|
Native American Ministries Sunday Worship Resources SCRIPTURE "See what God has given us, that we should be called children of God." --1 John 3:1a, An Inclusive-Language Lectionary CALL TO WORSHIP AND ACTION Leader: We come today to celebrate and rejoice in the gifts of Native people and the contributions given to each other in the Body of Christ. People: We come today to celebrate the gifts of all diversity in the Body of Christ. Leader: We come today to worship the Giver of Breath, who breathes life into our lungs and spirits. People: We represent many languages, many nations. May we walk in holiness and peace all of our days on this Earth. Leader: O God, bless the prayers we say. May they be holy in your sight. People: O God, bless the songs we sing. May their words be holy in your sight. Leader: God of all creation and God of all people, bless our service today. People: May it be holy in your sight. All: We worship you today, Creator, as we ever search for peace, joy, happiness and, most of all, your presence in our lives. Amen. LITANY OF DEDICATION Leader: Through the years many promises between Native people and non-Natives have been broken. People: But still a promise is a sacred agreement in Native communities. Leader: It is a sacred agreement between families and friends. People: It is a sacred agreement between creation and Creator. Leader: Let us promise to live a life of holiness--a life full of love, peace and hope. All: Let us promise to value all life and creation, while rejoicing in the family of Christ. Amen. PRAYER God of all creation and of all people, we come together today as one family to worship you, the One who sustains life in all. In the life of Native people, the structure of the family is vital to the entire community. The family does not end with sons, daughters, mothers or fathers but continues to include aunts, uncles, cousins and -- yes -- even friends and strangers. O God, you have blessed our people with this form of hospitality and love for thousands of years. May we together, Native and non-Native, show our world this love for one another that is unconditional, just as Christ's love for us is unconditional. May we embrace that which is different from us and love rather than fear those who do not mirror our own image, for this is our calling from God. We thank you today, God, for the survival of Native peoples of this continent and for the teachings they bring to your church. We ask that you bless us all as we search and strive to live life on the path of holiness. Amen. SUGGESTED HYMNS Selections are from The United Methodist Hymnal (UMH) and Voices. - "Amazing Grace," 378, UMH - "Blest Be the Tie That Binds," 557, UMH - "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty," 64, UMH - "Many Gifts, One Spirit," 114, UMH - "Sweet By and By," 56, Voices LECTIONARY READINGS - 2005 and 2008: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35 - 2006: Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48 ¥ 2007: Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19 BENEDICTION God of peace and love, go with us now as we part company. Let us always remember that we are part of a larger family and help us to remember to live accordingly with our sisters and brothers. In all that we do, may we protect that which is precious in your sight. Help us to see Christ in all those around us as we go into this world, until we see each other again. Amen. DATE (Third Sunday of Easter -- two weeks after Easter) - April 10, 2005 - April 30, 2006 - April 22, 2007 - April 6, 2008 If the designated date conflicts with your local church's calendar, please select an alternate date for your congregation's observance of Native American Ministries Sunday.
|
