Southminster-Steinhauer United Church
Spiritual Gathering for Sunday March 2, 2014
Ministry Team: Nancy Steeves and Christopher New; Accompanist: Deb Mooney
Pink Shirt Day
Each person receives a knotted string and a blank name tag sticker when they arrive
Welcome to Pink Shirt Day
Gathering Song: I’m Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table
I’m gonna sit at the welcome table.
I’m gonna sit at the welcome table one of these days, hallelujah!
I’m gonna sit at the welcome table,
I’m gonna sit at the welcome table one of these days.
2. I’m gonna eat at the welcome table…
3. I’m gonna join with sisters and brothers…
4. Here all the world will find a welcome
What’s a Bully?
Gathering Words
Video Clip: Names (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7PMYslqxKs)
Lot’s of people would like to tell us who we are, but we have the only answer. Who
are you?
I’M ME!
People have nametags for us – names, categories, judgements that they’d like to
stick to us so that we fit into one of their boxes. But we don’t have a box. Who are
you?
I’M ME!
We wear lots of different kinds of clothes and hair styles, we talk with words that are
just our own, we have the friends that we have, we have different colours of skin and
hair, we have different kinds of families, we have different accents and different
languages, we express love in different ways, we have our own unique way of being
in this world. Who are you?
I’M ME!
In the pain of being labeled, of being judged, of being bullied, we could be quiet, we
could sulk away and hide away, we could let our hurt shut us down and silence us.
So let’s not forget….who are you?
I’M ME!
In the support of one another, we find the strength to know ourselves; we find the
strength to create and wear our own label; we find the strength to support one
another in our uniqueness; we find the strength to stand up together, speak up
together and to know that we are just as we are to be – growing more fully into
ourselves and helping one another declare: who are you?
2
I’M ME!
Designing Our Own Labels and Naming Ourselves (Invitation to name ourselves on
our nametag stickers with whatever expression is our own. markers/pencils/crayons
placed around the room.) CD played “Tell Me Your Name”
Song: Deep in our Hearts (MV154)
Deep in our hearts there is a common vision;
Deep in our hearts there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story,
Telling creation that we are one.
Deep in our hearts there is a common purpose;
Deep in our hearts there is a common goal;
Deep in our hearts there is a sacred message,
Justice and peace in harmony.
Deep in our hearts there is a common longing;
Deep in our hearts there is a common theme;
Deep in our hearts there is a common current,
Flowing to freedom like a stream.
A Time for All Ages: “Stop”
Song: A New Day Is Dawning
(2 times)
Words and Music by Gord Oaks
There’s a new day, a new day is dawning ~
There’s a new way ~ a new way to see.
There’s a new time arriving an’ it’s born of our striving
For this new way ~ a new way to be.
Children are invited to stay or may go to the small hall to decorate bully-free banners
A Retelling of the David and Goliath Story
The Goliaths We Face
Song: I Love to Hear the Stories (VU343)
I love to hear the stories of those who rose above
discouragement and sadness to live their lives in love.
The needs of self and others received their loving care;
Their wisdom gained through trials was gift for them to share.
Refrain: We celebrate the stories that shine with one sole glory
The sacred theme of the stories: the mighty pow’r of love.
3
I love to hear the stories of those who chose to dare
to challenge some injustice, to show in deeds their care.
To risk the slurs of others, to move beyond their fear.
They heard a higher calling and served a purpose clear. (Refrain)
May we create new stories wherever there is need,
the hurting heart to gladden, the hungry heart to feed.
But if we lose the vision, on lesser things attend,
May then the timeless stories refresh our souls again.
Scott Kearns 2008, inspired by Katherine Hankey
A Reflection: Our Goliath Threshold
Choir and Ensemble: Everything is Beautiful
Supporting our Life and Work
While the offering is collected, children return to the Large Hall
Our Pledge with One Another
Song: Stand for what is Right
When injustice harms our friends, stand for what is right.
When the violence never ends, stand for what is right.
Yes, stand and speak, work and pray and keep your courage strong.
The spirit of love will be leading us through our whole life long.
When the children have no voice, speak for what is right.
When the mothers have no choice, speak for what is right. (Chorus)
When we hurt our mother earth, work for what is right.
When we deny each other’s worth, work for what is right. (Chorus)
When the world seems most unfair, pray for what is right.
When we’re lost in deep despair, pray for what is right. (Chorus)
Jim Strathdee, c.2006 Desert Flower Music
An Unknotting Prayer
Changing the Light
A Song for Going: I am Walking a Path of Peace (MV221)
I am walking a path *of peace, I am walking a path of peace,
I am walking a path of peace, lead me home, lead me home.
*of love,
of hope,
with heart