BY: BRIAN SMITH, MS, MA, MDiv
CALL TO PRAYER
LEADER: In both the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament, there are references to partnerships. The Greek word koinonia is often the word used to describe these collaborations and partnerships. Koinonia has a twofold meaning. The first meaning is "to share with someone in something." In the New Testament, this usually refers to working with others as brothers and sisters to advance the Gospel. The Apostle Paul shares the ministry of spreading the Good News with John Mark, Priscilla, Aquila, Silas, Onesimus, Timothy, Barnabas, Titus and others.
Koinonia also means "to give a share in something." Those who partner in the work of the Gospel hope to see positive results from their labor; namely, to spread the love of God in the world. There is a sense that these new relationships are based in love, and the collaboration between partners, for the sake of the Gospel, furthers God's love in the world.
As we gather to celebrate this new partnership between (Insert the names of the entities), let us remember that koinonia is the basis of our relationship.
READER: A reading from Paul's Letter to the Galatians (Galatians 2: 1-2, 6-10)
Then after fourteen years I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. I went up in accord with a revelation, and I presented to them the gospel that I preach to the Gentiles — but privately to those of repute — so that I might not be running, or have run, in vain.
But from those who were reputed to be important (what they once were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality) — those of repute made me add nothing. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter to the circumcised, for the one who worked in Peter for an apostolate to the circumcised worked also in me for the Gentiles, and when they recognized the grace bestowed upon me, James and Kephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas their right hands in partnership, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only, we were to be mindful of the poor, which is the very thing I was eager to do.
The Word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Pause for reflection
RESPONSE (Psalm 117)
READER: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
ALL: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
READER: Praise the Lord, all you nations! Glorify him, all you peoples!
ALL: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
READER: The Lord's love for us is strong; the Lord is faithful forever. Hallelujah!
ALL: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
PRAYER OF PARTNERSHIP
ALL: All-knowing and loving God, throughout human history, you have brought people of good will together to further your creative plan of love and healing for the world. In your wisdom, you have brought this new partnership together, so your healing light might be experienced by more people in a deeper way.
May our partnership remain grounded in love and respect. Help us to recognize our organizations' diversity and unique gifts complement each other. We pray that through this collaboration, more people will receive your healing and wholeness. Bless the work we do together so that an abundant harvest of your love, justice and peace will be known by all, and the glory of your Holy Name will be revealed. Amen.