SELF-CARE IS EARTH CARE
The In-Gathering Liturgy is published and distributed every summer by the International Committee of the Fellowship of the Least Coin (ICFLC), just in time for the traditional month of holding FLC In-Gathering Worship – September. Regional ecumenical partners, denominational partners, women’s groups, and local congregations are welcome to hold In-Gathering Services throughout the year to suit the needs of different groups.
All are invited to join the first-ever Canadian national online FLC In-Gathering Service on September 17th at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. To register, go to https://wdpcanada.ca/get-involved/events/.
This 2024 theme for the Fellowship of the Least Coin’s In-Gathering Service is inspired by the Circle of Prayer (CoP) vol. 27 theme, Heal Our Selves, Heal Our World: Self Care is Earth Care. As we are part of the Earth, self-care is also care for our Earth, and care of the Earth is also self-care. In solidarity we work with others in healing our Earth and ourselves. And as we do, we work with God in mending God’s beautiful creation.
PREPARATION for In-Person Services
Decorate the altar with a cross at the center, which symbolizes Jesus Christ. There is an open Bible in front of the cross set on an indigenous cloth. At the left side, arrange a scenario where there is chaos (a place where there is forest fire, sliding mountain without trees, due to erosion, earthquake aftermath, flooding, famine, drought, etc. At the right side is a scenery of peace and serenity, a balanced environment)
Seven (7) women dressed in the representative attire of the country carry the following symbols:
- Light (candle, lamp, etc.)
- water
- soil
- something representing the firmament (sun, moon, stars, clouds)
- plants
- something representing animals and human beings
- broken pot/jar
From the entrance, these women dance slowly towards the altar while soft instrumental music is played. They stand in front as they wait for the time to read their assigned part before placing the symbols at the altar.
The Fellowship of the Least Coin’s In-Gathering Service is an offering from the International Committee for the Fellowship of the Least Coin (ICFLC) as a suggested guide. There is a space for local women’s groups and churches to choose hymns and different ways of connecting (e.g. dramatization, message, presentation, small group discussions, etc.). Also, this service includes room for different leaders and voices to encourage greater participation.
May you have a meaningful and touching worship experience!