Observance Of Events In The History Of The Christian Church

Almost all worshiping communities recall the anniversaries of important days in their history as occasions to bless and thank God for his faithfulness to them. Some of the events are important to entire worshiping traditions; others are significant in the life of individual congregations. An Anniversary of the Local Church. One occasion for thanksgiving and prayer is the anniversary of the founding of a local congregation. Readings for such an occasion include 1 Kings 8:22-40; Psalm 84; 1 Peter 2:19; and John 10:22-30. An appropriate prayer is as follows: O God, you have promised through your Son to be with your church forever. We give you thanks for those who founded this community of believers and for the signs of your presence in our congregation. Increase in us the spirit of faith and love, and make us worthy of our heritage. Knit us together in the communion of saints, and make our fellowship an example to all believers and to all nations. We pray through your Son, Jesus Christ…