A Congregational Blessing Resource

Appendix. 7—Sample Congregational Blessing Service

Love as I Have Loved You
(A Service of Congregational Blessing)

Prelude and Preparation

Hymn of Gathering: “Gather Your Children” stanzas 1 and 2 SP 3

Lighting of the Peace Candle and Prayer for Peace

Welcome

Call to Worship: I Peter 3:8–12

*Hymn: “Holy Spirit, Come with Power” HS 287

*Prayer of Invocation

*Response

Disciples’ Generous Response

Reflection: What is our response as followers of Jesus? How will we extend this blessing to others?
Blessing and Offering of Mission Tithes

Scripture Reading and Homily

Hymn: “Weave” NS 51

Testimony of Harmony

Hymn: “Mighty God, Transforming God!” stanza 1 NS 38

Testimony of Transformation and Empowerment

Song of Dedication: “Lord, I Give You” stanzas 1–3 NS 32

Blessing of the Priesthood

Blessing of the Children and Youth

Song of Dedication: “Lord, I Give You” stanzas 4–7 NS 32

Blessing of the Families and Home

Blessing of the Congregation

*Hymn: “Gather Your Children” stanzas 3 and 4 SP 3

*Sending Forth: Go forth, blessed to be a blessing to others: “Love as I Have Loved You.” Amen.

*Postlude

*All who are able may stand.
Our songbooks: HS = Hymns of the Saints, large burgundy book SP = Sing for Peace, small burgundy book NS = Sing a New Song, small gold book R-x = By Request: Songs for the Community of Christ, small book with Temple spire