A PLACE IN GOD’S HEART A PLACE AT CHRIST’S TABLE
A PLACE INGOD’S HEARTA PLACE ATCHRIST’S TABLEWORSHIP RESOURCES FOR THEWELCOMING CHURCH MOVEMENTPrograms of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force810 West 31st StreetMinneapolis, MN 55408612.821.4397www.WelcomingResources.org801
A program of the National Gay & Lesbian Task ForceORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERSA PLACE IN GOD’S HEARTA PLACE AT GOD’S TABLEWORSHIP RESOURCES FOR THEWELCOMING CHURCH MOVEMENTDavid Lohman, editorUnless otherwise noted, permission is granted toreprint individual selections for congregational use.Published by the Institute for Welcoming Resources,a program of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Forceand home of the Shower of Stoles Project.www.WelcomingResources.org2Affirm UnitedUnited Church of CanadaAssociation of Welcoming & Affirming BaptistsAmerican Baptists USA, Alliance of Baptists, and othersMore Light PresbyteriansPresbyterian Church (USA)Open and Affirming Ministriesof the GLAD AllianceThe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Open and Affirming Program of theUCC Coalition for LGBT ConcernsUnited Church of ChristReconciling in Christ Program ofLutherans Concerned/North AmericaEvangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaReconciling Ministries NetworkUnited Methodist ChurchRoom For AllReformed Church in AmericaSupportive Congregation Network of theBrethren Mennonite Council for LGBT InterestsBrethren Mennonite CouncilWelcoming Community NetworkCommunity of Christ79
Dedicated toREV. ANN B. DAY&DONNA ENBERGin honor and celebration of theirtwenty years as leaders of theOpen and Affirming Programof the United Church of ChristCoalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,and Transgender Concerns and for their founding andongoing spirit in the ecumenicalWelcoming Church Movement.Prepared by their friends in theWelcoming Church Movementand the Institute for Welcoming Resources.783
HYMNWord of WelcomeSung to “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”Tune: HYMN TO JOY 8.7.8.7.DWords by David R. Weiss, 2003Poet & Theologian, Lutherans Concerned/North AmericaIn this holy place we gather, claimed through grace by God above;Heaven’s wings now wrap around us, downy depths of boundless love.Freed from fears that keep us hidden, for the work that You desire.Reconciling as we’re bidden, hearts aflame with joyful fire.Earth in all her verdant beauty sings Your joy made manifest;Winged and finned and scaled and limbed life; fruitful frenzy, quiet rest.Rushing wind and roiling waters, green of forest, blue of sky,Dark of night and dawn of morning, all give praise to You on high.As by imprint nature offers witness to Your gracious careSo in freedom’s faith we follow after Christ if we but dare.Rushing wind of Spirit able, blowing from the most to leastFrom the font and for the table, born again and bid to feast.Word of welcome walk among us, watching as these wineskins burstBreaking bread and pouring wine for all who hunger, all who thirst.Now as we go forth to scatter, may Your presence yet abideJoy of life and Love of justice, be our Wisdom and our Guide.477
CONTENTSHYMNWelcoming GodSung to “Blessed Assurance”Tune: ASSURANCE Irr.Words by Carolyn Winfrey GilletteCo-Pastor, Limestone Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, DelawareChildren are welcome, Christ said one day,When the disciples urged them away.Children are welcome at Jesus’ knee:God’s own example for ministry.Welcoming God, You open the Way:Even the smallest worship and pray,Singing with faith and serving You well,Your life to know and good news tell.Women are welcome, as are the men;Through God’s own Spirit, we’re partners again.Partners as prophets, ministers, too:No more divided – made one anew.Welcoming God, You open the way;Those once divided join now to pray,Serving at Table, preaching Your Words,So that Your love for all will be heard.Outcasts are welcome; sinners are, too,Eating with Jesus and being made new:Some like Zacchaeus turned right around;Wounded and poor ones felt peace profound.God of great love, You stand at the door,Welcoming people outcast and poor.So You forgive and call us to beFilled with the joy of Your jubilee.So may we welcome into our pewAll who in Jesus are being made newAll those who seek him, wanting to know,Wanting to love him, wanting to grow.Welcoming God, You stand at our door,As someone different, outcast or poor.With longing eyes, Lord Jesus, You searchMay we all welcome You in Your church.76OPENING WORSHIPCreating God .God Has Shown Us What is Good .The Heavens Are Telling the Glory of God .Inviting the Presence .O God, Whom No Image Can Encompass .Send No One Away! .We Are Part of the Church Universal .We Are the Body of Christ .What Right Have We to Invoke God’s Name? .112234566CONFESSIONS & ASSURANCESConfession of Sin Based on the Ten Affirmations . 9God, Who Made Me in Your Image . 10We Are a Pilgrim People . 11We Give Thanks . 12AFFIRMATIONS OF FAITHTen Affirmations for GLBT Spirituality . 15Affirmation Based on the Ten Affirmations . 16We Are Not Our Own . 175
