A Litany of Invitation for the Church from GC45, Calgary

During GC45, the Business Committee invited a diverse group of guests, commissions and staff to discern and develop a litany and prayer hoped to carry some of the spirit, insight and concerns of the council to the whole church and to God.

The members of the small group were Cal Reynolds, Marianna Mhumuzza, Young Seok Baek, Susan Johnston, Richard Bott, and Jennifer Henry. 

This prayer can also be found under worship resources and in the Downloads, below. A French version is available on egliseunie.ca.

One: Oh, church—

All: Experience the Creator’s deep visions;

One: In a denomination that recognizes the brokenness of relationship between Indigenous and Settler peoples and still chooses to live toward truth, respect, and healing; 
In a church that makes apology for our collective harms to people who are Two-Spirit, to those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and more; knowing it is only a first step, once again;
In the possibilities for abundant life in a community of neighbours that ache with depression, addiction, and mental health crisis, that lack safe and secure housing.
For such a time as this.

All: In such a time as this.

One: Oh, church—

All: Envision the Holy Spirit’s bold dreams: 

One: For a world where genocide and atrocity are no more, where all God’s children can heal and grow in safety and abundance. Holding the peoples of Palestine, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, Haiti, Israel, the Korean Peninsula and so many more in our hearts, we pledge our actions in service of God’s dream of peace; 
For communities where love abounds over hate, where difference is celebrated. We reject White Christian nationalism and commit to a faith that includes and frees. 

One: For such a time as this.

All: In such a time as this.

One: Oh, church—

All: Live Christ's daring love:

One: In communities where the lives and leadership of children, youth and young adults are centered and celebrated;
Where emerging communities of faith find welcome and accompaniment; 
Where leadership is passionate and brave; 
Where diversity is our essence;
Where possibility and hope surpass scarcity and lament; 
Where connection and collaboration is our way of life;
Where we know our call as beloved community of Jesus’ disciples. 

One: For such a time as this.

All: In such a time as this.

One: Oh, church—as your siblings who gather as the 45th General Council of The United Church of Canada, we challenge us all to dream of the next 100 years:

All: To dare to look in the mirror,
and see a prophet staring back;
To dare to be hopeful,
To dare to be joyful,
To dare to live Christ's love.
To dare to participate in God’s transformation. 

One: Will you pray together?

All: God of all Creation, who dares us to love, hear our prayers. 
We dream of a church that sees your deep visions; healing wounds, walking humbly, and acting justly.
We dream of a church that envisions the Holy Spirit’s bold dreams; offering hope, compassion, and healing to all broken places.
We dream of a church that holds in its heart all who suffer—pledging solidarity, resisting violence, rejecting exclusion, and boldly pursuing love, justice, and peace.
We dream of a church that lives Christ’s daring love—welcoming and honouring young leaders, embracing diverse communities, and journeying together in courage, connection, and unity.
O God, empower us to live boldly with visions and dreams.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
 

A summary of the recall meeting of the 45th General Council will be available on the General Council website on September 17.