Notes on contributors

Commissioner Revd. Canon Gideon Byamugisha is an Anglican priest from Uganda. He is currently serving under the World Vision International as Church/FBO Partnerships Advisor, HIV/AIDS Hope Initiative. His e-mail Address: gideon_Byamugisha@wvi.org

Rev. Felicidade Cherinda is an ordained a Presbyterian minister from Mozambique. She is currently serving in a Minister in Maputo. Her e-mail is: cherinda@teledata.mz

Dr Ezra Chitando is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist from Zimbabwe. He is currently serving as lecturer of World Religions and Dean of student affairs in University of Zimbabwe. His e-mail is: chitsa21@yahoo.com
Revd. Cheryl Dibeela, is an ordained minister of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, from Botswana. Currently she is running Mabogo Dinku, a community development project, as coordinator and founder. Her e-mail is: cherylnatalie@yahoo.com

Revd. Moiseraele P. Dibeela is an ordained minister of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, from Botswana. Currently he is the principal of Kgolagano Theological College. His e-mail is: kgolagano@mega.bw

Professor Musa W. Dube is member of United Methodist Church, from Botswana. She holds a teaching post at the University of Botswana as a New Testament lecturer. Currently she is serving as an HIV/AIDS and theological consultant for churches in Africa, under the WCC. Her e-mail is: wenkosi@hotmail.com

Revd. Gladies Jeco is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian church from Mozambique. She currently serving a congregation in Ricatla Theological College.

Professor Tinyiko S. Maluleke is ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church, from South Africa. He is professor of black theology. Currently he is serving as the Dean of the faculty of theology in UNISA, Pretoria. His e-mail is: malults@unisa.ac.za.

Ms Fulata L. Moyo is a Presbyterian from Malawi. Currently she is a lecturer at Chancellor College, University of Malawi. Her e-mail is: fulamoyo@yahoo.com

Revd. Dr Agustine C. Musopole is ordained minister of Church of Central Africa from Malawi. Currently he is serving as the Secretary general of Malawi council of churches. His e- mail address is: mipingo@malawi.net

Professor Isabel Phiri is the Coordinator of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians and the Director of the Center for Constructive Theology and Professor of African Theology in school of Theology, University of Natal. She is a Scottsville Presbyterian, from Malawi, currently living in South Africa. Her e-mail is: PhiriI@nu.ac.za




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Introduction: Africa Praying

HIV/AIDS Challenges and the Church

Since the outbreak of HIV/AIDS, an average church leader’s work in the African continent has doubled; there are more sick people who need to be visited and prayed for; there are more grieved relatives who need to be visited and encouraged; there is an outburst of orphans who cannot be absorbed by the extended family anymore and who need to be comforted, cared for, guided, loved and put in day care-centers. There are more desperate widows, who are grieved and who may be impoverished by the sickness of their former husbands or dispossessed by relatives, who need counseling care and support; there are more grandparents who are grieved by the death of their children and burdened by the load of care for their orphaned grand children. There are many who are dying who need to be prepared to die peacefully and indignity; there are many who are dead who must be buried; there are millions of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) who are confronting enormous stigma, who need counseling. There is the whole community that is lost in hopelessness, despair and fear, which must be brought to see and know God’s unfailing presence even at this tragic time; and there is the majority, who are not infected and who must be helped to stay safe.

One can go on outlining. The work is enormous. Of course, there are many other HIV/AIDS players; the governments, NGOs and the private sector all doing their parts in restoring healing to a broken people. Yet the church and its leaders, by virtue of their community centeredness, their close relationship with individuals and families, their values of holding each person as God’s person and their role as servants of God, bearers of salvation and hope, have much expected from them. Much is laid at the feet of the church in the HIV/AIDS struggle. The challenge is confronting the African church.

Obviously, this does not mean that an average church leader (and its members) automatically has the skills or is well equipped to deal with HIV/AIDS, for this is a relatively new epidemic. Most ministers who are serving now, never learnt about HIV/AIDS in their theological training programs. They were not instructed on HIV/AIDS counseling, prevention, care or HIV/AIDS project/program design and management, yet they are expected to stand up to the challenge. Many church ministers were not instructed in reading the Bible from the HIV/AIDS context. They were not instructed on preaching in an HIV/AIDS context. They do not have liturgy that specifically addresses HIV/AIDS. How should the church and its leaders deal with prevention, the origin and meaning of HIV/AIDS? How should they deal with the HIV/AIDS stigma? How should they address the needs of the affected: orphans, widows, grandparents, grieved relatives, dying people, hopeless communities? How should they minister to the infected, who are living positively with HIV/AIDS and facing enormous stigma? All these questions confront the church leader and worker in the field, often with no ready answers or resources to address them. In short, an average church minister is challenged to a whole new set of learning new ways of doing ministry in an HIV/AIDS context. The irony, however, is that with the doubled amount of work they have, there is really no time for any meaningful research, studying or a creative space for most church workers. Of course, there is a huge amount of literature produced by governments, NGOs and the private sector on HIV/AIDS. Yet this literature, does not necessary mainstream HIV/AIDS in religion or explore how religion can use its sources in the HIV/AIDS struggle. This task remains to be carried out by the religious institutions themselves: the worship centers, the academic departments of religion, Bible schools and other church related institutions.

In addition to the newness and the enormous amount of work demanded from the church and its leaders, there was/is a problem of language—language to address issues of human sexuality. It is not in the practice of the church or of most African cultures to discuss issues of human sexuality openly. In most African cultures, sexuality was designated to specific spaces, times and individuals. In Southern Africa, for example, this teaching was passed during initiation schools, when young women and men were being trained on the roles and responsibilities of being adult citizens. The colonial Christian mission was quite deliberate in eliminating these spaces, but, tragically, did not make any particular replacement within the church or school programs. Sex education was left to individual families—who were not culturally equipped to do it. At the end, sexual education was not addressed in any formal space. Young people picked ideas from their friends, biology and media. The church with its own Christian culture of silence or demonizing sex was obviously not helped by the African cultural context to speak openly about HIV/AIDS.

Lastly, the fact that HIV/AIDS is an epidemic within other social diseases of poverty, gender inequalities, violence, human rights abuse, child abuse, ethnic conflicts/cleansing, national and international injustice and discrimination on the basis of sexuality, race, age, physical ability calls for a church whose approach is socially, economically, culturally and politically well informed. The church needs to be socially informed. Its liturgy needs to insist on and celebrate justice. HIV/AIDS is more than just an individual’s lack of morality. Its reduction needs more than just individual behavior change. It needs morality of both the individuals and the social institutions that people dwell in. Here, perhaps, the church leaders were confronted by one of the greatest challenges, for many insisted, and still insist, that HIV/AIDS will be eradicated through abstinence and faithfulness (and consequently the infected could be seen as those who are paying for their own failure).

While, abstinence and faithfulness are no doubt effective moral values which must continue to be encouraged, the church has been forcefully brought face to face with the fact that individuals are not islands. Real people live within particular economic, cultural, political and social institutions and structures that determine the decisions they take and implement. Consequently, even when people know and wish to abstain in order to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS, if they are confronted with hunger, they may choose to get involved in sex work to raise money for food. Even if some women wish to abstain from unfaithful partners, they have to think about loosing shelter and any form of support in cultures that still remain patriarchal—that is property and leadership being largely in the hands on men. Even if some women are faithful, in some cultures where unfaithfulness is culturally tolerated from men, it will not protect them from infection. Also, families are separated over a long time by labor immigration, displacement of people through political and economic oppression and many raging wars, thus making faithfulness in marriage into an unpractical ideal. Further, in war torn zones, abstinence will not protect women from rape, which is used by warring factions to get back to each other. Family, health and education systems do not work in war zones. But, worse, rape is no longer confined to war zone, it has risen to epidemic levels with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. With the loss of control that characterizes the HIV/AIDS atmosphere, rape has become a symptom of men’s desperate search for control over women’s bodies or of the situation. Young girls, children, infants are raped in their homes, in the streets, by both strangers and their own relatives. How, then, does it help for church leaders to harp on abstinence and faithfulness as the key to HIV/AIDS prevention within such social context? Clearly, we also need to address the social diseases and the social injustices that sponsor and promote the spread of HIV/AIDS and the lack of quality care for the sick. We need to seek the healing of all our relationships: our relationships to one another; our relationship with God and our relationship with the environment. If these relationships are sick, then we are creating an unhealthy world for ourselves and our neighbors—one that is bound to affect us.

The Goal, Contents, and Structure of the Handbook

In the face of the above challenges, confronting the church and it leaders, a group of writers, under the support and leadership of the Ecumenical HIV/AIDS Initiative, sought to produce a resource book for the church and its leaders (minister/pastor, Sunday school teacher, Bible study leader youth leader, women and men fellowships and the laity). The resource book, AfricaPraying: A Handbook on HIV/AIDS Sensitive Sermons and Liturgy, has been produced to assist the church and its leaders to realize their full potential in the HIV/AIDS struggle. How does it seek to assist the church and its leaders and what are its contents?

To start with the first question, the handbook seeks to equip the church leader/worker with the strategies of mainstreaming HIV/AIDS in all the occasions that the church has the opportunity to speak and act both to its members and the larger society; both within its space of worship and in the outer society—thus breaking the silence and the stigma; creating a compassionate and healing church. The handbook seeks to provide church leaders/workers with tools that will release the full spiritual power, vision and values of the Christian faith to energize the Christian church to fight HIV/AIDS to its highest potential. It seeks to help the church leader/workers by underlining how the Christian faith calls us to serve and to heal God’s world and people; how healing is healing of our bodies, relationships with each other, with institutions and structures and with God. Given the newness of the epidemic and the overburdened church leader/worker, this handbook has prepared to provide an accessible and user-friendly (accordingly we left out footnotes) resource that could be readily used by the church leaders/workers to break the silence, the stigma and to call the church to HIV/AIDS prevention, provision of quality care and the mitigation of the its impact. If well used, the church leaders/workers will not have to suffer from burn out and stress given that the struggle against HIV/AIDS will be fully owned by all members of the church, thus raising a strong and formidable army.

The contents of the handbook are comprehensive sermon guidelines that take the HIV/AIDS context into consideration and how the Christian scriptures can be a source of transforming energy through the worship space. The sermon guidelines seek to highlight how the gospel can inform the HIV/AIDS struggle and activate the church into a body of transformative healers and justice seekers. In this way, the sermon guidelines seek to equip the church to break the silence, to break the stigma, to awake/energize the church to be a formidable army in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. The structure of the sermon guidelines We are highly endebted to the structural arrangement of Matthias Krieser, Preacher’s Helper: Sermon Preparation for Lutheran Lay Preachers, Kanye: LUCSA, 2000, which we employed and creatively adapted., therefore, methodologically seeks to assist the preacher/Bible study/worship leader to walk the audience through a process of learning, confessing, being thankful, praying, re-envisioning itself and undertaking concrete plans on what the church can do to change the HIV/AIDS situation. The structures of the sermon guidelines, seek to assist the preacher to deliver a sermon that assist the audience to translate the ideals of its Christian faith into liberating and healing action. They seek to help church leadersworker to move its members and the society from the numbness of the tragic strike of HIV/AIDS to an active army of healers, servants of justice and bearers of hope. The introduction of each sermon guideline provides the context of HIV/AIDS for the preacher/Bible study/Sunday School/worship leader. The details of the given text are highlighted for them; the methodological structure is then given; songs, prayers and symbols are provided for the pastor/minister/Bible study/worship leader to use as needed.

Despite this provision, the church of Africa is undeniably as diverse as its cultures, contexts and countries are. A simplified approach categorizes the church into four groups: mainline, Orthodox/Coptic, African Independent churches and Evangelical/charismatic churches. Each of these four groups consists of many different traditions in itself. It is, therefore, up to each minister/pastor/ Sunday School teacher/Bible study/worship leader, to re-appropriate and re-interpret these sermons according to their denomination, context, audience, need and goals. If one feels free to use them as they are written, that is fine, but generally as an ecumenical resource document its completeness only lies in the hands of each user within their particular context. To each user therefore I say: “This handbook is yours, to use as your own creative pad, to take whatever you find useful and take it to new and different levels for your particular context and audience.”

Yet, I must add that these are not just sermon guidelines, they are also full worship orders. Most of them have opening prayers, songs, introduction which highlight the HIV/AIDS context for the particular subject, the details of the text, and the outline of how the sermon can be applied to the individual listeners, the congregation, and to the larger society, closing song and prayer and an outline of various symbols that can be used, if the preacher or worship leader deems them helpful in enhancing the communication. Every preacher or worship leader is free to take them as they are given, to transform them or use other alternatives. In particular, in the area of songs and symbols of worship, it became more complicated: one cannot assume that the songs chosen by the writers will be known to every Christian church, continent wise. Nonetheless, we included even new songs. Every user is free either to choose appropriate songs; to sing the given songs according to their own created tune, to chant them in a poetry style or to have young people perform them in a rap style. Moreover, given the orality of the African context, there is a multitude body of popular choruses which have always been sang, and which we have no idea who wrote them and where such an information can be found. We have acknowledged these songs as community/anonymous/popular songs. But we apologize in advance to those who know themselves as the rightful composers and who wish to be acknowledged.

