Inaugural Public Service of the Children of the Eclipse

Community, The Traveller and Closing

“But what of community,” I hear you grumble from your place in the crowd. “That’s a nice dream, but how does it help me?”
*raises his hand in acknowledgement* I say to you, “Which path are you going to choose?” There will be turmoil ahead that will test our hearts.
Many among us will lose their connection to loved ones, dear friends, or devoted enemies.
The lands begin to rumble once more with voices of war; people hear more about the cube from the traveler and wonder what it means.
If I steal my neighbor’s cube, will it make me powerful? Perhaps if I open another’s cube I can extinguish them forever?
I do not know the answers to these questions, but I know that if we allow it, the fabric of our community will be torn asunder.
The traveler is sewing discord and intrigue amongst us. As children of the goddess, we can be confident we will be nurtured and protected.
Yet temptations will be put in our path to destroy that which we love or hate and take war to the lands.
Some will grow strong and prosper only to be torn down, while others will lie hidden, seemingly dormant, until a tipping point is reached, and will rise up.

I say, now is the time to look into your heart and the hearts of those you trust and strengthen the bonds of community that bind you.
Be each other’s anchor against the turmoil that may sweep the land, so that when the cycle of calm is restored once more, there will stand the familiar faces of friend and foe alike like guiding stars in the night sky.
And from those faces, you will be able to count the missing and mourn their passing, and live for their sacrifice. They will feel your life in their spirits and rejoice.

So the land will experience new beginnings, and we will know the value of community and build ourselves stronger bonds against the next breaking.
We cannot hold back the winds of change, but we can build ourselves shelters through our bonds of community and fellowship.
Meru if you would please close this time of worship?

Meru Chi:
*smiles and nods* Of course. We thank the Goddess for the blessing of this service. Our devotion to Her teachings and the guidance of Her wisdom will allow us to nurture and cultivate our community. The awareness of our hearts and minds remind us of our duties to each other. O Goddess of the Moon we thank you for your presence and your departure.