Introduction

First, let me take you back in time.

It is 1876, fifty women are meeting, representing various congregations in Toronto .  One of these women is Mary Gordon (wife of the Rev. Daniel Gordon).  They have formed the Women’s Foreign Missionary Society.  Each woman will then form an auxiliary in her own congregation after the session has given approval.  Presbyterials will be organized wherever auxiliaries in sufficient numbers are working within Presbytery boundaries. 

And so it began.  A handful of seeds carefully sowed with faith, hope, perseverance and hard work, and especially a vision: to unite all women, girls and children of the church in prayer, study and service for the advancement of the Kingdom of God at home and abroad.

Today, we are here to acknowledge ___ of these groups that grew and influenced countless others directly and indirectly, doing so humbly and with great devotion.

A brief history is then read of each group that has closed or amalgamated (prepared by someone from that group)  and a certificate is presented (certificates can be made on a computer, using Microsoft Word program).

Closing

The group(s) being honored today has (have) a long history of partnership, supporting the ministry and mission of the gospel in their own communities, across Canada and beyond.  They have faithfully lived out the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

            Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink?...And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me”. Mt (25:37, 40) NRSV

Prayer

 Loving God, we thank you for the work of your servants who consistently and conscientiously have followed your call to go and tell.  They have cared for, and sometimes cried for, missionaries across our land and beyond.   They have baked and knitted, they have studied, prayed and written countless letters, and they have rejoiced and mourned with their brothers and sisters who traveled into unknown situations and unknown places in the name of Jesus Christ.

We ask that you will bless their hours and days and years of love.  Remember those who have left our circles but continue to leave their imprint of discipleship upon us.  It is through them that we have the example of your love and nurture in the gospel.

Thank you, O God for all the special moments shared in these groups, of Christian friends caring for each other and for the many people beyond their communities.  May their work and ministry continue to multiply through the people they have influenced and loved.

We pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our great teacher and missionary.   AMEN

Based on material submitted by Pat White, Goderich, September 1996