The Covenant Renewal Service For The New Year

The covenant of renewal originated with Charles Wesley in 1755. The purpose of the service was to effect a renewal of faith through a renewal of the covenant with God. Forgotten for generations, the service has been recovered in the twentieth century. Below is the covenant which may be used in a New Year's watchnight service or in the service of the First Sunday of Epiphany (Baptism of our Lord). The service given here borrows heavily from the British Methodist covenant service. It is designed for use as the main service of worship on the first Sunday after Epiphany (Baptism of the Lord). You may wish to use the following introduction in John Wesley's own words either printed on the bulletin cover or in place of the greeting. Dearly beloved, the Christian life, to which we are called, is a life in Christ, redeemed from sin, and through Him consecrated to God. Upon this life we have entered, having been admitted into that New covenant of which our Lord Jesus Christ is mediator, and …