Category: Idea

Liturgies for Times of Crisis

The following liturgical elements appear courtesy of several of our readers: Michael Shuman, Scot Robinson, W. Mark Koenig, and Amy Cerniglia.

The Jesus Prayer: An Interpretation

57.4, Idea, Queering the Liturgy

Love, sacred mystery at the heart of all things, holy are you. May your domain spread out across the world. May all have what they need, today and all days. May we forgive ourselves for our failings and strive to do better. May we forgive others for their failings and invite them to do better, even as they forgive themselves and us.

Recognition and Blessing for Chosen / Intentional Family

57.4, Idea, Queering the Liturgy

The terms chosen family or intentional family (etc.) refer to those people in our lives who we acknowledge as “family” regardless of any biological or legal link. They fulfill for us the role of family as a relational support system, and may or may not include some or all members of our families of origin or our marital / blended families.

A Service of Re-Naming and Reaffirmation of Baptism

57.4, Idea, Queering the Liturgy

This liturgy is for people who wish to change their name to align with their gender identity and wish to make a public proclamation and receive support from a community. Functioning also as a reaffirmation of baptism, it should take place by the baptismal font with water. The presider may wish to use oil to anoint the head of the candidate.

A Prayer for after Someone Comes Out

57.4, Idea, Queering the Liturgy

God of our baptism, we thank you for the ways in which you claim us as your own. We thank you for this community, for your Spirit woven through each of us individually and drawing us together as a whole.

Celebration of Communion outside of the Sanctuary

57.2, Beyond the Walls, Idea

It is appropriate to celebrate the Sacrament of Communion as often as every Lord’s Day (according to the PC(USA)’s Book of Order W-3.0409). In addition to the members who gather in the place of worship, the community has a responsibility to minister to those members who are unable to participate in person by taking the sacrament to those who wish to receive it.

A Litany for the Blessing of the Animals

57.2, Beyond the Walls, Idea

O God, we thank you for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field, for creatures of the sea and creeping crawlers of the earth. We praise you, O God, for the gift of everything wild. The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it!

Contemplative Communion

57.3, Idea, Read and Proclaimed

Blessed are you, Holy One, God, Creator of the universe. You bring forth bread from the earth, and create the fruit of the vine, to sustain our lives and gladden our hearts. They shall be for us today the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation, offered in grateful remembrance of Christ.

Inviting God to Dinner: Tips for Families

56.3, Eucharist, Idea

Connecting your family meals more intentionally to your faith can be as simple as lighting a candle or as involved as a mini-Bible study. Check out these tips for making sure God stays at your table beyond the Amen.