mercredi 28 mai 2008

Présentation en français de la commission pastorale de la terre au Brésil et le travail de Don Thomas Balduino

Rapide présentation du Don Thomas Balduino et du thème de la visite qu’il compte faire en suite avec Thomas Bauer, coordinateur de la commission pastorale de la terre de Bahia, Brésil.

Mgr Thomas Balduino, dominicain, est évêque émérite de Goias (1967-1998). Né le 31 décembre 1922, il est aujourd’hui âgé de 85 ans. Il a été le premier président de la commission pastorale de la terre, l’un des évêques brésiliens les plus actifs dans le soutien au mouvement des paysans sans terre. Il reste aujourd’hui conseiller de la commission pastorale de la terre. Il s’exprime parfaitement en français.

Thomas Bauer d’origine autrichienne est membre de la commission pastorale de la terre de Bahia. Il est de langue maternelle allemande.

L’objet de sa visite en Suisse, actuellement planifiée du 12 au 21 mai 2008, est de présenter et de rendre public la problématique posée par le projet de détournement du fleuve Sao Francisco ainsi que l’alternative possible à ce détournement des eaux du fleuve intitulé « Convivencia com o semi-arido ».

Les Etats du centre du Brésil dans la région Nord-Est du pays souffrent d’un manque d’eau chronique. Et la population a de graves problèmes de subsistance en raison des régulières périodes de sécheresse. Toutefois le problème principal ce n’est pas le manque d’eau, mais la répartition des ressources. Il serait relativement peu onéreux de construire les puits et les retenues d’eau permettant de limiter les conséquences des périodes de sécheresse.

Le projet de détournement des eaux du fleuve Sao Francisco consiste à créer deux canaux respectivement longs de 400 et de 220 km pour mener les eaux du fleuve vers le Nord, une région semi-aride au centre-nord du Brésil. Le canal nord devrait élever l’eau de 165 mètres, celui de l’est de 364 mètres. Il est prévu pour ce faire 9 stations de pompage, 27 aqueducs, 8 tunnels, 35 bassins de rétention et deux usines hydro-électriques. Ce projet est estimé à 2,4 milliards d’euros et est supposé apporté de l’eau à 12 millions de personnes. En fait, disent les opposants à ce projet du gouvernement Lula, l’eau détournée devrait servir à 70% à l’industrie agricole exportatrice pour la production de fruits, de sucre (y compris pour les agro-carburants) et l’élevage de crevettes. Les opposants affirment aussi qu’il existe des possibilités de résoudre le manque d’eau de la région semi-aride concernée par une meilleure gestion des ressources hydriques disponibles (lacs artificiels et réservoirs, eaux souterraines), ce qui reviendrait nettement moins cher et permettrait une gestion locale de l’eau.

A cela s’ajoute des questions de corruption, de gestion de ce gros projet qui fit déjà l’objet de plusieurs procès. En décembre 2007, la cour suprême brésilienne avait autorisé la reprise des travaux, suspendu auparavant pour irrégularités.

C’est contre ce projet gigantesque que Mgr Luiz Flavio Cappio, franciscain, évêque de Bahia, a fait une grève de la faim en décembre 2007 (il avait déjà mené une grève de la faim deux ans auparavant) qu’il a suspendu pour des raisons médicales.

Mgr Cappio avait dit en interrompant son action « je mets fin à mon jeûne, mais pas à ma bataille ». Cet engagement est porté par la CPT de Goias, de Bahia, par l’actuel évêque de Goias et par des ONG locales. Il a également reçu le soutien de larges cercles, dont, en Suisse, la CES et la FEPS (http://www.sbk-ces-cvs.ch/ressourcen/download/20071218143049.pdf), des franciscains internationaux à Genève (http://www.franciscansinternational.org/news/article.php?id=1409), le COE (http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/general-secretary/messages-and-letters/13-12-07-letter-to-the-president-of-brazil.html).

La CPT est un partenaire important de l’Action de Carême et nous soutenons le travail de cette commission de la conférence épiscopale brésilienne dans trois Etats du Brésil: dans l’Etat de Ceará (un programme de trois ans et jardins familiaux), dans l’Etat de Piaui (programme de trois ans et construction de citernes), dans l’Etat de Tocantins (soutien à des petits paysans)
Dans le cadre de notre engagement pour le droit à l’alimentation et notre soutien aux dynamiques locales qui visent à garantir l’accès aux ressources vitales que sont l’eau, la terre et la nourriture, nous sommes solidaires de cet effort visant à faire comprendre le caractère problématique d’un projet immense qui ne répond pas aux besoins de la population.

JCH/16.04.08

lundi 26 mai 2008

Praying for Zimbabwe and Botswana

Monday Morning Prayers in the Ecumenical Centre
Praying through the ecumenical prayer cycle for Botswana and Zimbabwe

Welcome
Call to prayer
We gather to remember and accompany the people of Botswana and Zimbabwe,
in the name of the blessed Trinity, one God, now and forever.
Amen

O Lord, open my eyes,
that I may see the need of others,
open my ears that I may hear their cries,
open my heart so that they need not be without succour.
Let me not be afraid to defend the weak
because of the anger of the strong,
nor afraid to defend the poor,
because of the anger of the rich.
Show me where love and hope and faith are needed,
and use me to bring them to these places.
Open my eyes and ears that I may, this coming day,
be able to do some work of peace for you.
( Shona prayer)

Song: Praise the God of all creation (sung in English)

Prayerful meditation

L: They have been saying “Our world is not in danger”.

Sung Response: This is the only world

L: They have been saying “We need time to discuss it”.

Sung Response: This is the only world

L: They have been saying “All our efforts are in vain”.

Sung Response: This is the only world

L: They have been saying “Let’s just enjoy life”.

Sung Response: This is the only world

L: They have been saying “This is God’s design for the earth”.

Sung Response: This is the only world

L: They have been saying “There’s no way to stop it”.

Sung Response: This is the only world (sung as a canon)


Psalm 104: 24, 31-25 (read antiphonally)

All: O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.


Women: May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works

Men: who looks on the earth and it trembles,
who touches the mountains and they smoke.

Women: I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.

Men:
Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more.
Bless the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord!

All: O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.

Stand to sing: Thuma Mina 84 (twice)
Rakanaka Vhangeri Rakanaka
Rakanaka Vhangeri Rakanaka

Ndanguri ndaku udze kuti Rakanaka
Ndanguri ndaku udze kuti Rakanaka

Bible reading - Luke 4 16-21

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’

A time of silence

Prayers of the People

Song: Mayezinwe (from South Africa)


L: Great God of all
we pray to you for the people of Botswana and Zimbabwe
Assure them of your Spirit’s comfort and support
at all times and in all places.
Hallowed be your name

Sung Response: Mayezinwe (Your will be done on earth)

L: We pray for all people everywhere working for justice and peace in the world, send your Spirit to renew and refresh their commitment.
When war and violence threaten lives and destroy communities
May your Spirit of peace teach us:
Blessed are the peacemakers

Sung Response: Mayezinwe (Your will be done on earth)

L: We pray for all seeking to bring practical
and humanitarian aid to people in need throughout the world
May your Spirit of love fuel practical solidarity between human beings
Your kingdom come

Sung Response: Mayezinwe (Your will be done on earth)

L: We pray for all facing illness in body mind or spirit,
for all who struggle on a daily basis to find enough water or food.
We unite our voice with theirs saying:
Give us this day our daily bread

Sung Response: Mayezinwe (Your will be done on earth)

L: We pray for ourselves, our friends, colleagues and families.
In our lives and in our work grant us your Spirit’s steadfast support
Lift us up when we are discouraged
Comfort us when we are downhearted
Celebrate with us when we rejoice.
At all times
Your will be done

Sung Response: Mayezinwe (Your will be done on earth)


The Lord’s Prayer (each in her or his own language)

Blessing
Now go out into the world to sow seeds of peace with justice,
And may:
The God of overflowing creative energy
The Jesus of vast compassion
The Holy Spirit who turns chaos to life enhancing wholesomeness
Be with you as you go.
Amen.

