These words from Scripture may be spoken after the Declaration of Forgiveness (and/or the Summary of the Law). They may precede the Passing of the Peace. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation.
In the Reformed tradition, the “third use of the law” is for those who have already accepted God’s grace through Jesus Christ, in whom the Holy Spirit is already at work. Here, the use of the law is to continually reshape and reform us according to God’s will and teach us to follow God’s commandments in our daily lives.
Each of these confession and pardon sequences is designed to be used as a set, following the shape of the Scripture or confession that is its source. In each case, a congregational prayer of confession should be supplied as indicated. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation. Alternately, the leader may speak the entire text.
These words from Scripture and the confessions may be used as Declarations of Forgiveness. They are appropriately spoken from the baptismal font, perhaps while lifting water from the font. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation. Alternately, the leader may speak the entire text (with the exception of selections from the catechisms).
These words from Scripture and the confessions may be used as Prayers of Confession of Sin. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation. Alternately, these texts may be spoken entirely in unison.
These words from Scripture and the confessions may be used as Calls to Confession. They are appropriately spoken from the baptismal font, perhaps after pouring water into the font. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation. Alternately, the leader may speak the entire text (with the exception of selections from the catechisms).
These sentences of Scripture and excerpts from the confessions may be used as Calls to Worship. Non-bold parts are intended for leaders; bold parts, for the congregation.
These greetings come from the opening words of the New Testament epistles and the book of Revelation. They are appropriate for use at the beginning of worship.
While this 26 page basic resource manual was last updated in 2000 and is now out of print, this partnership between PSMIN, the then PC(USA) Office of Human Services, and Pathways to Promise contains much timeless information for getting started in this ministry on a congregational level. Worship aids and education models for the congregation are included.
The covenant relationship between the Korean Presbyterian Church in America and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), approved by the 218th general assembly (2008) and ratified by a majority of presbyteries in 2009