________________
All in Good Faith
Christianity - We have brought a living white lily plant, the white lily has been a special symbol in Christianity for many years. It stands for purity, Mary the Mother of Jesus is often associated with white lilies due to her purity and virginity.
The plant is placed on the table in the middle of the room
Traditionally Christianity has been criticised for encouraging an arrogant view towards nature. However, we believe this is being changed, as Christians become aware of what we are doing to the gift from God. This is expressed in a verse from a simple, yet poignant children's song. It is followed by a traditional song used at harvest time. They are sung for us today by some young Christians from the local Churches:
Think of a world
Part !
Think of a world without any flowers, Think of a world without any trees, Think of a sky without any sunshine, Think of the air without any breeze. We thank you, Lord, for flowers and trees and sunshine We thank you Lord, and praise your Holy Name. [Doreen Newport)
1969 Stainer and Bell Ltd, London, England
We Plough the Fields
We plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the land, but it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand; He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain, the breezes and the sunshine and soft refreshing rain.
All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above, then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord, For all His love.
We thank You then, O Father, for all things bright and good, the seed-time and the harvest, our life, our health, our food. Accept the gifts we offer for all Your love imparts; we come now, Lord, to give You our humble, thankful hearts. (M. Claudius - Tr. J.M. Campbell}
This is our offering.
This is our offering, we are united in caring for the world in which we live, as each petal takes its perfect form, we shall cradle it.
-132
