This is a litany making use of Psalm 111. Draw upon what you have heard about the gifts and contributions of the various members of the church staff to replace those parts of the liturgy not printed in bold. You may even want to repeat one or more of the versus of the psalm so that you can integrate more of the comments about individual members of the staff into the litany,
A Litany Celebrating the call to Specialized Ministry
Psalm 111 (Adapted)
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 are grateful for our Associate Pastor, Jerry, who has demonstrated great gifts in his work with our youth.
Leader “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.”
People: We celebrate the creative ministries of Joan, our director of education. Our children, youth, and adults have grown in discipleship under her guidance.
Leader “Full of honor and majesty is God’s work, and God’s righteousness endures forever.”
People: Our hearts are lifted and our praise finds expression in the music provided by our choirs under the direction of Eric and Phyllis.
Leader “God has gained renown by God’s wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.”
People: We lift up Susan, Bill, and Francis and their supportive work in our office. They greet us with warmth and helped our church function through their attention to details
Leader (God) provides food for those who fear him; God is ever mindful of God’s covenant.”
People: Our building brings its witness to the world as a clean and welcoming sanctuary through the work of John, Linda, and their attention to custodial duties.
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: Our bodies have been nourished and our community made strong in the meals provided by George and his volunteers.
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 congregation. 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.”
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You may want to include the work of the pastor in this litany or you may want him or her leading this on behalf of his or her staff.
Obviously, the fictional names mentioned in the litany along with their particular ministries needs to be replaced with the real efforts that have been identified. The more you can identify specifics in your litany, the more powerful it will be.