Sing:
Reamo Leboga, reamo leboga, reamo leboga,
Modimo warona.

vendredi 23 mai 2008

Morning prayer in celebration of sexuality and love

MORNING PRAYER ~ Ecumenical Centre, Geneva ~ Friday, 23 May 2008

This morning prayer liturgy was written for the meeting of the WCC's human sexuality working party which is meeting in Geneva.

Call to Prayer

L: God, open my lips.
All: And my mouth shall declare your praise.

L: Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
All: As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen

Prayer

Here we are before you, God. We are always before you.
You hold in mind each one of us as if there were no one else in the world:

(names of those present )

But we are often unaware of your presence.
Here, together, coming to meet with you, we become conscious of you as the reality, the true basis of life.
Life is your gift – air to fill our lungs, bodies, which we can transform into energy: but the gift was made ours. We have chosen life not just eternal life. Red-blooded, food-loving, friendship and love-seeking life – such as Jesus enjoyed at the feasts of publicans and sinners.
We affirm life, we choose life, we are her for one more day of life and we say ‘yes’ to it.

We ask you to help us to use it well: not bothering about making a good impression on others but bringing to this day our authentic selves; and, at the end of this day, may we give it back to you as something preciously received, preciously used, preciously offered – a period of time such as has never been before in human history and never will be again, alive with your presence and purpose.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we ask it.
Amen

Song: Nothing is lost

Scripture Reading - Song of songs 1:1-7

The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.
Colloquy of Bride and Friends
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!For your love is better than wine, your anointing oils are fragrant,your name is perfume poured out; therefore the maidens love you. Draw me after you, let us make haste.The king has brought me into his chambers.We will exult and rejoice in you; we will extol your love more than wine;rightly do they love you.
I am black and beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem,like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.
Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has gazed on me.My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards,but my own vineyard I have not kept! Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you pasture your flock,where you make it lie down at noon; for why should I be like one who is veiledbeside the flocks of your companions.

Song: The soul loves the body

A reading from the song of songs is not often heard or read at church and we have to confess
That the church has had a phobia for talking about sexuality and love;
That we have looked on as others in society as having distorted love and sexuality;
That in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, we might have spent more effort talking about sex but not enough effort on love and sexuality.

Song: The soul loves the body

We can learn
That sexuality and love are gifts from God which ought to be celebrated;
That sexuality is beautiful;
That it is appropriate to speak honestly and openly about love and sexuality;
That both men and women are free to express themselves on love and sexuality.

Song: The soul loves the body

We can pray
For the church to become bolder in its engagement with matters of sexuality and love;
For a balance between talk about sex and talk about romantic love especially when talking to young people.

Song: The soul loves the body

We can
Feel relieved that there are sections of the Bible that speak openly about sexuality and love, indicating that it is appropriate for us to do the same.
Accept ourselves as sexual beings who can and should fall in love;
Encourage our churches to speak more freely about matters of love and sexuality.

Song: The soul loves the body

Prayer
(According to the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle we are especially praying this week for the people and the churches in Malawi and Zambia. Please remember these countries in your prayers.)

Eternal God,
you created heaven and earth,
you created human beings in your image,
giving each of us identity and dignity.
We thank you for your gift of life –
life which binds us to you and to your creation.
Help us – as Christians and as churches –
to receive your gift in all its fullness
so that we may be able to overcome whatever limits
or reduces your gift of love and life.
Fill us with your good Spirit
so that we may grow into the image of Christ
and become his image in the world.
Amen.

Time for Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer (each in his or her own language)

Song: Pues si vivimos (1st stanza in Spanish, 2nd and 3rd in English; see song on last page)

Blessing
As we are fully women, fully men
in all your rainbow glory,
so walk with us, and embrace us.
With your blessing,
kiss the lips that praise you;
now and always
make it so.
Amen

lundi 19 mai 2008

Liturgy for ecumenical prayer cycle ~ Malawi and Zambia

Morning Prayer at the Ecumenical Centre, Geneva for Monday 19 May, 2008.
The following liturgy was put together by Fulata Mbano-Moyo, Rolita Machila, Sydia Nduna and John Nduna who all come from either Malawi or Zambia.

Musical Presentation

Welcome.
We welcome you all to this morning’s worship and in the ecumenical prayer cycle, we remember and pray for the countries and people of Malawi and Zambia.
Let us come together and worship the Lord.

Opening song: Blessed assurance (the Southern African tune).

Call to worship
How good it is to sing praises to our God
It is a blessed assurance
Our merciful God forgives all our sins
For he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting
God fulfills the desire of all who trust Him
He hears our cries and saves us

Prayer
God of love, God of compassion
In the midst of suffering, you journey with us
Constantly reassuring us of your care.
Grant us the joy of this occasion
as we celebrate the blessings and the faith
of the people of Malawi and Zambia,
We know that your love is life.
Amidst death and disease,
Your Spirit comforts us
We are part of Sub-Saharan Africa where HIV and AIDS
Is roaring like a hungry lion devouring both young and old
Yet we still know you caring, providing, healing and smiling your love for us
That is why we can still rejoice in Your being with us! Amen

Hymn- Chimwemwe mwa Yesu- Agape 15-

Reading: 2 Kings 4: 1-7
The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves."

Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?"
"Your servant has nothing here at all," she said, "Except a little oil."
Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the doors behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars and as each is filled, put it to one side."
She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one."

But he replied, "There is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing.
She went and told the man of God and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left."

Ascription of praise
I will bless the lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth
My soul makes boast in the Lord, my Provider.
When I was in need, I sought the Lord,
and He answered and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to God and be expectant; so your faces shall never lose radiance.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.

Reflection/ sermon ~ Rolita Machila

Song- The Lord my Shepherd (1.English, 2. Tumbuka, 3.French)

2. Apo ndikuti vyalema
Wakundi-vukuska
Wakundendeska makora
Nkhumu-chinda-mika

Prayers of Intercession
God of love, God of compassion,
In the midst of death and evil, you mercifully look after us:
Protecting, providing and smiling,
Constantly reassuring us of your care.
Grant us the joy of remembering the people of Zambia and Malawi
Who among many brothers and sisters faced with so many life threatening challenges,
still hold fast and celebrate their faith in you.
We pray for forgiveness for being part of those who have stigmatized others
By calling them strange names,
Like “people of strange faiths,” “those with the disease,” “street kids,”
yet there is no one who is not your own beloved creation
Are we not all interconnected as part and parcel of your vast creation?
Teach us to number our days right and be in touch with our own vulnerable interdependence,
That we may acquire a heart of wisdom through Him who walked the mysteries of death and whose life has become our light- Jesus Christ

Sung response- (senzenina)

Almighty and eternal God,
We fervently lift up our eyes to you,
Searching for help and guidance
Come show us how to serve those who are oppressed and marginalized
How to stand alongside those who strive for social justice
Come liberate us from captivity to confessionalism and make us agents of
reconciliation and unity
Give us the will to serve and love you through serving others.

Sung response- (Senzenina)

We thanks you for the peace experienced in Zambia and Malawi,
The peaceful governmental transitions
We still ask for your deliverance from corruption and unaccountable exercise of power
So that your earth may experience a life-giving and love bearing peace, true freedom with justice-to flow like a river and challenge the dry bones of injustice with just love.

We thank you God for the faith in your people of the world.
Send the breath of your spirit so we may speak in our own tongues yet understand and love one another. Through Jesus Christ we pray all this. Amen.

