Origin: Cityside Quiet Service. Sunday October 21, 2001
Theme:
God’s presence is our security.
Mood:
Setup:
Fabric ‘tent’ hanging limp from ceiling centre, communion elements set up within fabric ‘tent’, low lighting levels, unlit lantern, stationary mirror ball and pin spot, handouts and pencils,
(Resources http://aish.com)
Gear:
Handout: Jewish prayer quote, Psalm 121, David Adam’s prayer exercises ex Cry of the Deer (London: Triangle, 1987) and blank paper.
Running order:
Prelude: Michael Youngwood, Native American Flute Music. Runs throughout on repeat.
VID: yellow wash, throughout.
Rant 1: Welcome, intro re sukkot/sukkah (See below)
Pull fabric out from centre to cover over all people. Fix at end walls.
Light lantern and place on communion table.
Mirror ball on.
VID loop: city at night ex Koyaanisqatsi (replace with yellow wash when 20 minute loop ends)
Reading: Exodus 16/1-8. 17-27.
Silence/Track in background.
Rant 2: global security/vulnerability, including prayer exercise in handout. (See below)
Reading: Psalm 121, change ‘strength’ to ‘security’; ‘moonlight’ = time for robbers to operate?
Silence/Track in background.
Rant 3: personal security/vulnerability, including prayer exercise in handout. (See below)
Reading: Psalm 121
Silence/Track in background.
Communion: as thanksgiving celebration of God’s presence with us.
Leave when want to after Benediction; take unlit candle away as symbol of light of God’s presence with you wherever you go.
TRACK: #3 ‘Rock of Ages’. ex Michael Youngwood, Native American Flute Music
Benediction/prayer:
Outro: Track: ‘We Free Kings’, Roland Kink #1 ex Three for the Festival. (3.30?)
Postlude: Michael Youngwood, Native American flute music.
Rant 1: (check out Leviticus 23/42)
Earlier this month Jews around the world celebrated the week long festival of Sukkot. It probably has its origins in the Jewish exodus from Egypt in ancient times. When they began wandering in the barren desert they were unarmed, unprotected, and vulnerable to the elements of wind, cold, animals and bandits. As they were constantly on the move – for 40 years as it turned out – God told them to build temporary shelters called sukkot. These flimsy shelters hardly provided any protection from the elements, but they had the more important role of teaching the Jews a profound lesson – safety and security doesn’t come through thick walls and burglar alarms, but ultimately through trust and reliance in the ongoing faithfulness and presence of God.
The annual building of sukkah and leaving the comfort and security of their homes to venture into the flimsy tent-like shelter for 7 days is intended to remind them of this truth.
There are strict criteria to be followed in building a sukkah. It should be on a site that has nothing above it, either roof or tree; it should have at least 2 complete walls; the roof must be made from material that grows from the ground, but not metal or any food. The roof must give more shade than sun during the daytime, yet should be open enough so that the stars can be seen through it at night.
We are not Jews, but we come from the same religious roots. Tonight we are going to use the festival of sukkot as our own reminder that in this increasingly insecure world our security is found in our relationship with a dependable, faithful God who loves us.
Rant 2:
How do you feel about the future…yours…future generations….hopes, dreams…etc
(Handout)
In the beginning…God
In the beginning
of space
of time
of the universe…God
In the beginning
of creation
of life
of humankind…God
In the beginning
of individuals
of personalities
of me…God
In the beginning
of this year
of this week
of this hour…God
In the beginning
of each thought
of each word
of each deed…God
In the beginning
of ….
…God.
( Add to this list any beginnings you feel are important to you at the moment. Know that God’s presence is with you and surrounds you. )
As God was in the beginning, God is now and shall forever be, God.
Rant 3:
How do you feel about your personal safety…road rage, Marie’s murder, broken dreams, burglary…
(Handout)
Your presence is in my life
Your presence is all around me
Your presence is Peace.
Your presence is in my home
Your presence is all around me
Your presence is Peace
Your presence is in my work
Your presence is all around me
Your presence is Peace.
Your presence is…
Your presence is all around me
Your presence is Peace.
Your presence is…
Your presence is all around me
Your presence is Peace.
Your presence is…
Your presence is all around me
Your presence is Peace.
Your presence is …
Your presence is …
Your presence is …
(Choose new statements in the first line to express where you need to affirm God’s presence. Make them very personal to your situation…in the office, on your bike, in the dark…
Change the last word of the last line. Substitute whatever gift of God’s presence you need …joy, healing…
(Exercises adapted from The Cry of the Deer, (David Adam, London:Triangle, 1987), pages 18, 19.)