Similarly, the area of symbols and objects of worship was equally complicated. The generally accepted Christian symbols of worship are, oil, bread, wine, water, candles, clothes and sound. Even these are used in various ways and have various degrees of acceptability in different traditions. Since the word has dwelt among us and since the whole creation is God’s created world, we were not at all limited to the traditional Christian symbols. Many other symbols of worship can be employed and we outline them. The user is free to explore and utilize more from their own context. Yet here again each user will have to judge their own context, audience, acceptability and adapt accordingly. However, sparingly it may be we also sought to capture the participatory, communal, dramatic and oral spirit of spontaneity that characterizes the worship space of the African church. This was a challenge, for the letter kills the spirit. We believe the worshipping African church will be the ones to ride the whirlwind of the Holy Spirit than our pens could ever come close to such an articulation. Let those who have ears hear and those who have eyes see!

Coming to the structural presentation of the handbook, it is divided into five parts. The first section features sermon guideline on life markers. The section seeks to provide the preacher/Sunday school teacher/Bible study or worship leader with the resources for mainstreaming HIV/AIDS in such occasions as birthday, wedding, funeral, and anniversary, tomb unveiling ceremony, memorial and thanksgiving services. The second part focuses on services on the church calendar and events. It features HIV/AIDS sensitive sermon guidelines that cover such events as Christmas, baptism, Good Friday, Easter and Ascension Day services. The third part of the handbook contains HIV/AIDS sensitive sermons guidelines and liturgy on various themes for general church service, Sunday school classes or Bible study groups. It provides ready resources and methods on how to mainstream HIV/AIDS by addressing themes that are particularly highlighted by the epidemic such as life, hope, compassion, repentance, healing, forgiveness, love, sexuality, fear, stigma and discrimination, reconciliation and healing. Part three focuses on particular groups. It seeks to assist the church and its leaders to mainstream HIV/AIDS in services that focus on particular groups. Thus it features HIV/AIDS sensitive sermon guidelines that focus on children, the boy-child, the girl-child, youth, parents, single parents, men, grandparents, widows, PLHWAs, HIV/AIDS workers and activist, homosexuals and community leaders/workers. This is the longest section, and rightly so, for unless each person and group is addressed and fully equipped, we cannot expect to win the war against HIV/AIDS. Part five focuses on social factors contributing to HIV/AIDS. It seeks to help the church and it leaders to be able to deal with the social epidemics that sponsor HIV/AIDS; namely, poverty and economic injustice, gender inequality, violence of various types, race and ethnic-based discrimination, age based discrimination (children and elders), national and international injustice. While the whole of this book inevitably brings justice and liturgy to a meeting point, it is more specific in this last section.

Obviously, this handbook does not seek to replace the liturgies that various church traditions employ. It seeks to assist every church leader (Minister/Pastors, Sunday school class teachers, youth, women, Bible study and worship leaders), to mainstream HIV/AIDS within their given context, audience and Christian background so as to build a church that knows and successfully carries out its mission of healing, compassion, hope and justice building. The sermon guidelines of this handbook can, therefore, be used side by side with one’s own church liturgies and preaching calendars. They can creatively inform one’s own church preaching calendar, Sunday school lessons, women’s, men’s, and youth services and programs. Be that as it may, I must not fail to say to you, the church of Africa, blessed are those who will decide to use this handbook more consistently, even daring to put aside their formal preaching calendars, for HIV/AIDS matters cannot wait—they are urgent. They are about saving life from death, despair and hopelessness. They are about healing a hurting and suffering people. A godly and a Christ-like church cannot afford to put these urgent issues of life and death at the periphery. The church must act and act now--we cannot just continue with business as usual as if HIV/AIDS is not infecting and affecting our congregations and families; recklessly planting hopelessness and despair in our spirits and communities. Let those who have ears hear and act.

The Process of Producing the Handbook

Turning to the process of production of the book, over the past nine months a group of writers from different countries and churches have been prayerfully and creatively writing HIV/AIDS sensitive sermons and liturgy for the English and Portuguese African speaking churches and leaders (another group has been working on a French equivalent). Each writer had a maximum of ten passages. In January 2003, soon after the New Year, we met in Mmokolodi Nature Reserve, just outside Gaborone in Botswana, to share and go over what we had been writing, to agree on some working structure and then we dispersed to re-write again. Both the place and time setting were deliberately chosen. Botswana, with the highest infection rate in the world, was a good place to gather around the theme of putting up HIV/AIDS sensitive sermon guidelines and liturgy. Second the nature reserve setting enabled undivided concentration as we reflected on the church in the HIV/AIDS struggle. The place gave us a creative space, allowed us to be in touch with God’s creation, to experience, to see and to hear God’s creative hand anew in the New Year and within our environment. We did frightfully, pleasantly and awesomely come to fellowship with frogs, snakes, scorpions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, water hogs, the eland, the green trees, mountains and valleys—as we struggled with the question of how can the church effectively become the bearers of God’s will for creation in the HIV/AIDS era. It became a special time for our own spiritual restoration, excellent fellowship and intellectual stimulation of a rare kind, as we read, debated and commented on each other’s work. One thing became very clear: we consciously became aware of how such a space of discussing biblical scriptures in the light of HIV/AIDS is rarely, if ever, available to us within our own communities of worship and work. Given the intensity of our discussions, we even saw a potential in putting up a book on Re-reading the Bible in the HIV/AIDS Context using the passages that we analyzed.

Generally, our quest was: How can the church break the silence and the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and take every given opportunity to heal our hurting communities by being active partners in HIV/AIDS prevention, the provision of quality care; and in the mitigation of its impact? We believe that the resources of the church: its scriptures, its liturgy, its values, its members, its leaders and its buildings, are powerful weapons and resources of energizing and awakening the church to play its role effectively in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Our nine months work has finally come to a completion, compiled under the title, AfricaPraying: A Handbook of HIV/AIDS Sensitive Sermons and Liturgy.

To dwell a little on the title, Africa praying describes a Christian church that knows God as the author of all life; as a God who cares for all; as a God who bestows upon each human being the dignity of bearing God’s image; as a God who gives each of us the right to enjoy the resources of the earth; as a God who gives all of us the responsibility of leadership and decision making in keeping the earth and everything in it good. Africa praying describes a justice seeking church that actively seeks to liberate God’s created world from all forms of oppression, including HIV/AIDS. Africa praying is a compassionate church that moves, more like prophet Ezekiel descending into the valley of dry bones, to plant hope in a hopelessness people. We, the writers of these sermon guidelines, hope that many church leaders, workers, members, Sunday school teachers, Bible study and worship leaders will deep their hands into this resource, immerse themselves and emerge much more strengthened, renewed to fight a good fight in healing our hurting families, friends, churches, communities, countries, continent, and indeed in healing the world as a whole. Towards this end, I commend you to the Spirit of power and fire as you become active partners with God in the struggle against HIV/AIDS, and against all forms of oppression that mars the beauty of creation.

Professor Musa W. Dube,
HIV/AIDS and Theological Consultant, Ecumenical HIV/AIDS Initiative.
July 28, 2003, Gaborone, Botswana.



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Part 1
Services for Life Markers
1. Birthdays
i. Matt 2: 1-18 (MWD)
ii. Exodus 2:1-10 (ACM)
iii. Exodos 2:1-10 (FC)

2. Confirmation
i. I Samuel 1:1-28 (IAP)

3. Wedding
i. Genesis 1:26-31 (CD)
ii. Gen. 1:26-31 & 3:15-24 (IAP)

4. Anniversary
i. Exodus 12:1-14 (IAP)

5. Graduation and Closing Ceremony
i. Jeremiah 5: 17 (MWD)

6. Death and Funerals
i. Luke 7:11-17 (IAP)
ii. John 11:1-44 MPD
iii. Luke 8:22-25 (ACM)

7. Tomb Unveiling
i. I Corinthians 15:35-58 (EC)
ii. Ezekiel 37:1-12 (TSM)

8. Healing and Memorial Service (MWD)
i. Psalms 23

9. Thanksgiving
i. I Chronicles 29:10-19 (TSM)
ii. Revelations 2:1-7 (MPPD)
iii. I Chronicles 29:10-19 (FC)

1. Birthdays

i. BIRTHDAY AND CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Sermon Text Matthew 2:1-15

Instructions: In preparation get drummers, arrange for ululation, assign different readers for the different parts of lead readers, ask the choir/youth rappers or poets to present the song (Jabulani) in their own artistic mode and tune. In addition, the stage or meeting place may be arranged to underline the celebration of life using relevant objects (green trees, flowers, grains of corn etc.) from your social context and denominational background. If you come from a tradition that does not use written liturgy, you may go straight to the sermon. The service may be used specifically for a birthday or for celebrating life in general.

Call to Worship
(Drums of celebration for the opening)

Leader 1: Praise be to you, Son of God
When you were endangered
When you were a child
You found refuge in Africa (Matt. 2:13-15)

Leader 2: Praise be to you, Son of God
When you were crucified
When the cross was too heavy for you
You found help from an African, Simon of Cyrene (Luke 23:26)

Leader 3: Praise be to you, Son of God
When you taught the early church about your mission to all
When you sought to teach Phillip that your Gospel is for all
You sent the Ethiopian Eunuch to him (Acts 8:26-40)

Leader 4: Praise be to you, Son of God
You were always with us here in Africa
Where you grew in wisdom and the fear of God
You were with us in your suffering
You were with us when you reached out to the whole world

Leader 5: Praise be to you, Son of God
You are Emmanuel, the God with us (Matt 1:23)
You will never leave us or forsake us (Heb 13:5)
Even today as we speak you dwell in Africa
Crucified with us in all our tribulations and rising with us in our joys.

The Celebrant/s: You have been with me/us from the beginning
And you will be always with me/us.

Ululations: Wo/men ululate in praise of God, in joy, thanksgiving for God’s love and protection of our lives in Africa and the lives of the celebrants.

Song:

Jabulani Africa Inkosi Ikhona//Rejoice Africa the Lord Lives!
(You may choose a different song, or some youth to rap the song according to their tune, or their choir to put its own tune to the song. Alternatively, get one person to read the song poetically).


Jabulani Africa

Jabulani, Africa, Inkosi ikhona (2x) //Rejoice Africa, the Lord Liveth
Jabulani lonke, Jabulani Sizwe (2x) // May you all rejoice, Rejoice you nations
Jabulani, Jabulani (6x)// Rejoice, Rejoice
Jabulani lonke Jabulani Sizwe (2x)// May you all rejoice, Rejoice you nations
Jabula Mama lo Baba, Inkosi ikhona (2x) Rejoice mother & father, the Lord Liveth
Jabula sisi (Malome), Jabula Bhudi (anti) Rejoice sister, Rejoice brother
Jabulani, Jabulani (6x) // Rejoice, Rejoice
Jabulani lonke, Jabulani Sizwe (2x)// May you all rejoice, Rejoice you nations

Jabulani Botswana, Jabula Zimbabwe// Rejoice Botswana, Rejoice Zimbabwe
Jabula Namibia, Jabula Lesotho// Rejoice Namibia, Rejoice Lesotho
Jabula Zambia, Jabula Azania// Rejoice Zambia, Rejoice Azania
Jabulani lonke, Jabulani sizwe (2x)// May you all rejoice, Rejoice you nations

Jabulani Angola, Jabula Mozambique// Rejoice Angola, Rejoice Mozambique
Jabula Malawi, Jabula Tanzania//Rejoice Malawi, Rejoice Tanzania
Jabula Congo, Jabula Kenya// Rejoice Congo, Rejoice Kenya
Jabulani Jabulani (6x)// Rejoice, Rejoice (6x)
Jabulani lonke, Jabulani sizwe (2x)// May you all rejoice, Rejoice you nations

Jabula Ghana, Jabula Somalia// Rejoice Ghana, Rejoice Somalia
Jabula Gabon, Jabula Senegal// Rejoice Gabon, Rejoice Senegal
Jabulani Tunisia, Jabula Swaziland// Rejoice Tunisia, Rejoice Swaziland
Jabulani, Jabulani (6x)// Rejoice, Rejoice (6x)
Jabulani lonke, Jabulani sizwe (2x)// May you all rejoice, Rejoice you nations

Jabulani Africa, Inkosi ikhona//Rejoice Africa, the Lord Liveth
@ Musa W. Dube

Introduction

The HIV/AIDS epidemic’s attack on life has brought us to be more thankful for each day that we live. It brings us to be more aware that life is a gift from God and that we should celebrate it; we should value and protect it. While in the past, the increasingly youth oriented world, led some to hide their actual age, or to regret getting old, HIV/AIDS has brought a change. Now whenever one sees a very old wo/man walking with a stick, one stops with awesome wonder and appreciation, knowing how blessed this person has been to be given the opportunity to live for so long. With the HIV/AIDS epidemic, it is no longer guaranteed that one will live to this stage of aging. In fact, the high death rate of youth (18-49) and the life expectancy that has fallen from the 65-70 years down to 42, 32 speaks for itself. Now each birthday is special and each addition of one year is seen for what it is—a great and real blessing of life. One has been protected. One is being given another opportunity to live. A birthday is, therefore, a special occasion to thank God for life, to celebrate life, to ask for more blessings of life and acknowledge those who care for one’s wellbeing—parents, friends, God and national leaders.

