This water ceremony is unique in its structure. Rev. Dr. Madelyn Campbell suggests that to prepare, you create 4 cards (you could have four large index cards with these words on them, but another option would be to preprint multiple cards, and perhaps laminate them, so that congregants can take one with them):
This is the water of tears, poured out to shed sorrow.
This is the water of cleansing and renewal, poured out for a new start.
This is the water of nourishment, poured out to sustain.
This is the water of change, poured out to shape the world into the beloved community.
Worship Leader:
We will remain silent during the ceremony, in order that we may reflect upon the power of water.
[If applicable in your setting:] You are invited to come forward in the center aisle, beginning from the rear of the sanctuary. Please return to your seats by the side aisles.
There are cards here that represent the water of tears, the water of cleansing and renewal, the water of nourishment, and the water of change. As you pour your water into the vessel, you are invited to read aloud or silently from the card that speaks to you.
For those of you online, the cards say:
This is the water of tears, poured out to shed sorrow.
This is the water of cleansing and renewal, poured out for a new start.
This is the water of nourishment, poured out to sustain.
This is the water of change, poured out to shape the world into the beloved community.
After you pour your water, you are invited to receive a blessing from the water of last year’s ingathering [Note: this water was in a separate bowl on the table]. The remaining water will be mingled with this year’s water, and we will save some of it, boil it, and keep it for rites in the coming year. The rest we will pour into our memorial garden following the service.
[Music plays while the congregation comes forward to share their water.]