Lord’s prayer ( in our own languages)

Blessing

Go ye out and live the way of love and compassion
Embrace the hope you have in the God of love
Learn from His compassion
Learn to share what you have with those who do not have
Resist the temptation to accumulate more
Work for justice where there is injustice
Love mercy and walk humbly with your God

Sending song: There is no one x 2 like Jesus

Palibe woposa Yesu (3x) Sadzapezekanso
Ndayendayenda konse konse
Ndazungulira konse konse
Ndafunafuna konse konse
Sadzapezekanso

samedi 17 mai 2008

Liturgy for International Church Action for Peace in Palestine and Israel

It's Time for Palestine

It's time for Palestine.
It's time for Palestinians and Israelis to share a just peace.

International Church Action for Peace
in Palestine and Israel, 4-10 June 2008
A joint advocacy initiative convened by the World Council of Churches

ECUMENICAL SERVICE
By the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem

St. Stephen's Basilica
(Ecole Biblique)

6 Nablus Road – Jerusalem
Wednesday June 4th, 2008
5 pm


Prelude Music:

Greetings:

Opening Invocation: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen

“Let justice roll down like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

We gather today to remember, to pray and to seek direction after 60 years of conflict. Living under the Occupation for 41 years has left the people of the Holy Land an unending dread. We know as Christians that there is hope in God and there is a path to justice and peace. Yet we ask “how long O Lord?”

Let us pray

O loving God,
We remember those who struggle for freedom,
We remember the disabled who cling on to hope,
We remember the injured who fight for their life,
We remember the captives who yearn for freedom,
We remember the deportees who long for the homeland.
We remember our towns, villages and camps that are often under
siege.
We remember the children whose eyes reflect the light of the future,
We remember the brave who say “no” to injustice,
We lift the olive branch which says “yes’ to a just peace

O God, we call upon you to grant us your patience,
determination and power, so that we may say:

No to hate and yes to love,
No to death and yes to life,
No to falsehood and yes to truth
No to oppression and yes to justice,
No to cruelty and yes to mercy,
No to violence and yes to the path of peace,
No, no matter what it may cost, and yes, no matter what it may cost.
For you are the source of love leading to reconciliation and forgiveness.

Hymn: In Christ there is no East or West
In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North;
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.

In Him shall true hearts everywhere
Their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord,
Close binding humankind.

Join hands, then, members of the faith,
Whatever your race may be!
Who serves my Father as His child
Is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both East and West,
In Him meet North and South;
All Christly souls are one in Him
Throughout the whole wide earth.

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah ch.32 vv16-18 (Arabic, English, Hebrew)

Psalm 5 (Read together)

Give ear to my words, O Lord:
give heed to my sighing
Listen to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God, for to you I pray.
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice:
in the morning I plead my case to you and watch.

For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil will not sojourn with you.

But I, through the abundance of your
steadfast love, will enter your house,
I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you.
Lead me, O lord in your righteousness
because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.

For there is no truth in their mouths; their hearts are destruction;
their throats are open graves; they flatter with their tongues.
Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels;
because of their many transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
so that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
You cover them with favor as with a shield.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be
world without end,
Amen


Psalm 121
ترنيمة رفعت عيني إلى الجبال
رفعت عينى إلى الجبال
معونتى من عند الرب
لا يدع رجلك تزل
يحفظك الرب من كل سوء
لا تؤذيك الشمس بالنهار
يحفظك الرب من كل سوء
الرب يحفظ دخولك وخروجك
من حيث يأتى عونى
خالق السماء والأرض
لا ينعس لا ينام
يحفظك الرب نفسك
ولا القمر بالليل
يحفظ الرب نفسك
من الآن وإلى الأبد


Epistle: Colossians ch3. vv12-17 (Arabic, English, Hebrew)

Hymn: Be still for the presence of the Lord.

Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here. Come, bow before Him now, with reverence and fear. In Him no sin is found, we stand on holy ground. Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here.
Be still, for the glory of the Lord, is shining all around. He burns with holy fire, with splendor He is crowned. How awesome is the sight, our radiant King of Light! Be still, for the glory of the Lord, is shining all around.
Be still, for the power of the Lord, is moving in this place. He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister His grace. No work too hard for Him, in faith receive from Him. Be still, for the power of the Lord, is moving in this place.
Gospel: St. Mathew Ch. 5 vv 1-12 (Arabic, English, Hebrew)

Address:

Music:

* Short silence for Meditation *

Prayer of Penitence:

O God of justice and judgment, bring your mighty hand into the deep pit of violence, despair, and ruthlessness that shapes the lives of so many in the Holy Land.
-Kyrie eleison

We thirst for justice, O God, because we know that there will be no peace until equity prevails for all people and until the forces of evil are defeated by your commandment to love, respect, and honor all our sisters and brothers.
- Kyrie eleison

We thirst, too, that a pervading sense of your righteous judgement will fill this land, not from vindictiveness or desire for retribution, but in order that the power of your Word might become real for those who suffer and those who cause suffering. Both are badly damaged by the violent insanity that prevails in the Holy Land.
-Kyrie eleison

May the hearts of both those who suffer and those who kill, maim terrorize, or dehumanize others through their dependence on military might remember that you are the ultimate judge of all our thoughts, words, and deeds.
-Kyrie eleison

We ask for your mercy and forgiveness for any part we have contributed to the pain of others by what we have done or what we have not done. We ask your forgiveness for our silence when we see oppression and do not speak out. We ask your forgiveness when we speak words that hurt rather than heal.
-Kyrie eleison

Merciful God, so much conflict is within us. Our jealousy, our pride our passion, our power-seeking and our greed all disturb the balance of life and undermine the harmony of society. Forgive us, and lead us by your Spirit, that in our lives love may go hand in hand with peace so filling our community with joy
-Kyrie eleison

The Absolution

The Peace
Christ is our peace.
He has reconciled us to God in one body on the cross;
we meet in His name and share His peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.

All: And also with you

Sharing of the Peace Hymn of Peace: (Armenian) Litany for Peace:

"I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a hopeful end."

Jeremiah 29: 11

V. Heavenly Father, we praise and glorify you. You are our only refuge in a troubled world.
R. We praise and glorify you, Lord.

V. We thank you for the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, in Bethlehem; his refuge in Egypt, his childhood in Nazareth and his ministry in this Land.
R. Father, we thank you

V. We thank you for his death on the Cross here in Jerusalem, where he carried our sin and suffering, and for his glorious Resurrection in which he gave us new life with him.
R. Father, we thank you.

V. So Lord, we come before you with all our troubles and pains
R. Lord, have mercy on us.

V. We pray for all victims of bloodshed and violence as well as for the perpetrators of these evils.
R. Lord, have mercy on us.

V. we pray for the children and young people that you may give them hope for the future.
R. Lord, have mercy on us.

V. We pray for all bereaved families, the unemployed, the elderly and all who seek to help them.
R. Lord, have mercy on us.

V. We ask the guidance of your Holy Spirit for all the leaders of this Land; that they may be inspired to work for your peace with your justice.
R. Lord, have mercy on us.

So we pray together:
Gracious Father, your love knows no limits. Fill our hearts with your compassion; open our eyes to your presence in the world; enlarge our minds to understand your will. Take our hands and minister through them. Speak through our words and direct our feet in the path of peace that Christ may be revealed in us and the world may believe. Amen

The Lord's Prayer; (each in their native tongue). Hymn: Lord make me a channel of your Peace ( Prayer of St. Francis).

Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord
And where there's doubt, true faith in you.
[Chorus]
Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there's sadness, ever joy.
[Chorus]
Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we're born to eternal life.


