• Download a pdf file of this resource here.

May God…grant that you may live in harmony with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that with one mind and one mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 15:5-6).

The purpose of the Liturgy

The purpose of Liturgy, the “public worship of God” is to proclaim and celebrate the saving Christ in his redemptive work. We glorify God the Creator, we repent of our failings in love and justice, we thank God our parent, our nurturer for the goodness of the earth, we ask God to pour on us the spirit of wisdom in our joint decisions, and confidence in our actions for change. In praying together with other Christian churches who try to witness to peace and justice in our neighbourhood and city, we come closer to Christ, the vine, without whom we can bear no fruit.

Planning Liturgy

Whether working with members of other churches, or simply our own, there are various elements to consider. It may be that working with those of different traditions makes us think harder about the purpose and shape of our worship. Success in worship depends a good deal on the thought and planning ahead. The following notes are adapted from the National Justice and Peace Handbook, but there are many resources, from CAFOD, Christian Aid, Pax Christi, or other organizations easily available (see resources section of booklet/CD).

Thinking ahead

There are a number of elements: what structure do we want, what is our theme, how much time do wehave, and who is likely to be present? Symbols, movement and variety of sounds will add to the atmosphere we create. The group leader/minister/priest does not have to do it all. If the congregation is ecumenical, members of the different denominations should be asked to do readings, prayers or other actions. The more people involved, the more the liturgy will speak to all. A service sheet or at least the communal prayers or responses should be available to all. An explanation of the liturgy should be given beforehand. It is not a performance: it should lead people to prayer, to reflection, to celebration, thanksgiving.

Points to remember:

• Silence can be important
• Can young people or children have a special role?
• Interfaith: Are our ideas acceptable to all faiths?
• Brainstorming a subject with a group can be useful as a start* eg, Easter, Central America, Trade Justice, etc.

Possible visual elements: light, darkness, candlelight, icons, pictures, slides, posters, maps, artifacts.

Possible Symbols: Cross, bible, candle, water, bread, plant/flower/branch/seed, stone, cloth, oil

The grid below suggests possible structures, and varieties of input.

Possible Structures	Variety of Media	Variations
Introductory Rite Liturgy of the word Liturgy of the Eucharist Concluding Rite	Spoken Word	One voice Several voices Responses Unison
Prayers Readings Hymns	Singing	Solo Group Choir / All
Call to worship Confession Intercession Thanksgiving / Celebration	Prayer	Formal Own Spontaneous
Confessing evil Asking for forgiveness Discovering the power of love Committing ourselves to peace	Drama Movement	Play/Sketch Improvisation Mime Freeze-frame Dance/Actions
Confessing evil Asking for forgiveness Discovering the power of love Committing ourselves to peace	Music	Instrumental Sung Recorded
Pilgrimage	Space	Formal / Round / Free

* Planning a liturgy or worship session would be a very fruitful activity on its own for any group.