Celebration for Years of Service
Setting the Sacred Space
Regardless of setting, the focus of the prayer space should be the two basic components of all prayer services,
a Christ Candle and
The Word.
“Personalised” candles for each award recipient could surround the Christ Candle. Individual candles could be as simple as tea-lights in a small glass container, which could have the person’s name painted on in fabric paint. It would be appropriate to have the BCEC logo on the candle/container and the number of year’s service, if desired.
The setup could reflect your local circumstances - if you are near water, have a water feature; if you are near the beach, sand and shells. If you are in a tropical environment, use some tropical plants and a water bowl; in the country: local flora and symbols; in suburbia: life-giving symbols from your local environment. The setting could be enclosed with photos of the people to be honoured in one of their typical roles.
The lighting of the candle/s should be deliberate, paced and ritualised: the pace and formality of the action gives us time to remember Jesus’ promise that whenever we gather in his name, he is really present among us. Similarly, the ritual opening of the book of The Word is a welcoming of God’s presence among us. Make use of stillness and bowing to emphasise the creation of this special time and special place. As always, the size and impact of the symbols used will be determined by the size of the gathering.
Music/ritual action
Feel free to add any music or ritual action to any part of the attached ceremony as appropriate to local settings and circumstances. Depending on the number of people to be acknowledged, they might have a favourite song/hymn or be identified with particular actions, readings, prayers or symbols which could be incorporated into the prayer service.
Duration
This prayer service is designed to be stand-alone or to be part of a larger event - school assembly or staff meeting. It can be lengthened, or aspects could be deleted.
Leaders and Readers
The structure provided is a guide only. Choices of more or fewer leadership roles in the ritual are can reflect local conditions and circumstances.