ORDER OF SERVICE Christian Aid Week 13–19 May 2012

Call to worship Jesus has given us his life; Hallelujah, we will sing of his love. Jesus has called us his friends; Hallelujah, we will share in his calling. Jesus has made known God’s will; Hallelujah, we will walk in his way.

Jesus has chosen us to bear fruit; Hallelujah, we will share our resources. Jesus is among us in joy; Hallelujah, we will love one another.

Prayer of confession God of justice, we thank you for the opportunity to pray and act for change. We thank you that you have made your salvation known, and revealed your righteousness to the world through your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. (Silence)

We confess our failure in relationship. We have hidden your justice and equity in our greed and selfishness. We have not loved one another. We have not remained in your love. We all need to change. We ask your forgiveness. (Kyrie or Lord have mercy)

Lord, your love and faithfulness reach out to everyone. As those who have known your salvation, set us free to live in justice and equity, and so to reveal your righteousness to the world. Amen, thanks be to God.

Intercessions God for us, who created a world of opportunities; Grant us the confidence to respond to them. God with us, who shows us the way to live together in unity; Help us to share our resources and knowledge with people who need them.

God among us, who inspires us to keep on going, and turns our small beginnings into big results; Keep us faithful to the possibilities before us.

God of life, we celebrate all that is good and life-giving in your creation. We hold before you the country and people of Sierra Leone, a beautiful and fertile land with a wealth of natural resources, and a dignified and resilient people.

We so often see only the problems; but the people of Sierra Leone see the possibilities. Your world can provide food and a good life for all its people, if we share resources and skills; For the end of hunger is the beginning of speaking out for change.

We are sometimes overwhelmed at the magnitude of the task. But you ask us for what we are able to give – tools and seeds. Together, our small actions and the hard work of partners in Gbap [pronounced Bap] produce huge changes; For the end of hunger is the beginning of speaking out for change.

We give thanks that simple technology and improved methods are helping the people of Gbap to become more productive and generate income. Help us never to take our food and those who produce it for granted; For the end of hunger is the beginning of speaking out for change.

We give thanks for women like Mary Samuels, finding her confidence, finding her voice, finding a hearing, speaking out for the right to education. We pray for all the people… May we share their courage to do the same; For the end of hunger is the beginning of speaking out for change.

We praise you for your promise of salvation, and for a world with enough for everyone… In hearing the voices that speak of hunger, may we too become hungry for change; For the end of hunger is the beginning of speaking out for change.

We give thanks for all the channels through which change can happen… Empower us to speak out as individuals, as churches, as communities; For the end of hunger is the beginning of speaking out for change.

As we celebrate all the events that will take place this Christian Aid Week, we give thanks… We bring our prayers together by saying the Lord’s Prayer. We say this in our own language, standing alongside the people of Sierra Leone as they pray in theirs.

The Lord’s Prayer in Krio (as spoken by the people of Sierra Leone) Papa God we de na evin Na yu wan gren na God, mek all man pre to Wi de pre mek yu rul wi Mek wetin yu wan, bi na dis wol, leke aw i de bi na evin

Gi wi wetin wi fo it tideh Padin wi fo di bad tin den we wi don du, leke aw wisef de padin den pipul weh de du wi bad Mek wi no lef for biliv pan yu enitem we setan tray wi, no mek setan ebul wi. Na yu de rul de wol, na yu get pawa, en na yu get prez en honor, sote go. Le i be so.

A prayer for Christian Aid Week People working together, children going to school, women speaking out, tools for transformation, communities thriving and not just surviving, and no more hunger – these are fruits that will last. Jesus who calls us friends, may we love one another and remain in your love.

Pray by text Individuals may also wish to text a word or a prayer to Christian Aid at Prayers can be any length, from 1-10 words. After the service you will receive a text message confirming that your prayer has been received. This message will contain a link to a page where you can view prayers from people taking part around the country. All prayers are anonymous and texts will cost your standard network rate.

Commissioning prayer and blessing Bless the gifts we have offered, bless the work we will do, and bless all who will bear witness to our collective support for the people of Sierra Leone. Bless all our endeavours and small contributions, and transform them into fruit that endures.

And now may God the Creator, who made the bountiful world, the Redeemer, who bid us love one another, and the Sustainer, who shows us what great things can be achieved, bless us all. Amen.

23 13–19 May 2012 caweek.org CHRISTIAN AID WEEK