1. Lughnasdh
An Interfaith Ritual For Pagan Families & Their Non-Pagan Friends

2. The Who,
What,
Where,
When,
Why,
& How.
(not in that particular order)

3. Why A Children's Ministry?
I am a mother to three school aged children.
Portland no longer has an active Pagan family group.
Not all Pagan groups are open to children or open to boys.
We need to build community and strengthen values.

4. Why Interfaith Lughnasdh?
Summer is a beloved time of year for most American families.
In Oregon we long for the sun most of the year.
Pagan children want to feel
comfortable with their friends
and peers.

5. When will it take place?
The closest Saturday afternoon to Lughnasdh from three to six PM.

6. Where will it take place?
Park like setting with covered areas in case it rains.
Needs access to picnic tables for craft.
Wheelchair access, bathrooms,
and running water nearby
is a bonus.
My new home fits the bill.

7. Who will come and how will it be interfaith?
Pagan families from the inactive Salmon & Hazelnuts group will be invited.
The Pagan participants will invite one person or family of their choosing who is of another faith and interested in learning more about Paganism.
I will lead the ritual and invite the children to take an active role.

8. What will happen?
Prior to the ritual beginning children and adults will have time to make sun idol necklacesand color pictures of Lugh, the Sun, and the Goddess.
Potluck lunch and snacks will be shared so people can interact.

9. Calling the Elements
A quick explanation about why Pagans honor the elements will begin the ritual.
To call the corners the children will divided into four groups.
Each group will get a cape and will run clockwise as I call the element.
Blue for water, red for fire, green for earth,
and yellow for air.
Invoke the Earth Goddess.

10. Calling the Sun
To call the Sun God the many Sun God legends will be remembered and evoked.
Participants will be asked why the Sun is important to us today.
A brief explication about why
the Sun was so important
to the Celtic people.
Then we will sing You are my sunshine while holding our idols up the sun to charge them with its energy.

11. Foster Parent & Helping Adults Blessing
Briefly explain Lugh & why he loved his foster mother.
Participants will write names of people in their lives who have helped them and put them into a jar.
Go on a scavenger hunt to find lovely things to fill the jar and bless it as you see fit.

12. Cakes & Ale
Explain that food is commonly used in rituals throughout world religions and how it is used in todays ritual.
Provide seasonal fruits and sun-tea. Listen to Dance The Gift Of the Summer Sun by Anne Hill.

13. Jumping the Flame
This part really excites children. It can be done with small tea light candles placed in taller containers or with battery operated lights and orange crepe paper flames.
As a way of symbolizing our transition to summer have participants take turns jumping over the flame while calling out words that remind them of summer fun.

14. Opening the Circle
Have the children run counterclockwise as each element is released.
Thank and release the Sun God & Earth Goddess.
Thank all participants & welcome
them to stay and chat after
the ritual.