Resources for worship, small group meetings, council, and personal renewal

Resources

Files

Litany: Amid our Pain - This litany could be adapted for a community experiencing tragic loss of life or a building that has been destroyed.

Retirement of a Gift by a  Congregation - Relinquishing gifts by a congregation can prompt grief. This litany honors the donor and the value of the gift to the congregation.

Healthy Transitions Packet - Packet for leaders and congregations undergoing a transition, includes covenants, check-list and Bible study.

A Season for Prayer and Renewal - Designed to assist in the seeking of a new vision of God's purpose over a 40 day period.

Service of Lament for the Losses Experienced During COVID-19 - A service created to be used at home. Suggestions for the service: Gather together 9 candles (8 small, 1 large if possible). Light 8 candles to start and place them in a line with the unlit candle in the middle. Extinguish one candle after each “We Lament.” During the silent reflection before the reading of the Isaiah 51 text light the center candle. If possible, divide up the roles of the service between; the duties of the candles, the Scripture readings, and the prayers. All join together in the bolded “We Lament” and the final Prayer/Psalm 51. An accompanying audio track is available for those who are worshiping on their own.

Moldy Manna Devotional - This devotional created by DEM Pastor Danielle DeNise introduces the topic of grieve and clinging through the scriptural image of manna in the wilderness.

Links

Collection of Denomination Resources – Good Friday Collective - This list was created from the Good Friday Collective and is a survey of resources from over 15 different denominations. These resources include liturgies, rules, best practices, case studies, books, articles, and guidance for congregations concluding ministry.

Holy Closure Project: Rituals & Closing Worship - This video is part of the Holy Closure Project. This video encourages congregations to think about moments in this discernment that can accompanied by prayer, liturgy, and worship. This video features Deacon John Weit, Director of Worship & Bishop Kevin Strickland.  The video also has ideas about how to help a congregation celebrate its final worship service.