This liturgy was written for the liturgy of a tree in memory of an individual. Please feel free to adapt to your needs, but a credit would be nice 🙂
Opening words
The tree of life is first described in Genesis, planted in the garden of Eden
Proverbs says she is a tree of life to those who hold her
those who hold the tree of life fast are called happy
today we come, with mixed emotions.
Sad that a life ended
glad there is a hope and a future
for name, for us and for all God’s people
in that hope, let us sing
hymn Morning has broken
Prayer
Almighty God
without you nothing is strong,
nothing is holy
from the birth of creation, your breath,
the breath of life
has been in all living things
you care for all life,
animals of the sea and land
birds of the air
plants of the garden and croft
the trees of the forest and field
all clap their hands in praise of their maker, sustainer, redeemer
We come before you today
in humility and meekness
seeking your blessing in the life of this tree
which is planted to remember, name,
the one we loved
our daughter
our friend
our companion on the way
May this tree take root in this soil
drawing from it water and nutrients
so it may grow and blossom
bringing beauty in flower and leaf
offering shelter to birds and insects
enriching this place with its presence and life
May this tree’s presence in this place
speak to all who see it of the power of the life of the world
revealed in and through Jesus Christ our Lord
who knew and understood trees
as a carpenter’s son
and who went to death on a cross, formed from a tree
that has become for us the tree of life
for Christ’s death and resurrection
gives us the hope and assurance
of death overcome
no more pain, no more sorrow
Amen
Let us hear from the word of God, from Revelation 22
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life. It was as clear as glass and came from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It runs down the centre of the street in the city. On each side of the river was the tree of life. It gives twelve different kinds of fruit. It gives this fruit twelve times a year, new fruit each month. Its leaves are used to heal the nations.
Trees are symbols of life and healing throughout the bible, from the tree of life in Genesis to revelation
bringing healing for the nations
bringing fruit each month
Planting of the tree
so we plant this tree for the glory of God
a reminder that in life or death, nothing can separate us from the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord
And we dedicate ourselves, to the service of God
that all name meant to us,
all she cared for,
all she loved
will continue to flourish and grow
in this place
and in our words and actions
that love will take root in our lives
and blossom and grow
sustained in and through the love you give each one of us
Prayer
Gracious and life giving God
we bless and praise you for all name meant
and continues to mean to us
for all she did with her life
for all the love she gave us
may her memory live on in this tree
and in each of us who knew and loved her
be with those who were closet to name
especially name‘s loved ones
sustain them with the love of God
falling down on them, as rain from heaven
will sustain this tree
grant them hope for the future
and the peace Christ alone can bring
Christ Jesus
grant to us the willingness to be watered and nourished in your love
that we may support one another in our grief
this day, and forevermore
Amen
let us sing praises to God once more, singing Hymn All things bright and beautiful
Benediction
Go in the knowledge that the tree of life
brings healing to the nations
healing which is for you
through the grace and peace of Christ
and may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
be with you and all those you love
this day and forevermore
Amen