Liturgy

We gather together as the rhythms of nature begin to slow, cool, and
darken. The nights grow longer, the trees prepare to hibernate, and we
seek our own sense of rest.
God of the Heavens and the Earth, teach us to see, hear, and taste
the inherent wisdom woven throughout creation.
Open our eyes to recognize that wisdom is not found in the endless
pursuit of riches and influence, but in extending an open hand to
everything under the sun.
Tree of Life, plant yourself in our lives as sustenance and shade
during seasons of uncertainty.
May we grow in the canopy of your branches, welcoming all who wander
in search of relief.
We pray this in the name of
God our divine Gardener
Jesus our nurturing Vine
And the Holy Spirit our breath of life
Amen
(Vox Prayer Team)

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from the book of Proverbs 3:13-20
13 Happy are those who find wisdom and those who get understanding,
14 for her income is better than silver and her revenue better than gold. 15
She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare
with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and
honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18
She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast
are called happy. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by
understanding God established the heavens; 20 by God’s knowledge the
deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
The grass withers and the flower fades,
but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Amen.

Homily and Reflection

Homily Podcast: Finding Wisdom

What wisdom have you learned by observing patterns in nature?

Where am I currently working against the wisdom of nature?

What does nature teach me about the wisdom of Love?

Benediction

We do not have to be good.
We do not have to walk on our knees
For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
We only have to let the soft animal of our bodies
love what they love.
When we tell God about despair,
God will tell us Theirs.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever we are, no matter how lonely,
Creation offers itself to our imagination,
calls to us like the wild geese, harsh and exciting —
over and over announcing our place
in the family of things.
In name of God our Creator,
Christ our Good Shepherd
and Spirit, our nurturing Guide.
Amen
(Adapted from “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver)

[photo by Annie Spratt]