THE RECEPTION OF A CONGREGATION OR FAITH COMMUNITY INTO

RECEPTION LUNDI À JEUDI DE 09H00 A
29 VICTORIAN LITERATURE AND THE RECEPTION OF GREECE AND
5 FIXING AN APPOINTMENT 1 SPEAKING TO A RECEPTIONIST

ANNEX L RECEPTION AND CARE I PURPOSE THIS ANNEX
APPENDIX II RECEPTION TRAINING PLAN DESCRIPTION OF TRAINING DATE
APPLICATION FORM RECEPTIONIST – FIXED TERM (APRIL 2021) (THIS

Order of Service for welcoming A New Group into a Uniting Church congregation


The Reception of a Congregation or Faith Community

into the Uniting Church



NOTES


The Basis of Union identifies that “The Congregation is the embodiment in one place of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, worshipping, witnessing and serving as a fellowship of the Spirit in Christ” (para 15a). The Uniting Church acknowledges, however, that there are times when the gathering of faithful Christians can take place in circumstances where the actions of worship, witness and service do not always coincide. For this reason, the Church has determined that presbyteries may recognise faith communities as important gatherings of people “seeking to explore the implications of faith” (Regulation 3.9.2(a)(i)).


In the Uniting Church, the Presbytery has oversight of Congregations and Faith Communities within its bounds.


This service is for use when a congregation, faith community, or group of people wish to become part of the Uniting Church. It is expected that the service will be celebrated during a normal Sunday worship of the Congregation involved, or in the case of a Faith Community at its usual time of gathering. The service is arranged and conducted by leaders of the Presbytery, in consultation with the leaders of the Congregation or Faith Community.


Being part of a normal Sunday worship, the service is to be inserted following the Service of the Word, and before Prayers of Intercession.


Leaders preparing this service are encouraged to take special note of and provide for, the particular cultural or linguistic attributes of the group who are joining the congregation. The use of symbols and symbolic action will enhance the connection between the group and the Congregation within the ethos of the Uniting Church. It is important for the story of the group to be told, and for an acknowledgement of diversity within the Uniting Church to be celebrated.


The service offered here is a base liturgy which can and should be varied so that the special circumstances which apply in each situation can be more truly affirmed and acclaimed.



* * * * * * * * * * * * * *



The Reception of a Congregation or Faith Community

into the Uniting Church



1 PRAYER OF INVOCATION


Living God,

again and again you pour out your Holy Spirit on your Church,

renewing it with life and vision,

equipping your people for service,

empowering us to live as Christ’s witnesses in the world.


We gather here in your name.

We believe you have led us to this day.

We are glad to be part of your pilgrim people.


The Christian life is a journey with others.

You have not created us the same,

but have given us the exciting richness of our diversity.

and called have us to bloom together

in a multicoloured garden of your making.


You are remaking us!

We praise and adore you.


2 PRAYER OF CONFESSION


Gracious God, you always call us to new horizons of faith.

This day, as we come to commit ourselves to new relationships,

we confess our fear, trembling and failure

when faced with the prospect of going into new situations.

We find it hard to trust that you will provide what we need.

We wonder if the journey ahead will be too hard,

and whether we have the courage needed to take new steps in faith.


A time of silence may be kept.


Hear then the words of Christ to his fearful disciples:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.

I am with you always, to the end of the age.’


Rise up to newness of life.

Thanks be to God.


3 WORDS OF INTRODUCTION


The Chairperson of the Presbytery says:


Sisters and brothers,

We are glad today that the Presbytery of …

has resolved to recognise the … Congregation/Faith Community

as a congregation/faith community of the Uniting Church in Australia.


We are here to affirm and celebrate your reception into the Uniting Church,

and to pray for your life and mission.


4 TELLING THE STORY


The Secretary of the Presbytery and/or a leader representing the new congregation/faith community/group narrates the steps that have led to this point.


