A Worship Service of Remembrance and Healing
Written for the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Vietnam Peace Accord, January 27, 1973 - January 27, 2003, and the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Korean Armistice, July 27, 1953 - July 27, 2003
Forward:
Anyone who has suffered the pain of armed conflict in past and present military actions may find this service meaningful. Conceived as a way to remember the past while at the same time taking new steps into the future, this service was carefully constructed with the input of a military chaplain, Chaplain Major Sipe, and veterans of both the Vietnam and Korean eras. This is a Christian ecumenical worship service with a time for extemporaneous sharing of memories, prayers and songs, as well as a Blessing for Healing for individuals.
Whether from wars past or the current conflict, the healing grace of God is necessary to us all. Violence and war leave vicious wounds, not only of body, but of mind and spirit, on all of us: soldiers, citizens, victims. None of us are exempt from that corruption. For war is a disease of societies which infects everyone. And the only cure is the healing and forgiveness of God. We hope through this worship to open the way for the Spirit to move among us and begin that healing process.
Whether you experienced war as a soldier or a civilian, whether you lost someone or lost yourself, whether American, Korean or of other national background, you will find this a safe place to face the reality of your experience, to share that with others and with God, and to move forward in your life knowing that you are not alone.
Lisa Frenz
Below are some worship resources which you are welcome to use at no charge. Please just use a copyright acknowledgment "Copyright Lisa Frenz. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission."
Notes on texts, links, sources, etc.
Remembrance and Healing Order - PDF
Please feel free to use its liturgy, litanies and prayers as best suits your worshiping community. If you do use this we just ask that you acknowledge the source as follows: From A Worship Service of Remembrance and Healing, conceived and written by Lisa Frenz 2003 Copyright: Public Domain.
A Worship Service
of Remembrance and Healing
Dedicated to all, military personnel and civilians,
who have experienced the effects of armed conflict.
Written for the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Vietnam Peace Accord
January 27, 1973 - January 27, 2003
and the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Korean Armistice
July 27, 1953 - July 27, 2003
Conceived and written by Lisa Frenz 2003 Copyright: Public Domain
Stand: = Please stand as you are able. Sit: = Please sit
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Pre-service Music:
Prelude and Lighting of the Altar Candles
(The candles are lighted from the Remembrance candle's flame which was lit before the service)
Procession
(The clergy process in silence.)
Welcome
(Some general words of welcome may be said here.)
P: The God of peace and love be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: We come before God, not to glorify war, but to honor and celebrate those who walked into the chaos and evil that is war: those who were civilians and those who were military; those who braved the censure of society and those who gave of themselves for that society; those who survived and those who did not; those who were friends and those who were enemies. None who have waded through evil, death and sorrow are untouched in body, mind or spirit; they are beloved of God. We all were affected and changed by Military Action/Armed Conflict/the Vietnam War/the Korean Conflict/the Gulf War/_________, and all are in need of reflection, renewal, comfort and healing.
C: Amen.
Special Music: (Optional)
(If desired, a visual presentation may be shown during the Special Music and the following A Time for Reflection.)
A Time for Reflection
(spoken over music)
A1: A short quote from the media, national figures, veterans, etc. appropriate to the occasion/congregation is read.
Sung Refrain: "Shepherd me, O God" Refrain only (Haugen)
Gather Comprehensive 31, GIA Music
A2: A short quote from the media, national figures, veterans, etc. appropriate to the occasion/congregation is read.
Sung Refrain: "Shepherd me, O God" Refrain only (Haugen)
Gather Comprehensive 31, GIA Music
A3: A short quote from the media, national figures, veterans, etc. appropriate to the occasion/congregation is read.
Sung Refrain: "Shepherd me, O God" Refrain only (Haugen)
Gather Comprehensive 31, GIA Music
A4: A short quote from the media, national figures, veterans, etc. appropriate to the occasion/congregation is read.
Sung Refrain: "Shepherd me, O God" Refrain only (Haugen)
Gather Comprehensive 31, GIA Music
P: O God of all, we thank you for the gift of life which you have given us in Christ Jesus, who in full divine knowledge became human, walked with us, lived with us, suffered with us and, in a sacrifice beyond comprehension, gave up immortality for death in order that we might regain the life we lost to sin. Teach us to honor all life, all creation, that we might be good stewards of what you have given into our care. Be with us if, like Christ, we are called to endure suffering and death in order that others might live; we ask this in Jesus' Name.
C: Amen.
Song: Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me;
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
Text: John Newton, 1725-1807
Scripture Reading
Choir Anthem (optional)
Stand:
Scripture Reading
Sit:
Music for Meditation
Message
A Time for Memories
P: Let us share our stories: the times of joy, the times of suffering, the times of sorrow,
A: The times long past, the times now present–stemming from the past, the times of war, the times of conflict/our experience/Korea/Vietnam/the Gulf War/__________.
P: Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name. Hitherto you have asked nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:20-24
A: Let us light a candle for remembrance, a light to illumine the darkness, a light to guide us to hope.
The individual candles are lighted in silence.
When all are lighted, the congregation is invited to share their personal reflections, remembrances, or prayers. At the end of the Time for Remembrance the Taps may be played.
Trumpet Solo: Taps (Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield)
Blow out individual candles at the end of the solo.