LITANIESThe Beatitudes – A Litany .The Good Word .A Litany of Hope and Struggle: Honoring the Shower of Stoles Project .A Litany of Inclusion .A Litany of Trust in God .A Litany to Re-Shape the World .212224252627PRAYER RESPONSEO God, Remind UsWord and Music by David LohmanProgram Associate, Institute for Welcoming ResourcesLITURGIES & OCCASIONAL SERVICESA Passion Sunday Liturgy .A Service of Baptism .A Service of Communion .A Service of Communion: A Ritual With Salt .A Service of Covenant .3141444649PRAYERSGrandmother God .A Prayer for Openness .Prayers of the Gathered Community .Wondrous God .53545557CLOSING WORSHIPBranches Bent With Ripening Fruit . 61May Your Gifts of Love Transform . 61We Will Try to Be Holy and Useful . 61MUSICBe Still .The Creation/Wind Upon the Waters .For All the Children .God Made Us From One Blood .Guide Us To Openness .Hear Our Prayer, O Holy God .O God, Remind Us .Welcoming God .Word of Welcome .6656670727374757677A bulletin-ready copy and the piano accompanimentare both available under Worship Resources at our web site:www.WelcomingResources.org75
HYMNHear Our Prayer, O Holy GodSung to “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” 7.7.7.7.7.7Also works with the following melodies:“Gracious Spirit, Dwell With Me” GETHSEMANE“For the Beauty of the Earth” DIX“Jesus Savior Pilot Me” PILOT“Rock of Ages” TOPLADYText by Rev. Pamela June WebbFounder, Covenant of Inclusion, Open and Affirming Ministriesof the GLAD Alliance, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Hear our prayer, O Holy God.Help us place our trust in you.Be for us new strength each day.Let us follow in your way.With your Spirit, like the Dove,Healing others with your love.OPENINGWORSHIPHear our prayer, O Holy God.Bless us with the skill we need.Help us listen with our earsTo the feelings and the fears.With your Spirit, like the Dove.Healing others with your love.Hear our prayer, O Holy God,May we always be prepared.Sense the need of those in pain,Let their tears flow like the rain.With your Spirit, like the Dove,Healing others with your love.Hear our prayer, O Holy God,Free us from our closet’s dark.Give us courage we can share,Daring lives which show we care.With your Spirit, like the DoveHealing others with your love.747
HYMNGuide Us To OpennessSung to “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”Tune: FAITHFULNESS 11.10.11.10 with refrainWords by The Rev. W. Robert Martin, IIIPastor, First Presbyterian Church, Palo Alto, CADedicated to the faithful ministry of More Light PresbyteriansGuide us to openness, Spirit of mercy,Aid us in seeking God’s justice and grace.Move us to show Christ’s compassion through witness,Love first to offer and hate to erase.Guide us to openness! Guide us to openness!Let no one ever be shunned or denied.Make of the Church a bold place of compassion,That all who seek You may come and abide.Spirit of tenderness, impart Your presence,Fill both our hearts and our hands with Your care.Let no one suffer or grieve unattended,Grant us Your kindness and warmth here to share.Guide us to openness! Guide us to openness!Let no one ever be shunned or denied.Make of the Church a bold place of compassion,That all who seek You may come and abide.Though there are those who would limit Christ’s graces,Still we refuse to believe in such lies,For in this time we have made a commitmentNever to limit love’s power or size.Guide us to openness! Guide us to openness!Let no one ever be shunned or denied.Make of the Church a bold place of compassion,That all who seek You may come and abide. W. Robert Martin, III873
HYMNCALL TO WORSHIPGod Made Us From One BloodSung to “Immortal, Invisible”Tune: ST. DENIO 11.11.11.11Words by Thomas H. Troeger, 1988God made us from one blood all families of earth,The circles of nurture that raise us from birth,Companions who join us to work through each stage,Of childhood and youth and adulthood and age.We turn to You, God, with our thanks and our tears,For all of the families we’ve known through the years,The intimate networks on whom we dependOf parents and partners and children and friends.Creating GodFrom the More Light Presbyterians Retreat & Mission WeekendNew Orleans, LA, 2006One:All:One:All:One:Through families we’ve tasted the value of trustAnd felt what it means to be loving and just.Yet families have alos betrayed their best goals,Mistreating their members and bruising their souls.Help families in all of their various formsTo face with integrity struggles and storms;Grant peace to our homes that will nurture the budOf peace for the families You made from one blood.Creating God, blessed are You and blessed is this time and place.Thank You for Your people gathered here.We are here! Being the Church! We have not retreated! We arestanding in praise!Reconciling Redeemer, You are the mender of our souls and thehealer