5 PRESENTATION


The Secretary of the Presbytery says:


The Uniting Church in Australia affirms

that every member of the Church

is engaged to confess the faith of Christ crucified

and to be Christ’s faithful servant.

In each congregation members meet regularly

to hear God’s word,

to celebrate the sacraments,

to build one another up in love,

to share in the wider responsibilities of the church,

and to serve the world.


6 QUESTIONS TO THE CONGREGATION/FAITH COMMUNITY


The members of the congregation/faith community/group stand, and the Chairperson addresses them:


Sisters and brothers,

you already worship, witness and serve as a fellowship of the Spirit in Christ.

As we welcome you as members of the Uniting Church in Australia,

I ask you these questions:


Do you reaffirm your allegiance to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord?


We do.


In joining the Uniting Church,

will you be guided by the Basis of Union,

and accept the pastoral care and oversight of the Uniting Church?


We will.


Are you willing to take up your responsibilities as members of the Uniting Church,

and to share in its the life and worship?


We are.


While the members of the congregation/faith community remain standing, the Chairperson invites other members of the Uniting Church to stand with them, and asks:


Will you welcome the members of this congregation/faith community/group as members of the Uniting Church in Australia, and will you offer them your friendship and support?


We will.


The pastoral list and other symbols of the congregation/faith community are brought forward by the Secretary of the congregation, who says to the Chairperson:


I present to you the pastoral list/symbols of the members

of the … Congregation/Faith Community,

who have resolved to join the Uniting Church in Australia.


The Chairperson places the rolls on the Communion Table.


7 ACT OF RECEPTION


The Chairperson of Presbytery prays:


Gracious and ever renewing God,

we praise you for calling us to faith

and gathering us into the Church, the body of Christ.

We thank you for this congregation of your people

and rejoice that you have called them

to be members of the Uniting Church in Australia.

Together may we live in the Spirit,

building one another up in love,

sharing in the life of the Church,

and serving the world,

for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


In the name of Jesus Christ, the sovereign head of the Church,

and by the authority of the Presbytery of …,

I declare that the … Congregation/Faith Community

is now a congregation/faith community of the Uniting Church in Australia



Friends, we welcome you into the Uniting Church in Australia.


The people may signify their assent in an appropriate way.


8 PRAYER


The Chairperson says:


Let us pray for God’s people who have now joined the Uniting Church.


Generous God, you ever recreate your people;

we ask for a fresh outpouring of your Holy Spirit

that we may grow in faith, hope and love.

Equip your people to share the life of the church,

proclaim Christ and serve you in the world.

To you be all honour and glory, now and forever.

Amen.


9 DOXOLOGY


A doxology may be sung; suitable doxologies may be found in Together in Song, 768-775.


10 WORDS OF GREETING


Words of greeting may be offered.


11 PRAYER




Loving God, you will always travel with us wherever we go;

you provide companions and lead us into new relationships.


In order to go forward from today,

give us your gifts of faith, compassion, imagination,

humility, generosity of spirit, courage and wisdom.

Increase love in our relationships, and joy in our service.


In times of frustration or disappointment,

remind us that we belong to you

and are on a journey together.

Help us accept the cost and discover the joy

of following the crucified and risen Christ,

this day and always.

Amen.


12 THE PEACE


A person representing the new congregation or faith community offers the peace.


The peace of the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.


The people are invited to share a sign of peace.


13 HYMN OR SONG


The service continues with Prayers of Intercession, may include Holy Communion, and concludes with a Hymn or Song and the Blessing and Dismissal





AUDIOSCRIPTS UNIT 6 ENQUIRIES C A 118 RECEPTIONIST MASTERS
B RANKSOMEWOOD HEALTHCARE CENTRE PERSON SPECIFICATION RECEPTIONIST – NINE
BRANKSOMEWOOD HEALTHCARE CENTRE JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE PERMANENT RECEPTIONIST


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