SCRIPTURAL INTRO and OPENING PRAYER:
In his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul encouraged the community, saying:
So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.
As we look to the future, we are held by those who have gone before us: champions of women’s rights, whose future is our today.
We do not grow weary in doing what is right!
We honour them by naming the 12 Focus areas of the Beijing Platform for Action, and we dedicate our work to the continuing journey to justice and joy.
Let us work for the good of all!
Women and poverty:
Education and training of women and girls
Women and health:
Violence Against Women:
Women and Armed Conflict:
Women and the Economy:
Institutional Mechanisms:
Human Rights of Women:
Women and the Media:
Women and the Environment:
The girl child:
Women in Power and Decision-Making:
We believe that women’s rights are human rights.
We believe we can push back against the pushbacks.
We believe another world is possible.
We believe in equality.
We believe in justice.
We believe in our ability to be powerful, faithful, advocates for all.
We carry the hope for the future:
We are the bearers of joy!
LITANY:
The exercise of justice has brought us together.
Justice is a verb; that leads us to joy.
The exercise of justice has connected us, in ways that honour our histories, celebrate our todays, and guide us into the future.
The exercise of justice has inspired us to continue in the good work that God has called us to:
To speak for the silenced,
To amplify those who are quietened,
To make space for the absent.
The exercise of justice: the source of joy: the basis of our prayer.
Justice is a verb;
THAT LEADS US TO JOY.
God of wholeness, we heal when we surround ourselves with love. Remind us of your gift of boundless love, as we call to mind those who seek healing of mind, body, and spirit. Work in us that we may shine your light to the world, overpowering anything that seeks to hide your love.
Justice is a verb;
THAT LEADS US TO JOY.
God of compassion, we are rooted and grounded in your love. May we, your church, be assured of our unending connection to you, and the blessing of our connections with each other. As we gather in your name we create holy space in our hearts, that will carry us forward in the days and years ahead. Help us to find new ways to care for the lost, the least, the left-behind. Empower all those who seek innovative and inspired ways to work for justice and equality.
Justice is a verb;
THAT LEADS US TO JOY.
God who moves, keep us strong in our foundation, and sturdy enough to weather the storms we face, confident that all storms run out of rain. Keep us flexible enough to sway and dance with the winds of life. As you provide us with all that we need, call us to joy-filled, life-giving, and future-focused action in our communities, that we may continue to extend what is necessary and good for the benefit of all.
Justice is a verb;
THAT LEADS US TO JOY.
God of joy: you sustain us through life’s challenges and empower us in ministry. Brighten our lives with the joy that you unceasingly lavish upon us. Help us to learn, to listen to the voices of women and girls, to uphold the dignity of all, to dare to work courageously towards justice, and to celebrate new days, new joys, and new possibilities.
Justice is a verb;
THAT LEADS US TO JOY.
As we leave this place, may we keep our connections to one another, upholding one another in prayer and supporting one another in our work. May we bless one another with our journeys, carrying forward the essential work of this CSW and beyond; that our decisions will ensure that your will is done.
Justice is a verb;
THAT LEADS US TO JOY.
Amen.
SENDING PRAYER:
Loving God, we celebrate the many gifts that have been present in our time together at CSW. We delight in the variety of perspectives, the richness of experiences, and the depth of engagement that we have shared in this CSW. We are thankful for these many voices; we are aware of the voices not heard; we pledge to listen to the weakest of voices in our midst.
As we prepare to head to our homes, and carry the friends, colleagues, and advocates with us, we realise that we have been transformed by our time here, and we celebrate those ministries that dwell in our hearts. We commit to continue embracing this transformation for the benefit of all – and so we dedicate our time to You:
We dedicate our time and our work;
We dedicate our passions and our potential;
We dedicate our successes and our failures;
We dedicate our abilities and limitations;
We dedicate our differences and our similarities;
We dedicate our past and our future;
We dedicate our journeys;
We dedicate our hope
As we exercise with justice and dwell in your joy.
BLESSING:
May the God of wisdom bless you,
as you rise to speak truth and seek justice.
May your voice be heard, your insight valued,
and your courage strengthened for the road ahead.
May the God of joy fill you,
as you shape the world with wisdom and love.
May laughter sustain you, hope uplift you,
and community surround you in all you do.
walking boldly, leading justly,
and rejoicing always in the God who calls you.
Amen.
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