In God’s Image A Service of Installation
Material Needed
A space that is accessible to everyone, even if you are not aware that anyone needs accessible space.
A table, or smaller tables, that everyone can gather around.
Two white paper placemats should be at each place, if refreshments are to be served … just set the table with the placemats stacked.
Pens to write with (if you use markers, make sure they are not toxic, crayons would be better … less odorous).
Gathering Music
“We Gather Together” 421 TNCH
Litany
Leader: We gather here at this welcome table to worship and thank God.
People: Thank you, Loving One, for creating us in your image.
Leader: We gather so that all of us may offer our gifts to you.
People: Our gifts vary, O Loving One, but they are yours. We will work together to serve you in this place.
Leader: We gather around this/these tables, God’s table, just as we are, made in your image, beautiful women, all.
People: We thank you for your trust in us to live into our image. All we bring to this table is yours. Amen.
Offering
Take one of your place mats. Look at and recognize that everyone is invited to God’s table. Also, be aware that to set the table requires work. Today, we are installing new leaders to help set the table in this place. Take a pen or crayon and write (some may need assistance here):
What you will do to make this church welcome and accessible to all people.
What you will do to assist your new leadership in the coming year. 1 What you will do for yourself to honor your gifts and abilities?
Reading
Genesis 1:26-31
God is pleased with what God has done in creation. God has also charged us with much. Today, we call those who will take leadership in this to come forward to be installed.
Leader: We give thanks for you and your leadership. We give thanks for your faithfulness, your love of God and congregation, and the hope you
bring to us.
People: We thank you, God, for sending us these leaders.
Leader: Having prayerfully considered the responsibilities of this ministry, are
you prepared to use your gifts in service to the church and
Newly Elected Officers: Yes, with God’s help.
Leader: With God’s help, we can live into our image and gather our differing
gifts. We can use these gifts to make this open and welcoming to all.
We can enrich this congregation by modeling what it is to understand
that all people are created in God’s image and have a place at God’s
table. We will be learners, risk-takers, and faithful followers of Christ.
People: We will indeed.
Leader: People of faith, let us affirm our commitment to our newly elected
officers. (Gather all the place mats in a basket and bring them to the
new officers). Please accept these as part of our promises. Let us make
a joyful noise in our officers’ honor (clap, sing. etc.).
Closing Music
“Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant?” 539 TNCH
WE102 Designed and printed by United Church Resources, Local Church Ministries
Women’s Mosaic Series 2002
UCC Women’s Resource
Margaret (Peg) Slater, Editor