The Closing Prayer to launch 'International Church Action for Peace in Palestine and Israel, 4-10 June 2008

Heavenly Father,

We give you thanks and praise for your gift to us of your only Son, Jesus -- His birth in Bethlehem, His ministry throughout the Holy Land, His death on the Cross and His Resurrection and Ascension. He came to redeem this Land and the world. He came as the Prince of Peace.

We give you thanks for every Church and congregation around the world that is praying with us this day for peace. Our Holy City and our Land are much in need of peace.

In your unfathomable mystery and love for all, let the power of your Redemption with your Peace transcend all barriers of cultures and religions so filling the hearts of all who serve you here, of both peoples - Israeli and Palestinian - and of all religions.

Send us political leaders ready to dedicate their lives to a just peace for their peoples. Make them courageous enough to sign a treaty of peace that puts an end to the Occupation imposed by one people on another, granting freedom to Palestinians, giving security to Israelis and freeing us all from fear. Give us leaders who understand the holiness of your city and will open it to all its inhabitants - Palestinian and Israeli - and to the world.

In the Land you made holy, free all of us from the sin of hatred and killing. Free the souls and hearts of Israelis and Palestinians from this sin. Give liberation to the people of Gaza who live under unending trials and threats.

We trust in you, Heavenly Father. We believe you are good; moreover we believe that your goodness will prevail over the evils of war and hatred in our Land.

We seek your blessing especially on the children and young people, that their fear and the anxiety of conflict may be replaced with the joy and happiness of peace. We pray too for the elderly and the handicapped, for their well-being and for the contribution they can make to the future of this land.

We pray, finally, for the refugees across the whole World. God give the politicians the wisdom and courage to find suitable and just solutions.

All this we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

The Blessing:

The Final Hymn sung during the Procession of Light.
( each member of the congregation will be given a lighted candle to carry as they leave the Church )

يا رب السلام أمطر علينا السلام
يا رب السلام املأ قلوبنا السلام
Yarabba ssalami amter aalalyna ssalam
Yarabba ssalami imla' qulubana ssalam

mercredi 14 mai 2008

Pentecost sermon by Rogate Mshana

The following sermon was preached by Dr Rogate Mshana who is in charge of the World Council of Churches' work on economic justice.

The Holy Spirit Strengthens Us
[1]
Pentecost Worship: Ecumenical Centre, 13.05.08
Rogate R. Mshana

The Hebrew Bible calls the Spirit the “ruach”, the female-motherly power alive in wild storms and gentle breezes, the breath of life and therefore - incarnated in Jesus - the true image of creative, unremitting love. This dimension of the spirit enables us to connect the cosmic, the personal and the social – that is all of God’s Creation. Therefore the Holy Spirit is clearly the power of all that lives. It is creative energy, breath, air, wind and tempest.

I believe that women understand better than men the power of the Holy Spirit, because they are in themselves an embodiment of God’s Creation, from whom by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was born. When my non-Christian neighbour milks a cow early in the morning she always places the firsAfficher toutt drops of milk into her mouth and then spits this into the sky in the four directions - North, South, East and West - to thank the Spirit or the creator for the blessing of life that she finds in the milk. I call this the Cosmic Spirit.

When the woman in the Bible (as recorded by St. Mathew in chapter 9) craved for the healing Spirit in Jesus, she touched Christ’s garment and Jesus realized the power of his spirit moving from him to her. This I call the healing Spirit. This is the same Spirit the churches called out to in Canberra in 1991 and in Athens 2005, “Come Holy, Spirit, Heal and Reconcile the World”.

It is this same Spirit that enabled the Apostles in the Acts of the Apostles to share with each other what they had - each according to their needs - and punished those who did not share. I call this the Spirit of a sustainable community resolving inequality.

This is the same Spirit inherent in the Holy Communion. This is the same Spirit which prompts an Indian woman to apologize to the tree for taking a lemon fruit during the night because guests have come and the tree is expected to sleep without disturbance. Or when my mother prays after planting beans to ask for the creative germinating power from God. I call this the Spirit of all living things. It is the same Spirit which prompts women in the Amazon to embrace trees and the Cochabamba people struggling against privatization of water to engage in active non-violent resistance. I call this the Spirit of respecting common goods. It is the same spirit that leads Bishop Desmond Tutu to initiate the Peace and Reconciliation Commission as a solution to the legacy of apartheid. This I call the Spirit of Reconciliation.

The Holy Spirit is God’s creative and transforming power encompassing all creation and is not confined to Christians only.

As Christians we affirm the Holy Spirit’s existence in the Apostles Creed and its affirmation of the virgin Birth of Jesus. In other words, the DNA of Jesus Christ is the Holy Spirit. So when we are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit we receive the Holy Spirit which is cosmic, personal and social. Through baptism the Holy Spirit empowers us to see more clearly the world around us and we can use our minds in ways that exceed our human capacity. The truth is revealed in us because the Holy Spirit is the truth.

In John 14:15-18, shortly before his death, Jesus characterizes the Holy Spirit to his disciples as the Spirit of Truth. Jesus Christ also describes the Holy Spirit as “advocate” – also as the one who “strengthens,” and who “fortifies” in John 14: 26.

What then are the fruits of the Spirit which will enable us to discern the presence of the Holy Sprit with us? The fruit of the Spirit is revealed in Love - agape , joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5: 22-23).

The coming of the Holy Spirit to earth on that day of Pentecost had a powerful effect on the disciples. The fearful intimidated disciples, who met together behind closed doors for fear of the Jews, now felt free to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, the despised and hated Nazarene. And it was not merely a passing phase of momentary enthusiasm. The sober preaching of Peter in Acts 2 and the testimony of the rest of the early Christians shows how deeply rooted the Spirit’s influence was. She now dwelt in them and armed those who were in themselves weak beings with divine healing power.

They went out from the closed upper room and spoke about the love of Christ and acted out that love. Their listeners also sensed this power. The words they heard penetrated into their hearts and awakened their consciences. There was hope for the people. They obeyed the disciple’s instructions, turned to God, believed the Gospel and received the Holy Spirit themselves. We are told that 3000 of them were baptized that day.

The Holy Spirit continues to demonstrate that love of Jesus till today. To the present day she has been working through the churches to touch the lives of the vulnerable and marginalized in our countries.

What is the Holy Spirit in Christ calling on us who receive her power to do?

Essentially we are called to be bold and not submit to intimidation and fear. We are told to get out of our protective upper rooms and move down to the people. The Holy Spirit is the active force of God and helps us to dispel fear when we are filled with it. The kind of task we are called to do with the help of the Holy Spirit is what Jesus said, Luke 4: 18-19. “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors and that the time of Lord’s favour is near”.

This is what Jesus commissions us to do. Today we have a severe ecological challenge due to unsustainable production and unsustainable patterns of growth which have been pushed by both capitalism and communism. Powerful nations wage imperialistic wars to control resources; the powerful exploit small farmers, fisher folk, women and unemployed youth. The powerful usurp, occupy and destroy lands of Indigenous Peoples. Corporate corruption is rampant around the world.

The big powers point fingers at each other over exploitation of resources in Africa (the new repartitioning of Africa). China, India and Brazil want to be at the capitalists’ table as new members to share in the spoils of natural resources, trade and finance. Meanwhile, Western voices are arguing that the populous China’s thirst for oil and other African resources threatens their interests in an increasingly competitive market. A greedy business community is allowed to speculate on finance, oil, commodity and food prices. The gap between the rich and the poor widens fast, threatening peace. But these are not raised as problems because the liberalized market is like a religion. Today corporations control more than 72 % of the global trade and continue to plunder in Africa, Asia and Latin America causing an ecological debt, destroying people’s livelihoods with playing around with food prices. Segregation and xenophobia have taken a new face in migration. Human trafficking that targets women and children is on the increase.

