2011 Christmas Fund General Use Litany

Leader: People: Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel…restore us! O God, let your face shine, that we may be saved! (Psalm 80) People: We give thanks for the Good Shepherd, who shines love in our lives.

We give thanks for the Good Shepherd and the many shepherds. Leader: Our congregation has been blessed by Shepherds – clergy, musicians and educators, sextons, administrators, pastoral counselors, youth staff and community organizers – who keep watch over our churches. People: We give thanks for the Good Shepherd and the many shepherds.

Leader: God’s face shone in a Bethlehem star and a Holy Child. God’s face shines in church school and outdoor ministry, in confirmation classes and youth groups. People: We give thanks for the Good Shepherd and his many Shepherds

We give thanks for the Good Shepherd and his many shepherds. Leader: God’s face shone in epiphanies to wise ones from the East, disciples by the sea, those who sought healing, and wedding guests. God’s face shines in mission personnel around the world, seminaries, parish nursing, those who administrate sanctuary space. People: We give thanks for the Good Shepherd and his many shepherds.

Leader: God’s face shone in Christ’s mountaintop Transfiguration. God’s face shines when a sermon turns an old story into a message for today. People: We give thanks for the Good Shepherd and his many Shepherds.

We give thanks for the Good Shepherd and his many Shepherds. Leader: God’s face shone in the Hosanna songs of Palm Sunday. God’s face shines in church music, from organists to praise bands, from cantatas to nursing home carols. People: We give thanks for the Good Shepherd and his many Shepherds.

Leader: God’s face shone in the Easter dawn. God’s face shines whenever people break free from graves clothes or hear the resurrection promise for someone they love. People: We give thanks for the Good Shepherd and his many Shepherds.

Leader: God’s face shone in the fiery tongues of Pentecost. God’s face shines upon all of us and some of that radiance has been shared by shepherds of the past and the present, in this congregation and communities of faith everywhere. Honoring their ministries we bring our gifts. Let us pray:

People: Gracious God, let your face shine on us with a light that does not dim. We give thanks for shepherds in our midst who share your love in every season. Bless these Christmas Fund gifts that they may express our gratitude to retired and active clergy and lay employees, as well as our commitment, each one of us, to become shepherds of your grace. Amen