The content of the service below is from the 2012 WV Regional Assembly Friday Evening worship gathering. It offers opportunities for renewal of baptismal covenants, as well as renewal of covenants for ministry, adapted from the vows used in the Service of Ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It is available in a Word document or pdf file to those who desire those formats. Email dchafin@wvdisciples.org for a copy for non-commercial use. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.
Order for Baptismal Renewal and Eucharist
from the 2012 Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia
ENTRANCE AND PRAISE
Prelude Music
Procession of the Choir and the Order of Ministry
* Call to Worship
My friends, we gather in the name of the living Christ to worship God. Surely, God is in this place and calls us to worship in spirit and in truth. We, who are many are made one in the love of God made known to us in Jesus the Christ. This love is for you and for all people everywhere, given to us, so that we might give it away. May we be renewed in the refreshing presence of Christ in our midst, celebrating our life together as the Church.
* Gathering Hymn: The Church’s One Foundation #272
* Invocation of the Holy Spirit
Let us pray: God whose very nature is wholeness and life, we give you thanks that in this holy assembly you have called together people from different places, of many gifts, and with a multitude of ways of serving and loving. Make us one, Lord, even as you and your Christ are one, as we hear his clarion call to gather in the one body to feast on the word and receive from your hand the blessed gifts of bread and cup. Make us ready, Lord – ready to listen, ready to hear, ready to go and do your will, that we all may be one in essence, in intent, and in constitution, so that the world may know you in and among us. This we pray in the strong name of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
* Gloria Patri #35
The Reading from the First Testament: Isaiah 52:7-10
L: This is the word of the Lord.
P: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 24 (read responsively with sung response) p. 735
The Reading from the Epistle: Ephesians 1:15-23
L: This is the word of the Lord.
P: Thanks be to God.
* Gospel Acclamation (“Alleluia” used from Gather)
* The Reading from the Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
L: The gospel of the Lord.
P: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
The Preaching of the Gospel
* Hymn: I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry #75
SERVICE OF RENEWAL
Remembering Our Baptismal Vows (led by a preside and two assisting ministers)
Presider: The church is of God, and will be preserved to the end of time, for worship and sacramental ministries, for the growth of Christian fellowship and discipleship, for the missions of mercy and compassion, and for the salvation of the world. All people stand in need of the grace that God alone can give, and God has chosen through the ministries of the church to provide the means of grace to everyone.
This rite is an ancient way to recall for us of the gracious act of God by which we enter into Christ, are raised to walk in newness of life, and become a part of his family. At the time of Communion, after you have received, you are invited to come to one of the stations at each side of the church to touch the water and remember your baptism. For those especially among our young who have not been baptized, a blessing will be offered looking forward to the time they will receive the grace of baptism.
We are taught in holy scripture that in baptism we are welcomed into the family and household of God, raised to new life in Christ and nurtured in the Holy Spirit. In response to the call of Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit, many of you have given yourself to God through profession of faith and baptism.
In occasions such as this assembly, we are especially moved to hear the gospel call again, and are urged to renew our profession of faith—the saving faith that by God’s gracious act brings us to everlasting life.
I invite you who are baptized to stand as you are able, and to join in the Renewal of your Baptismal Covenant, responding as indicated (in the projection).
Do you in the presence of God and this congregation desire to renew the covenant which you made or which was made for you at your baptism?
I do.
Do you renounce evil and seek to walk in the life of faith as a person who trusts in God alone for life, strength and salvation?
I do.
Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Savior of the world; and do you declare him Lord of your life?
I do.
L: The Lord be with you.
P: And also with you.
L: Lift up your hearts.
P: We lift them up to the Lord.
L: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
P: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
(POUR WATER into all 3 bowls)
Gracious God, we thank you that in every age you have made water a sign of your presence. In the beginning your Spirit brooded over the waters and they became the source of all creation. You led your people through the waters of the Red Sea to their new land of freedom and hope. In the waters of the Jordan, your Son was baptized by John and anointed with your Spirit for his ministry of reconciliation. May this same spirit bless this water by which we remember our baptisms today, that we may be refreshed and renewed to walk faithfully as your disciples—buried and raised in Christ, strengthened by his resurrection to rejoice in you. Defend these who present themselves before you with your heavenly grace, and confirm within them the presence of your Holy Spirit; for we pray in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen
Assisting Minister 1: Together, let us renew our faith as we unite our voices in this profession of faith: (cite Chalice Hymnal number for chosen affirmation)
Assisting Minister 2: Let us pray: We give you thanks, Holy One, for the grace we affirm this day in water and in the Holy Spirit. Enable us as sons and daughters of your love to continue to grow in your grace as we look forward to new life in the Resurrected Christ who makes us one in you. Amen.