In all these issues, I am afraid, many of our churches have not been bold enough to point out to the main culprits because, I believe, there is some intimidation by those who finance the life of the churches themselves and the churches are fearful of the powerful governments or corporations who are their donors.

In a claim to use language that includes all, the churches avoid pointing to who the real culprits are! We refuse to touch the roots of the problems by making vague statements and generalizations that the churches take refuge in. We allow the theology of cynicism to destroy what the ecumenical movement has achieved over the last 60 years.

Indeed we have not allowed the Holy Spirit to break us out of our fear-filled and closed upper rooms. Only a few church leaders have had the courage and personal fortitude to boldly confront the earthly empires today. I am afraid. Members of the ecumenical family prefer to focus on internal power struggles turning against each other. There is a tendency to marginalize those who are critical and we give them labels that discredit them and put them down.

This ecumenical family lives in fear yet we had the Holy Spirit with us when we prayed in Porto Alegre - God in Your Grace, Transform the World. We have prayed together for the healing power of God in the Holy Spirit when we gathered in Athens, in Accra, in Winnipeg in Sibiu, in Nairobi and in many church gatherings around the world. Our statements continue to remain brave words on paper. We need more actions inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Like the disciples let us pray - Come Holy Spirit, come and energize us, break us out of our fear. Let us be bolder than what we have been. The main fruits of the Holy Spirit are Faith, Hope and Love. The most delicious fruit of all is LOVE for Love is never satisfied with injustice but rejoices when the truth wins! May the Holy Spirit continue to transform us and the world so that all may have life and life in abundance?

Amen


[1] In my attempt to understand a subject as the Holy Spirit, I was inspired by Dr. Geiko Mueller-Fahrenholz’s analysis in his book God’s Spirit Transforming a World in Crisis.


Copyright (c) Rogate Mshana/WCC

mardi 13 mai 2008

Liturgy for Pentecost; praying for Kenya and Tanzania in the ecumenical prayer cycle.

Worship in the Ecumenical Centre
Tuesday 13 May 2008
Praying through the ecumenical prayer cycle for Kenya and Tanzania
The Spirit of God is calling

Words of welcome

Psalm 107
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
those he redeemed from trouble
and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.

Prayer
God of the mighty wind,
send the warmth of your Spirit
so we can embrace one another.
Send the breath of your Spirit
so we can speak in our own tongues
and yet understand one another
as we go about our daily lives.
Send the fire of your love
so we can avoid conflicts and tribal clashes.
Holy Spirit, come, and fill us with your gifts
so we are strong in joy, love, patience, kindness and peace
with one another and all the neighbours around us,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
George Arende, Kenya

Sing ~ Halle Halle Halle ~ Thuma Mina No 55 (sung three times)

Acts 2 1-21
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
“In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Meditation ~ Rogate Mshana


Song ~ I Send You

I send you now into the world, go as disciples two by two
travel on the road, carry not a load, spread my word, till the end of time.

I give you power in my name, to heal and cure all who believe
travel on the road, carry not a load, spread my care, till the end of time.

I walk beside you as you go, all that you do, I do through you
travel on the road, carry not a load, spread my love, till the end of time.

Intercessions
Almighty God the true Vine,
send the Holy Spirit to the nation,
the leaders and the people of Kenya and Tanzania.
We pray also today for the leaders and people of Burma.
Transform their leaders to act as your true prophets,
instill in them the desire
for transparency and leadership according to your way.
May rays of your light bring hope,
especially during difficult, helpless and painful times
when we easily draw far from your presence.
Great Vinedresser, prune our thoughts,
our actions and our efforts.
Make us more fruitful
in addressing the enormous challenges facing us:
poverty, unemployment, diseases such as HIV/AIDS,
and good governance.

Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
George Arende, Kenya

Sung response ~ Nkosi, Nkosi Yibanceba ~ Thuma Mina 37
(1st line repeated, 2nd line repeated, 1st line once)

God of peace and reconciliation
Following the recent violence in Kenya we pray
- that the delicate peace accord may be respected at both national and local levels;
- for the just re-settlement of all internally displaced people;
- for all those working in agriculture and food distribution, so that shortages and hunger may be avoided.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

Sung response ~ Nkosi, Nkosi Yibanceba ~ Thuma Mina 37
(1st line repeated, 2nd line repeated, 1st line once)

God of Easter and Pentecost,
Send your Holy Spirit upon your Church throughout the world.
Encourage its witness to the gospel of your Christ;
Support its service amongst the most vulnerable in our societies.
Send your Spirit upon us that we may show forth its fruits of
Joy, peace, patience, goodness, self-control and love.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Sung response ~ Nkosi, Nkosi Yibanceba ~ Thuma Mina 37
(1st line repeated, 2nd line repeated, 1st line once)

All this we pray in the name of your son Jesus Christ
with him we pray each in our own language:

Lord’s prayer – said by each in their own language

Affirmation (The congregation is invited to stand)
I dream of a community
where justice is practised
and leaders are not dictators;
where human rights are observed;
where tribalism does not exist;
where leaders are honest and able;
where politicians listen in silence.
I dream a lot more
and I still believe God will provide.
Amen.
© Clementina Naita, Kenya

Blessing
May God raise you up
above everything.
Spread out like water of a lake.
Be abundance that never ends, that never changes.
Be like a mountain.
Be like a camel.
Be like a cloud –
a cloud that brings rain always.
And God promised that it would be so.

Samburu, Kenya

Closing hymn – Njoo Kwetu, Roho Mwema – Thuma Mina 141 verses 1 & 3

lundi 12 mai 2008

Prédication sur Ezéchiel 37.1-11 et Jean 20.19-23

Prédication pour Pentecôte 2008 – Ferney Voltaire

Ezéchiel 37.1-11: Jean 20.19-23

Trouver sa voix (voix) et trouver sa voie (voie)!
(Je donne un titre en jeu de mots à cette prédication car je sais que Bernard apprécie cela !)

Le Texte d'Ezechiel 37 a inspiré un chant . Un spiritual très connu dans le monde anglophone – utilisé entre autre comme moyen ludique d'expliquer aux enfants comment fonctionne le squelette humain.
Les spirituals sont comme vous le savez des chants pour la plus part chantés par les esclaves noirs en Amérique du Nord
Ces chants étaient enracinés dans la souffrances de leur existence
Mais ces chants étaient également enracinés dans leur lecture de la Bible,
dans des récits qui aidaient à donner du sens et de l'espérance dans leur situation pénible
Ces spirituals, ces chants étaient une façon pour eux de trouver leur voix,
eux qui n'avaient pas le droit de dire des choses
et qui surtout n'avaient pas de voix dans le sens du droit de vote.
Chanter un chant qui avait du sens pour eux était aussi une façon de trouver leur voie – la route à suivre entre résistance et obéissance.
C'était aussi une façon de donner de l'espoir à la génération suivante
Un chant et mélodie intérieure qui devient aussi une façon d’extérioriser la résistance.
Alors je vais vous chanter un extrait de ce chant basé sur Ezéchiel 37 - mais vous pouvez trouver différentes versions en ligne à mettre sur vos ipod etc.

