I was asked to craft a liturgy for a friend celebrating 50 years of ordination (scroll to end). I’ve also added some other prayers, and a couple of relevant hymns.
We belong to a tradition which follow the way of Jesus the Christ.
This is the way of humility and love, of integrity and self-offering.
We celebrate the lives of all who have helped us catch the vision of the Gospel. We are thankful for the ministry of all the baptised:
called to be salt of the earth and light to the world.
We are thankful for the ministry of Deacons:
called to be pioneers in mission.
We are thankful for the ministry of Ministers of the Word:
encouraging us to be the body of Christ.
In silence let us take time to reflect on aspects of ministry for which we are thankful; and on those aspects where we have fallen short of the vision of the Gospel.
A silence is kept
God of life, when we ignore the life-giving vision of the Gospel,
when we fail to keep alive the prophetic tradition,
when we neglect to show respect and compassion:
Forgive us and bring us again to new life.
We are forgiven. God’s love never ends.
Thanks be to God.
Affirmation of Faith (United Church of Canada)
The charge to the church
God loves creation and seeks to bring it to fulfilment. As a sign of that love, God called a people who became a community of faith we call church. All are invited into this household of faith which God, through the Holy Spirit, enlivens and strengthens in ministry.
The Spirit gives boldness, community, hope, wisdom and understanding. It is the Spirit who bestows gifts for ministry which fashion and guide the life of Christ’s people. The Church calls all people to the freedom and fullness of Jesus. Concern for people, a healing spirit, restoration of relationships, and willingness to commit ourselves to the wellbeing of others, shape all that the followers of Christ seek to do. In its pastoral ministry, the Church offers Christ’s love to all people, through ministries of service and care.
The Church is true to God when it celebrates God’s goodness in the lives of people and communities, and when, through its ministry, it cares for others: offering, in Christ’s name, water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry, empowerment to the exploited, and hope to the outcast. The Church is built on the tradition of the apostles. Their faith became a channel of God’s active power in human history. Their ministry of word, sacrament and care built up God’s people in courage, hope and joy.
In the name of God, we charge you to exercise this ministry. May you be given the assurance of one fully committed to this service, the resolve that comes from sharing ministry with God’s people, and the trust that God will guide and direct you.
There is Joy in Serving Jesus
NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D (“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”)
There is joy in serving Jesus – living Lord and present friend.
Through the work to which God calls us, God’s great reign of love extends.
We proclaim what we’ve been given: Jesus came to set us free!
We are called to love and serve him; there is joy in ministry.
There is joy in seeking justice for our neighbours near and far.
There is joy in showing kindness, meeting people where they are.
There is joy in walking humbly with our God who guides the way.
God has called us to this journey; there is joy when we obey.
There is joy in caring gently for our neighbours and for earth.
There is joy in helping churches value every person’s worth.
There is joy in faithful preaching and in teaching of God’s love,
at the font, at feasts for sharing, in our songs that rise above.
At this time of installation, joy is great and hopes are new.
Bless this loving congregation; bless this loving pastor, too.
God, bless what we do together; by your Spirit may we be
faithful in this new adventure, joyful in this ministry.
* The hymn can easily be adapted for other special services – changing “installation” to “ordination” and “pastor” to “leader(s).”
Tune: John Wyeth’s Repository of Sacred Music, 1813
Text: Copyright © 2019 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
Email: carolynshymns@gmail.com New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com
In the name of Christ we gather
(words: Shirley Murray; tune: Westminster Abbey)
In the name of Christ we gather,
in the name of Christ we sing,
as we celebrate the promise
of your servant’s offering,
here ordained to lead God’s people
at the Gospel’s beckoning.
Sons and daughters of the Spirit,
we are called to teach and care,
called as were the first disciples,
Christ’s own ministry to share,
and in bread and wine and water
sacraments of grace declare.
In our preaching, praying, caring
may your word spring into life;
in our time of doubt and challenge,
may its truth affirm belief;
and in days of pain and darkness,
may it heal our guilt and grief.
Word of joy, enlivening Spirit,
more than lover, parent, friend,
born in Jesus, born in Mary,
born in us, that love extend,
grow within your chosen servant(s),
life of God that has no end!
Church of the living Christ
Church of the living Christ,
people of Easter faith –
speak to the Man who walks
free from the dark of death!
The Christ who burst the tomb apart
comes questioning the Church’s heart.
No use old wineskins now –
new wine is here to stay:
no patching up old schemes –
new patches tear away,
old gear, old concepts have no place
where Christ’s own presence sets the pace.
Women and men of God,
come, as one Church, to serve,
bring all the skills we have,
sharpen our every nerve:
to save a world in bitter need
the rule of love must come in deed.
We are the Body now —
our feet must mark the Way,
our speech declare the Word
and live it day by day,
the resurrection story ours,
disciples gifted with new powers!
(Words: Shirley Erena Murray; music here)
