Wattle Communion
Set-up – Wattle branches laid on the table with baskests of juice and damper made with sprinkles of acacia seed throughout. (Available at Kuranga Nursery)
Wattle Communion
It is our time of worship now and we will share in our wattle communion story.
In our praise and thanksgiving we remember the ways of Jesus
who walked the dusty roads of Galilee,
who taught from seashore and mountainside,
who told stories of the sower and the seed,
the lilies of the field, and the birds of the air.
May we, too, know God’s presentness in the beauty of creation.
https://www.
After the devastation of a bush fire the wattle plant has a special role to play.
It has the ability to grow in places where there are little nutrients left in the soil. It shoots up quickly and as it does it restores the nitrogen levels in the eco system, making it possible for other plants to begin to grow.
It grows quickly so it can provide shelter and shade for the slower growing plants around it, like the gum trees. The wattle protects these plants by producing a nectar that attracts sugar gliders who eat the insects that attack the other native plants around it.
Apart from a few of the 950 species, the wattle only lives for a short time but in that time it provides food, shelter and beauty to the landscape. Flowering in winter and early spring at a time when little else is in bloom.
Humans and animals alike use this plant for many things and it is normally planted in regeneration projects such as in old mines and on steep embankments where it prevents soil erosion and provides a filter to prevent the pollution of the water below.
Today we eat wattle seed damper as our communion meal. Reminding us that God provides the earth and its inhabitants with the hope of new life in every situation. The wattle reminds us of the beautiful life of Jesus.
Come and take some wattle seed loaf, some juice and hold onto it. We will eat and drink together.
Eat:
The wattle reminds us of the beautiful life of Jesus. He grew up before us, showing us the way to live, he left us with the holy spirit to help us grow in relationship with God and and he died as a sacrifice, that we may have life beyond death. Let us eat.
Drink:
In his last meal Jesus said that he wants us to drink in memory of him, and that he will not drink again until we all drink together in the new kingdom. We look forward to that time, we drink to Jesus coming again. Let us drink.
By Emma Morgan
Bless each other:
Stand up facing each other and read the psalm to each other – each side taking a line.
Psalm 20: God bless you!
All: May God bless you and keep you.
A: When you cry for help
God will answer
B: When you are in trouble
God will be there.
A: When you are lost
God will find you.
B: When you are afraid
God will support you.
All: May God bless you and keep you
A: In all the plans you make
B: In all that you hope for
A: In the deep desires of your heart
All: God is alive and at work
A: When you ask for help for other people
God works through you
B: When you do great things
God cheers you on
All: And all God’s people shout for joy!
May God bless you and keep you.
A: Some people rely on human strength and achievements
All: But we trust in God
B: Everything else will fall to the ground
All: But we will stand tall
A: Be strong in the Lord,
B: Be proud of our God
All: God is proud of you!
May God bless you and keep you.
Based on blessing in ‘Let’s Say A Psalm’ by Silvia Purdie.