November 2024 WATERritual: Peace of the Changing Seasons – WATER – Womens Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual

November 2024 WATERritual

“Peace of the changing seasons“

By Diann L. Neu and WATER staff

Watch the video of our November 2024 WATERritual here.

Preparation

Have a candle and matches near you.

Welcome. Introduction. Call to Gather.

Welcome to this WATERritual, “Peace in Changing Seasons.” After the US elections and as the seasons change – leaves falling in the Northern hemisphere and blossoms opening in spring in the Southern hemisphere – the world turns, and so do we. Let’s take a collective breath and focus on transitions as we move from what has been to what is yet to be. We give thanks for the insights we have received along our journey and look at what grounds us as changes come and as we change.

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024 we wrote this on the WATER website:

“The Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual (WATER) joins a worried world in contemplating the global impact of the U.S. Presidential Election. Those who are poor and marginalized, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, and Earth itself have every reason to tremble.

“We seek to live not in fear, but in committed hope. WATER persists for justice with passion.

“We are grateful for the many expressions of support and solidarity shared with the Alliance. We join our energies in collaborative efforts to make love, equity, inclusion, and non-violence the hallmarks of a wonderful world.

“To that end, we offer this music to soothe troubled souls today. Then tomorrow, we rise together strengthened for and committed to the challenges ahead.

“Can we be like drops of water falling on the stone
Splashing, breaking, dispersing in air
Weaker than the stone by far but be aware
That as time goes by the rock will wear away
And the water comes again”
From “The Rock Will Wear Away” by Holly Near
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vcgh1rw-DTY

“Let justice roll down like water.”
“Thank you for being part of WATER.”

Centering Prayer

Let us center ourselves by breathing together to release the negative energy that may manifest around us and in our bodies and minds.

Breathe in peace ……. Breathe out anxiety
Breathe in peace ……. Breathe out tension
Breathe in peace ……. Breathe out anger
Breathe in peace ……. Breathe out fear

Let us be one another’s refuge and sanctuary, and carry on together.

Chorus: Will you be my refuge
My haven in the storm,
Will you keep the embers warm
When my fire’s all but gone?
Will you remember
And bring me sprigs of rosemary,
Be my sanctuary
’Til I can carry on
Carry on.
Carry on.

This one knocked me to the ground.
This one dropped me to my knees.
I should have seen it comin’
But it surprised me. Chorus.

In a state of true believers,
On streets called us and them,
It’s gonna take some time
’Til the world feels safe again. Chorus.

You can rest here in Brown Chapel,
Or with a circle of friends,
A quiet grove of trees
Or between two bookends. Chorus.

Listen to Those Who Carried On to Bring Peace in Changing Seasons

Anne Frank of Germany and the Netherlands, Holocaust victim said: “I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness; I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too. I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more.”
— The Diary of Anne Frank, July 15, 1944 (New York: Doubleday, 1952).
Thank you for giving us strength to carry on.

Wangari Maathai of Kenya, recipient of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize remarked: “Unless we properly manage resources like forests, water, land, minerals and oil, we will not win the fight against poverty. And there will not be peace. Old conflicts will rage on and new resource wars will erupt unless we change the path we are on.” —“Trees for Democracy,” The New York Times, December 10, 2004.
Thank you for giving us strength to carry on.

Rigoberta Menchú of Guatemala, recipient of the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize declared: “Peace cannot exist without justice, justice cannot exist without fairness, fairness cannot exist without development, development cannot exist without democracy, democracy cannot exist without respect for the identity and worth of cultures and peoples.” —Irene van Lippe-Biesterfeld with Jessica van Tijn, Science, Soul, and the Spirit of Nature (Rochester, VT: Bear & company, 2005).
Thank you for giving us strength to carry on.

Polingaysi Qoyawayma, Hopi teacher, proclaims: “Mother Corn has fed you as she has fed all Hopi people, since the long, long ago when she was no longer than my thumb. Mother Corn is the promise of food and life. I grind with gratitude for the richness of our harvest, not with cross feelings of working too hard. As I kneel at my grinding stone, I bow my head in prayer, thanking the great forces for provision. I have received much. I am willing to give much in return, for as I have taught you, there must always be a giving back for what one receives. —No Turning Back, as told to Vada F. Carlson, 1964.
Thank you for giving us strength to carry on.

Reflection / Group Sharing

What did you hear in these stories and song? What gives you strength to carry on? Let us share our thoughts with one another in groups of three for 10 minutes. When you get into your group, share your name, where you are from, and what is in your mind and heart now.

Prayers of Intercession

Blessing to Carry On

Let us bless ourselves and reclaim our strength to carry on.
Touch your ears, saying: Bless my ears, that I may hear the stories of those in need. Touch your diaphragm, saying: Bless my diaphragm, that my breath may sustain me to carry on.
Touch your nose, saying: Bless my nose, that I may smell the scents of hope.
Touch your lungs, saying: Bless my lungs, that I may fill my body with courage to carry on.
Touch your vocal chords, saying: Bless my vocal chords, that I may speak loudly and with conviction.
Touch your mouth, saying: Bless my mouth, that I may speak truth to power.
Touch your whole body, saying: Bless my body, that I may be safe, healthy, and stay in the fight to bring peace with justice in changing seasons.

Take Action
* Take time to nourish yourself by walking in nature, sitting quietly, reading for inspiration.
* Call a friend or colleague to share feelings and commitments.
* Share with others what gives you strength to carry on.
* Speak out for justice.

Sending Forth
Let us go forth from this safe place filled with support for one another. When times are tough — and they will be — let us remember that this is a time when we are not alone.

Let us go forth empowered by this community to act with love, courage, and boldness.

Let us go forth to resist bullying, abusive rhetoric, harassment, and violence.

As we unite our voices and strength, may the God of love, mercy, and justice hear our cries, heal our hearts, and help us work for a better world, free from fear and violence.

Amen. Blessed be. May it be so.

Song: How Can I Keep from Singing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu3XBjJm-2U&ab_channel=MASVocal

Mission

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