Rites of Iambe
Renewal of the Covenant
Rite II — Renewal of the Covenant
Annual Member Renewal
| Purpose | Ordinary leader | Typical length | Core symbols |
| To allow Covenant Members to reaffirm the Church’s concise rule of faith and practice and to update the membership roll. | Celebrant or Iambist Minister | 8–15 minutes | Laughing Lamp, Covenant, Cup |
Preparation
Use once per year, preferably near Founding Day or the Feast of the Returning Smile.
Provide a private way for members to update contact information or request inactive status.
Order of the Rite
Opening
The year has turned; the lamp is lit once more.
We test our vows by how we kept the door.
We test our vows by how we kept the door.
Reflection
The leader names one success, one failure, and one lesson from the congregation’s year. This is not a marketing report. It is a religious examination of practice.
Corporate Covenant
I will not shame the sorrow for its tears,
Nor crown myself with needless weight or fears.
I’ll make some mirth instead of merely take,
And welcome strangers for the table’s sake.
I’ll mock the crown before I mock the wound,
And mend the cup when harm has entered round.
I’ll keep one loaf for those I’ll never know,
And give some joy where no repayment flows.
No laugh is owed; no feast excuses harm.
No wealth is holy held for private charm.
I’ll gather often, question without fear,
And leave one burden lighter while I’m here.
Nor crown myself with needless weight or fears.
I’ll make some mirth instead of merely take,
And welcome strangers for the table’s sake.
I’ll mock the crown before I mock the wound,
And mend the cup when harm has entered round.
I’ll keep one loaf for those I’ll never know,
And give some joy where no repayment flows.
No laugh is owed; no feast excuses harm.
No wealth is holy held for private charm.
I’ll gather often, question without fear,
And leave one burden lighter while I’m here.
The Cup
Leader: “Those who freely renew this Covenant may raise the Cup.” Members drink or simply lift the vessel.
Charge
Renew the vow by practice, not by sound;
The table proves the promise we have found.
The table proves the promise we have found.
Online Adaptation
Members may renew in a live online Gathering. Those unable to attend may renew through a later live rite; a mere checkbox should not be treated as equivalent if the Church intends renewal to be liturgical.