In Matt. 2:1-15, it is Jesus’ birthday. Some come to celebrate, the wise men from the east, but also we are brought face to face with an endangered life. Herod seeks to eliminate this child. God intervenes by sending a dream to the wise men and an angel to the parents. The parents act. They flee to Egypt where Jesus grows up safely until the death of Herod. Each one of us has a birthday, hence a time to reflect on God’s protection, parental care, encouragement of friends, hospitable countries and to be thankful for the gift of life as well as to acknowledge we have a duty to stay alive.


1. We listen to the Word of God

Reading of the text: Matt 2:1-15.

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

Verse 1-2:
Ø These verses give both the time (the time of King Herod) and place (Bethlehem of Judea) setting of the Jesus’ birth story. But it also introduces key characters: Jesus, King Herod, the wise men from the East and Jews.

Ø Note two factors: Both Herod and Jesus are introduced as kings, hence planting the seed for potential conflict.

Ø Note that while Jesus is identified as “King of Jews” non-Jews, the wise men from the east Asia, “come to pay him homage,” indicating that he will be king of all people.

Ø Note “we have seen his star at its rising” indicating he will be a light to the world. But more importantly, each person, each child’s birth is tantamount to a new star rising into the world and into our lives. We must see/acknowledge this star, celebrate it and allow it to light our world and lives—for each person is made in God’s image and in each person there is God’s breath (Gen. 1:27 & 2:7).

Verse 3-6:
Ø King Herod is naturally threatened to hear that another king has come into his own domain! He gathers his own intelligence to verify the information. They confirm his worst fears: in Bethlehem there “shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”

Ø Underline that we are born in a world of many evils: political powers, economic deprivations, wars, diseases, drugs and many other factors that threaten the gift of life given to us. Jesus himself was not exempted.

Verse 7-8:
Ø Herod takes a second step. He confers with the wise men, collecting more information—he wants “the exact time when the star had appeared.” Then he says to them, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”

Ø Highlight that the forces of evil that attack lives are quite deliberate and quite informed about us. They sometimes search for us. Our intent to protect life must be equally intentional.

Verse 9-10:
Ø The well wishers of Jesus journey to find him.

Ø Note that the star guides them, leading them where the child was.

Ø Highlight that unlike Herod and his intelligence, they are “overwhelmed with joy.”

Ø Underline that people who wish us well can see the star that God put in us, they can see God’s image in us and they are happy for us.

Verses 11-12:
Ø These verses are very important. The child is in the full presence of all who care: the mother, the wise men and God who directs the latter away from Herod.

Ø Highlight that the wise men from the east (Asia) are the first to pay homage (worship Jesus). They knelt down and worshiped him. This is an early indication that the mission of Jesus, is the story of God reaching out to both Jews and all people of the world.

Ø Highlight how the well-wishers opened their “treasure chests ” and “offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh,” all of which were expensive gifts. Underline how those who care for us give to us from “their treasure chests” the very best that they have. These gifts need not be just materialistic as the next verse indicates. It could be in the form of words, wisdom, guidance, counseling, encouragement and affirmation of the stars that they see shining in us and above us.

Ø Consequently the well-wishers do not return to Herod, who is not a well-wisher. They return to their country through another road, for Herod seeks the child not to worship him or give him the best gifts, but to crash the child. Consequently, Herod never saw the star of this child.

Ø Underline the role of friends and well wishers to protect the celebrants from danger—to take another road; to refuse to become informants of evil powers.

Verse 13-15:
Ø These verses are notable for the role of God and parents in protecting our lives. God speaks to parents informing them about the dangers surrounding the child and calling them to protect the child. God speaks and the parents act.

Ø They flee to Egypt and remain there until Herod is no longer alive—until the child is no longer in danger, then they return (2:19-23). This underlines the need and the important role of parents to cooperate with God in protecting the lives of their children. A birthday is therefore also a time to celebrate parents.

Ø Highlight the role of Egypt as a hospitable country to an endangered life. Given the amount of political and economic refugees/displaced people we have in Africa, the role of Egypt in welcoming and protecting Christ remains quite critical in today’s world.

Ø But the fact that Jesus was born a king of Jews, greeted and worshipped by wise men from the east (Asia) and fled and found refuge in Egypt (Africa) underlines that he was a Messiah/Christ of all. But it also underlines that we are interconnected and our health as a world will depend on many actors from different continents and countries.

Ø Underline, that in this HIV/AIDS era every child, every person’s life is endangered. We are, however, looking for well wishers, caring parents, hospitable countries and God’s voice to celebrate and protect the lives of those we love and of our children. We are challenged to see God’s star leading us to the presence of each child and to hear God leading us away from all that endangers them.

2. We Apply the Word of God to ourselves

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· That at all times life is threatened, even Christ’s life was threatened
· That we also have support from God, parents, friends and other countries
· That birthdays are a good time to celebrate life and God’s protection
· That we need to see the star—God’s image and breath, in each person.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· We have sometimes been the source of danger to life
· We sometimes fail to see God’s star upon all people
· We often fail to give our very best gifts to children who are born to us
· We are sometimes unworthy friends, parents and countries
· As friends, sometimes we do not give the best gifts to others.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· For God’s gift of life and protection
· For supporting friends, caring parents and hospitable countries
· For God’s salvation that was extended to all people and continents.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· For God’s protection against political leaders who endanger life
· For countries that will receive those who are political refugees(displaced people)
· For parents and friends to protect the lives of those they love
· For every birthday celebrant to realize they have the responsibility to stay alive, especially as they confront HIV/AIDS.

3. We apply the Word of God to the Congregation

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· Grateful that we are not alone whenever our lives are endangered.

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· A hospitable, supportive and parenting church and country.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Set up services for displaced people/refugees
· Work with NGOs who support displaced people
· Speak out and act on behalf of those whose life is endangered
· Take the fight against HIV/AIDS as our responsibility in protecting life.

Conclusion: Word on the Society

The society is full of many different players in so far as protecting life is concerned. How is your society? What about your political leaders? Do they protect and celebrate the lives of all? Sometimes this is not the case—the stars of life cease to shine in the presence of murderous political leaders. What is the attitude of your country towards displaced people? The church is called to walk with all God’s people in protecting each person and celebrating their lives as God given. It must call out and act to see to it that life is protected, especially in the HIV/AIDS era. It must also challenge governments to be hospitable to displaced people.

Song:

Rea mo leboga// We give our thanks (Thuma Mina, 108)

Closing Prayer for the Celebrant/s

The word of the Lord says to you:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you
And before you were born, I consecrated you,
I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jer. 1:5).

Ululation: (In praise and thanks of God for life and protection)

Suggested Objects/symbols/ideas: A key holder, wrapped present/s to give, pebbles/words to exchange with all participants as our pledge of friendship and care.

ii. BIRTHDAYS
Sermon Text: Exodus 2:1-10

Introduction

Preparing for the birth of a baby is a discrete affair and is accompanied by a lot fears and dangers in Malawi cultures. These days HIV is an immediate danger especially that it can be transmitted from mother to child. In Malawi a pregnancy is referred to as a sickness and delivery as a healing. As if this is not enough, the little bundle of human life must be protected medically and magically to ward off any hostile force against it or the family. Call it immunization if you will. The medicines or protective charms are worn around the neck, the waist, writs and ankles. We are responsible to preserve and protect life. It is an evil world into which we are born full of dangers, and whether we survive or not it is up to God. All this gives cause for celebration when life continues and the individual keeps adding years as they grow up towards responsible adulthood.

Birthday celebrations or observation or simply acknowledgements are life markers. They are significant for the individual, the family, and the entire clan because suffering and death diminishes the clan strength in terms of numbers and survival. All that we can do in our vulnerability is to take precautions and wait in faith. This is what the parents of Moses did. Some of the practical steps that can be taken are: prevention of transmission of the virus from parent to child, caring for those who are already sick, and protecting children from the various dangers to their lives, including contracting HIV/AIDS through sexual abuse, early sexual activity and through providing life skills education.

We Listen to the Word

We note in this passage the danger that Moses faced as a child. What dangers do children face today and especially in view of the HIV/AIDS pandemic?

Moses’ mother, sister and midwives intervened strategically in the protection of the Hebrew children including Moses. What steps can you as individuals and faith communities take to protect children from the dangers you have mentioned?

What moved Pharaoh’s daughter to act in the way she did? What role is there for other people to intervene in the lives of our children globally?

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

Verses 2-4:
Ø Out of desperation the parents hide the child and they will do anything to protect it and save it.

Verse 5-6:
Ø Pharaoh’s daughter was aware of her father’s decree and she guessed right that the baby was from the Hebrews, and yet she was moved by something beyond class, politics, ethnicity, gender to feel compassion.

Verses 7-10:
Ø The sister provided timely and appropriate intervention that saw her brother being adopted and cared for by her own mother. Learning to influence life changing decisions with small steps and timely suggestions.

We Apply God’s Word to Ourselves and to the Congregation

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· That God is the only giver and protector of our lives
· Any birthday celebration among Christians should be regarded as a time of deep reflection on the way in which God not only brings a new life into this world, but also how God protects it and makes it grow in spite of the hostile environment in which we live
· A birthday celebration should be regarded as a privileged time for us to think about the miraculous ways in which God brings us this world
· A birthday is a good moment for us to reflect on how to care for life and protect it, especially that of our children
· We can pray, “So teach us to number our days that we may acquire a heart of wisdom” (Psa. 90:12).

WHAT CAN WE CONFESS?

· Failure to celebrate our lives when we are faced with life threatening situations
· Celebrating in the wrong way by not focusing often on the giver of life Read Job 1:5
· That as men we endanger children, through war and sexual violence
· Failure to take the necessary steps to protect life endangers by HIV/AIDS.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· Whether we are already old or are still young, and whatever our health, social and economic situation, when we are given another year, or even another day to live in this world, we need always be thankful to God and celebrate God’s gift and protection of life in us. Let us remind ourselves that God’s grace is always sufficient and that God’s power is make complete in weakness (Read 2 Cor. 12:9)
· But also the opportunity to save the lives of those endangered
· For women who care for children.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· That God gives us ability to celebrate our lives and other people’s even in threatening situations. Let’s remind ourselves of what the Psalmist says, “You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies” Ps. 23:5
· For orphans who celebrate their birthdays without their parents and for those supporting them
· For us, to act like Pharoah’s daughter and Moses sister who ensured that the child grows up under good care.

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· Angry at those who use their power to oppress, discriminate, and destroy life
· Concern for children in areas of conflict who have been maimed
· Love and compassion of midwives, Moses’s mother, sister and Pharaoh’s daughter.

WHAT SHOULD WE BE?

· People of love and compassion
· Parents to endanger children.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Resist oppression and uphold children’s rights
· Show concerned for all children’s welfare
· Protect children against rape and HIV/AIDS infection.

We apply the Word of God to the Congregation and Society


Institutions and public figures have a lot of clout to influence public policy for good. They can make a difference in the lives of one or many even in matters of life and death as to whether they live or not. Moses was sentenced to death even before he was born. Had Pharaoh’s daughter and other players not acted, Moses was as good as dead. · Discuss with the congregation or church committee about situations in which you or your congregation can make a difference for the children especially in mitigating against the effects of HIV/AIDS in order to save lives condemned by evil forces to death?

· How can your congregation influence public policy in relation to family, local community, national, and global needs in the light of the HIV/AIDS?
· What is the relationship between dangers threatening children and the global causes of poverty?
· All the players in this story made a difference. Draw up a plan of action that is going to make a difference to children in your community so that birthday celebrations can be what they are meant to be, that is, looking to the future with anticipation and hope for Africa’s children.

Song:

Sing any traditional happy birthday song for those who are celebrating their birthdays this week or month.

Prayer:

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 to us the joy of this occasion,
Especially as we celebrate our birthdays
Knowing that your love is life.
Teach us to number our days aright
That we may acquire a heart of wisdom
Through Him whose life
Has become our light, even Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Suggested Objects/symbols/ideas: Cradle, basket, photo album, seed, seedling.

iii. NASCIMENTO
Texto Sugerido: Êxodos 2:1-10

Oração:


Obrigado Senhor por nos ter reunido para em conjunto contemplarmos a tua glória. Obrigado pelo dom desta nova vida. Ela vem ressuscitar as nossas esperanças, de que a vida ainda é possível, apesar de muita morte que contemplamos cada dia. Senhor, ajude-nos a criar esta criança no teu conhecimento, na justiça e no amor ao próximo. Dê-lhe a sabedoria de se afastar de tudo quanto lhe possa ser prejudicial, e que saiba se proteger contra o HIV/SIDA. Pedimos isso tudo em nome do nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo.