You may be seated.
(Presider hands bowls to assisting ministers, and as they depart, be seated.
Assisting ministers go to the pedestal on your side of church with the bowl, then be seated. Later, when communion begins, be first for communion, and stand at your basin with towel to affirm baptismal remembrances with
appropriate words (“Remember your baptism and be thankful”) or give
blessings to non-baptized (“God bless you, child of God, as you look forward
to the day of your baptism.”)
Remembering Vows of Ministry
Leader: Come, let us worship God. There are different gifts,
People: but it is the same Spirit who gives them.
Leader: There are different ways of serving God,
People: but it is the same God who is served.
Leader: Each one is given a gift by the same Spirit,
People: to use for the common good.
Leader: Together we are the Body of Christ,
People: and individually members with one another.
Regional Minister: This time of thanksgiving and praise expresses the unity of the Church and celebrates God’s continuing care for the Church and the world, through the anointing of God’s servants in ministry. Ordination and Commissioning to Christian ministry are built upon a life of study, work, and prayer, guided by the Spirit of God. Will those who are ordained and commissioned ministers, please stand.
Leader: My sisters and brothers in the faith, do you believe that you are truly called by God and the Church to the life and work of ministry in the name of Jesus Christ?
Ministers: I do.
Leader: Paul the apostle testified, “It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.” Will you endeavor to be diligent in your practice of the Christian life: reading the Bible, continuing steadfastly in prayer, and taking up your cross daily to follow Christ?
Ministers: I will, with the help of God.
Leader: Scripture teaches that the Church was devoted to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Will you endeavor faithfully to fulfill your calling among the people committed to your care: by preaching the word of God and the apostolic faith; and by presiding at the celebration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper?
Ministers: I will, with the help of God.
Leader: In scripture, ministers are exhorted to tend the flock of God committed to their care, not by constraint but willingly, not for selfish gain but eagerly, not by domineering over those in their charge but by example. Will you endeavor to care for the people of God: nourishing, teaching, and encouraging them; giving direction to the life of the congregation; counseling the troubled; declaring God’s forgiveness of sin; and proclaiming victory over death?
Ministers: I will, with the help of God.
Leader: The Spirit of God led Jesus to preach good news to the poor, proclaiming release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, setting at liberty the oppressed, and proclaiming the time of God’s good favor. Will you endeavor to lead the people of God in their obedience to the global mission of the Church: guiding their concern for justice, peace, and freedom for all people; and taking a responsible place in the governance of the Church and in service to the world?
Ministers: I will, with the help, of God.
Leader: The apostle Paul proclaims the Church to be one body with many members. Will you endeavor to live and work in unity with all Christians: witnessing to the visible unity of the Church; cooperating with Disciples colleagues in the ministry of the congregational, regional, general and ecumenical church; and leading the Church in fulfilling its ministry of reconciliation?
Ministers: I will, with the help of God.
Leader: Paul also wrote, “For me to live is Christ.” Will you endeavor to conduct yourself so that your life is shaped by Jesus Christ, who took the form of a servant for our sake; and will you, with the help of the Holy Spirit, continually rekindle the gift of God that is in you, to make known to all people the gospel of the grace of God?
Ministers: I will, with the help of God.
Leader: May God who has given you the will to do these things give you grace to perform them. God who called you is faithful and will not fail you. Will the Church now stand with these servants of God.
(to the Congregation) You have heard the promises of our brothers and sisters. Will you as members of God’s Church affirm this call and accept these brothers and sisters as ministers of the Gospel?
People: We accept you as those called to public leadership in the Church and affirm your continued ministries. We pledge our love and offer our prayers that together we may glorify God and make Christ known in the world.
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Regional Minister: Let us pray: Eternal God, you are worthy of our thankful praise. In your love you called your church to be a holy people and a royal priesthood. Through your Holy Spirit you have given a variety of gifts, making some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry and for the building up of Christ’s body, the Church.
We pray that you will send your Spirit upon these brothers and sisters who serve in the ministry of your Church. Confirm in them the grace and power to proclaim the gospel and celebrate worship, to lead the church in its faith, life and mission, and to be an example to your people in love, patience, and holiness of life. Grant that through this ministry your name will be glorified in all the earth and your people strengthened. This we ask through Jesus Christ, with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
You may be seated.
Hymn: Be Thou My Vision #595
Prayers of the People
Almighty God, maker of all, with joy we give thanks for all your goodness. We praise you for the love which has created and sustained us to this day, and for the gift of your Christ who brings us into covenant with you and with all your people of faith. Help us to treasure your gifts and to show our thankfulness by lives wholly given to your service.
