TO WELCOME THE THIRD CHRISTIAN MILLENNIUM
7'he following order of Service is intended for use among groups
of Christians from different denominations gathering in local
churches to celebrate the arrival of the third Christian millennium.
It might be scheduled to begin before midnight on December 31, 1999
and be timed to end so that participants can be outside in the streets
at midnight, January 1, 2000.
Pastors of participating churches should meet in advance with the
host pastor to decide how to share roles and to consult with their church
musicians in selecting the songs and settings of psalms and canticles.
Select music appropriate for your community and tradition reflecting the
themes of light, joy and the dawning of the new millennium.
7here may be pre-service music as worshipers are arriving, both instrumental
and also songs involving the assembly.
Ecumenical Millennium Prayer
in praise and thanksgiving.
Out of love You created the heavens and the earth,
and breathed life into this world.
Inspire us to treasure this gift in all our relationships:
our Savior Jesus Christ, as Light for the world.
Ignite in us the passion of disciples
and the courage to strive for justice and peace
among the rich diversity of race and culture.
Out of love You sent us the Spirit,
your own first gift for those who believe.
Instill in us a right spirit,
that we may bear your light and love.
Often we have strayed from You.
In your mercy, grant us your forgiveness.
By your power, strengthen us to do your will.
Gracious God, as the new millennium dawns,
enkindle the fire of love in this and every place
Fill us with hope, wisdom, joy, and peace,
that we may be faithful unto the ages of ages.
Amen