Dem bones dem bone dem dry bones
Dem bones dem bone dem dry bones
Dem bones dem bone dem dry bones
Now hear the word of the Lord
(Vous les ossements désséchés écoutez la parole du Seigneur)

Tout était affreux et morne pour le peuple à qui Ezéchiel a offert cette belle vision de la vie qui surmonte la mort.
Un très bon roi qui avait tout reconstruit, réparé le Temple et renouvelé l'alliance avec Dieu
Ce roi Josias était tué en guerre, son fils aîné pris en otage, un autre fils a pris le pouvoir et devient un cruel et mauvais roi - c'est lui qui tue le prophète Urie et met en prison Jérémie et impose le peuple pour payer pour la construction de nouveaux palais et pour payer des indemnités au pays vainqueur dans la guerre
Quand en plus le Babyloniens attaquent le pays et assiège Jérusalem, le roi cruel meurt; les babyloniens sont vainqueurs et déportent en exil le fils du roi, tous les soldats, artisans et hommes responsables – Ezechiel est parmi ce groupe.
Pendant qu'ils sont en exil le groupe apprend que le prochain roi de Jérusalem mène la résistance contre les Babyloniens et cette fois-ci toute la cité est détruite et ruinée, tout le monde est tué.
La nation n'existe plus.
Il n'y a plus un chez soi où retourner après l'exil

Voilà un peu le contexte

La promesse que Ezéchiel offre à ce peuple abattu et en exil est presque folle
toute cette tuerie et destruction peuvent être vaincues,
La promesse qu'il fait offre une espérance certes, mais aussi une véritable résurrection animée par le souffle saint et vivant de Dieu
ce qui est desséché sera de nouveau de la chaire
ce qui est à bout de souffle sera animé par un souffle de vie
qui viendra de l'est et l'ouest et du nord et du sud
C'est de la folie
Mais cette vision a une énergie extraordinaire
cette vision aidera à donner une longue haleine à tous ceux qui sont en exil
la longue haleine de la résistance
la résurrection promise est personnelle et collective
cette vision aidera à faire en sorte que la flamme de l'espoir ne soit pas éteinte
l'aide, la consolation, le soutien, l'inspiration peut souffler de partout
une voix intérieure qui donne la possibilité de continuer

Aujourd'hui au Zimbabwe ou en Birmanie
et en bien d'autres pays
on saura aujourd'hui peut être nous dire quelque chose sur la longue haleine de l'esprit
ou sur l'espoir généré par l'esprit

Vers le début de cette année de catéchisme nous sommes allés au musée de la croix rouge
et deux choses que nous avons vues là bas me font aussi insister pas seulement sur l'espérance et la consolation que l'esprit saint de Dieu peut offrir mais aussi le travail méticuleux de cette longue et profonde haleine qui vient d'ailleurs inspirer notre esprit

Dans une des petites salles au musée pas bien plus grande que la taille d'un grand lit
il n'y avait rien du tout, c'était sombre, sans lumière
par terre il y avait des empreintes de douze ou trieze paires de pieds
car on avait visité des prisonniers qui vivaient dans des conditions pareilles

il y avait aussi la salle dans laquelle les murs étaient couverts des centaines de photos d'enfants avec des numéros sous les images
des enfants qui ont survécu le génocide au Rwanda

Ces deux salles m'ont impressionnée – vous imaginez le travail soutenu d'identifier les prisonniers et d'essayer de les visiter, ou d'essayer au moins de leur écrire?
Le travail de photographier tous ces enfants de donner à chacun un numéro
ne pensons même pas aux sentiments des parents et proches qui cherchent désespérément leurs enfants, nepheus ou nièces sur des écrans
Tout ce travail des organisations humanitaires me parle du travail méticuleux, ordonné et inspiré de l'esprit, fait peut être par des chrétiens peut être pas – mais l'Esprit souffle ou il veut


Le souffle saint n'est pas, ou pas seulement, une inspiration momentanée
c'est le souffle de l'inspiration et de longue haleine
Pour des Protestants Français il nous suffit de penser à Marie Durand et les autres prisonnières de la tour de Constance pendant les guerres de religion
Comme Ezéchiel et les autres exilés en Babylonie elles ont aussi reçu mauvaise nouvelle sur mauvaise nouvelle
mais elles ont continuer à espérer qu'un jour elles seraient libres à pratiquer leur religion en dehors de la prison
et elles ont continuer à graver Résister dans la pierre de la prison



« Reçois l'esprit Saint » dit Jésus aux disciples
rassemblés dans la peur et la déprime derrière des portes fermées à clé.

Parfois dans la vie on a l'impression d'avoir tout perdu
et parfois on perd tout
C'est le cas des disciples
Jésus est mort
Ils ont l'impression d'avoir tout perdu
Jésus ressuscité et remplit de l'Esprit
brise les verrous de la peur
se tient au milieu des ses amis et leur dit «reçois l'Esprit Saint »

Il vient aussi nous montrer que Pâques et Pentecôte sont une
briser nos verrous de peur et de lassitude


Pour vous les catéchumènes
qui demande aujourd'hui le baptême ou la confirmation
quand vous passez par des temps difficiles
quand vous vous sentez enfermez dans des difficultés personnelles ou professionnelles
j'espère que le Souffle Saint de Dieu vous consolera, vous donnera force pour continuer
que ce souffle inscrira toujours de nouveau dans vos cœurs une parole de vie
un chant
qui vous aidera à trouver vos voix
et aussi à trouver votre chemin

Je suis convaincue que Jésus
qui est le chemin
viendra se tenir avec vous dans vos difficultés - comme dans les nôtres
et il dira
recois l'Esprit Saint
recois cette passion et conviction intérieur
qui vous aide à être empreints des fruits de l’Esprit :
la joie, l'amour, la patience, la bonté, la fidélité, la paix

Mais Pentecôte c'est aussi la fête de l'interprétation et la compréhension
le souffle nous aide à comprendre et interpréter nos vies
à les changer
et à tisser le sens de Dieu au plus profond de notre existence

et l'esprit met aussi de nouveaux mots sur nos lèvres

Et avant de terminer j’aimerais vous apprendre un chant nouveau
en Yoruba

Wa wa wa emimimo
(l’assemblée apprend et chante ensemble ce chant qui veut dire viens esprit de Dieu)

Que l'esprit met un chant de joie et de résistance sur nos lèvres
Que l'esprit nous donne une voix pour nous exprimer
Que l'esprit nous montre la voie à prendre
surtout quand nous sommes à bout de souffle.
La voie à prendre est Celui qui dit qu'il est la voie, la vérité et la vie.
C’est sa voix qu’il faut écouter.


copyright (c) Jane Stranz, 2008

mercredi 7 mai 2008

Memorial service for Lukas Vischer

In remembrance and thanksgiving for the life of Lukas Vischer
Culte en mémoire de Lukas Vischer
Le mercredi 7 mai à 16h au Centre oecuménique



Musique


Accueil ~ Welcome ~ Geiko Muller-Fahrenholz



(This service is structured around Psalm 107 which Lukas used as the basis for a eucharist he celebrated with his family in the last weeks of his life. Those parts marked in bold are to be said by all. There are also short extracts from his writings which have been translated here into English. The service, includinga 25 minute address and some beautiful music lasted exactly one hour.)

Psalm 107
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
those he redeemed from trouble
and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.


Cantique ~ Hymn ~ Toi Saint Esprit

Lukas wrote a German version of a song based on the Song of Songs 2.11-14 by the Chinese poet and theologian Weifan Wang ~ Read by Martin and Barbara Robra in German

For now the winter is past,
the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth;
the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtle-dove
is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth its figs,
and the vines are in blossom;
they give forth fragrance.
Arise, my love, my fair one,
and come away.
O my dove, in the clefts of the rock,
in the covert of the cliff,
let me see your face,
let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet,
and your face is lovely.

Musique ~ Hans Schmocker


Psaume 107 ~Psalm 107 – lu en Français par Jospeh Kabongo
4Some wandered in desert wastes,
finding no way to an inhabited town;
5hungry and thirsty,
their soul fainted within them.
6Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress;
7he led them by a straight way,
until they reached an inhabited town.
8Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.
9For he satisfies the thirsty,
and the hungry he fills with good things.

