Resources Used in the Services

Where possible, the texts of suggested readings, stories, and other items are included in the service outlines in this section. However, if this is not practicable—for copyright or other reasons—complete information about the item’s source and availability is included in the service outline. Worship planners are encouraged to look over the suggested outline at least six to eight weeks before the date of the service so resources can be ordered or obtained from a local library.

Hymnals

Hymns and songs suggested in this book come from the following sources unless otherwise specified:

Hymns of the Saints (HS), Herald Publishing House, 1981
Sing for Peace (SP), Herald Publishing House, 1994
Sing a New Song (NS), Herald Publishing House, 1999
By Request: Songs for the Community of Christ (R-), Herald Publishing House, 2004

To order hymnals contact Herald House Customer Service: 1-800-767-8181.

Copyright

Items in the service outlines that are accompanied by a copyright notice and/or indicate they are used by permission may not be reprinted for any purpose unless permission from the owner is obtained. Any items taken from Herald House publications or copyrighted by the Community of Christ may be reprinted for use in worship services without requesting permission.

Hymn and song texts and tunes may not be reprinted or projected unless they are in the public domain. However, most texts and tunes in Hymns of the Saints may be reproduced and projected for onetime use, except those listed on the copyright page of that hymnal under “Reprint Restrictions.”

Any text, tune, story, or other reading may be shared in live ministry in worship without permission. Prerecorded music from a legally purchased tape or CD may be played in worship without permission. However, prerecorded videos and movies (in whole or in part) may not be played in worship without permission unless such permission is granted in the copyright statement on the movie or video jacket or container.

To simplify obtaining permission to use restricted items in worship services, agencies have been formed to represent the interest of copyright owners and administer their property. The names and contact information for these agencies are as follows.

For reprinting or projecting copyrighted hymn texts and tunes, contact Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) at www.CCLI.com or 17201 NE Sacramento Street, Portland, OR 97230, USA. Phone: 1-800-234-2446 or (503) 257-2230. Fax: (503) 257-2244.

Most congregations will find it advantageous to purchase an annual license (cost varying by congregation size) that gives permission to reprint and project any of the 150,000 hymn tunes and texts administered by CCLI.

Another organization that administers hymn and song copyrights is OneLicense.net. They can be contacted at 1-800-ONE-1501 or www.onelicense.net.

For showing videos and movies, contact

Christian Video Licensing International (CVLI)
1-888-771-CVLI
Website: www.cvli.org

OR
Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC)
1-800-462-8855
Website: www.mplc.com
E-mail: info@mplc.com

Service Outlines

This section contains one service outline for each Sunday of the year. Elements common to Community of Christ worship over many years are included: prayers, hymns, scripture readings, preaching, offertory (Disciples’ Generous Response), and (on the first Sunday of each month) the Lord’s Supper (Communion). In some cases these elements are presented in nontraditional ways, such as a responsive reading or drama. Alternative elements are frequently offered in the service outlines in recognition of the variety of congregations throughout the church. Choose and tailor the elements that fit your congregation’s personnel resources and giftedness. Some services include the suggestion to show a brief video or excerpt of one. These can provide opportunity for different forms and senses to be experienced in worshipful ways. When videos or other media are projected on a screen or items copied for distribution, it is important that copyrights be observed as described on the previous page. 

Isaiah Model
Although not identified as such, expressions of the four elements of worship based on Isaiah 6:1–8 (praise, confession, proclamation of the word, and commitment) are included in each service. In particular, elements of confession have been woven into each service outline since confession is often missing from Community of Christ worship experiences. Worship planners are advised to keep the four elements from Isaiah in mind as they prepare the service for their specific congregation.

Scripture
Each service includes several suggestions for the use of scripture, including texts from the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. Plentiful use of scripture in the service helps worshipers hear the story of God’s people over the many years of the Christian and pre-Christian tradition. Scripture helps us stay grounded in God’s word.  

Prayer for Peace
As an expression of the call to “pursue peace” and “share the peace of Jesus Christ,” it is suggested that a prayer for peace be a daily spiritual discipline. This includes each congregation’s weekly worship service. Therefore each Sunday service in Section III of this book includes a prayer for peace. While the form of this prayer will be determined by those planning the service, congregations may choose to use the prayer for the day found on the Community of Christ website (www.CofChrist.org/prayerpeace). Or they may compose their own prayer or ask a member of the congregation to offer the prayer extemporaneously. Ringing of a chime and lighting of a peace candle are integral to the Daily Prayer for Peace held at the Temple in Independence, Missouri. Congregations may want to use either or both of these in their services. Whatever the form chosen, the important principle is that a prayer for peace is offered each week in each congregation of the church around the world.