Introdução

Com muita tristeza constatamos que nos dias de hoje, o nascimento de uma criança deixou de ser motivo de alegria em muitas famílias. As causas da falta de alegria são várias. Dentre elas podemos citar as seguintes:
Fome, doença, imaturidade dos progenitores, guerras, violação e outras.
Constatamos que apesar da existência de Direitos Internacionais de proteção à criança, em muitos casos ,ou não são conhecidos ou não são respeitados.
Em África, diariamente tomamos conhecimento de assissinato de bebés recém nascidos pelas próprias mães que lhes atiram nas latas de lixo, nas drenagens e outros lugares inimagináveis. Outras crianças são abandonadas nas maternidades, algumas nascem infectadas pelo vírus do HIV/SIDA, outras morrem de sarampo,outras ficam órfãs de pai e mãe, outras são violadas por pessoas adultas imorais com o pretexto de curar SIDA e muitas outras morrem de fome e vivem estigmatizadas.
As ameças à vida não são um fenómeno novo. O texto mostra claramente o que aconteceu com Moisés. O próprio Jesus não escapou à condenação logo após o seu nascimento ( Mt 2: 13).
Porém, em todas essas histórias, as crianças foram salvas porque Deus agiu. Nos nossos dias, Deus continua a agir. O que precisamos é de união e solidariedade entre as famílias, e entre os dirigentes dos nossos países na proteção das nossas crianças contra todas as formas da morte e de perigos.


1. Escutemos a Palavra de Deus

Leia o texto, sublinhe com um lápis as palavras mais importantes. Tente compreender a sua estrutura.
DETALHES:

V.1 Levi:
Ø Um dos doze filhos de Jacó e uma das doze tribus de Israel. O texto sugere que o casamento efectuou-se entre as tribus de Israel.

VV.2-4:
Ø Nascimento de uma criança e a luta travada para conservá-la com vida.

VV.5-6:
Ø A intervenção divina através da filha de Faraó.

VV.7-10:
Ø A criança é salva e criada por duas mães: Uma biológica e outra adoptiva.


2. A Palavra de Deus para nós.

QUE PODEMOS APRENDER?

· Que Deus nunca abandona as suas criaturas quer elas estejam ou não conscientes disso
· Que muitas vezes Deus utiliza as forças a Ele hostis para a realização dos seus desígnios
· Que tipo de perigos as crianças enfrentam nos nossos dias?

QUE TEMOS DE CONFESSAR?

· Que muitas vezes esquecemos de convidar Deus quando fazemos planos da nossa vida
· Que muitas vezes somos culpados pela morte de crianças.

EM QUE DEVEMOS ESTAR GRATOS A DEUS?
· Pelo facto de Deus nos ensinar permanentemente a escolher, a lutar e a amar a vida.

QUE PODEMOS PEDIR NAS NOSSAS ORAÇÔES?

· Pelo amor, respeito, paz, justiça e solidariedade entre as pessoas
· Pela valorização da vida e pelo conhecimento de Deus.

3. A Palavra de Deus para a sociedade

A vida é uma dádiva de Deus. Contudo, tem se verificado que muita gente não dá o devido valor a ela. Isso é demonstrado pelos hábitos nocivos que consciente ou incoscientemente as pessoas adquirem e praticam. Dentre esses hábitos podemos citar o uso e consumo abusivos de álccol, de drogas, a violação de menores,etc.

Além dessas práticas, o mundo e em especial a Àfrica Sub Sahariana, debate-se hoje com a pandemia do HIV/SIDA. Esta doença não é um castigo de Deus contra pecadores como muitos propagam. Deus é amor e não se contenta com a morte de ninguém (Ez 18.31c). No passado existiram muitas doenças que mataram muitas pessoas. Ex: a varíola, a febre tifóide, a lepra, a tubrculose, etc. Hoje em dia, essas doenças já não matam porque existem medicamentos para a sua cura. Não há, por isso, lugar para discriminar aqueles que vivem com o vírus. O que é necessário é que todos vivam em harmonia e que se continue a trabalhar até se encontrar medicamentos. Para travar o seu alastramento, é preciso seguir as instruções que nos são transmitidas através de organismos competentes. Cientistas, doentes e toda a sociedade devem estar unidos contra esta doença. É preciso que a força e vontade de viver esteja no coração de cada um de nós. Devemos ter fé de que Deus está connosco como esteve com a mãe e a irmã de Moisés no Egipto. Deus está sempre do lado daqueles que lutam contra os Faraós de todos os tempos.

Canção:

Escolher uma canção que esteja de acordo com o tema

Oração:

Deus de amor e de compaixão, aproximamo-nos a ti, cheios de pesar e de vergonha, porque não somos capazes, de compreender que nos amas acima de tudo. O nosso sentimento é de que vivemos debaixo da sombra da morte. È nos difícil compreender que já nos tiraste de lá, e que esperas de nós uma atitude que demonstra fé e confiança na vida eterna prometida por Jesus.
Não nos abandone, antes nos guie nos caminhos de esperança de que um dia, África conhecerá e viverá na paz, na saúde e na prosperidade, pela graça e pela misericórdia que nos são dadas pelo Teu Filho Jesus Cristo e pelo Espírito Santo. Amen

Suggested objects: Fotografia de um casal olhando com amor para o seu bebé, um berço com um bebé deitado, uma criança dando um beijo a um bebé, etc.

Por: Felicidade N. Cherinda


2. Confirmation

i. SERVICE ON CONFIRMATION/DEDICATION
Sermon Texts: 1 Samuel 1:1-28

Prayer

Thank you God that every good and perfect gift comes from you and children are a blessing to us. As we dedicate this child to you, we pray that you will bless her/him so that she/he will grow in stature, in wisdom and in favour with God and people. Help the parents to bring her/him up in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Song: (Chichewa)

Ndidzakutamandani Mulungu wanga, Halleluyah!
(I will praise you my God)
Ndizakutamandani Mulungu wanga
(I will praise you my God)
Mwachita zazikulu pamoyo wanga Halleluya!
(You have done great things in my life)
Ndizakutamandani Mulungu wanga
(I will praise you my God)
(repeat)
A Malawian Community Song

Introduction

Confirmation/dedication is a very important time in the lives Christian parents and their children. It is a time when the parents make a public declaration to bring up their child in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. It is also a time when a person who was baptized as an infant makes a public declaration that she/he is making a personal commitment to God in the presence of a worshiping community. Today, this commitment is made in the context of many challenges, which include the existence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Children are a blessing from God and need to be cared for. As part and parcel of caring for our children, we need to do everything within our power to protect our children from contracting HIV/AIDS. If the parents are already infected, they need to think seriously before they decide to conceive a child. At birth, medication should be taken to reduce mother to child transmission of the virus. As the children grow, parents also have the responsibility of giving them accurate knowledge about the virus and how they can protect themselves from getting infected with HIV.

1. We listen to the Word of God

Read the sermon texts: 1 Samuel 1:1-28 (This can be done by the leader or a member of the congregation).

Mark the important words with a pencil.

Samuel was dedicated to God after his mother weaned him. He served God for the rest of his life and he brought tremendous reforms in Israel even in the days when Israel had no king and everyone was doing what they saw fit.

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

Verses 1-8:
Ø Samuel was born in a Hebrew polygamous family. His father was Elkanah and his mother was Hannah. Samuel’s parents were worshipping people. Shiloh was the main worshiping place for Israel at the time. Hannah was a very unhappy person because she could not conceive. In the Hebrew times, just like in traditional Africa, barrenness was considered as a humiliation.

Verses 9-18:
Ø Hannah prayed to God to ask for Samuel and promised God to dedicate him to God. God answered Hannah’s prayer also as a special provision for the salvation of the Hebrews. Hannah wanted her son to be dedicated to God. He was to be a Nazirite. The rules of a Nazirite are found in Numbers 6. The major difference is that in the case of Samuel, his status as a Nazirite was permanent.

Verse 19-28:
Ø Samuel was dedicated to God by his mother and priest Eli. Despite the fact that Samuel’s mother had no any other children at the time of Samuel’s dedication, she fulfilled her promise to God by taking Samuel to live at the Temple in Shiloh.

2. We apply the Word of God to ourselves.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· God is able to provide a child to a barren person
· God listens to the prayers of the oppressed
· When a person makes a vow to God, it should be fulfilled even if it means taking away what one wanted badly
· Polygamy contributes to disharmony in a marriage relationship
· God values women even when they are barren.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· Do we value children more than the women who are not able to give birth?
· Do we confess that in today’s world polygamy can promote the spread of HIV/AIDS?
· Do we fulfill the promises we have made to God?
· Have we fulfilled our responsibility in teaching our children about HIV/AIDS?
· Do you confess that our insistence on child bearing hinders HIV/AIDS prevention?
· Do you confess that we have not helped orphaned children?

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· Life, whether we have children or not
· The children that God has entrusted to us to bring them up in the fear and knowledge of the Lord
· God has entrusted us as parents with the responsibility to teach our children about HIV/AIDS
· To realize there are many orphaned children need our parenting.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· Parents to take up their responsibility to bring up children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord
· Parents to love their children enough to teach them about HIV/AIDS and how to prevent infections
· Parents to love their children even when they are infected with HIV
· Church members to become parents to orphaned children.

3. We apply the Word of God to the congregation

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· Happy that children are a gift from God
· Sad that some children have died of AIDS because we did not take up our
· responsibility to teach them about HIV
· Guilty for not keeping our promises to God
· Sorry for not loving women who are barren
· Repentant that we are not bothered about the welfare of orphaned children.

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· Members of the congregation who accept the responsibility to teach all the
· children of our congregation about HIV/AIDS
· Members of the congregation who promise to fulfil their promises that they
· have made to God
· A congregation does not discriminate against women who are barren
· A congregation that makes a programmatic response to orphaned children.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Teach about HIV/AIDS in our congregation, children’s church, youth meetings etc.
· Be inclusive of mothers and barren women in all our church activities
· Start church programs of fostering, adopting and helping orphans.

Conclusion: Word on the Society

Parents sometimes struggle to have children and whatever choices they make affect the children either positively or negatively. In the era of HIV/AIDS, to choose polygamy as a solution to bareness is to choose death.

Hannah expressed her devotion to the Lord by dedicating her son Samuel to full a promise that she had made to the Lord. Christian parents today may express their commitment to God by giving their sons and daughters to the HIV/AIDS ministry or the work of missions. Those parents who continue to encourage, support and pray for their children will find great favor with God. But we can also extend our parenthood to include children who have lost their parent due to HIV/AIDS.

Prayer of commitment (To be said by the whole congregation)

Lord we commit ourselves to be your hands and care in our societies. We commit ourselves to bear the good news of knowledge about HIV/AIDS to members of our families and the communities where we live. We commit our selves not to discriminate against barren women but to show them love and compassion. We commit ourselves to caring to orphaned children. We pray that you give us the courage to do what we know is right. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Song:
What the Lord has done for me
I cannot tell it all (3X)
He saved me and washed me in his blood

So I will sing Halleluyah
I will shout Halleluyah
I will sing, shout, Praise the Lord (Repeat)
Popular Song

Benediction: May the Lord keep and guide you.

Symbols/objects and commitments: Beads, gifts, water, candles, testimonies from barren women and a youth about the goodness of remaining in the teachings of God, testimonies from child-headed homes, orphans and elders caring for them and musical instruments.

By Isabel Apawo Phiri

3. Wedding

i. WEDDING: PARTNERSHIP IN MARRIAGE
Sermon Text: Genesis 1: 26-31

Introduction

Weddings are still common occurrences in spite of the HIV (AIDS) epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. I have chosen the theme of partnership in this passage, as I believe it is a very important component of a fulfilling and lasting marriage. This theme is especially important for Botswana, and most other African countries where it is often difficult to talk about partnership within marriage relationships because culture, law, the society and the church discriminate against women. The Bible has often been abused and misinterpreted to perpetuate this subordination of women. Research has proven that the impact of this unequal position of women in relation to their male counterparts has had a direct influence on the spread of HIV/AIDS. The gender disparities have manifested it in that women are sexually powerless. They are more open and vulnerable to sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. Research findings suggest that we have to address the issue of gender inequality in relationships in order to address the consequences and the impact of HIV/AIDS. It is this theme of partnership that we as ministers ought to encourage in our contact with couples since it is often the inequality of genders that weakens the partnership relationship in marriage. Faithfulness, respect, communication are all pillars through which the partnership relationship could be affirmed.

1. We listen to the word of God

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

This is a beautiful passage that reflects strong partnership in the relationship that ought to exist between two people in marriage. This creation story does not specify any positions of power or importance between the two. No domination of one partner over the other. Instead it emphasizes common support and equal responsibility. Both partners reflect the image of their Creator. The author of Genesis does not set any specialized roles and responsibilities for each partner, only that there are two varieties namely the man and the woman. This is often an ideal model of partnership set for marriage. It is not easy to achieve such partnership today yet an important one to strive for if one wants to have a long and successful marriage. This is so because as I have indicated above, our traditions and laws have set ranks of power. Our society and Church has set gender roles and responsibilities and we often believe that those are determinants of right and wrong within our marriage lives. These are strong influences in marriage life particularly at home. We are influenced to believe that if my culture or family expects that of the woman or that of the man then so it should be. This is not to say that one totally disregards those around you but that the ultimate value of the partnership rests with the mutual support and equal partnership shared by the two. It is only when two people appreciate each other that they can appreciate the creation of God and their purpose for the world.



