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Summary
Design a worship service around the theme of
vocation. Include hymns, prayers, sermon, liturgy, scripture,
and a special service to commission the vocations of all members of
the congregation.
Thanks to Good Shepherd Lutheran
Church of Bismarck, ND and First Lutheran Church of Minot, ND for
submitting this activity idea.
Purpose
Recognize and affirm the callings and vocations of all members of the
congregation.
Steps
- Assemble a team to plan the
service.
- Selects 2-3 people to offer 2-3
minute reflections on one of their vocations.
- For the commissioning part of the
service, a note is put in the bulletin asking each person in
attendance to be prepared to identify a vocation to which they are
called. For example, “Today after receiving the bread and wine, name
you calling to which God has called you . . . mother, father,
brother, sister, plumber, usher, nurse, banker, teacher, painter,
neighbor, etc. You will receive a blessing to remind you of your
calling and the use of your God-given gifts in and for the world.”
- During the commissioning, invite
members of the congregation to come to the baptismal font, dip their
finger into the water and make a sign of the cross as a reminder of
their adoption into the kingdom of Christ and their calling to serve
in God’s world.
- Direct each person to receive Holy
Communion and proceed to a pastor for a blessing. The person
identifies the vocation of their choice and the pastor blesses them,
saying “Well done, good and faithful __________.”
- The service concludes with a
Benediction:
Children of God,
You are molded by God.
Marked by Christ,
Moved by the Spirit,
And made to be
God’s hands and feet in the world.
Go forth to be all that you were created and gifted to be.
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