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Video
A Laying on of Hands during an ordination This shows how I use embodiment in ritual and pastor a group during a shared ceremony. In the YouTube video, go to 1:05:00 to see the section where I begin. Video
A prayer on Ancestor Sunday during the pandemic. To get to my part, fast forward to 24:01. Written Sample Ritual for a baby lost during pregnancy In Garden at church. A mother asked me to do a ritual with her family after she delivered a stillborn baby. She was very clear what she wanted included in the ceremony, already had some words and stories in mind, and so we co-created this ritual. Names have been changed. Good morning. We are gathered here to mark the life and death of Iris Smith. As we enter this sacred space we acknowledge the wind, trees, air, sun, candle, other Sacred present. Please take a moment to connect with the Divine as you know it. Iris’s life began when she was conceived, through the love of her parents, Jill and Simon. Over the months, her body grew and formed. Brian and Cal were told that a sibling was expected. Grandparents, friends, and relatives looked forward to this new joy. Then, one day, Jill’s water broke. That evening, as the baby told her her name. Iris. And there is a song that goes with that name, and we will hear it later. When they went to the hospital, the staff looked for a heartbeat and could not find one at first. While the staff was out of the room, Jill asked Iris, please tell me where you are. And she moved. For the first time. When the staff came back in the room, she told them where she was, and they found the heartbeat. For two more days, Iris moved and the staff found her heartbeat. For two days, Jill and Simon kept faith and hope and sang to her and rested together. Friends and relatives gathered in support and came as fast as they could. And then, her heartbeat was gone. Now, tears flowed like a river. Jill labored to deliver her body from hers. Jill and Simon and Susan held his body. The nurses made prints of her feet and hands. Simon and Jill now have those prints tattooed on their bodies. A friend, Patrick Sanders, made a pottery urn for her ashes, and that urn sits in the living room on the mantel above the fireplace. In their home, a candle is lit to remember Iris. Brian and Cal came to understand that the baby sister would not be staying. Iris, this is your story. You came into this world in love, and you were loved. This family has been changed forever by your presence. Indeed, this world has been changed forever by your presence. We do not understand why your life ended when it did. But in your own way and time, you lived a full lifetime. Your parents accept and respect your choice about moving on, to another path. Thank you for journeying a while here with us. May you be well. We trust that you are in a Sacred place. Let us take a moment of Silence together. Silence. When Jill and I planned this ritual, we thought it would be helpful if each of you present here, who were also present during these changes, would speak about how you were impacted by Iris’ life. So, I invite each of you to speak, and as you speak, to hold this print of her hands and feet. When you are done speaking, pass it on to the next person. If you do not want to speak, simply be silent and we will honor your silence. Sharings… And now we have a song. I mentioned this song earlier. We have a recording of it. I invite you to listen to it, and if you feel like singing along, please do. Jill, is there anything else you want to explain about the song? We play song. We listen/sing. And now, my friends, this ritual is coming to a close. This is one of many goodbyes to Iris. We have named her life and its meaning. The gifts and blessings of her time here will continue to be with you for years to come. We go forth from this place now, trusting in the peace that passes understanding. And I understand you all have some soup at home to share together. |
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Other examples of rituals I have done:
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