2. We apply the Word of God to ourselves.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· That we are each uniquely created in the image of God
· That we are each important as human beings and have a specific purpose to fulfill
· That we ourselves are responsible and have the ability to shape that partnership within marriage
· That both men and women were blessed by God and given equal access to earthly resources.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· That we often want to follow our own mind instead of considering our partners in the relationship and therefore disregard the partnership
· That we are guilty of perpetuating the same discriminating language and attitude as the rest of the society against women
· That God, the Creator of partnership is often excluded in our marriages
· The many incidences of abuse, unfaithfulness and the infection of women and men because they are not honouring their partnership
· That we have denied women access to property and leadership hence exposing them to high HIV/AIDS infection.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· For the many lifelong partnership relationships and others who strive for equal partnership in marriage
· For men who do not treat women as inferior but as their partners
· For laws and NGO’s that seek to empower women in the society.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· That God give us the wisdom and guidance to be sensitive to the needs of the other partner
· That we would continue our partnership relationship in spite of poverty, unemployment and ill health, especially in the face of HIV/AIDS
· That love in marriage might overcome all abuse, hurt and inequality.


3. We apply the Word of God to our church/society

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· We can become agents of change to those laws and traditions that show favoritism to men
· We can provide education so that men and women might understand what partnership involves
· We can provide a helping hand to couples that are in desperate need for advice or need to restore their marriages
· Actively engage in programs through which marriage counseling, pre-marital courses and family conflict resolution.

A suggested wedding Ceremony: Based on the theme of partnership in Genesis 1: 26-31

Instead of the traditional practice where the father brings the bride and hands over his daughter (which seem to signify him handing over his ‘responsibility /authority’ to the groom), both parties enter the Church from different sides followed by the families.

Minister: We are here today because A and B have decided out of their own free will that they would like to become partners in marriage.
African baskets could be used to put bread and fruits, as well as a basin and water with a hand towel, which will be used during the service.

Vows:
Minister: Do you A take B to be your spouse in marriage and do you B take A to be
your spouse in marriage?

A: (Breaks the bread and feeds B)

Name…… all I have I will share with you.

B: (Breaks the bread and feeds A)

Name…… and all I have I will share with you.

A washes B’s hands and dries it with the hand towel

Name…… I will always take care of you.

B does the same

Name…… I will also take care of you.

(Exchange the rings - A says,)

Name…… My love will be your love.

(B responds)

And my love will be your love

(The following words can be said whilst beads are exchanged)

I will always respect your body. I will do my best to protect you from the infection of HIV/AIDS but if it happens despite our effort then you will still be mine and I will be yours till death parts us.

As a sign of the partnership between the families, A hands over a basket of fruit to B’s parents and B hands over a basket of fruits to A’s parents. The parents do the same to the bride and groom. The following, or similar words could be said.

We exchange these baskets of fruits as a sign that we will take care of each other and of God’s creation.

Prayer
Minister: Let us come before our Loving Parent in whose image we are all created.
God our Creator we give you thanks and praise.

Groom: Please forgive us when we mar your image because of our shortcomings and lack of love. Restore and bless the image of you in our lives for Christ’s sake.

Minister: Thank you for creating and sustaining our world. We thank you for living
creatures and for our daily bread and water.

Bride: Please forgive us when we destroy and pollute your creation for our own selfish ends. Restore and bless the world that you have given us so that our partnership might extend to all of your creation.

Minister: Thank you for seedtime and harvest and all the good in your creation.

Bride and Bind us together O’ God so that we might become an inspiration
Groom: to each other. Help us to understand each other, our strengths and our weaknesses and in so doing become strong partners in the extension of you kingdom here on earth. We especially pray that in the face of all difficulties such as ill health, unemployment and especially with HIV/AIDS in which many relationships crumble that our partnership would never wane. Make us partners we pray in Jesus name.

All: God, Giver of Life, forgive us when we do not care for each other and we do not share food and water with those who are hungry and thirsty.
Make us your instruments to restore our world in justice and love so that
you may again look on our world and see that it is good. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Blessing: Just as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit live in unity, may them live together in peace and love to the very end of their lives.

Song:
“Bind us together Lord”

Appropriate hymns could be incorporated that would further emphasis the theme of partnership).

Suggested objects: Rings, beads, pictures/sculptures of animals hugging.

By Cheryl Dibee

ii. WEDDING/MARRIAGE
Sermon Texts: Gen.1: 26-31 and 3:15-24

Prayer
Leader: We have come together God to celebrate the joining together of these two people.
All: We come before you Lord, to bear witness to the love.
Leader: Lord you blessed the first wedding in the Garden of Eden
All: We stand in your presence with this couple in our Garden of Eden

Song (Xhosa)

Masithi: Amen siyakudumisa//(Sing amen: Amen, we praise your name O Lord)
Masithi: Amen, siyakudumisa//(Sing amen: Amen, we praise your name O Lord)
Maisithi: Amen Bawo//(Sing amen: Amen Amen)
Amen Bawo//(Amen Amen)
Amen siyakudumisa//(Amen we praise your name O Lord)
In Thuma Mina, 168

Introduction

A wedding ceremony is an occasion when two people who have agreed to live together as a couple officially declare to the community that the union they are now entering is legal and binding. There are different types of weddings depending on several factors, two of which are the culture and religion of the two people who are getting married.

Weddings can take place between two people even when one or both of them are sick. In today’s world the challenge is that what can be done if one of the partners is infected with the HIV/AIDS and does not disclose to the other one? This is a tragedy, which needs a solution. It may happen that one partner was either married before or had a relationship before which ended up in having sex and got infected or picked up the infection in any other way. It is therefore important to find ways to help the two partners to have an AIDS test and disclose the results to each other. It will therefore be up to the uninfected partner to decide whether to go ahead with the wedding ceremony or not. If they decide to go on regardless of the status, they should be given counselling on the consequences and what can be done to avoid infecting the partner who is not yet infected.

1. We Listen to the Word of God

(A member of the congregation or the leader can read the texts)
Genesis 1:26-31 is the first Bible story of the creation of humanity. The people to be created were given stewardship of all that was created. Genesis 3: 15-24 is about the punishment given to humanity after the fall.

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

Ø It is important to note that the word ‘man’ in this passage denotes both male and female. This is shown in verse 26.
Ø “Let us make man” – the correct word for man in this verse is humankind. It is male and female together that makes up humanity.
Ø “Image” and “likeness” here are interchangeable. Both women and men reflect the image of God.
Ø “Image of God” refers to moral, intellectual and spiritual capacities.
Ø “Have dominion” male and female are stewards of God’s creation.

Genesis 3: 15-24:
Ø “I will put enmity between you and the woman” refers to the continual enmity between Satan and humanity.
Ø ‘He will crush your head and you will strike his heel’ symbolizes the continuance struggle between God and evil as it manifest itself in the hearts of people.
Ø However, throughout generations there is a redemptive element to the punishment, which will come through the woman’s seed.
Ø ‘Pains in childbearing’ a punishment that is unique to women. In Africa many women in Africa die during child birth due to lack of good medical facilities.
Ø Adam, in verse 17, refers to man and not to humanity as in chapter 1 verse 26. Eve is the name given to the woman.
Ø ‘Painful toil’ was supposed to be a punishment unique to men but in Africa, the toiling of the ground is a job mainly shared between men and women.
Ø ‘Returning to the ground’ refers to death, which is also a shared punishment for all humanity and not for men only.
Ø ‘Mother of all the living’ is a sign of hope for the continuity of the human race in the midst of punishments.
Ø ‘God made garments of skin’ is a reflection on God’s power to provide despite the punishment.
Ø ‘Banished from the garden’ refers to humanity working very hard to fend for themselves. It is also banishment from the presence of God. Redemption is only through the seed of the woman.


2. We apply the Word of God to the couple

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· God created men and women equal
· Women and men have equal moral and spiritual capacities and responsibilities
· The life lived in God’s presence is a life of peace and tranquility
· Both man and woman sinned and were punished by God
· Diseases and death came to humanity after the fall
· Salvation from sin and suffering is for both woman and man, through Christ.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· Have we been transparent to one another as couples?
· Have we discussed about HIV before marriage?
· Is there denial in us that leads to lack of openness?
· Has there been companionship and partnership in marriage?
· Is marriage considered a covenant?
· Many husbands have infected their wives through unfaithfulness.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· God creating male and female to be partners and to complement each other
· With a clear understanding of God’s will in marriage, a woman and man can protect each other from HIV/AIDS infection.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· That couples should love each other enough to protect each other from HIV/AIDS. The fact that a couple is married does not rule out infection from HIV.
· In particular, male partners are encouraged to be faithful even though African culture turns a blind eye to infidelity of married men.

(The leader can bring testimonies of other couples here)


3. We apply the Word of God to the Congregation

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· Ashamed for not being honest with our marriage partners
· Sorry for not discussing about HIV before marriage
· Remorse for not condemning male unfaithfulness
· Responsible for sentencing many faithful wives to death.

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· congregation that promotes honesty among couples
· A caring community for those who are infected with HIV
· Supportive community to the couples that disclose their HIV status
· A church that advocates for women empowerment in the HIV/AIDS context.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Do members of the congregation pledge to help the young couple to fulfill their vows to each other?
· Hold seminars for married couples where they can openly discuss.


4. Conclusion: Word on the Society

In Africa, HIV/AIDS’ new infections are increasing mainly among married couples. This information, points to the importance of couples maintaining their marriage vows. The Biblical misinterpretation that woman is inferior to man from creation, has not helped in the curbing of the HIV/AIDS. Deliberate infection of your partner and your children is committing murder. It is also important for husband and wife to take care of each other if they are already infected.

The issue of be fruitful and multiply is difficult in the context of HIV/AIDS. When a couple is HIV positive, precautions need to be taken to before having children. Where treatment is available to stop the mother to child transmission of the HIV this should be taken to reduce chances of having babied that HIV positive. However given numerous orphans, one can still be a parent by adopting or fostering.

Prayer
Leader: The Creator God, thank you for marriages

All: Thank you God for giving us the responsibility to care for creation and for each other
Leader: Thank you for marriages to honor your name

All: Thank you for reminding us that it is possible to protect each other from HIV

Leader: We promise to obey you God

All: We promise to be responsible partners and to speak openly about

Leader: HIV/AIDS to our partners and to our children. Thank you for teaching us the truth

All: Thank you because the truth will set us free


Benediction: May you remain one as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are One.

Closing song (Chichewa):

Chorus
Mau ali muntima mwanga//(God’s message is in my heart)
kuti yesu ndi Mbuye//(That Jesus is the Christ)
Ndimtima ndikhulupilira//(In my heart I believe)
kuti anaukanso.//(He rose again)
Ndimkamwa mwanga ndibvomereza//(With my mouth I confess)
Kuti Yesu ndi Mbuye//(That Jesus is the Christ)
Ndi mtima ndikhulupilira//(With my heart I believe)
Kuti Yesu ndi Mbuye//(that He is the Christ)
Ndipo anaukanso//(and he rose again)
A Malawian Community Song

Objects/symbols/ideas: Flowers, candles, testimonies: from HIV positive couple; old couple, photographs of happy couples, basket of corn, drums and other musical instruments to go with the song.
By Isabel Apawo Phiri
4. Services on Anniversary
Sermon Text: Exodus 12: 1-14 Song:
Njalo Njalo//(Always) 4x
Siyathandaza//(We pray)
Siyanikela//(we give)
Siyadumisa//(we praise)
Thina njalo//(Us always)
(Popular South African Chorus)

Introduction

An anniversary is a commemoration of a day when an important event took place in one’s life. This can be a wedding anniversary or a day when one obtained promotion at work, or when you remember the day a loved one went to be with the Lord or even a day when one graduated from high school/college/ university. It is up to the particular individual to decide whether to celebrate such an occasion or not.

In relation to a marriage contract, a date comes every year when a couple remembers when they were joined together in holy matrimony. A marriage can also be taken as a commemoration ceremony; we can put it in line with the passover. When two people come together in marriage, there are some wedding vows to be pronounced and these vows serve as a commitment to each other and to God. The time of the anniversary is the time for a couple to revisit these vows.

In this age of AIDS, it is important for the couple to keep reminding each other the promises they made to each other and to God. During the time of the Israelites, their enemy was the Egyptians and today the enemy of most marriages is AIDS, which has displaced thousands of marriages due to marital unfaithfulness.

1. We Listen to the Word of God

This passage marks the end of bondage of the Hebrew people by the Egyptians. The Passover was an annual event, which was instituted by the Hebrews to commemorate the end of bondage. In the passage certain rules are laid down on how this important event is to be celebrated. Every anniversary has its own way of celebrating it.

DETAILS OF THE TEXT:
Verse 2:
Ø ‘This month…the first month’. This verse marks the beginning of the religious calendar of the people of Israel.

Verse 3:
Ø ‘The community of Israel’ refers to all the people of Israel. They were to be gathered together to hear the instructions.

Verse 4:
Ø ‘At twilight,’ the ceremony was to start at a particular time. It was after sunset.

Verse 7:
Ø ‘The blood’ which was smeared on the door posts of all the houses of the people of Israel was to symbolize that a sacrifice was made to spare the life of the Israelites.

Verse 8:
Ø ‘The bitter herbs’ were eaten as a reminder of the people of Israelites experience in Egypt. ‘Bread without yeast’ was a reminder that they ate in haste and ‘Roasted meat’ was a reminder of their lives as shepherds.

