First Fruits
First Fruits (Lughnasadh)- Emancipation Day (the end of slavery in the English Empire), in the Caribbean is celebrated as a part of Carnival. Freyasblot/Lughnasadh/Lammas (usually celebrated on August 2) is a festival to recognize the first fruits that are gathered after long and hard work. Let us explore the ways we "snatch joy from the jaws of despair". How have painful times and loss invited us into moments of joy? And how do joy and celebration help us through times of no hope? Our work is not done, but we must take time to celebrate!
YouTube Videos (others to be made to order)
SAMPLE OOS
Prelude - Enya (music playing as people arrive, includes great video pictures and info on Lughnasadh)
Welcome and Announcements (and Introduce Amy) - SA
Call into the Circle of Love and Justice - Amy
Chalice Lighting - SA
Gathering Song* - “John Barleycorn” trad. Performed by Willow's Drum
Time for All Ages- the story of John Barleycorn - Amy
Joys and Sorrows - SA
Meditation/Pastoral Prayer - Amy
Music for Meditation - “Homegrown Tomatoes” by Guy Clark
Reading - “Lughnasadh” by T Thorn Coyle - SA
Homily I - Reverend Amy Beltaine
Interlude - “Harvest Chant” by T Thorn Coyle and Starhawk
Homily II - Reverend Amy Beltaine - Amy
Song of Celebration* - “Lammas Song” by Lisa Thiel and sung by Bunny Lo
Chalice Extinguishing - SA
Closing Words/Benediction - Amy
Postlude - “Sonnenreigen” (Lughnasad) by Faun