Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Issue link: http://horizons.epubxp.com/i/481579
20 T his liturgy may be used during a service or meet- ing to install leaders of Presbyterian Women. The inspiration comes from the powerful wit- ness of biblical women (named and unnamed). Despite many barriers, they acted faithfully, ensuring the conti- nuity of their faith tradition. This service names several biblical women, but you may choose to add others. If your PW circle is named for a bib- lical woman, consider inserting a testament to her. Or, in advance of the service, invite nominated leaders to share the names of biblical women whom they see as role mod- els, and what it is about those women's lives that speaks to them. Above all, use this liturgy to celebrate the powerful witness of women in the church. Hymns marked "GtG" may be found in Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2013). Hymns marked "SF" may be found in Sing the Faith (Louisville, KY: Geneva Press, 2003). Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 65) Leader: Oh, visit the earth, ask her to join the dance! Deck her out in spring showers, fill the God-River with living water. Paint the wheat fields golden. Creation was made for this! Hymn "Here, O Lord, Your Servants Gather" (GtG 311) Responsive Prayer Leader: Eternal and ever present Holy One, One of complexity and covenant, God of hope and hospitality, Source of love and life, known throughout the ages, in all corners of the world, in many forms and understandings, All: we turn to you, O God of all our years, in this space of time, in this brief moment in our lives, and humbly ask for your guidance, blessing and strength. Leader: You, Holy Presence of rushing wind and burning fire, ignite in us a passion— a passion of service to one another. On this day that dawns fresh beginnings, birth us anew. All: When hubris overpowers, supply us with humility and grace. When convenience invites us to ignore the marginalized, open our eyes and provide us with compassion and love. When the temptation to be complicit over- comes us, grant us the capacity to resist. And when illusions and falsehoods become acceptable norms, birth us with the audacity to speak truth in love for all that is right. Leader: O One, source of all, bless us with inspiration, wisdom and strength, challenge us with boldness and vision for the future, rooted in compassion, understanding and courage. Amen. Hymn "The Summons," verses 1–3 (SF 2130) Invite participants to the front of the congregation—if possible, near the baptismal font. Leaders may choose to pour a small amount of water from a pitcher at each transition in the instal- lation and pour the balance of the water at the end. A Company of Saints Installation Service for Presbyterian Women BY KERRI ALLEN