Musique


From a sermon by Lukas Vischer on 2. Cor. 5, 18 – 21, Oct. 28, 1990 ~ read by Renate Sbeghen in German

You remember the Magnificat, the hymn in which Mary sings of God's world of reconciliation … she develops a magnificent vision, an image of the world that rises up out of God's reconciliation: She sings as though it has already taken place once and for all. "He has shown strength with his arm … He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. " Mary sings the new song that had become possible with the coming of Jesus. And yet this song is not something to be taken for granted. Think of the disciples after the death of Jesus. … They retreat and hide behind closed doors. … It required the Risen One, to be able to break open locked doors from within. With Jesus in their midst, they are given the power to break out and go forth. The song of God's reconciliation can now be sung anew. And they become messengers who dare, to announce to the powerful the end of their domination and to the rich the end of their exploitation.
(L. Vischer Hg.: Gefolterte – Folterer – christliche Hoffnung. Tagung der „Aktion der Christen für die Abschaffung der Folter“, 26. – 28. Oktober 1990, Basel)

Psaume 107 ~ Psalm 107 ~ lu en espagnol par Adolfo Ham
10Some sat in darkness and in gloom,
prisoners in misery and in irons,
11for they had rebelled against the words of God,
and spurned the counsel of the Most High.
12Their hearts were bowed down with hard labour;
they fell down, with no one to help.
13Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress;
14he brought them out of darkness and gloom,
and broke their bonds asunder.
15Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.
16For he shatters the doors of bronze,
and cuts in two the bars of iron.

17Some were sick through their sinful ways,
and because of their iniquities endured affliction;
18they loathed any kind of food,
and they drew near to the gates of death.
19Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress;
20 he sent out his word and healed them,
and delivered them from destruction.
21Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.
22And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices,
and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.

Musique

Bearing witness to God’s covenant together ~ read by Tamara Grdzelidze


"The resurrection of Christ is often interpreted as God's way of rejecting death. Easter is celebrated as a festival of life. This is certainly true. But is the resurrection God's rejection of mortality and the limits that are set to human life? Most certainly not. The resurrection is the anticipation of God's new creation. It takes away from death its quality of being an enemy. It gives people the freedom to look death in the face. It is not an invitation to rebel against death, but the foundation to live life in all its fullness in the face of death.
Death as such is not a defeat for humanity. The fact of death as such does not take away from life its meaning. The question is rather how we live the life that we have been given in the love of God, of our neighbour and of the whole world. This is how it finds its fulfilment. "

Psaume 107 ~ Psalm 107 lu en Allemand par Luzia Wehrle

23Some went down to the sea in ships,
doing business on the mighty waters;
24they saw the deeds of the Lord,
his wondrous works in the deep.
25For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,
which lifted up the waves of the sea.
26They mounted up to heaven,
they went down to the depths;
their courage melted away in their calamity;
27they reeled and staggered like drunkards,
and were at their wits’ end.
28Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out from their distress;
29he made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.
30Then they were glad because they had quiet,
and he brought them to their desired haven.
31Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.
32Let them extol him in the congregation of the people,
and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

Psaume 107 ~ Psalm 107 ~ lu en français par Georges Lemopoulos
33He turns rivers into a desert,
springs of water into thirsty ground,
34a fruitful land into a salty waste,
because of the wickedness of its inhabitants.
35He turns a desert into pools of water,
a parched land into springs of water.
36And there he lets the hungry live,
and they establish a town to live in;
37they sow fields, and plant vineyards, and get a fruitful yield.
38By his blessing they multiply greatly,
and he does not let their cattle decrease.

Musique

Extract from a lecture in Bochum in 2002 ~ read by Setri Nyomi

"I want to add one last thought. To me it is more important than anything else that can be said about our common confession. The path that we have taken is fatal. It is inevitable that there will be increasing damage as well as more and more victims. Starting from where we are now it is unrealistic to expect that humanity awaits an age of justice and fulfillment. Decay and destruction are more likely. This situation brings with it … the temptation of cynicism. What is the point of making a commitment when nothing will change?
In the Apocalypse in the Gospel of Matthew, there stands the strange sentence: "And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold." (Matt. 24:12) Because of the hopelessness of the situation, love is transformed into indifference or even into bitterness.
The witness of the church is hit at its very heart through this process. It freezes. It is therefore perhaps the most important task of the church, to point to the source of Christian love. Its flow does not depend on the course of history, but rises above all human history: God is love. And every act of love has meaning in itself, or more precisely it has meaning in and of God, and is therefore not ultimately dependent on finding legitimacy on the level of this world.
… The Church may say much that is correct … But it will only be able to truly engage with the people of this age if it does all it can to not let its love go cold. This is why the simple phrase "God is Love" belongs both at the beginning and at the end of any confession that is to answer the challenges of this age.
Psaume 107 ~ Psalm 107 ~read in English by Setri Nyomi
39When they are diminished and brought low
through oppression, trouble, and sorrow,
40he pours contempt on princes
and makes them wander in trackless wastes;
41but he raises up the needy out of distress,
and makes their families like flocks.
42The upright see it and are glad;
and all wickedness stops its mouth.
43Let those who are wise give heed to these things,
and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.

Lukas Vischer in memoriam - Geiko Müller Fahrenholz

Cantique ~ Hymn~ Mon rédempteur est vivant

Prières ~ Prayers ~ Theodore Gill

Heavenly Creator, Lord of all, living Spirit:

We give you thanks for the life and witness of your servant Lukas Vischer,
for the gift of his being, for the grace you gave him,
for all in Lukas that was good and kind and faithful:
his passion for family, and companionship with friends and colleagues,
his profound commitment to the cause of unity, justice, peace, Creation;
to pastoral ministry in and among local Christian communities;
to our mutual education and edification;
to the proclamation of the Word of God in Jesus Christ
through the power of your Holy Spirit.

We thank you for his high standards and diligence, demanding as they could be,
but most of all we thank you for the reflection of your love in his life,
“for love is strong as death”,
and your love abides with us from our beginnings to the end,
until the sky and the sea become one.

We thank you that for Lukas death is past, and pain is ended,
and he has entered into the joy that you have promised and prepared for us.

Continue to be with Lukas’ family, O Lord –
with Barbara, with their children and grandchildren, with all their family members –
and be with all of us who knew him,
that we may be comforted, and comfort one another; that we may take up his work;
that we too may look forward with confidence in you, in whom he taught us to trust.

“One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”

Almighty God, before whom generations rise and pass away:
We praise you for the best in that generation of which Lukas Vischer was a part.
Particularly we remember those who have died in recent months
after devoting their lives to the one Church and the unity of Christians.

We give thanks for them all, and we name especially the ecumenical pioneers
Father Vitaly Borovoy and his beloved wife, both of the Russian Orthodox Church,
Chiara Lubich and Monsignor Pierre Mamie of the Roman Catholic Church,
and retired bishop Krister Stendahl of the Church of Sweden.
Thanks be to you, O Lord, for such a generation:
May their memory be eternal!
This we pray in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us now join in praying, each in our own language, the prayer that Jesus taught:

Notre Père ~ The Lord's prayer ~ Vater unser - chacun(e) dans sa propre langue.

Blessing

Des dons en mémoire de Lukas pour le travail du centre John Knox peuvent être déposés dans les paniers à la sortie.
Gifts in memory of Lukas for the work of the John Knox Center can be placed in the baskets at the exit.

lundi 5 mai 2008

Investing in people - a sermon on Ezekiel 36.24-28 and John 17.1-11 by Manoj Kurian

Reflection by Dr. Manoj Kurian ~ Investing in people

Texts: Ezekiel 36.24-28 and John 17.1-11

This service is a one of the most important one in the life of the Ecumenical Centre, because it recognizes and prays for the people who have worked in the organizations in this Centre and have now left; it also names and prays for those who have joined the organizations in the last 4 months.

