Renewal through Trust – Caring brings Renewal
WORLD COMMUNITY DAY SERVICE 2021
Living a Powerful Life
Young Women and Older Women Working Together
WORLD COMMUNITY DAY 2024
2024 ACWC Day Liturgy Adapted by Australian Church Women Inc.
[Click image arrow to play video.
WELCOME
THIS ORDER OF SERVICE was adapted by Australian Church Women Inc. from the 2024 ACWC Day Service Liturgy prepared by National Council of Churches in India–Commission for Women's Concern.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND
We acknowledge the First Nations peoples of Australia as the traditional custodians of this land. We respect past and present Elders and are thankful for their wisdom which has sustained their people since the beginning of time.
We will support emerging and future First Nations leaders and their people.
CALL TO WORSHIP
[Where 2 or more are gathered, you may like to read this as a responsive reading.]
Leader: Sisters in Christ, let us gather together in worship,
RESPONSE: United by the Spirit, young and old, women of every age.
Leader: For in the house of our God, there is room for all,
RESPONSE: Each one valued, each one cherished, each one called to serve.
Leader: Let us lift our voices in praise and adoration,
RESPONSE: Offering our gifts and talents to the glory of God.
Leader: Let us open our hearts to the presence of the Holy Spirit,
RESPONSE: Guiding us, empowering us, as we work together in ministry.
Leader: May the diversity of age and experience within our midst
RESPONSE: Be a testament to the richness of God's creation.
Leader: For in the body of Christ, there is no division,
RESPONSE: Only unity, only love, only grace.
Leader: So let us worship together, young and old,
RESPONSE: Women of faith, women of courage, women of strength.
Leader: For in our unity, we find our strength,
RESPONSE: And in our diversity, we find our beauty.
Leader: Let us lift our voices in song,
RESPONSE: Let us lift our hearts in prayer,
Leader: Let us lift our hands in service,
RESPONSE: As we join together, young and old, in worshiping our God.
Amen
OPENING HYMN
In Christ there is no East or West
(Together in Song 459)
[Click image arrow to sing along with the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpEycHpPLM8
Chet Valley Churches YouTube channel]
Lighting of the Lamp:
As we gather today to celebrate the theme of "Young Women and Older Women Working Together", we recognize the beauty and strength that comes from the unity of generations. In many cultures, the lighting of a lamp symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and the spreading of light, wisdom, and knowledge. Today, we will light a lamp together as a symbolic act of unity and collaboration between the young and the old, the past and the present, as we work together in service to God and one another.
(In group settings, three women representing different generations approach the lamp together.)
Young Woman (lighting the lamp):
As a representative of the younger generation, I light this lamp to symbolize the energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives that we bring to our shared ministry. May our passion for serving God and others inspire us to work diligently and creatively for the advancement of His kingdom.
Middle-aged Woman (lighting the lamp):
As a representative of the middle generation, I light this lamp to symbolize the bridge that connects the past with the present and the future. May our collaborative efforts, rooted in the traditions of our faith and enriched by the vitality of youth, illuminate the path forward as we strive to fulfill God's purposes in our midst.
Elderly Woman (lighting the lamp):
As a representative of the older generation, I light this lamp to symbolize the wisdom, experience, and enduring faith that we offer to our community. May the lessons learned from our journey guide and mentor the younger generation, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect as we labour together in love.
(All three women step back as the lamp shines brightly before them.)
Photo by Gadiel Lazcano on Unsplash
ALL:
As the light of this lamp shines brightly before us, may it serve as a constant reminder of our shared commitment to work together, young and old, in harmony and unity. May the flame of our collective efforts dispel the darkness of division and doubt, illuminating the way forward as we journey together in faith, hope, and love.
Amen
OPENING PRAYER
Gracious and loving God, we gather in your presence today with grateful hearts, thankful for the gift of community and fellowship. As we come together, young and old, women of all ages, may your Spirit unite us in ministry, guiding our hearts and hands as we serve you and one another. Grant us wisdom, patience, and compassion, that we may work together in harmony and love, to bring glory to your name and further your kingdom on earth. In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen
CONFESSION OF SIN
Leader: Let us come before the Lord in humility and honesty, acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking forgiveness for our failings. As we reflect on the theme of "Young Women and Older Women Working Together", let us recognize any ways in which we may have contributed to division or discord within our community.
Moment of Silence for Reflection
RESPONSE: Gracious God, we confess that we have not always embraced the diversity of age and experience within our midst. We have allowed stereotypes, prejudices, and preconceptions to cloud our judgment and hinder our relationships. We have failed to appreciate the unique perspectives and contributions of women of different generations, instead choosing to remain within our comfort zones and cliques.
Leader: Forgive us, Lord, for our narrow-mindedness and lack of empathy. Forgive us for any words or actions that have caused harm or division among your people. Help us to see one another through your eyes, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of age or background.
RESPONSE: Grant us the grace to extend forgiveness to those who have hurt or wronged us, just as you have forgiven us. Help us to reconcile with one another, bridging the gap between generations and building bonds of trust and mutual respect. May the unity of the Spirit prevail among us, as we strive to work together in love and harmony for the advancement of your kin-dom.
