Yesterday I suggested that a Presbytery or judicatory should identify and celebrate the ministry of their pastors that extends beyond their local congregations. Check there for details. Below I want to offer an adaption of Psalm 111 as an example of the type of litany that could be used in a public worship service. I have written it for a Presbytery meeting but it could easily be adapted to a local congregation who wanted to celebrate the diverse ministries of their many members. I assume it is obvious, but the fictional ministries of the people I mention in the litany along with their particular ministries needs to be replaced with the real efforts that have been identified.
Psalm 111
Adapted in Celebration of Clergy Ministries
(Leader) “Praise the Lord! (We) will give thanks to the Lord with (our) whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
(People) We recognize John, Ellen, Byron, and Beth who have felt the call to develop their gift of teaching that extends beyond their local congregation and blesses the community around them.
(Leader) “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.”
(People) We celebrate the creative ministries of Joan, Philip, Floyd, Bob, and Ellen who have advocated for justice in ways that have prodded our conscience and moved us to a deeper understanding of the justice of God.
(Leader) “Full of honor and majesty is God’s work, and God’s righteousness endures forever.”
(People) We lift up Susan’s work in creating a grief support group and Beth’s work with the shelter for foster children. We honor Arthur’s work with Hospice and Florence and Henry’s ministry on behalf of returned veterans.
(Leader) “God has gained renown by God’s wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.”
(People) Today we praise the call that has extended the ministries of Brenda, Russ, Carlton, and Rick on behalf of feeding ministries in their communities.
(Leader) (God) provides food for those who fear him; God is ever mindful of God’s covenant.”
(People) We commend the ministries of Evan, Carol, and Earnest who have worked to strengthen the bonds of their communities and bring people together across diverse boundaries.
(Leader) “God has shown his people the power of God’s works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. The works of God’s hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.”
(People) We recognize with appreciation the work of Phyllis, Brendan, Mike, and Errol for their efforts in the area of evangelism. They have increased our awareness and skill in the spreading of God’s word.
(Leader) Each of those named and so many who are yet to be named have responded to the call of God in special ways that have strengthened the ministry of this presbytery. We give thanks to God for the working of your Spirit in their lives and in ours.
(People) “(God) sent redemption to God’s people; God has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is God’s name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.”
If we begin to celebrate the various ministries among us, I think we will strenthen the bond among us.