Silence
Song: Healer of Our Every Ill (Haugen) With One Voice 738, AugsburgFortress Press (also in Gather Comprehensive, GIA Music)
(or other appropriate song)
Prayer for Forgiveness and Healing
(Spoken over music)
Paper has been provided to write down a concerns or confessions which may be brought forward and burned as part of our prayer.
Stand:
P: O Lord, you are indeed the healer of all our ills. We bring to you, Lord, our bodies, minds and spirits hurting and broken by the violence, ills, trauma and cares of a world separated from you. Come to us now with your healing powers.
C: Breathe on me, O God, and make me whole.
A: O God, we ask that you heal us. Give us the strength, health, wisdom and knowledge found only through you. Send your life-giving Spirit so that we may live our lives with courage in the profound peace of your love. Come to us now with your healing powers.
C: Breathe on me, O God, and make me whole.
P: O God, we ask that you sustain those who seek to alleviate the pain and suffering of this world. Give strength, courage, wisdom and knowledge to all doctors and orderlies, nurses and clerks, psychiatrists, researchers, and all other medical care givers, volunteers and professionals. Send your life-giving Spirit so that their ministries may bring healing and promote health. Come to us now with your healing powers.
C: Breathe on me, O God, and make me whole.
A: Be also with those who work to heal the wounds of societies and nations. Guide, protect and strengthen our lawyers and police, chaplains and pastors, healthcare and social workers, politicians, military, diplomats and all others who work for economic and social reform. Send your life-giving Spirit that they may promote your love and grace, bringing healing to those in conflict and stability to those who are vulnerable. Come to us now with your healing powers.
C: Breathe on me, O God, and make me whole.
Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, AugsburgFortress Press
P: As a parent embraces a wounded child so does God reach out and pull close all of us: those who fell the hardest, hurt the most, suffered the worst; no matter if the wounds were self-inflicted, out of terrible deeds done for a greater good, acts of violence or fear. God not only accepts, but welcomes and loves everyone, cleaning, healing, and restoring to wholeness of heart mind, body and soul those who cry out and run into God's embrace.
Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, AugsburgFortress Press
P: War is a great evil of our world, and we are all part of it: citizens of this society and those who fight for those citizens. That is a reality we face every time we send our fellow citizens to be soldiers for us.
A: The killing and wounding of all individuals in any war is a responsibility we all must accept, a guilt we all must all bear. And so we confess to God who loves us,
C: O Lord, hear me, for I have done this.
Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, AugsburgFortress Press
P: Maimed and maiming, wounded and wounding.
A: Evil upon evil, brokenness upon brokenness.
C: O Lord, hear me, for I have done this.
Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, AugsburgFortress Press
P: Hated and hating, despised and despising.
A: Sin upon sin, trespass upon trespass.
C: O Lord, hear me, for I have done this.
Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, AugsburgFortress Press
P: We are maimed and maim,
A: Are hated and hate.
P: We are the defender and the aggressor.
A: We are the innocent and the guilty.
P: We are the victim and the enemy—
A: All of us—in our acts, our thoughts, our hearts.
C: O Lord, hear me, for I have done this.
Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, AugsburgFortress Press
P: How do we as citizens of this country, soldiers, friends and family of soldiers, victims of war, how do we respond? How do we deal with such things as God's people? Not by our acts of contrition,
A: Not by our own efforts,
P: But only by allowing God to take on our guilt, our pain, our debt, our anger.
C: Forgive us Lord God. Heal us, we pray. Accept our confusion, our guilt, our helplessness; remove what is evil in us; receive it; take it; purify it in the fires of your eternal love.
Sung response based on Psalm 141: 1-2 Let my prayer rise before you as incense (Refrain only)
Lutheran Book of Worship, Vespers p.145, AugsburgFortress Press
Sit:
Silence
(During the silence you may write your concern or confession on your paper)
The Blessing for Healing
(Music begins)
At this time you may come forward to the brazier with your paper
and place it in the fire to be burned.
You may then go, one or two at a time, to the altar rails for
a Blessing for Healing, or you may return to your seat.
Stand:
P: God so loved this world and this people that God sent Christ to suffer and die for us. Accept now that gift. Know that you are forgiven, reconciled, accepted and loved.
C: Amen.
A: Lord, we remember now before you all those who have suffered, are suffering, or who are in need of your protection and care . . .
(You may speak aloud the First Name of anyone you wish to mention.)
(If Holy Communion is not served, you may continue with the Lord's Prayer, other appropriate prayer and/or the Blessing.)
The Lord's Supper
Eucharistic Prayer
P: For the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and after giving thanks, He broke it and said,
"This is My body, which is for you;
do this in remembrance of Me."
In the same way also He took the cup after supper, saying,
"This cup is the new covenant which is in My blood;
do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,
you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
P: Let us pray,
C: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
P: Even in the dark places of this world God's love lives in our hearts and shines in those around us, giving us the joy of knowing the immediacy of life. Taste and see that God is good
Sit:
Those wishing to partake of Holy Communion may come forward to receive the bread and wine.
Stand:
P: May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God's grace, now and always.
C: Amen.
Post Communion Prayer
OR
If communion is not served.
P: Let us pray,
C: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
A: Even in the dark places of this world God's love lives in our hearts and shines in those around us, giving us the joy of knowing the immediacy of life.
Blessing
(The following or other appropriate blessing is said.)
P: The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be caring towards you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
C: Amen.
Song: The River Will Rise (Tom Conry) Oregon Catholic Press
(or other appropriate song)
Dismissal
(The following or other appropriate dismissal is said.)
P: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
Postlude