Verse 11:
Ø ‘Passover’ meant the Lord would pass over the houses of the Israelites when the angel of death came to kill the first born of the Egyptians.

Verse 14:
Ø ‘Celebrate it’. It is a celebration of the Lord’s goodness to the people of Israel. This is still done among the Jews even in our generation.

2. We apply the word of God to ourselves.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· We need to take time to celebrate life
· Marriage is an example of an event in one’s life that can be celebrated every year. The time of the anniversary is the time for a couple to revisit their vows and celebrate the goodness of God in their lives
· The presence of HIV/AIDS makes it even more important to celebrate each other’s lives, e.g. birthdays and any anniversaries.


WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· Do we renew our marriage vows to God and to each other during wedding anniversaries?
· The blood of the lamb was used as a protection for the Israelites. Can the blood of Jesus be used to cleanse us from sin?
· In the case of the couple contracting HIV while already married, is it possible for that couple to use the anniversary as a reconciliation time?

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· Despite the problems that people face in life, God has given us the opportunity to celebrate personal and community anniversaries.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· That we use occasions like anniversaries to mend broken relationships by remembering the original vows and promises
· That God should help us to honor promises that we make.


3. We apply the Word of God to the congregation

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· Happy because God has given us occasions when we can remember the past events through communal celebrations
· Sorry that we have not used these occasions to mend broken relationships
· Sorry that we have forgotten the anniversaries of our loved ones and therefore given the impression that we do not care.

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· People who take time to remember other people’s anniversaries
· A community that uses anniversaries as an occasion to mend broken relationships and move on in happiness
· A community that celebrates life.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Keep a diary of important events in our families and in our church community
· Participate in the celebration of other people’s events in our community
· Special attention should be paid to the celebration of events of the people who are HIV positive.


Conclusion: Word on the society

A marriage is a covenant before God and couples should realize that when they are making vows during the wedding they are also doing it to God. If there is any unfaithfulness in the marriage the couple should use events such as wedding anniversary to renew their relationship with openness and love. In our society, we should take time to organize celebrations for anniversaries for the people who are not able to organize for themselves, for example, anniversaries of people who are sick, poor or too old.

Prayer
Leader: Thank you God because you are the giver and protector of life.

All: Help us to do our part in the protection of life

Leader: You have shown us how to celebrate events in life

All: Empower us to want to participate and enjoy celebrations of ourselves, our loved ones and members of our community

Leader: You are the light of the world.

All: Use us to bring your light to people who are not able to enjoy celebrations because of sickness, old age and poverty.

Chichewa Chorus:

Nditzakutamandani Mulungu wanga (2x)//(I will praise you my God)
Mwachita zazikulu pamoyo wanga//(You have done great things in my life)
Ndidzakutamandani Mulungu wanga//(I will praise you my God)

Benediction: May you always experience the presence of God in your life. May you be strong in the face of adversaries. May you overcome the obstacles of life.

Objects/symbols/ideas: Food, Flowers, Candles, Stories of people who celebrated anniversaries and what they mean to them, Pictures from the original day, Musical instrument.

By Isabel Apawo Phiri


5. Service for Closing and Graduation Ceremony

Jeremiah 2:17

Instructions: The day before the ending of the workshop, ask the participants to write a three to five lines commitment concerning implementing their training. This will be read aloud in the closing ceremony/worship. Prepare certificates of attendance for all of them and a Stoll for their ordination to serve. If you do not have certificates or stolls collect pebbles and give to each of them as symbols of the knowledge they received and which they must use and multiply. You may choose to use other relevant or available symbols for your context audience or denominational background. Then assign different readers the lead parts of the service.

Introduction:

With the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the church and the society in general have been challenged to a whole new range of learning and training to undertake prevention, provision of quality care and mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS. Holding training, informative, skill-imparting, activist and advocate’s workshops is a common and necessary reality. Raising funds and running such workshops is expensive and a serious service of training soldiers of life to undertake the war against HIV/AIDS. The need to win their commitment to implement what they learnt is critical. Yet in the HIV/AIDS fight, we have learnt that knowledge and education alone is not enough to mold people. We also need to appeal to their hearts and relationship with God to see their training as God’s call to serve God’s people. This service is therefore prepared for closing and graduation worship/ceremony, marking the end of the workshop, and the beginning of their service in their communities. It may also be used for general graduation with diplomas, degrees and masters of ministers.

Call to Commitment:
Leader 1: Then the Lord said
I have seen the misery of my people
I have heard their cry
I know their sufferings (Exodus 3: 7-8)

Leader 2: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying
Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? (Isa. 6:8)

Leader 3: My People are destroyed because of lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6)

All: Here am I; send me (Isa. 6:8)

Until justice rolls down like waters
And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24)
Send us Lord.

Song:

Thuma mina 2x. Thuma mina Somandla.
Send me Jesus 2x, Send me Jesus, I will go (In Thuma Mina, 166)

Leader 4: What does the Lord require of you?

All: To do justice, to love kindness
And to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8)

Reading the Scripture Nehemiah 2:17

“You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.”

Granduant: (reads their commitment)

ALL: We can make a difference in the HIV/AIDS struggle
Help us Lord to become your healing hands, in your hurting world

Closing Song:

We are walking in the light of God (In Thuma Mina, 166)

Sending Prayer:
Leader 5: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying
Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? (Isa. 6: 8)

Leader 6: My people are destroyed because of lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6)

All: Send us Lord, to be committed soldiers in the HIV/AIDS struggle
Until HIV/AIDS is reduced and eradicated, send us Lord
Until HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination is eradicated, send us Lord
Until quality care is given to all AIDS suffers, send us Lord
Until all orphans & widows are protected, send us Lord.
Until our hearts, souls and minds are healed, send us Lord.

Silence: (All briefly reflect on their commitment.)

Leader: “You are my servant
I have chosen you and not cast you off
Do not fear, for I am with you
Do not be afraid, for I am your God
I will strengthen you
I will help you
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isa. 41:9-11).

ALL: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, for he has anointed us to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent us to proclaim freedom for the captives and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19).
By Musa W. Dube




6. Services on Death and Funerals
i. FUNERAL
Sermon Text: Luke 7: 11-17

Introduction

(To the leader: The congregation need to be told that this sermon is not a judgment on the deceased but an opportunity to teach about HIV/AIDS. This does not mean that the person has died of AIDS. Where possible this should be preached at a funeral of a person who has not died of AIDS and the family should be consulted before hand to avoid misunderstanding. In short given the stigma it must be handed diplomatically)

Prayer:
Leader: God Almighty the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the finisher of our
lives, we come to you to celebrate life after death. We celebrate your
example of compassion for those who are grieved. Thank you for
reminding us that death does not have the last word. We acknowledge the
comfort we receive from the message about the resurrection power. We
thank you for the life of this person (mention the name).

All: Lord in your mercy hear our prayer

Leader: We thank you for all those people who make themselves available to take care of this person.

All: Lord in your mercy hear our prayer and let our cry come to you.

Song (Zulu/Ndebele):
Thula Sizwe//(Be still O Nation)
Ungabokhala//(Don’t cry)
Ujehova wakho Uzokunqobe// (Jehova will conquer for you)
Inkuleko//(freedom)
Uzoyithola//(will be yours)
Ujehova wakho//(Your Jehova)
Uzokunqobela//(Will conquer for you)
(Popular Southern African Song)

In today’s African communities, funerals have become a common occurrence because of high mortality rates due to an increase in crime, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, poverty, wars etc. Funerals are also occasions for much suffering because of accusations about witchcraft. Even when a person dies of AIDS, someone is accused of witchcraft. Most of the people who are accused of witchcraft are women. This is based on the African belief that death does not just happen. One’s enemies cause it.

Suffering is worsened to the bereaved family when people know that the deceased has died of AIDS. This is because many people lack knowledge and therefore still associate AIDS with sin and stigma even in Christian circles. Funerals in the urban areas have brought another side of suffering as they tend to be expensive. The relatives are pressurized to show how much they care by having an expensive coffin and a big feast after the burial. AIDS sufferers are neglected when alive. Due to feelings of guilty, family members overspend to cleanse themselves by buying expensive coffins. This is also associated with our African beliefs that it is important to send a dead person off very well. This cultural belief is now being expressed through expensive funerals.


1. We Listen to God’s Word

(Read the text of Luke 7:11-17)
In the reading, Jesus raised a dead man because he had compassion for the widow, the dead person’s mother.

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

Ø The man who died was an only child of a widow. According to Jewish tradition, this means that the woman had no male protection and therefore at the bottom of the economic ladder.

Ø Jesus performed a miracle by raising the dead person. He did it because he had compassion on the woman. This should be taken as a sign, because we know that not everyone who died and came in contact with Jesus was raised. The fact that Jesus did not raise our dead relatives does not mean that he has no compassion over us.

Ø Jesus raised the hopes of all the people who attended the funeral. Therefore resurrection should be understood also in a wider sense, of restoring hope of living.


2. We apply the Word of God to ourselves

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· That God intervenes in human suffering
· That we should have compassion towards those who are mourning and help them in any way we can
· We should have special compassion for widows
· We need to meet the needs of those who are suffering, e.g. bringing hope to those who do not have it.


WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· Do we have the compassion of Jesus to help those who are in need?
· Do we intervene when people are accused falsely of witchcraft?
· Have we stopped feeling compassion towards the bereaved because of frequency of deaths in our communities?
· Is there lack of compassion in us due to our judgmental attitudes towards people who suffer and die of AIDS?

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· The fact that God is with God’s people both in sorrow and in happiness
· That even if a person is not raised from death in this world, there is hope for resurrection in the next world
· That resurrection also means restoration of hope among the living.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· God to help us to put into practice the spirit of compassion especially towards people who are suffering i.e. the bereaved, widows, orphans
· God to help us to live in the resurrection power: having the idea that there is life after death, but also refusing to be hopeless in our lives.


3. We apply the word of God to the Congregation

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· Sorry that we have not shown compassion to the people in our own congregations who are suffering
· Repentance that we let fear of HIV/AIDS leads us into stigma and hopelessness.

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· The Christians are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. We need to reach out to those who are suffering.


WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Funerals are community events to be shared by the whole congregation
· The ministry of the church is to bring hope in hopeless situations
· Start a ministry to bring relief to those who are suffering
· Show acceptance towards those who are living with HIV/AIDS and the members of their family who are nursing them.


4. Conclusion: Word on the Society

Jesus did not ask the widow what was the cause of her son’s death before showing compassion to her. Our ministry, as Christians is to show compassion and not to be judgmental about what has killed a person. Whether the person has died of AIDS or not, is not an issue before God. It should not be an issue to us. Our call is to comfort the sick and the grieved.

Prayer
Leader: The church of God is called to serve

All: We are the church of God to bring compassion to the suffering

Leader: Jesus did not discriminate against people.

All: We will follow your footsteps Lord, by not showing discrimination against the sick, widows and orphans
Leader: God is the source of our courage.

All: Give us the courage to do what is right in all circumstances

Leader: Let us pray for the bereaved that God should use us to comfort them

All: It is right and good for us to comfort the bereaved.

Leader: Let us pray for the caregivers, who work under difficult conditions

All: Lord, use us to relieve them from their pain

Leader: Thank you God, because you left us with your Holy Spirit and the Christian community to comfort us during difficult times.

In Jesus name
All: Amen.

Closing song (Zulu)

Halleluyah Hosanah (4x)
Siyakudumisa//(We adore you)3X
Nkosi ya makosi//(Lord of Lords)
Akeko Ofanana naye//(There is no one like you)3x
Nkosi ya makosi//(Lord of Lords)
Sizasonwalbile kuwena//(We will rest in you)3x
Nkosi ya makosi//(Lord of lords).
Popular South African Chorus

Benediction: May the peace of God, that passes all understanding, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all.

Objects/symbols/ideas: Candles, flowers, water, playing drums.

By Isabel Apawo Phiri


ii. DEATH/RESURECTION
Sermon Text: John 11:1-44

Introduction

At Kgolagano College of Theological Education where I work, we always begin the day by sharing in prayer. At the end of the prayers, we always take a moment to share our news with each. Although we are just a small staff of seven there is always someone who shares with the others that a family member has passed away. It is as though we are playing rounds, taking turns to report the death of a cousin today, the next day somebody else reporting the death of an uncle and so on. Most of us in Africa experience death on a daily basis given the HIV/AIDS context of today. In some places there is a great shortage of land in our towns and cities because it’s taken up by graveyards. There is death all around, it is in the air, it is as though one could touch it.


1. We listen to the word of God


DETAILS OF THE TEXT

Ø This is a long narrative about the death and resurrection of Lazarus. It might be a good idea for the preacher to find a quick and creative way of re- telling the story rather than just a straight reading. One way of this could be by the story- teller becoming Martha or Mary and sharing her grieve and delight at what happened. This is bound to raise the attention and interest of the congregation.

Ø The narrative shows Jesus’ love for his three friends; Lazarus, Mary and Martha. It also shows his refusal to come when he heard that Lazarus was sick in Bethany, his encounter with Martha, his statement that he is the resurrection and life, Martha’s confession of faith and the presence of the mourners. All these features need to come out in the re – telling. It should not be assumed that this is a familiar story which the congregation already knows.

