May I bug you for opinions about an invocation?

[Pacifist Patriot]

I have been invited to deliver the invocation at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new community senior center. As usually I waited until the last minute to draft something. The ceremony is tomorrow morning.

Is this appropriately non-denominational? Does it sound incredibly stupid? I've never done a public invocation before. Thanks for any and all advice!

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We are gathered here this day with attention to a common goal—to contribute to the quality of life in our county by providing leisure activities reflecting the interest and values of our citizens and visitors. It is right and fitting to express our appreciation for this opportunity where we can reinforce our community principles of openness and engagement for all people.

In a world where many have no community, we are thankful for the support of family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances yet made. We give thanks for this opportunity to gather together to celebrate the aspirations and accomplishments of our community. We seek the patience of one another and the stamina to make a difference in our community. We ask that those upon whom we have bestowed the public trust and the men and women laboring on our behalf be blessed as they transform the plan for the ______________ into a concrete reality.

In recognition of the various values, beliefs, and faith traditions represented here today I invite us to share in a moment of silent reflection to express gratitude in our own personally meaningful way.

<moment of silence>

May the spirit of light enter into this endeavor and bless it with all that is good and pure. Let those who will work and play here be surrounded with love and joy. As we go forth from this day, may our gratitude unite us in the desire of using all that we are and all that we have for the common good so that reasons to be thankful will fill every life. May our gratitude grow into peace for each, and freedom to live, work, play and serve throughout all our days.

[trof]

1. I love it and I'm stealing it.

:thumbsup:

[quip]

2. Those are nice words. However, what is the definition of "invocation?"

You have envoked "the spirit of light." What is that?

If others are speaking, might you be stealing some of their thunder with your words?

[Pacifist Patriot]

4. Essentially I'm the religious tidbit on the menu.

I imagine a number of folks will be speaking about all aspects of the project. Technically an invocation would be the act of invoking or calling upon a deity, spirit, etc., for aid, protection, inspiration, or the like; supplication. But in practice it's usually a blessing and prayer of thanksgiving.

No clue what the spirit of light is. I figured it might be vague enough for the non-religious in the crowd and "I am the light and the way" enough for the Christians. In other words, religious wiggle room.

[quip]

5. Yes. So if you are the religious element, don't wiggle; bring it. Use non-specific "God"

or "Creator". In pacifying the non-religious, you will agitate the religious (you can't please EVERYONE)

[Pacifist Patriot]

7. Only problem being I'm a humanist.

It's very difficult for me to invoke God or Creator since it is not my personal belief system. :)

[quip]

12. You could invoke a blessing in the passive voice....

[Pacifist Patriot]

24. Uh oh, I thought that's what I did.

[Pacifist Patriot]

14. How about this change to the first sentence in the last paragraph?

May all that is noble and true enter into this endeavor and may it be blessed with all that is good and pure. Let those who will work and play here be surrounded with love and joy. As we go forth from this day, may our gratitude unite us in the desire of using all that we are and all that we have for the common good so that reasons to be thankful will fill every life. May our gratitude grow into peace for each, and freedom to live, work, play and serve throughout all our days.

----------------------

I found a great guide to ecumenical invocations on-line at a university website. In their guide a lack of God-talk is encouraged rather than the other way around. Hence the moment of silence where each are encouraged to invoke in their own manner according to their own beliefs.

I'm still puzzling over the use of the word invocation when every example I can find is an expression of gratitude more than anything else.

[trof]

21. I'm hiring you for my next invocation.

Should that occur.
;-)

[Pacifist Patriot]

30. I hear I'm pretty reasonably priced.

I declined an honorarium. Now I'm wondering why.

[quip]

25. The gratitude is directed at the higher power.

Invocation = asking for the Higher Power's blessing.

[trof]

16. Wiggle room is good.

I try for as much as I can get.
Absolutes are very confining.
:-)

[Lars39]

3. That is wonderfully non-denominational.

Excellent.:)

[quip]

6. But it's not just non-denominational, it's non-religious.

[Pacifist Patriot]

8. Oooo, we could get into a lovely discussion about religious humanism.

But I suspect that'd be a bit deep for the lounge. :toast:

[trof]

13. Yeah, is 'non-religious' anti-religious?

Not in my book.
I believe in everybody doing/believing what ever they want to.
As long as they don't try to force their ways on me.
Peace.
:-)

[trof]

9. You say that like it's a bad thing.

I like what he said.
Especially considering his beliefs.
:-)

[quip]

10. All I'm saying is that if that is what he is supposed to do, he should do it.

I liked what he said too, but I'm concerned that that is not what he is supposed to do.

[trof]

15. Who is making the 'rules'?

ARE there rules?
Doesn't sound like it to me.

[quip]

17. I'm just going by what he said was asked of him, that's all.

[Pacifist Patriot]

22. The entire conversation went like this.

HIM "So, would you be willing to deliver the invocation at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Senior Center on April 4?"

ME "Sure"

HIM "Great, be there at 10 AM"

ME "Okay, see you then."

That would be the extent of the request and my instructions.

[quip]

26. Here is my fear:

That others are preparing the same words and thoughts you are. So when it is time for them to speak, they will either be forced to repeat your words, or just say, "What she said!" :P

[Pacifist Patriot]

28. Gotcha. I don't think that is going to happen. The other speakers..

are going to drone on about how this project was inspired. What it took to bring it to this point. Slapping one another on the back. Extolling the virtues of the Parks & Rec Department. Explaining what the activities will be once its open. And so on.

[quip]

29. Then you should be golden! Good luck!

:hi:

[Pacifist Patriot]

31. Thanks.

[Pacifist Patriot]

18. Pssst, both of you! I'm a SHE. *grin*

Okay, you can return to your regularly scheduled conversation.

To assuage your concerns, there have been no specific requests as to the content of the invocation. Those who invited me are aware I am a Unitarian Universalist and not representative of a Christian denomination.

[quip]

23. lol Sorry! But I still think that you should invoke some higher power.

Okay, you have my opinion-- I'm going back to my regularly scheduled thang! :D :hi:

[Pacifist Patriot]

27. And your opinion is valued. Thank you!

[Lars39]

33. And that's fine...not everyone is religious.

[quip]

34. I realize that. But that is the nature of an invocation. Otherwise, it's just an introduction

or something.

[Aristus]

11. That is beautiful and very moving.

Don't change a word.

[Pacifist Patriot]

32. Thank you.

[Rabrrrrrr]

19. Is it a publicly paid-for community center, or is it a religious one?

If it's a truly public community center, I wouldn't offer anything religious or would try to make it inclusive of all religious traditions and non-religious traditions.

If it's a religious based center, then one is free to go with the religion that is sponsoring it, but I would also include some stuff about it being a place of welcome and respite for ALL people, not just those of that religion.


For a groundbreaking, since it's the start of construction, I'd also ask for safety for all construction workers and offer thanks for the their skills, and also give thanks for the ground, for understanding from the animals that will be displaced, any trees or other plants that might be forced to give their lives by being uprooted (and/or used in construction), and also offer hope that it be a place of healthy employment and caring service for all who will labor there.


Also, since it's a senior center, I think you should add some things that specifically relate to seniors - a place of friendship and healing for those whose spouses have died, a place where the infirm will be taken care of with love and respect, a sanctuary of respite for the tired and weary and those for whom the world outside the walls moves too fast, and so on.

I think what you've done is wonderful! A great start, but I'd tweak it a bit.

[Pacifist Patriot]

20. Excellent advice. Thank you! It is a public county facility.