Citation for Faithful Service

Closing Litany

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: You have been called by God and recognized by the people of God for your faithfulness in serving the Household of God. This ministry is a blessing and a serious task. It recognizes your special gifts and we celebrate your work among us and for us.

Honorees: Our gifts and our time come from God who calls us to be faithful stewards in his Household. We delight in sharing with our Brothers and Sisters the gifts that God has given us. We call you to work along with us for the upbuilding of community, the renewal of faith, and the sharing of God's Love revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord.

People: In love we thank you for accepting your call and challenge you to continue to offer your best to the Lord, to this people and to our common ministry in the world. Live a life in Christ and make him known in your witness and your work.

Psalms 85, NRSV responsively

Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you pardoned all their sin.

You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger. Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us.

Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? Will you not revive us again, so that your people may rejoice in you?

Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.

Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.

Almighty God, pour out your blessing upon these your faithful servants who have been called to minister in your church. Grant them grace to give themselves wholeheartedly in your service. Keep before them and us the example of our Lord, who did not think first of himself, but gave himself for us all. Let them share his ministry and consecration, that they may enter into his joy. Guide them in their work. Reward their faithfulness with the knowledge that through them your purposes are accomplished; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.