Litany of Recognition and Celebration of Service
This Litany of Recognition honors the service of Deaconesses and Home Missioners in the United Methodist Church. Use it in a church service, at Annual Conference, Schools of Christian Mission, and United Methodist Women unit and circle meetings. The litany was prepared by Deaconess Darlene DiDomineck, New York Conference.
Litany of Recognition and Celebration of Service
Deaconess, Home Missioner and Home Missionary Community
Deaconesses, who are laywomen, and Home Missioners, who are laymen, are called by God to a full-time vocation in service with those who are marginalized and in need in the world today. This community of laity has responded to the call of God in their lives and has been commissioned by The United Methodist Church to full-time ministries of love, justice, and service. With the support of the United Methodist Women, the General Board of Global Ministries, and their predecessor organizations the Deaconess community celebrates its 120th year of service in the Methodist tradition.
Litany of Recognition
In honor of their service we join together in thanking those Deaconesses and Home Missioners present with us today.
Leader: For the times they cared for our sisters and brothers suffering physically, emotionally and spiritually with the effects of HIV and AIDS even in the midst of public prejudice and fear.
All: We delight in thanking you.
Leader: For the times they entered the prisons, visited our incarcerated sisters and brothers, and advocated for Just services, even in the midst of public prejudice and fear.
All: We delight in thanking you.
Leader: For the clinics opened and lovingly staffed in crowded cities and rural counties to care for our ever-growing uninsured, underinsured, unemployed, and excluded neighbors.
All: We delight in thanking you.
Leader: For the education, leadership development, and empowerment programs for women, children and youth they continue to lead at our National Mission Institutions, churches, and community centers.
All: We delight in thanking you.
Call Forward Deaconess and Home Missioners present in the congregation.
Leader: For your continued commitment in faith and action to the work of love, justice and service on behalf of our church.
All: We delight in thanking you.
Prayer: God of Justice, Loving Creator, and Servant of All bless these persons and all Deaconesses and Home Missioners that they might continue to boldly answer your call to; do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with you, our God.
AMEN.
We extend thanksgiving to The United Methodist Women and the General Board of Global Ministries for their continued support.