Rural Life Sunday highlights 'hands for harvest, hope'
5/13/2003 WASHINGTON
(UMNS) - "Hands for Harvest and Hope" is the theme of this year's Rural
Life Sunday celebration, through which United Methodists focus on the
denomination's rural heritage.
Rural Life Sunday may be
scheduled at any time by either the conference or the local church.
Besides recognizing the denomination's rural roots, the observance
addresses the ongoing crisis in rural areas of the United States and the
world today, and affirms the interdependence of rural and urban
communities.
"Now Thank We All Our God" is a new hymn with
words written for this worship service and sung to a familiar tune found
in the United Methodist Hymnal. It continues after the title phrase,
"for hands of hope and harvest, Hands that plant your seed and reap your
bounty marvelous."
The Rev. Don Barnett of Alabama wrote the
lyrics. He also compiled the resource and wrote one of the sermon and
teaching illustrations.
The Rev. Dorsey Walker of Upper Sand
Mountain Parish, Sylvania, Ala., contributed other sermon illustrations.
The Rural Chaplains Association produces the materials, and the United
Methodist Board of Global Ministries approves the annual themes.
This
year's resource includes a greeting or call to worship, opening prayer,
prayer of confession and a litany celebrating the hands of all whose
work nourishes and sustains others - from farmers and miners to artists,
physicians and teachers. Along with these specially written materials
are a list of 15 hymn suggestions, six Scripture suggestions, quotes,
facts about agriculture, a poem and information on two videos. The
package includes a reproducible bulletin cover.
Worship resources
for 2003 Rural Life Sunday are available for $2.50, including shipping
and handling, or $1.50 each for 20 or more, from the Upper Sand Mountain
Parish, P.O. Box 267, Sylvania, AL 35988; phone: (256) 638-2126; fax:
(256) 638-2125; e-mail: usmp@hiwaay.net.
|
Back : News Archives 2003 Main
|
|
“We believe in God and in each other.”The people of The United Methodist Church
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions Ask
InfoServ
Purchase a $20 buzzkill t-shirt and help save a life
Buy a t-shirt
|