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This
is just a selection of the words and images that go together to make
the worshipalternative
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Labyrinth III
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A
traditional labyrinth was designed with stones on the chruch hall
floor. Most lights were put out but alot of candles were lit. With
meditative music continually in the background, people were invited
to pilgrimmage round the labyrinth individually.
For
information on the history of labyrinths and their contemporary
meaning go to Gracecom.
There
were a number of stations around the pathway and people were each
invited to follow through the instructions, unpacking their anxieties
and hurts and baggage as they moved towards the centre and a place of
peace and rest. Then picking up the stuff of light, they progressed
from the centre outwards again. These are just some of the stations.
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Absolution
A table with
a lump of clay and a box with 'God' printed on it, lie on a table.
Take a piece of
clay, whatever size you wish.
Recall the images
the Psalm provoked about your anxieties, stresses and worries.
It may be a
specific event or just the general, everyday hum of life's worries.
Whatever it is,
knead them into the clay as you think of them. You probably won't
make anything specific, though you might.
Knead into it your
frustrations, stresses, worries
Once it is
'filled', place it in the box marked 'GOD', say 'Thank-you' and put
the lid back on.
Now you really can
move on.
Give yourself
permission to do so.
Your hands will
now be dirty. Leave them like that for a while.
(The clay will be
thrown away at the end of the evening still carrying your worries)
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Finding Self
A pile of
stones lie on a table
Stones are wonderful.
Find one here that
you like or don't like. Maybe it reminds you of yourself or
illustrates how you now feel:
de-burdened
rainbow-filled
smoothed over
hand-picked
uniquely-precious
comfortably-cradled
Pick one.
Feel it's texture,
it's colour, it's shape.
It is a bit of yourself.
Carry it with you
for a while.
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In The Centre
Now you are in the
centre of the journey, take that stone you've been carrying and leave
it here in the centre. Place it on the cairn.
Carins direct us
from where we've been, to where we are going. They point to the past
and to the future.
By leaving a piece
of yourself here, you'll be helping those who journey after you and
offer direction to point them forward. It is a beacon that links us
together and offers experience, understanding and hope.
The cairn also
stands in the very centre of things. It is not just for others
journeys, but your own. Now you are here in the centre, speak to the
one with dwells here.
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Dedication
A basin and
towel are on a table
You must be
carrying much grime from the journey. Everything from clay, to ink,
to dirt from stones.
This is like every
journey: we always pick up dust and dirt.
It is like life
itself: we continually pick up things that hinder us, slow us, change
us from the pure, clean, person God originally dreamed.
This is your
chance to wash away those things that are not really ourselves.
Take the water and
enjoy the cleansing. It is more than just dirt you are washing away.
And it is more than just your hands you wash.
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Communion
Bread and
wine lie on a table
The journey has
just begun.
You are not on
your own.
You follow in
another's footsteps
Share in his strength
Kneel and enjoy
the gifts of God for you.
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