We come together today to affirm the place each of us has in the larger body of this Fellowship, of this congregation. Each is ike a drop of water flowing into the whole. We bring water to symbolize our places in the larger whole.

Water has many meanings: we know that life as we know it cannot continue without water. The plants and trees we cherish require water. Our own bodies are composed mainly of water. Most of the foods we eat, not to mention the things we drink, contain mostly water. Water is essential for life as we know it.

We also know that water has tremendous power. Hurricanes, like Katrina and Rita, remind us of the incredible power of water and wind to destroy, to rearrange our lives in ways we could not have imagined. We need to honor and respect that power, as well as celebrating it’s more benign aspects.

Water is also a symbol of spiritual nurturance and connection. Jesus is described as "bringing living waters to those who thirst." That thirst is for spiritual things. Water flows over and through things like nothing else, changing their shapes and the directions they move, connecting many kinds of life forms through its flow. The Mississippi River is but one example of the force of water for change.

As we rejoin into this spiritual community where we study, serve, and celebrate life, let us bring together living waters that provide significant spiritual connection within and among us. Let us share with each other the waters of life and love that have nurtured us and may that nurturance benefit the entire community and world with love and thirst for justice as well.

So Be It! Blessed Be!

"The Meaning of Water: a Spiritual Exploration"

Sunday, September 10, 2006

10:00 a.m.

Welcome and Announcements

Choral Introit

"Gather Us Here"

Chalice Lighting

Opening Words

Opening Song

Sharing Service: "The Sun and the Water"

Sung Response

The Meaning of Water

Celebrating with Music

"By the Waters of Babylon"

Water Communion

Sung Response

#360 "Here We Have Gathered"

Offering and Offertory

Meditation

Closing Song

Closing Words

Closing Song