Celebrate God's Presence

Celebrate God's Presence is the fourth major collection of prayers and services designated for use in The United Church of Canada. In 1990, the General Council created the Hymn and Worship Resource Project, resulting in the publication of Voices United (hymns, psalms, prayers) in 1996, and Celebrate God's Presence in late 2000.

Educational Price Break

Both the Print and CD-ROM editions of Celebrate God's Presence are available at a discounted rate to Theological College students and faculty. Contact UCRD for details.

The title "Celebrate God's Presence" comes from a line in the contemporary United Church affirmation of faith:"... we are called to be the Church, to celebrate God's presence..."

The resource is intended for worship leaders (ordered and lay), worship committees and planning groups. Over 700 pages in length, it appears in a 3-ring binder edition.

The table of contents and the Alpha-Numeric System for the Prayers/Acknowledgements from the original are available as PDFs.

Table of Contents [PDF: 6 pp/25 KB]
Alpha-Numeric System for the Prayers/Acknowledgements [PDF: 26 pp/246 KB]

The resource was published before the Indices had been prepared; now these are available as PDFs:

Biblical canonical index [PDF: 3 pp/28 KB]
Topical index [PDF: 5 pp/47 KB]
This index complements the Alpha-Numeric System for the Prayers index. (see above)

Like Voices United, this resource is marked by inclusive language and social justice concerns; by feminist and liberation theologies; by a desire to lift up ecumenical riches while permitting a diversity of styles; and an attempt to engage classic patterns within the demands of United church context. In the words of the editorial committee:

"Celebrate God's Presence is intended to support congregations as they worship within historic and familiar traditions while creatively responding to the needs and concerns of their context and time."

Celebrate God's Presence-A Book of Services

Order Now
$49.95

This service planning resource for worship leaders offers old and new prayers from Canada and other lands. The 700 pages include comprehensive resources for weekly and daily worship, for funerals, marriages, and baptism. New to the United Church are services for healing; for recognition of volunteer ministries; for the blessings of fields, fisheries or animals; and for marking the closure of church properties or secular institutions. Though it engages centuries of faith, theology and liturgical practice, the resources remain open to local adaptation.

6" x 9", 3-ring binder, materials are available to photocopy and adapt for congregational use.

Theological College students and faculty can order for only $39.95.

Celebrate God's Presence CD-ROM

Order Now
$22.95

A convenient Microsoft Word®eg; text-only format that is searchable using the MS Word®eg; "Find" function. The CD-ROM is to be used in conjunction with Celebrate God's Presence: A Book of Services to eliminate the need to re-type, making the preparation of weekly church bulletins, services and special occasions that much easier.

Theological College students and faculty can order for only $15.95

NOTE: Files supplied on this CD-ROM are in MS-Word 97 format. Users must have a compatible word processor to view supplied documents.

Celebrate God's Presence Pocket Service Editions

Selected services and prayers for marriages and funerals from Celebrate God's Presence in a convenient pocket-size format with attractive vinyl folders that measure 6 ¾" x 4 ¼".

In the Covenant of Marriage and Life Partnership

Order Now
$17.95

Contains:

Two marriage services
- Service B-a traditional service drawn from earlier United Church sources
- Services C and D-a combination of services suitable for blended families and those not familiar with church traditions
Communion prayers
Selected prayers in translation