It reaches out to the target and the instruments of God’s mission on earth. God’s people.

It reminds us to recognize and value the greatest resource that is given to us. We the people.

On this 7th week after Easter in the western calender, we do not have to search for the right biblical verses to suit the occasion. By following the lectionary it is clear what is considered important in God’s sight regarding transforming the world.

In the first reading we read from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel. The voice of God revealsthe plain truth to the returning refugees from Babylon after 400 years of exile. God is offering them a new consciousness, a new sensitivity and an enhanced ability to respond to God. All this to enable them to be follow the will of God, recognizing God in their lives.

It assures them that “you shall be my people, and I will be your God”. A possibility for mutual recognition and the working together of God and humanity. The fundamental thrust is not on any structural change, building walls or temples. It is not even targeting the cultural and linguistic change. (Even several hundred years after the return of the exiles- the descendants of the returnees like Jesus- spoke the language of the Babylonians - Aramaic.) God was concerned about the heart of the people, their passions and motivations. God was investing in the transformation of people.

For Lord so loved the world that God gave God’s only child, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Have you ever thought what it would have been like if God so so loved the world and gave the world -

God’s only document;

or God’s favourite strategy;

or perhaps in God’s name a grant of a few billion Francs;

perhaps a new temple or tall cathedrals;

or a vast new diocese;

or a great new organization;

appoint a new political leader;

formulate a new ideology;

maybe even design a smart weapon to tame the world!

No ! For the salvation of humanity, God gave a caring human being. He was vulnerable yet strong; audacious yet obedient; humble yet never shied away from truth.

He was also clear about how his message to the world must be carried to the far corners of the earth through generations to come. He invested in people. At the most intense and painful reflective moment in his life - he reflects on his mission and its validity and demands God to entrust his vision to his followers.

His prayers are still real. "You are the most important investment of God."

It is neither the white-washed walls, the neat documents nor the comfortable chairs.

With this expectation and prayer, there is a great responsibility. The responsibility of those who leave these organizations - to continue their allegiance to God and people. Responsibility for those who join new, to discern the will of God and to work with others in the most effective way.
Responsibility for those who remain, to be truthful and open to challenges and changes, and to continue the sincere path.

Responsibility of the organizations to value and recognize their employees and to treat them with dignity and to hold them accountable to their duties and responsibilities.

If Jesus were a mirror, reflecting the glory of God, we are at best, broken mirrors. This brokenness and flawed existence applies to us as individuals and as organizations. But the fact remains that we look to Jesus as our gold standard and we strive for perfection.

In God’s own grace and time , may we achieve this! But for this, we need to do what God did and Jesus in his life on earth did. Invest in people.

Copyright WCC/Manoj Kurian


Order of worship for welcoming and saying goodbye

A liturgy to welcome and say farewell to colleagues working at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva ~ prepared by Dr Manoj Kurian of the World Council


Opening prayers based on Psalm 68:1-20
Let God arise!
Let the enemies of the Lord be scattered;
Let those who hate Your precepts transformed!


Let God arise!
Let evil thoughts and actions be dispersed;
Like darkness fleeing Your light,
wax melting in Your flame!


Let God arise!
Let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God;
Let them be joyful and contented.


Let God arise!
Sing to the Lord,
Sing praises to the compassionate Creator;
Sing praises to the source of Life.



Let God arise!
Recognize God in the vast universe,
in the tender shoot, in the lonely child;
Acknowledge the Almighty today,
rejoice in the presence of the Lord!


You O Lord,
are a Father and Mother to orphans,
Defender of the exploited and excluded;
Let your people arise!



You give the solitary a home
You liberate the oppressed;
The arrogant and self-righteous you reprimand.


Let your people arise!
When your people march through the wilderness,
O God, you go forth before them.


Let your people arise!
You send gracious rain, O God;
You refresh the land when it is weary.
The homeless and the dispossessed
you give your inheritance,


Let your people arise!
The Lord gives the word;
Women and children bring the good news:
Mighty men and their armies are fleeing away;



Let your people arise!
Let God arise!
Let the enemies of the Lord be scattered;
Let those who hate Your precepts be transformed!
Let God arise!
Let your people arise!

Greeting and Welcome
We pray for colleagues who are leaving their work at the Ecumenical Centre and those who have recently come towork here. In addition, the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle calls our concern to the peoples and churches of Sudan and Uganda.
Today we specially welcome all visitors to the Centre, in cluding the group coming from southern Switzerland.
We approach God together (stand)
Welcoming God, you stand with open arms to receive everyone.
Embrace us in your love.
Sending God, you change and inspire us to leave our comfort, familiarity and certainty.
Move us towards your reign.
Companion God, you travel through life with us.
Alert us to your presence in ecstasy, insight, and devastation.
Transforming God, you make all things new.
Inspire us with discontent with the way things are.
Welcoming God, you stand with open arms to receive everyone.
Embrace us in our beginnings and our endings.

Reading : Ezekiel 36: 24 - 28 (read in Italian)
I will take you from the nations, and gather you from all the countries, and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you, and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances. Then you shall live in the land that I gave to your ancestors; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.


‘Alleluia’ in Juba Arabic ( sung once) Music & words as taught by the Choir


Gospel reading: John 17: 1 - 11 (read in Arabic and in English)
After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified youon earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your ownpresence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
"I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me,and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.


Alleluia’ in Juba Arabic ( sung once) Music & words as taught by the Choir


Meditation - Dr Manoj Kurian

We join in singing the song- “Take the Word of God with you...”

Intercessions
Lord this week we remember the people, churches and communities of Sudan. A land and people that had been weighed down by decades of crippling, bloody conflicts. We pray for the the just and sincere implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). For the dividends of peace to flow down to the grassroots. For the equitable and just sharing of wealth, particularly oil, in a transparent and accountable manner and the extraction of oil in ways that respects the local communities and the environment. We pray for the local and regional leadership, for their political will, accountability to people and commitment; for continuing international and fraternal cooperation to help build the country from the ruins of war. Let there be peace among different tribes, races and religions. We also pray for the millions of returning refugees, for their successful reintegration, welfare and livelihood. For the society to move on from a culture of war to one that is reoriented to heal trauma, with enhanced capacity for peace building, reconciliation, forgiveness and development.
Lord in your mercy:
Hear our prayer
Lord this week we also remember the people, churches and communities of Uganda. A beautiful land and people that are recovering from persistent conflicts in the north and from severe epidemics of diseases and from financial crises. The country has shown leadership in the struggle to overcome HIV. We pray for the continuing success of the society in overcoming the disease. We specially pray of the Church run health services, which serves 40 % of the population, but is going through severe financial and human resource crisis. We pray for increased cooperation from Governmental authorities to work with the churches to serve people in a better manner. Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray the Lord’s Prayer (each in our own language)
We send out and welcome colleagues (stand)
We pray for those who have left their work at the Ecumenical Centre,
and we name before God… (Names of departing colleagues will be read…)
We give you thanks, O Lord.
We thank you for their service and their companionship with us in this place.
We pray that you will bless them in their new life wherever you may lead them.
We pray for those who have come to work in the Ecumenical Centre
and we name before God ….. (Names of recent arrivals will be read.)
We give you thanks.
We thank you for these new colleagues in your work.
We pray that here they will find opportunities for fulfilled lives in your service.
We pray for those who remain working in the Ecumenical Centre,
that we may never take each other for granted, nor the opportunity of working for the extension of the reign of God, today.
We thank you for the work you have given us to do.
We pray that we may be useful servants of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
In his name we pray. Amen.

The Blessing is given in the form of a special song