| Manual Home | Manual Title | Manual Contents | Section Contents |
Prev : Croning Ritual |
Next : One Woman’s Story |
| Manual Home | Manual Title | Manual Contents | Section Contents |
|
Prev : Croning Ritual |
|
Next : One Woman’s Story |
4. Calling the Circle
In 1999, the Winter Solstice Service included over 500 people and was planned by the Reverends Kate Tucker and Frank Rivas, in conjunction with our lay worship associates, several church committees, and Under Northern Skies Women’s Ritual Circle (subgroup of the Association of Universalist Women). As attendance for the service has grown, many activities have been changed or adjusted. Here is an outline of the celebration:
Musical Prelude by pianist John Jensen
o Bach
o Gymnopedie No.1 by Satie
o Footsteps in the Snow by Debussy
o Excerpts from “Ancient Window” by Warren Park
o “Symphony” from “Christmas Oratorio” by Bach
o “All Through the Night”
Explanation of Proceedings
o Opening Words by Reverend Kate Tucker:
“To Know the Dark” by Wendell Berry
o Welcome by Reverend Frank Rivas
Entering the Dark
o Calling the Circle of the Four Directions
— Speaking responses led by worship associates
— Sound responses led by the choir
o Choir: “Tonight Eternity Alone” by Rene Clausen
o Reading: “To Know the Dark”
o Song with Choir: “Ship in the Harbor” by Cris Williamson
Exploring the Dark (lights out)
o Musical pause
o Preparation for quiet time
o Reading: “Winter Solstice” by Rebecca Parker
o Silent Reflection (12 minutes)
o Choir: “The Dark” by Mary Grigolia
The Coming of the Light
o Choir: “Rise Up O Flame” — entry of dancers
o Lighting of Candles of Community: Rev. Tucker and dancers
o Members share thoughts with those near them
Spreading the Light
o Dancers raise the sun (giant painted cardboard sun)
o Music (CD) “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles
Offertory
o Hymn by all: “Love will Guide Us”
Releasing the Directions
o Responses led by worship associates
Closing Affirmation
o “Solstice Prayer” by Edward Hays,
o Chant and dancers leading movements
Spiral Dance in the social hall following the celebration