Ø In this narrative, Jesus does not remain calm and undisturbed by the reality of death. He is not like one who is detached from the messy business of living. He is deeply disturbed by death’s devastation, its force and finality. Jesus weeps.

Ø The second thing to note is that Jesus is bringer of resurrection and life. Jesus instructs the baffled and unprepared onlookers ‘Unbind him, and let him go! (v.44). And immediately Lazarus is loosed from the bonds of death, freed from the shackles of the past, and liberated into a new future!


2. We apply the Word of God to ourselves and the congregation

Although death besets us from all angles, the power of the resurrection keeps us going. We live on because the resurrection not just a futuristic reality but an experience here and now. Like Martha and Mary we say our brothers and sisters loosened and unbound from fear, hopelessness, and physical pain (through ARV drugs).

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?
(Illustration)

· During the terrible floods of Mozambique in 1999 / 2000 a poignant occurrence took place. As the waters of death were rushing and sweeping away with it everything on its way, some people took refuge on the trees. Among these was an expectant mother. It is hard to imagine how it happened but somehow she gave birth on a tree, and she and the baby were rescued. During that moment life defied death, and in the midst of death there was life.

· In the midst of the ravage and death of so many victims of HIV/AIDS in Africa Christ is still the bringer of resurrection and life. There are still life – enhancing experiences of people who do everything to ‘stay alive’, who embrace people living AIDS (like Jesus embraced his friends at Bethany) and who devote all their life to stopping the spread of AIDS. Through these people and their ministries Christ is saying, ‘Unbind them and let them go’.

WHAT CAN WE CONFESS?

· We confess that:
· Sometimes we succumb too easily to the powers of death around us
· Our failure to ‘unbind’ the many who live in the shadow of death around us.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· We thank God for:
· The gospel of Jesus Christ which promises life beyond death
· The experiences of ‘resurrection’ in many people in our communities
· The ministry of many Christians which brings life to the spiritually and emotionally dead.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· Let us pray:
· God, lift the dark cloud of death that hovers over the continent of Africa
· Listen to the wailing cries of the mothers and children of our land
· Wipe away our tears and take from us the scorn of AIDS related deaths
· Help us Lord for we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Song:

He is lord, He is Lord
He is risen from the dead
And he is Lord
Every knee shall bow
Every tongue confess
That Christ is Lord.
Anonymous

Suggested idea/symbols: Get someone to be either Martha or Mary and get her to tell the story of how Jesus came to raise Lazarus. Whoever does the re-telling could also try and contextualize, so that it becomes more meaningful for today.

By Moiseraela P. Dibeela
iii. THREATS OF DEATH

Sermon Text: Luke 8:22-25

Introduction

“Little things that run and fail, and die in silence and despair” so run the line of a poem I leant in primary school. I still remember it because it reminds me of the precariousness and vulnerability of life. There are many things that threaten our lives in Africa today. Malaria is a major killer, HIV/AIDS and its opportunistic diseases, wars, road accidents, famine, floods and also adds on. Human existence is caught up in various storms of life and life feels threatened on many fronts. Here our concern is with the scourge of HIV/AIDS. Who is there to calm this storm for us?



1. Reading the Word (put the question to the text)

Why do you think this happened to Jesus?
Who initiated this trip across the lake?
What happened to Jesus immediately they set sail?
What happened to the boat?
What did the disciples do?
What do you think the disciples expected Jesus to do?
What did Jesus mean by the question, “Where is your faith?”
What does the question that the disciples asked in return, “Who is this?” tell us what their knowledge of Jesus?


2. Applying the Word of God to Ourselves

This story comes within a series of stories about the activities of Jesus as he goes about doing good. It is a miracle of stilling the storm. Those who live near the lakes or oceans know how treacherous water can be. Even rivers in flood are an awesome sight to behold. At its widest point Lake Malawi is about 80km. We were once caught up in a storm. There were literally thousands of hills of water foaming at the crest as the boat kept cutting through them as it sailed moving up and down. Passengers reeled from side to side as many kept vomiting. It was both an awful and awesome sight. Can you imagine someone sleeping through such a storm? Jesus actually did and he had to be woken up. He simply rebuked the storm and calm was restored.

This was a miracle, but what is a miracle? Usually, it is defined as an event contrary to the operation of the laws of nature. God and Godly people are capable of such fits, it is believed. Miracles are sometimes seen as the suspension of natural laws. Since nothing is impossible with God, God performs miracles all the time for His own glory. However, it may also be said that miracles happen when creative forces operate on a deeper or higher level than what we are naturally accustomed to as per the natural laws that we know. This means that healing is possible. Jesus speaks and reveals himself to us through his activity.

Go through these questions with the congregation:
· What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?
· Share a story of being caught up in a storm on the lake or ocean?
· Suppose this was an acted parable, what are some of the events in your life which could be likened to a storm?
· If you were one of the disciples would you have responded differently? Give reasons for your answer.
· What should our faith in Jesus mean for our lives? Share experiences in which God spoke or was revealed to you in some activity or left you wondering as to who God is.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· Threats to life can come suddenly from anywhere. The storm came suddenly upon them
· Tiredness is inevitable after hard work and rest is necessary
· Solidarity is important in time of crisis
· We can rely on Jesus to intervene
· Faith in the ability of God to avert threats to life is necessary.

WHAT CAN WE CONFESS?

· For our lack of faith
· For making Jesus the last resort
· For allowing ourselves to fear.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· The presence of Jesus on our faith journey. He always draws near as on the road to Emmaus
· The ability of Jesus to calm our storms
· That we are not alone. God is always with us.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· Ability to recognize threats to life and to deal with them effectively
· To overcome our fears so as to trust more.

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· Fear
· Surprise
· Amazement
· Wonder mixed with doubt.

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· People of faith
· People of courage.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Turn to Jesus for help
· Find more about who Jesus is
· Assure the sufferer that HIV/AIDS is manageable death is postponable.

Song:

When peace like a river
Attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my Life!”

It is well with my Life!

It is well, it is well with my Life!

Though Satan should buffet,
Though trials should come
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And has shed his own blood for my Life.

(Hymns for Malawi, Number 158)

Prayer:

Master, master, we are dying.
Don’t you see the plague
That has engulfed entire peoples,
The HIV/AIDS plague,
A plague without a cure,
A plague so devastating.
Master, master, hear the Statistics:
Ten percent to thirty percent,
We are being wiped out.
Whole people and whole nations.
Have mercy on us, O loving Master.
Take pity upon the sheep of your fold.
Grant us life, grant us hope, grant us a cure.
Through the risen Lord, we beseech you.

Amen

Suggested Objects/symbols/ideas: Toy boat, water, pillow, oar or any other appropriate object.

By Augustine C. Musopule




6. Services for Tomb Unveiling
i. TOMB UNVEILING
Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Introduction

Due to the high rate of HIV/AIDS prevailing in sub-Saharan Africa, rituals associated with death are being performed with increased frequency. Tomb unveiling is a ritual in which the community seeks to remember the deceased and to beautify his or her place of rest. HIV/AIDS has led to the need for more reflections on the religious significance of this ritual. Emphasis should be placed on its memorial character as a celebration of the hope that the deceased will resurrect, as well as the need to fight HIV/AIDS stigma. Such Christian themes should minimize the concerns that tomb unveiling is steeped in traditional African culture.

Tomb unveiling provides an opportunity for the community to avoid HIV/AIDS stigma and to recognize the devastation brought by the epidemic. It is a reminder of the pain of death, but it also points to the regeneration of the living. The ritual is a foreshadowing of the resurrection and should draw attention to the beginning of a new life for both the deceased and the living. It should also reflect the thanksgiving dimension and inculcate a sense of hope.


1. We listen to the Word of God

Skeptics consider death as final. Some philosophers, poets, singers and others have portrayed the grave as decisive. However, the Christian faith is built on the conviction that Christ has been raised from the dead, being the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Cor. 15:20). In situation of HIV/AIDS, it is necessary to develop a theology of hope and life. How the community of the faithful needs to be resurrected from its hopelessness and despair should receive special emphasis.

Verse 36:
Ø Death is a precondition for life. As we get depressed by the reality of so much death, disease and poverty around us, let us be empowered by the knowledge that what is sown does not come to life unless it dies. However, we should acknowledge that most deaths due to HIV/AIDS are in fact preventable and postponable.

Verses 42-44:
Ø The transformation from a physical to a spiritual body is the underlying theme of resurrection. While our bodies are subject to processes of disintegration while in the flesh, the spiritual body is imperishable. Tomb unveiling is undertaken as a celebration of hope that the deceased will put on this new spiritual body. It anticipates the immortality of the deceased. Please note that the resurrection also applies to the living in that they need to overcome the fear caused by HIV/AIDS in order to lead wholesome lives. African holism challenges body/spirit dichotomy and the body should not be devalued.

Verses 51-55:
Ø The last trumpet is a significant Christian eschatological symbol. It captures vividly the ushering of the kingdom of God on earth. The dead will be raised imperishable and the sting of death shall be no more. Jesus Christ, who himself defeated death, avails victory to those who have faith. Tomb unveiling is a foretaste of this mystery to be unveiled. The tomb where the deceased is sleeping is but a temporary dwelling place: upon the sound of the trumpet they shall join those who put on immortality. Life will finally triumph over death. Despite the reality of HIV/AIDS, we need this restoration of hope.

2. We apply the Word of God to ourselves and the congregation

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· Death is not the end of existence
· Tomb unveiling is a celebration of life
· We need to consider the living as undergoing the resurrection in terms of their sense of hope.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· Our failure to act in the light of preventable deaths in our HIV/AIDS contexts
· Our tendency to attribute all deaths to God’s will
· Our complacency with forces of death, poverty, violence corrupt government
· We spend too much money on funerals and not on saving life.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· The time that the deceased had with us
· Medical efforts in fighting HIV/AIDS
· The promise and hope of resurrection.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· That God gives us the strength to continue working for positive change in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. We also require wisdom to use occasions like tomb unveiling to communicate messages of hope.



3. We apply the Word of God to the congregation

· Ask members what tomb unveiling means to them
· Does tomb unveiling remind the realities of HIV/AIDS?
· What is the congregation prepared to do to fight forces of death?

Conclusion: Word on the Society

Tomb unveiling should not become a financial burden on society. Instead, it should galvanize leaders at various levels to actively contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS. As memorial stones are erected for the deceased, society should be challenged to pause and formulate strategies that promote life.

Song:
Hosanna (x2)
Tichandoimba Hosanna
Tichitenderera pachigaro chaMambo
Tichandoimba Hosanna
Hosanna (2x)
We shall sing hosanna
As we circle the Lord’s throne
We shall sing hosanna
(Popular chorus author unknown)

Re tla bina hosanna 3x
Re dikologa sitilo sa kgosi
Re tla bina hosanna
Anonymous
Prayer:
God of all nations,
Lord of life, we thank you for our Lord, Jesus Christ.
We praise you for the gift of life.
We rejoice at your promise of resurrection.
We acknowledge your victory over death.
Grant us the courage to challenge.
Systems of death and misery.
Hear us and help us.
As we search for abundant life.
Now and forever.
Forgive our sins.
Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Suggested Objects/Symbols/ideas: White or black cloth (purity, life, peace); grain (life, potentiality); stone (permanence, beauty).
By Ezra Chitando
7. A Healing and Memorial Service

Sermon Text: Psalm 23

Instructions: This memorial service is designed for small groups such as Sunday school classes, workshops, conferences, women’s and youth meetings. It seeks to heal the participants as well as to help all to acknowledge that HIV/AIDS is close to all of us; that we are all affected. It also helps to break the silence and the stigma. It also seeks to deal with hopelessness by underlining that God is with us; God’s light is still shining upon our situation.

Call to Worship

Leader: We are your world and your people.
All: You created us with your hands.
Leader: We are made in your likeness.
All: You created us in your image.
Leader: We are people of your love.
All: You created us and you created us good.

Song:
Oh Lord my God When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works thy hand have made
I see the stars, I hear the roaring thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed Then sings my soul my savior God to thee
How great thou art how great thou art 2x
And when I think that God his son not sparing
Sent him to die I scarce can take it in
That on the cross my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
Then sings my soul…

Confession
Leader: Today your world is infected and by HIV/AIDS.
All: We are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Leader: Today Life is under threat.
All: Many of us are already sick and hopeless.
Leader: Today we are also suffering from HIV/AIDS stigma.
All: Many of us have been judgmental.
All: We confess our ignorance, fears and confusions.
We confess our judgmental attitude.
We confess our failure to love and accept.
Help us to see your face in the faces of.
All who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Help us to leave all judgment to You.
Help us to be your healing hands in a hurting world.

Song:
Thuma Mina 2x Thuma mina Somandla
Send me Jesus 2x Send me Jesus, I will go.
(In Thuma Mina, Hymn, 166)

Leader: We are all affected by HIV/AIDS.
All: We are the body of Christ.
Leader: We have lost close relatives.
All: Heal our bodies.
Leader: We have lost close friends & neighbors.
All: Heal our hearts.
Leader: We have lost church and work mates.
All: Heal our spirits.
Leader: We have lost our hope.
All: Heal our minds.
Leader: We put our trust in you.
All: You are Emmanuel.
You are God With Us (Matt. 1:23.
You will never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5).
You will be with us to the end of ages (Matt. 28:20).

