Covenant Renewal Litany

Circle of Mercy members have the opportunity to renew their commitment to the Circle annually, on the first Sunday of Advent, the anniversary of the congregation’s founding. Recommitting members gather around the table after sharing communion and together voice this covenant litany:

We gather around this table to recall the past and to speak our vows for the future.

Around this table of memory and mercy, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and courage to respond. Have mercy, O Christ, and make us merciful.

Our memories stretch back to the dawn of creation, when the Blessed One took delight in all that was made. Though bruised and battered, Eden’s promise of delight still shines in our darkness.

Have mercy, O Christ, and make us heirs of your delight.

We remember the prophets and saints and humble servants, both known and nameless, who in large ways and small leaned into the promise of shame’s demise.

Have mercy, O Christ, and make us heirs of your forgiveness.

We remember the shout of Mary, who proclaimed the end of arrogance and the advent of righteousness. We remember Joseph, and the shepherds, and the magi, who boldly cradled the Promise of steadfast love.

Have mercy, O Christ, and make us heirs of your steadfast love.

We remember those who first formed this Circle, fostering hope for the Beloved Community, for the day when all the world shall feast and be satisfied.

Have mercy, O Christ, and make us heirs of your Beloved Community.

Therefore this day we declare our fidelity: to the Reign of God writ large, by means of faithfulness to the sisters and brothers in this Circle.

Have mercy, O Christ, and make us heirs of your faithful care.

Grant grace, as we extend tender mercy to each other, with patience; as we teach each other, with diligence; as we receive assistance from each other, with gratitude; as we offer up our assets, sacrificially, to the building of this body.

Have mercy—tender mercy—O Christ, and make us heirs of your clemency.

Having eaten from this table, having sipped from this cup, having made these covenant vows, we are implicated in God’s insurgency: against the world and all its vengeance, for the earth and its destiny of hope.

Hear these promises, gracious God, as we wander in the starlight of your Wonder. Have mercy, and make us heirs of your hopeful Presence.

May it be so, now and always, in this Circle of Mercy, as we live our proclamation: seeking justice, pursuing peace, following Jesus.

AMEN. May it be so!

Litany of Welcome for New Members

(New members speak the words in boldface type; the congregation in italics; and the leader in standard script):

This is the place of imagination: Where hungry ones find food, and proud ones are scattered. Where mountains are brought low and valleys lifted up. Where mercy trumps vengeance, and the whole earth learns to magnify God. Do you wish to be here?

Yes, we do. We have heard of such a place, where cries can be made and are tenderly heard. Where good tidings are told. Where voices find strength and the Gentle Shepherd embraces all who approach.

Be clear before you speak. Are you prepared to love God more than breath itself? To follow Jesus as the Spirit gives you vision? Are you prepared to know and be known in this Circle of companions?

Yes, we are ready. And now are you also ready? You have come here before us. Does any special honor come from that?

No honor save one: Of welcoming you into this Circle. It isn’t always easy here. We share in the conflicts common to all creation. Sometimes the vision seems slow, and weariness overtakes us. But joy overtakes it all. Our only true rule is the Rule of Mercy. To that One alone do we pledge faithfulness.

Then let us announce our intent together:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because God has anointed us to bring good news to the poor. God has sent us to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of Jubilee! Here we stand, together, servants of the One who turns us into friends.

Blessed One, who brings strength in the struggle for a new heaven and a new earth; who brings comfort when life unravels and hope is harsh; make us submissive in the manner of Mary. Give us wombs of welcome, for each other, for strangers in our path, even as for your Presence and Purpose. Let it be with us according to your word. Amen.