The First Cup
Rite I — The First Cup
Covenant Membership
| Purpose | Ordinary leader | Typical length | Core symbols |
| To receive a person into Covenant Membership as an affirmed participant in Iambist religious life. | Celebrant, Iambist Minister, or founding-period leader authorized by the Board | 12–20 minutes | Laughing Lamp, Cup, Covenant text |
Preparation
Confirm the candidate has completed orientation, attended at least one live Gathering, and received the Covenant text in advance.
Prepare the membership roll entry but do not mark the person admitted until the rite is completed.
Ask the candidate what name they want used in the religious record.
For online worship, the candidate prepares a cup of any lawful beverage.
Order of the Rite
Lighting of the Lamp
No creed is served by force or hidden snare.
The table opens, leaving one more seat;
Who enters does so freely, standing there.
Necessary Seriousness
The leader says: “Membership is not ownership. The Church does not own the conscience of its members, and no member owns the Church. Covenant Membership is a promise of participation, practice, and mutual responsibility.”
Reading
Welcome generously. Mock arrogance.
Harm no one for sport. Give joy away.
Save some for tomorrow.
Questions to the Candidate
Leader: “Do you enter this Covenant freely, without promise of private financial benefit or personal ownership of Church property?”
Candidate: “I do.”
Leader: “Will you let sorrow speak before demanding laughter?” Candidate: “I will.”
Leader: “Will you make mirth, welcome generously, and repair the cup when your conduct causes harm?” Candidate: “I will.”
Leader: “Will you preserve something for those who come after us?” Candidate: “I will.”
The First Cup
The candidate raises the cup.
I enter not to take, but take my part.
May laughter grow wherever care is paired,
And may the open table train my heart.
The candidate drinks. The congregation may raise its cups in welcome.
Reception
Leader: “By your affirmation and the witness of this congregation, you are received as a Covenant Member of the Church of Iambe. Welcome to the table.”
Charge
Make room for one who stands outside the door.
Let grief be true, but never let it lie
That grief alone is all that life holds more.
Online Adaptation
The rite may be conducted entirely live online. The candidate should be visibly present if practical. The Church may retain a screenshot only with permission; a service log and membership record are ordinarily sufficient.