And I cross the Desert of Death,

God is close beside me,

So close I can feel his breath.

God is the one who holds the map,

That gives me my direction,

And God is the one who guarantees,

Provision for my protection.

Although there are dingos in the hills,

And the paddocks are full of snakes,

God serves up a barbecue,

Of beautiful T-bone steaks!

His patience and compassion,

And forgiveness fail me never;

And I'll live with him in the homestead,

Beyond the end of forever.’

The Aussie Bible. Re-told by Kel

Richards. Bible Society N.S.W.

www.theaussiebible.com.au

Silence will be kept for meditation and still prayers....

Participants will also be invited to add their pebbles

SECOND READING:

As a second reading, an Australian poem or a saying will be read by a participant. This reading aims at

loneliness we all feel from times to times. A loneliness that might bring us closer to God’s Creation, God’s presence in our life...

Last night I had a dream. I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonged to me, the other to the Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints.



Participants will also be invited to add their pebbles in the Clear bowl...

or a saying will be read by a participant. This reading aims at

A loneliness that might bring us closer to God’s Creation, God’s presence in our life...

"In the print of the soles."

"‘An làrach nam bonn."-Old Gaelic Saying-

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.


fter the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the

path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints.

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or a saying will be read by a participant. This reading aims at really emphasise the reality of

A loneliness that might bring us closer to God’s Creation, God’s presence in our life...

the sky flashed scenes from my life. For


that at many times along the

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.

way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints.

understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My son, my precious child, I

could see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

________________________________________


Participants will also be invited to add their pebbles in the Clear bowl...

FINAL PRAYERS AND DISMISSAL:

The liturgy will end with this special address by the priest

“To you who are seeking and wondering; I dare introduce this

Faith: "God is relationship". It takes root in the experience of the first Christians amazed by

Gospel:

God Is Love

7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

does not love does not know God, for God is love. (


his really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. "Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with m

But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints.

understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."

he Lord replied, "My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of suffering, when you

could see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

________________________________________


ticipants will also be invited to add their pebbles in the Clear bowl...

by the priest as a reflective prayer to keep in our heart ‘until we meet again’:

; I dare introduce this certitude which nourishes my confidence

: "God is relationship". It takes root in the experience of the first Christians amazed by a new image of God

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)

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once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the

But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don't

During your times of suffering, when you

to keep in our heart ‘until we meet again’:

which nourishes my confidence, guiding my journey through

new image of God expressed in John’s

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8Whoever

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To you I ask: Could God be within your reach whenever you experience, feel and witness Love around you, with your friends, with

your family, with your neighbours, in the beauty of the environment we live in?

Therefore we shall remember these expressions of LOVE are manifestation of God’s relationship with us all, here and now!

Carpe Diem – Seize the day – seize God’s Love...

In conclusion, the priest could insist on the great commissioning Jesus gave us all to minister to one another, reaffirming our commitment in

ministry following Jesus great commandment to serve and love our neighbours with the help of the Holy Spirit, inviting all to gather around the

‘best cuppa in the Bay’ (at the Open Door Café, of course!).

A final grace is said by all participants, holding hands:

ALL: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us now and evermore.

Amen.

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LOGISTICS:

In addition to the glass bowl, painted pebbles, sand, water and candle I already described as main symbols of this liturgy, I would like to

include elements to accentuate the reverent, respectful, yet informal character of the service.

• Accessories like comfortable chairs, as I mentioned, disposed in a circle in order to include everyone in a non threatening way;

• Dim light and meek incense or burning essential oil to help create on convivial relaxing environment;

• A box of tissues for the ‘crying-fountains’ like me (and hopefully anyone) that will be put at ease to express their emotions...

• Finally, I would expose an inspirational painting by a local artist to emphasise on the communal side of our liturgy that goes beyond

the limit of our liturgy circle, to create a link to the community we live in...

List of required other requirements:

a. Laptop;

b. CD Player & Speakers;

c. Wide Screen monitor;

d. 3 legged Easel (in tune with the Anglican tradition and the balance brought by the Trinity) to hold the painting with a dim spot light

directed on it;

e. A coffee table to hold the elements of our Carpe Diem Liturgy and the essential oil burner;

f. Extension cords and surge protected power tracks...;

g. A most helpful ‘computer-wiz’ to operate the laptop and CD player...

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The liturgy is aimed to include guests of the Open Door Café and the ESL group, parents from our weekly play group, troubled teenagers

and young adults, carers, participants of the Seniors’ Group and all the people who minister to them. It is designed to welcome and bring

together everyone, no matter what denomination or spiritual background, social or cultural group; people of all ages, who are seeking

comfort in God’s presence, finding themselves in a transitional stage of their lives.

HOW TO LET PEOPLE KNOW:

A very visible centre piece would be place on each table used in any ministry of our Church. A special brochure will be prepare and hand

out on a grand scale around our community (including accommodations, and visitor centres). I would also get a few poster-invitations

around the foyer of our Church (which is the premises of the Open Door Café and many other ministries) and our Church Hall. A bold

invitation would be published weekly in the ‘Messenger’ (our church newsletter), and a special page would be added on the Church web site

as well as a mention in the Church diary...

Late Saturday afternoon would be a most convenient time for the people we’d like to reach and join us. I would suggest every second

Saturday of the month, 5:30pm...

TO BE HAND OUT ON THE DAY:

A print out of the readings in a nice colourful bring-home leaflet (that follows the process of the service and explains the meaning of the

elements of the Liturgy as well as the song and different readings and prayers...)

A laminated bookmark with a small reproduction of the painting on display and the saying:

“YOU COME AS YOU ARE...

HE LOVES YOU AS YOU ARE, HERE AND NOW!”

bishop certificate cmccmmcm----105105 · pdf fileyet all these people ... specially identified...

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