This year we met in the glorious sun shining upon us in the shade of a circle of Oak trees with a Holly tree in the centre.
Using words from the Celtic Prayer book vol. 3 ' Healing the Land - natural seasons, sacraments, and special services', a liturgy book from The Community of Aidan & Hilda, and liturgy from 'A Celtic Liturgy' by Pat Robson, as well as some original NFFC words, we spent time becoming consciously aware of the Divine presence within us, and surrounding us, and within the natural world which also surrounded us. We spent time in quiet personal contemplation alone in creation, and then came back to share both the Divine peace with one another, and also the Divine sacraments of the Eucharist. After we had shared the bread and wine with each other, we deliberately offered the remaining bread and wine to the earth, and scattered them on the ground around us.
Following this we walked slowly back to the car park to share in refreshments together.
This gathering each year is always a special time, and one which folk feel a deep Divine presence in.
This is one of the few sessions which we repeat annually, so please do watch out for it again next year!
David, this must have been an amazing experience for everyone there! I've never participated in a Divine Nature Eucharist, but it sounds like a meaningful moment that would produce a deeper communion with creation. I did, however, go to a spiritual retreat where we spent a good bit of time in the woodland surrounding us. Outside our cottages, I felt connected to this one tree, one that seemed to be speaking to me. Never before have I experienced anything like it, and have told few.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteDebra, thank you for your comment. I always find this gathering deeply moving, as I think many others do.
DeleteWhat a wonderful experience with that tree! Nature itself, and the Divine presence within it, can certainly speak to us, if we are in the right mind to hear it!