of our broken bodies. You lift us up, strengthen and sustain,nurture and nourish, heal and help.Holy Fire, ignite a new spark in the heart of each onegathered here.Light our way. Warm our bodies. Inspire our tongues to speak anew word, to shout another praise, and to sing an amazing songthat will bring to us life and to You glory!CALL TO WORSHIPGod Has Shown Us What is GoodFrom St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Oklahoma City, OKMore Light Sunday, 2005One:All:One:All:One:72God has shown us what is good, and what then is required of us?To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.Jesus says: Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyonewho welcomes me welcomes the One who sent me.The Spirit says, “Come.” Let each one who hears the Spiritsay, “Come,” for all are welcome here.Let us worship God!1
CALL TO WORSHIPThe Heavens Are Telling the Glory of GodBy Rev. Ann B. DayProgram Coordinator, Open and Affirming Program of theUnited Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns 1987-2007Originally published in Shaping SanctuaryOne:All:One:All:The heavens are telling the glory of God!Day to day and night to night,unending is their silent speech of beauty and wonder.How shall we join their joyful witness?With words that proclaim God’s inclusive love,with works that bring forth God’s powerful justice,with worship that rejoices in God’s wondrous presence,now and always. Amen!INVOCATIONInviting the PresenceOne:By Rev. Dr. Sally HarrisCo-Chair, Affirm United, United Church of CanadaGathered in this sacred space, O Creator Spirit,in the multicolored company of Your Church on earth and inheaven,We celebrate Your creation and invite Your presence into ourmidst.We know, Creator Spirit, that eternity cannot hold You,Nor can our little words describe the breadth of Your faithfulnessto us.Yet in the space of our small heart and in silence,Come close and repair us.(Silence)2A bulletin-ready copy and the piano accompanimentare both available under Worship Resources at our web site:www.WelcomingResources.org71
HYMNFor All the ChildrenWord and Music by David LohmanProgram Associate, Institute for Welcoming ResourcesOne:All:One:All:One:All:One:All:Creator Spirit, bring new lifeWhere we are worn and tired,New loveWhere we have turned hard-hearted,ForgivenessWhere we feel hurt and are wounded,And the joy and freedom of Your holy presenceWhere we are prisoners of ourselves.One:All:Creator Spirit,In the space of our small heart and in silence,Come close that we may dream.(Silence)OPENING PRAYERO God, Whom No Image Can EncompassFrom the More Light Presbyterians Retreat & Mission WeekendNew Orleans, LA, 2006All:70O God, whom no image can encompass, no definitionencircle, and yet who meets us in the gentle touch of love, thebeauty of a butterfly’s wing, and the laughter of children, helpus to move beyond our attempts to limit You, intellectualizeYou, or to eliminate You from all that is earthy, sensuous, orvibrant, so that we may greet You in every particle of thisspectacular universe which You are creating.Amen.3
Till He shaped it in His own image;Then into it He blew the breath of life,And the human became a living soul.Amen. Amen.CALL TO WORSHIPSend No One Away!By Meredith BischoffPresident, Welcoming Communities Network, Community of ChristOne:All:One:All:One:All:One:All:One:Some Pharisees wanted to test Jesus. So they came up to him andasked if it was right for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus askedthem, “What does the Law of Moses say about that?” Theyanswered, “Moses allows a man to write out divorce papers and(Mark 10:2-4 CEV)send his wife away.”We will send no one away.All:Wind upon the waters, rains upon the sand;Grace Your sons and daughters, newborn by Your hand.Come, O Spirit, and renew all the life that comes from you,Send Your winds upon the waters of my soul.Some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could blessthem by placing his hands on them. But his disciples told the(Mark 10:13-14 CEV)people to stop bothering him.We will send no one away.In those days, when there was a very great multitude, and they hadnothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to himself, and said tothem, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they havestayed with me now three days, and have nothing to eat. If I sendthem away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way, for(Mark 8:1-3 CEV)some of them have come a long way.”We will send no one away.And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began tocry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; mydaughter is cruelly demon-possessed.” But He did not answer her aword. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, “Send her(Matthew 22-23 NIV)away, because she keeps shouting at us.”We will send no one away.Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender brothers and sisters arewalking with us on the path of the disciple. They have chosen to bethere because they feel God's call to them. Some have struggledthroughout their lives with questions and uncertainties about theiridentity, their acceptability, their status as children of God. Somehave dared to tell their story, resulting at times in warm acceptanceand other times in cold rejection. Some have come to understandthat God loves them unconditionally and embraces them as valuedmembers of the human family; others are not so sure.(adapted from Community of Christ President W. Grant McMurray’sAddress at the 2002 World Conference Address)469
