July 2024: Barbecue

The barbecue was at Richard and Sue's house rather than at the church.

Jonny wrote a liturgy as follows:

Re-story the world

[Lk 7:36-50]

Jesus re-story the world
that keeps people in their place.

When I am host help me create a welcoming space
of acceptance and non-judgement.
When the meal is disturbed by someone not invited,
help me make room.
May those who experience shame elsewhere
be at ease here.

When I am guest,
may I receive with grace the gifts offered
no matter the host.
Where there is power and privilege,
superiority and entitlement,
and people are looked down upon,
help me be secure enough
to defy expectations
and name what is really going on.
When all the seats at the table are taken by men,
re-arrange the furniture,
make space for women.

Thank you for the crazy love of the outcast woman
poured out as perfume
spontaneous,
unrehearsed,
heartfelt gift.
Let her teach me
to let go of the formulaic
and go with the flow.

May your kingdom come,
where the shamed stand tall
and no longer have to remain in their place.
May your will be done,
where the powerful are brought low
and no longer have to remain in their place.

Jesus re-story the world
that keeps people in their place.
Amen

We did prayer with incense on the barbecue (after the meal!)