A Celebration, Affirmation and Blessing 
for All the People of the Church
Laity Sunday
October 18, 2015

This Liturgy can be used on Laity Sunday, October 18 or any time that celebrates all the people of the Church.  When used in worship in a congregation, invite all the people to find a way to face and speak to each other, either across the aisle or front to back, whatever works.  With the people facing each other, have one group read the bold text and the other group respond with the indented, italicized text. Before starting the liturgy encourage the people of the church to look at each other and smile!  

This liturgy is based on Paul’s words of greeting, appreciation and encouragement to the people of the church in Thessalonica, (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10).  The language of the text comes from The Message, J.B. Phillips New Testament, and The Egalitarian Bible.

To the people of the Church
To All the people of the Church

Young and Old, Long-time Members and New
Parents, children and Grandparents

Students and Teachers, Doctors and Nurses
	Technology Persons and Administrators

Salespersons, Homemakers and Gardeners
Lawyers, Cooks and Retired Volunteers

To the people of the Church
To All the people of the church

Every time we think of you,  we are always thankful! 
Every time we think of you,  we are always thankful! 

Day and night you are in our prayers
Day and night you are in our prayers

We never forget that your faith has meant solid achievement, 
That your love has meant hard work,  

That the hope you have in Jesus Christ means sheer dogged endurance 
In the life that you live before God, the Creator of us all.

We know that God not only loves you 
but has selected you for a special purpose.

The word has gotten around. 
Your lives are echoing God’s Word, 

The good news of Christ has been resounding from you, 
not only in this community but all over the place. 

The news of your faith in God is out. 
We don’t even have to say anything anymore

You are the message!
You are the message!

You represent Christ and bear witness to Christ wherever you may be; 
You use your skills to carry on Christ's work in the world;

To the people of the Church
To All the people of the Church

Every time we think of you, we are always thankful!
Every time we think of you, we are always thankful!

Written by the Rev. David Schoen, Minister for Congregational Assessment and Support.

Copyright 2015 Local Church Ministries, Faith Formation Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44115-1100.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.