We pray for your church whom you have redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus. Bless its members and ministers, especially our General Minister Sharon, and our Regional Minister Thaddaeus, with your wisdom and a spirit of joy in serving. Fill us with your spirit, and strengthen us to serve by the guidance of your word. Perfect us with love and compassion, and establish us in the faith of your saints. Unite all your people that one holy church may bear witness to you and your glory.
We pray that you would move our nation toward the justice of your peace. Bless our national, state and local leaders to serve all people with integrity. Purge from us all hatred and prejudice, and build within us your love, that even in our dealings with the other nations of earth we may be servants of peace, truth and justice.
Bless our homes with the joy of your presence. Strengthen our covenants of family and of faith, that our children may grow into fullness of faith, that together we may show forth your praise in our world through deeds and words of love and compassion—especially with those who are alone and lonely.
Let your grace be seen in seed-time and harvest, in labor and business, in leisure and rest, in the arts and culture of our people. May all who do work find fulfillment of their vocations, and all who are in need of work find the relief of new endeavors.
Comfort those who sorrow and are in need, sickness or adversity. Have mercy on those to whom death draws near. Bring consolation to those in mourning, and to all give your peace, for these and all our prayers we bring to you in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
SERVICE OF THE TABLE
A Call to Generosity
God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, and in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit. God has blessed us abundantly and called us to be a community that blesses others through the sharing of our love, our talents and our material possessions. Let us rejoice now in what we have been given and in what is ours to give as we prepare the Table of the Lord with bread and wine and offerings that show our gratitude to the Giver of All.
The Offering
* The Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise God all creatures here below.
O praise God, alleluia!
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
O praise God; O praise God; alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
* Consecration of Gifts
In these gifts, O God, we acclaim you as our Lord. May they be useful to you in bringing your kingdom into full flower through the ministries of your church, we pray in Christ’s name.
Call to the Table
Friends, this is the joyful feast of the people of God. They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit at the table in the kingdom of God. This is the Lord’s table. Jesus invites all who seek to trust him to share in the feast which he has prepared. Let us come to his table now with hope and confidence as God’s children.
Communion Hymn: Come, Share the Lord #408
Labyrinth
Great Thanksgiving
(Presider begins:)
L: The Lord be with you.
P: And also with you.
L: Lift up your hearts.
P: We lift them up to the Lord.
L: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
P: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Elder 1: It is always good and right to give you thanks and praise, O God, for you have loved us with an everlasting love. You called together a people fit to praise you, and even when we failed you, you sent to us prophets and sages to draw us back to your will and your way. In the fullness of time you sent to us your only Son, Jesus, born of a woman and of the Holy Spirit, to bring to us life and life that is abundant. In life, he bore to us your message; in death he pronounced forgiveness; in raising him, you declared victory over sin and death.
Presider: (pour chalices) On the night he was given up for us, our Lord Jesus gathered with his disciples in the upper room. And there at the table, he took a loaf (raise but do not break bread) and having given thanks to God he broke it and gave it to them saying, “take, eat, this is my body which is to be given up for you.” (raise chalice)
And after supper, likewise, he took a chalice, and giving thanks to God he gave it to them saying “take and drink, for this is my blood of the new covenant poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup we do show forth the death of Christ until he comes again.
Elder 2: Send the power of your Spirit, O God, upon us gathered here out of love for you, and upon us, gathered here out of love for you, and upon these gifts of bread and wine. Make them to be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may truly be his body, cleansed by his blood, and strengthened to serve you faithfully throughout the world.
Presider: Through him, with him, with him, and in him, all glory and honor be to you, almighty God, now in your church, and forever. Now, with the confidence of your children, we are bold to pray: Our Father…
The Lord’s Prayer (using “debts”)
Breaking of the Bread
Presider: Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those who are invited to his supper. My friends, these are the gifts of God for all of God’s people. Come and receive the Lord.
The Sharing of Bread and Wine
Prayer after Communion (Unison)
O God, we thank you for uniting us by baptism in the Body of Christ, and by this meal filling us with joy and hope. Grant that in the days ahead our lips which have sung your praises may speak the truth, our eyes which have seen your love may look with compassion on the needs of the world; our hands which have held this loaf and this cup may be servant hands for Jesus Christ; in whose name we ask it all. Amen.
Choral Anthem: Behold the Light Porter
* Sending Forth with Blessing by Presider
It is the grace of God which has called us together, and the grace of God that will lead us forth to live out our baptismal callings – our varied ministries – to the glory of God. Go now in peace to love and serve the Lord, and the blessings of God + the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit go with you and keep you unto everlasting life. Amen.
* Hymn of Parting: Lift High the Cross #108
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