Leader: Hear our prayer, O Lord, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Fill us afresh with your Spirit, that we may be transformed from within and empowered to live lives that reflect your love and grace. In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Ruth 1:16–18 (NIV)
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.
Galatians 3:28 (AMP)
There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority].
Psalm 96:1–2 (NIV)
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
HYMN
Jesus Where’er Thy People Meet
(Together in Song 445)
[Click image arrow to sing along with the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFSKTZcXv7k
FLC Offerings will be presented for dedication during the singing of this hymn.
FELLOWSHIP OF THE LEAST COIN DEDICATION
If you have not seen this, an excellent video introduction to the Fellowship of the Least Coin was produced by the Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada in October 2018, and it is available at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tYomxrkqeg
Fellowship of the Least Coin Offerings
If you are unable to present your FLC offerings at this time, please set them aside until you can meet with other FLC supporters or please email the ACW National Secretary Margaret Ker margaretker48@gmail.com
FELLOWSHIP OF THE LEAST COIN PRAYER
Let us join together in the Fellowship of the Least Coin prayer.
O Loving Creator, we present ourselves in your divine presence to thank you for all the bountiful gifts of life. We are especially grateful for the Fellowship of the Least Coin, which binds us together in love and forgiveness around the globe. Free us from all doubts and prejudices, we pray. Inspire us to live in solidarity with humankind that we may know the joy of giving and receiving.
Dear God, accept these least coin ‘tokens of love’. Make us mindful of the miracles of these coins. Let us honour your creation with love, as shown through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son, Jesus the Christ.
AMEN
PRAYER FOR COMMITMENT FOR WOMEN
Gracious and loving God, we gather before you, women of faith, united in our desire to serve you and advance your kin-dom on earth. We come with hearts open, ready to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to your call upon our lives.
Lord, you have entrusted us with unique gifts, talents, and opportunities to make a difference in the world. As women, we recognize the privilege and responsibility we have to be agents of change, advocates for justice, and vessels of your love and grace.
Grant us, O Lord, the courage to step out in faith, to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come our way, and to persevere in the face of adversity. Help us to be bold in our witness, steadfast in our convictions, and unwavering in our commitment to follow you wholeheartedly.
May we be women of integrity, whose words and actions align with your will and purposes. May we be women of compassion, who extend grace and kindness to those in need. May we be women of wisdom, who seek your guidance and discernment in all that we do.
Empower us, O Lord, by your Holy Spirit, to fulfill the purpose and calling you have placed upon our lives. Strengthen us to persevere in the face of challenges and fill us with boldness and courage to be your witnesses in the world.
We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
AMEN
INTERCESSION
Leader:
We come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the gift of intergenerational relationships within our community of faith. We thank you for the diverse tapestry of women, each bringing their unique gifts, experiences, and perspectives to enrich our shared journey.
RESPONSE:
We thank you O God.
Leader:
Lord, we lift up the women of different ages in our midst, recognizing the valuable role they play in supporting and encouraging one another.
RESPONSE:
We pray for unity O God.
Leader:
Lord, we pray for unity and solidarity among women of all ages, that we may learn from one another, support one another, and celebrate each other's successes and joys. Help us to break down barriers and stereotypes that may divide us and open our hearts to the beauty and richness of intergenerational relationships.
RESPONSE:
We pray for Guidance O God.
Leader:
We pray for opportunities for women of different ages to come together in fellowship, learning, and service. May we be intentional and ecumenical in seeking out opportunities to mentor and be mentored, to teach and to learn, to listen and to share. May our interactions be marked by mutual respect, empathy, and love, as we seek to build a community where all women are valued, cherished, and empowered to fulfill their God-given potential.
Lord, in a world that often seeks to pit women against each other, we pray for the strength and courage to stand together in solidarity. May our collective witness of love, unity, and support be a beacon of hope and inspiration to the world, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
RESPONSE:
Grant Mercy O God.
Leader:
In a world torn apart by war and conflict, we pray Lord that you will help us all to unite in prayer and action, so that we can support and stand in solidarity with our mothers, sisters and friends across boundaries to create a peaceful and just community for all. We offer these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
AMEN
GENERAL OFFERING
We have been blessed by God. Let us give now in the
General Offering to support the work of the
Asian Church Women’s Conference (ACWC).
If you are unable to present your offering at this time, please set it aside until you can meet with members of ACW or please email the ACW National Secretary Margaret Ker to arrange for the collection of your offering.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Lord, as we come before you today, we thank you for the beautiful diversity within the body of Christ and for the unique gifts and experiences that each woman brings to our community.
We pray for opportunities to bridge the generational gap, to learn from one another, and to celebrate the rich tapestry of experiences that unite us as sisters in Christ. May our collective efforts towards peace and unity serve as a testimony to your grace and love in the world.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace, we pray.
Amen
CLOSING HYMN
The Church’s One Foundation
(Together in Song 457)
[Click image arrow to sing along with the video.
BENEDICTION
May you walk in the footsteps of Jesus,
Bringing His message of salvation and redemption to all you meet.
May you be bold in your witness,
Yet gentle in your approach,
And may the Holy Spirit empower you
To be His faithful ambassadors in the world.
May the blessing of God Almighty, the Triune God, be among us
And remain with us and those for whom we have prayed always!
AMEN