I live in a neighbourhood, and this neighbourhood is arguably (not much argument though) the coolest little neighbourhood in Auckland—most likely the coolest in New Zealand and, if so, most definitely the world!
I have lived and worked within this neighbourhood for over six years now and the more I absorb myself into this neighbourhood, the more I begin to notice the deep beauty of life along with the ugly side of humanity.
While living in this neighbourhood I have been a part of a wonderful community. This community lives, works, plays, prays, dreams, risks, disappoints, eats, drinks, and generally tries to live together the best we can and live a life faithfully following Jesus within our neighbourhood.
My local café has a mural, this mural is Michelangelo's Madonna. On reflection upon this mural, and on faith being developed within my community, I discovered that Mary has historically been a figure of justice and love, particularly through her song in Luke.
In my faith community we have been experimenting with different ways to pray together—ways which bring the neighbourhood we love into the forefront—ways of bringing the ancient Scriptures to life, in ways that meet our neighbourhood. So through this we have developed some neighbourhood liturgy. I would love to share these with you for use within your own community.
Feel free to use this liturgy in any way which makes you to fall more in love with the neighbourhood that you have found yourself in; and to engage with what God is already up to within that neighbourhood.
Peace, blessings and love on the journey,
Tim @ Mosaic Morningside.
Magnificat (Liturgy)
My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for God has been mindful of the humble state of her servant.
From now on all generations will call us blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for us—
Holy is God's name.
God's mercy extends to __________________________________________(those who do good things and go unrecognised) from generation to generation.
God will scatter _________________________________________________(those who neglect people for profit) and perform mighty deeds with his arm.
God will bring down _______________________________(unjust systems in our neighbourhood) from their thrones, and will send them away empty.
God will fill _______________________________________(those who are poor in this community) with good things, and will lift up the humble.
God will help the people of Morningside,
remembering to be merciful
both now, and forevermore,
Amen
Tim Shallard a co-director of Mosaic Workshop; founder of MorningCider; an inexperienced chef, coffee snob, amateur philosopher, part-time poet and neighbourhood-lover. He is passionate about food, coffee, people, and believes that in Jesus there is hope of peace. Follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tim.shallard1
Tim Shallard's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/tim-shallard.html
