Confirmation
1)The Gift of God's
Spirit
A Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation
2)Prelude and Gathering
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Congregational Song of Invitation: "Holy Spirit, Come with
Power"
3)Lighting the Peace Candle
4)Welcome and Scriptural Call to Worship: Acts 1:6-8
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HS 287 |
*Hymn: " O God, to Us Be Present Here"
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HS 358 |
5)*Invocation of the Holy Spirit
*Response
Disciples’ Generous Response
Reflection:
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God’s Spirit moves in and among us.
What is our response? We have been given blessings that enable us to
be generous and share financially to meet our local needs as well as
the ministry we can provide to a needy world. |
Blessing and Offering of Mission Tithes
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6)Ministry of Music: "O Lord, We Come as
Children All"
7)Scripture Reading: Galatians 5: 22-23, 25
8)Confirmation Sermon: "Spirit, Power, and
Blessing"
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HS 360 |
9)Hymn of Preparation: "Lay Your Hands"
10)The Sacrament of Confirmation
11)Circle of Support
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NS 27 |
12)*Hymn of Blessing: "Go, My Children"
*Benediction
*Response
*Postlude
______________________
*All who are able may stand.
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SP 44 |
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
"The Gift of God's Spirit" – Annotations
- If a printed order of worship is used, create a heading
that lists the theme and focus of the service.
- Announcements should be made prior to the prelude. At the
conclusion of the announcements, the congregation is requested to begin a
period of quiet reflection as the music minister plays a prelude.
- In congregations that have a tradition of lighting a peace
candle, the candle is lit either during the singing of the hymn or at its
conclusion. If the congregation prays specifically for a different nation
each week, this would be the time to include the prayer.
- The presider calls the congregation to worship and makes
remarks that focus on the Holy Spirit. He/she informs the people that the
sacrament of confirmation will be celebrated. The presider welcomes those
present and concludes with the scripture reading from Acts.
- The invocation is one of thanksgiving, praise, and
recognition of the impact of the Holy Spirit on the lives of God's people.
- The music ministry (HS 360) could be sung by a solo
voice, accompanied by piano/keyboard and, if possible, one other instrument
- drum, finger cymbal, or other simple percussion instrument.
- The reading could be delivered by the confirmation
candidate or other member of the congregation. It could also be read in
several different languages.
- The 10-minute sermon focuses on the implications of living
life in the Spirit, using the Apostle Paul's Galatian letter as the basis
for the remarks. It speaks to what others will evidence in and through us.
- During the hymn of preparation, the candidate(s) and
officiating elders take their places in the front of the sanctuary. If
desired, the presider may announce the participants’ names prior to the
sacrament.
- Two elders place their hands on the head of the candidate
as one offers the prayer of confirmation. Consider whether the spokesperson
needs to use a microphone so that everyone can hear. The prayer should be
addressed to God, not the candidate, and should include recognition of the
gift of the Holy Spirit and entrance into membership in the Community of
Christ.
- After the confirmation prayer, the congregation is
invited to form a circle around the newly confirmed. The pastor or other
leader then makes a statement of welcome and support, and gives the new
member a small gift (Walking with Jesus, A Member’s Guide in the
Community of Christ, is available from Herald House), membership
certificate, or some other symbol from the congregation.
- The congregation remains in a circle as it sings the
closing hymn and the final prayer is offered.
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