And beasts and birdsSwam the rivers and the seas,Roamed the forests and the woods,And split the air with their wings.And God said, “That’s good!”All:Rock and hill and garden, wood and desert sand;Prairie, field and meadow, shaped by Love’s own hand.Love that fills the world around, springing up from barrenground,Grow Your love within the garden of my soul.One:Then God walked around,And God looked aroundOn all that She had made.She looked at Her sun,And She looked at Her moon,An She looked at Her little stars;She looked on Her worldWith all its living things,And God said, “I’m lonely still.”Then God sat downOn the side of a hill where She could think;By a deep, wide river She sat down;With Her head in Her hands,God thought and thought,Till She thought, “I’ll make me a human!”All:Wind upon the waters, voice upon the deep;Rouse Your sons and daughters, wake us from our sleep.Breathing life into all flesh, breathing love into all hearts,Living wind upon the waters of my soul.One:Up from the bed of the riverGod scooped the clay;And by the bank of the riverHe kneeled Him down;And there the great God AlmightyWho lit the sun and fixed it in the sky,Who flung the stars to the most far corner of the night,Who rounded the earth in the middle of His hand;This Great God,Like a mammy bending over her baby,Kneeled down in the dustToiling over the lump of clay68All:We as a community of faith value diversity and celebratethose differences as intentional acts of God's creation. In thatthe realm of God includes all persons, we welcome andinclude all persons including persons of all sexualorientations, gender identities, and family units in the full lifeof the congregation. We will send no one away!(adapted from the welcoming statement ofBasileia: An Open Door Community of Christ)CALL TO WORSHIPWe Are Part of the Church UniversalBy Rev. Ann B. DayProgram Coordinator
Fill both our hearts and our hands with Your care. Let no one suffer or grieve unattended, Grant us Your kindness and warmth here to share. Guide us to openness! Guide us to openness! Let no one ever be shunned or denied.
Come let us worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Give God the honor. Give God the praise. Come let us worship the Lord; Let's give God the praise. Worship God. Worship God. Give my God the glory. Give my God the praise. Worship God. Worship God. Come let us worship the Lord; Let's give God
The God Chasers God’s Favorite House The God Catchers Unity Trilogy God’s Dream Team Answering God’s Prayer God’s Secret to Greatness Additional Great Resources by Tommy Tenney The God Catchers Workbook Experiencing His Presence (Devotional) Chasing God, Serving Man How to be a God Chaser and a Kid Chaser Secret Sources of PowerFile Size: 320KB
God Made My World. God created every-thing in the world. He even created the world itself. God made the trees and flowers. God made the clouds in the sky. God made the oceans and the lakes. God made the stars that twinkle at night. There is not one thing anywhere that God didn’t create. Everything I see is made from things God cre-ated.
obey God because we are afraid of punishment by God —this is living under the law of God and not the love of God. It is not burdensome to obey God when we know God loves us and we love God and love to obey God because we truly love God and want to bring G
the sessions in this study will focus on six major attributes of God: God s holiness, God s love, God s justice, God s forgiveness, God s wisdom, and God s faithfulness. As we begin to understand what God is like and how He works in our lives, we will not only know God more, but we
May 24, 2020 · Our God is greater A2 Our God is stronger Esus B God, You are higher than any other C#m Our God is Healer A2 Awesome in power Esus B Our God, Our God BRIDGE: C#m And if our God is for us A2 Then who could ever stop us Esus And if our God is
Independent Personal Pronouns Personal Pronouns in Hebrew Person, Gender, Number Singular Person, Gender, Number Plural 3ms (he, it) א ִוה 3mp (they) Sֵה ,הַָּ֫ ֵה 3fs (she, it) א O ה 3fp (they) Uֵה , הַָּ֫ ֵה 2ms (you) הָּ תַא2mp (you all) Sֶּ תַא 2fs (you) ְ תַא 2fp (you
as needed to make it fit. Say “Tabernacle” slowly to help children articulate the word. The Tabernacle was a place to worship God, Worship God, worship God. The Tabernacle was a place to worship God For His people in the wilderness. Our church is a place to worship God, (repea