ALL RECITE: Psalm 23: 1-6

God is my shepherd I shall not be in want
God makes me lie down in green pastures
God leads me beside still waters
God restores my soul
God leads me in the path of righteousness
For God’s name’s sake
Even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil
For you are with me
Your rod and your staff
They comfort me
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,
You anoint my head with oil
My cup overflows
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life
And I shall dwell in the house of God for ever

Song:

We have a Shepherd (You may choose another appropriate song)
Re nale Modisa, re nale Modisa (2x) (We have a shepherd, We have a shepherd)

Morena orile ke modisa yo Molemo (The Lord said, he is the good shepherd
Morena o rile ga a ketla a re tlogela (The Lord said, he will never leave us)
Morena o rile o nale rona ka metlha (The Lord said, will be with us forever)
Re nale Modisa (We have a shepherd)

Re nale Modisa, re nale Modisa (2x) // We have a shepherd, We have a shepherd

Morena o rile ke Modisa wa rona (The Lord said, he is the good shepherd)
Morena o rile ga re ketla re tlhako sepe (The Lord we will never lack anything)
Morena o rile o tla refudisa mo mafolong a matalana (The Lord said he will lead us to green pastures)
Re nale Modisa (We have a shepherd)

Re nale Modisa, re nale Modisa (We have a shepherd, We have a shepherd (2x)

Lefa dira di ka go dikaganyetsa (Even if enemies could surround you)
Lefa meleko e ka go tlhasela (Even if temptations could attack you)
Lefa o ka feta kgothong e lefifi (Even if you pass through the dark valley)
O nale Modisa (You have a shepherd)

Re nale Modisa, re nale Modisa // We have a shepherd, We have a shepherd (2x)
@ Musa W. Dube

The Main Candle is lit
Leader: “This candle is lit to symbolize that God is with us and God will always be with us. It is also lit in memory of those who have gone before us, who are awaiting resurrection. It is lit to break the silence and the stigma—to openly say we have relatives and friends who have died of HIV/AIDS. It is above all lit for our own healing, to rekindle our hope in Emmanuel, God With Us.”

Individually: (One person at a time stands up, goes to the table, lights a candle from the main candle, calls the name of a relative/friend/neighbors/workmate who had died of HIV/AIDS. The rest answer):

ALL: Heal our land oh Lord; bind our wounds.

Closing Song:
Blessed assurance Jesus is mine
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine
Born of the Spirit lost in his blood
Heir of salvation purchase of God


Chorus: This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
Perfect submission perfect delight
Visions of rapture now burst in my sight
Angels descending bringing from above
Echoes of mercies and whispers of love
Perfect submission all is at rest
I in my Savior I am happy and blessed
Watching and waiting and looking above
Filled with His goodness and lost in His love
Closing prayer
Leader: We put our trust in you.

All: You are Emmanuel.
You are God with us (Matt 1: 23).
You will never leave us or forsake us (Heb 13:5).
You will be with us to the end of ages (Matt 28:20).
Amen.

Objects/ideas/symbols: Candles or you may choose to use any other objects that represent healing, God’s unfailing presence and a memorial service.

By Musa W. Dube & Fulata L. Moyo


9. Services for Thanksgiving

i. SERVICE ON THANKSGIVING
Sermon Text: Chronicles 29:10-19

Prayer:
O shout to the Lord in triumph, all earth:
Serve the Lord with gladness,
And come before his face with songs of joy.

Know that the Lord is God:
It is he who has made us and we are his;
We are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

Come into his gates with thanksgiving,
And into his courts with praise:
Give thanks to him, and bless his holy name.

For the Lord is good, his loving mercy is forever:
His faithfulness throughout all generations.
[Taken from Psalm 100]

Song:
Tsohle Tsohle Di entswe Ke Wena. Modimo Re Boka Wena. (“All things have been created by you Lord God. We thank and praise you” This is a popular chorus well known in several Southern Africa countries). (An alternative Thanksgiving song may be sung).

Introduction

Every Sunday should be thanksgiving Sunday. Every service should be thanksgiving service. Every day should be a Thanksgiving day. This is so because when we consider our situation carefully, we will realize the extent to which we are beneficiaries and dependants of God’s grace. It is God’s protection and providence that makes it possible for us to live from day to day. In recent times, nothing has made us realize our indebtedness to God more than the devastating advent of the HIV/AIDS. As we learn more and more about the disease, its extent and the manner in which it is spread and transmitted, we each realize that we all could be infected and we all are affected. HIV positive people are no more sinners than HIV negative people. HIV negative people are no more saintly than HIV positive people. We therefore need to thank God for HIV negative people and to ask God to preserve them as such. Similarly and even more so, we need to thank God for HIV positive people. They are the faces of Jesus in our midst. In them we see the hope that Jesus inspired in us. In them we see the broken body of Christ. They teach us about the beauty and preciousness of life. Many of them live life as a gift - one day at a time. In them, we see ourselves, truly as we are. Let us thank God for HIV positive people for God alone can give them peace and healing.

1. We Listen to the Word of God

[A pre-warned and pre-selected member of the congregation may be asked to read the powerful prayer of thanks by King David in Chronicles 29:10-19]

DETAILS OF THE TEXT:

Ø This moving thanksgiving prayerful passage - uttered through the mouth of David, the great king of Israel - is the prelude to the building of the Temple. It is a task that David reckoned he would carry out. But God forbade him because he is a warrior and he has shed blood (Chron. 28:3). Instead, God chose Solomon his son to carry out the task. David informs the people and Solomon about this command of God.

Ø People responded overwhelmingly in support of Solomon and in support of the temple building project. It is the enthusiastic and generous response of the people that inspired David to give utter the beautiful words of thanks and praise found in Chron. 29:10-19. It was an occasion to acknowledge the generosity of people but above all, God’s initial generosity, which makes it possible for people to be generous at all.

Ø There is something powerful about a person in authority recognizing a greater authority. ‘Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and on earth is yours’. Ordinarily, kings would assume if not insist that greatness, power and glory and majesty rightfully belong to them and to no one else. Furthermore, King David is able to see through the fact that even when humans give to God they do nothing special in that what they Give to God belongs to God anyway.


2. We Apply the Word of God to ourselves

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· God and God alone deserves our thanksgiving
· No one is exempt from giving thanks to God even those who appear to ‘have it all’ - HIV negative people have as much reason to be thankful for life as HIV positive people are.
· We must give back to God what belongs to God. Glory, authority, honour and majesty are God’s property. God has copyright on these. It is important that even in these trying times of the HIV/AIDS pandemic we give honour and thanks where they really belong, namely to God.
· Calamities such as HIV/AIDS may cause people to shift loyalty from God to other gods. It may cause them to feel resentfulness instead of Thanksgiving to God. From David, we learn that even when God prevents us from accomplishing certain of our ambitions, we should nevertheless be thankful.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· We often compete with God for praise and honour. Our churches can fall into this trap.
· We often overrate our gifts to God
· In the face of HIV/AIDS Thanksgiving may be relegated to the backseat
· We often take God’s gifts for granted.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· HIV negative people
· HIV positive people
· Life, whether we are HIV positive or not
· God’s many gifts.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· Hope in the midst of pain and despair
· HIV negative people to act in ways that will keep them negative
· HIV positive people to have hope and appreciate life
· HIV positive people to lead responsibly.



3. We Apply the Word of God to the Congregation

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· Thankful that God loves both HIV positive and negative people equally
· Thankful for the gift of life
· Hopeful for healing and restoration
· Sorry that we are often resentful and bitter instead of thankful.

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· Joyful, hopeful and thankful Christians in spite of the HIV/AIDS pandemic
· Responsible HIV positive people
· Responsible HIV negative people.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Lead thankful lives
· Lead responsible lives as HIV negative people
· Lead responsible lives as HIV positive people
· Become ambassadors of hope.


4. Conclusion: Word to Society

Even though our life ambitions (such as king David’s ambition to build the temple) are no longer achievable due to the effects of HIV/AIDS either on ourselves or on those whom we love, we must trust God to still ‘get the job done’. The millions of African orphans who lost both parents because of HIV/AIDS need to know that the job of bringing them up into responsible adulthood can still be done. If their parents could not build the temple, God can use them and their descendants to build it. The messages of doom and hopelessness around HIV-AIDS must be confronted with concrete and proactive Christian actions of hope and goodwill. In these we as Christians must build alliances with other actors in society. Above all we must maintain a posture of Thanksgiving both for HIV negative and HIV positive people.

Prayer of Commitment:
Lord Jesus Christ. In these times of death and hopelessness. We pledge our loyalty to you. You are our hope. In these times of anger and bitterness, we offer our Thanksgiving to you. We commit ourselves to becoming ambassadors of hope. We undertake to witness for you with Thanksgiving.

Song:
“Thank you Jesus Amen’. (The song has the advantage that it can be sung in endless different languages)

Benediction:

We say together the ‘Prayer for Africa’
God bless Africa
Guard her peoples
Guide her rulers
And grant her peace. Amen

Symbols/Objects and Commitments: Testimonies from people who ‘survived’ and HIV/AIDS tests - regardless of the results. A bowl of fruit and or other forms of harvest.
By Tinyiko S. Maluleke

ii. THANKSGIVING
Sermon Text: Revelations 2: 1-7

Introduction

The message to the church in Ephesus, is part of the apocalypse of John. Written in the form of popular drama the book of Revelation is a sharp and critical commentary on the historical events of the first Century C.E. At this time the Church went through some of the most stern opposition and gruesome persecution. The church lost some of its leading figures such as the apostles, its first deacons, and all who dared to speak against the tyranny of the time. All of them were tortured and killed for their loyalty to Christ Jesus.

This is the context within which the book of Revelation was written. Christians were living under Roman rule, and one of the expectations of this rule was that all Roman citizens were to worship the emperor. This would have been a gross violation of one of the basic tenets of the Christian faith. For the Christians they professed that only Jesus is Lord! They would worship none other than the Nazarene who was crucified, buried in a borrowed grave, and on the third day he rose from the dead, triumphant over evil and death. This faith and the expectation by emperor Nero and his successors for all citizens to worship him set the stage for a collision of worldviews. The book of Revelation, therefore, reflects in a dramatic way the response of the people of God to the pressures of their time.

1. We listen to the word of God

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

Ø The letter to the church in Ephesus gives a positive appraisal of the Christians witness there. In the midst of seismic events such as the oppression and murders of Christians, emperor worship, and fear amongst many, Christians in Ephesus have something to celebrate:

“I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance. I know that you cannot tolerate evildoers; you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them to be false” (v. 2) NRSV.
The text though does not just give a positive view of the Christians at Ephesus. It is also sharply critical of them and calls them to repentance:
“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love that you had at first. Remember then from what you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first” (vv.4-5a)


2. We apply the Word of God to ourselves and the congregation

We need to ask ourselves what the spirit is saying to the Church in Africa today. Like the Spirit said to the Church in Ephesus, “I know your works”, the Spirit also has some things to say to the Church in Africa today. What can we be commended for in relation to HIV/AIDS?

WHAT CAN WE CONFESS?

· Perhaps the spirit is saying to us today:
· “I know your denial”. This is what the spirit is saying to the Church today, for we still deny that the church too is ravaged by HIV/AIDS like everybody else.
· “I know the way you stigmatize my people”, for the Church in Africa continues to ostracize those who are infected with the HIV/AIDS
· “I know your complacency” for the Church in Africa continues to lack behind in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic especially the fight against poverty, gender inequalities and the abuse of children rights and national corruption, which fuels the diseases.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

Thanksgiving in Africa can be difficult, because it often seems that there is little to be thankful for. Many people in Sub – Sahara Africa continue to live in the shadow of death because of poverty HIV/AIDS. A lot of us are depressed because our loved ones are sick, and many have lost hope. However, we should celebrate the tenacity of the African spirit in spite of these circumstances. Despite our troubles many rise every morning to take their children to school, to nurse the sick, to feed the hungry and to continue with life. Many find joy in songs of praise to God. For this energy, this spirit that defies the problems that beset us – we must be thankful.

Let us be thankful for:
· Christians and churches which are involved in home-based care ministry
· Church projects including day care centers for orphans, awareness programmes, and HIV/AIDS campaigns
· Pastors who teach, care for the careers, bury the dead and comfort the mourners
· Many other HIV/AIDS activists.
WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

Prayer:
When we go in the morning, you are there Lord, and when we wake up in the
morning you are there watching over us. You look upon us like a chick caring for
its young ones. When we ask “Where is God?’’ You answer, ‘Can a mother
forsake a child whom she bore’? Even is she were to do so I would never
abandon you! Thank you Lord for your promises to us. Thank you for sustaining
us in the mist of our troubles.

As we celebrate our faith in you, and your works among us we pray for your guidance in our ministry. We pray for your guidance so that we may not be just bystanders in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We pray that you may make us compassionate and loving to those who are affected and infected by HIV/AIDS.

Amen!!

Song:
“Count your blessings, name them one by one”

Suggested objects: The leader could bring a jar of water, a three legged pot and perhaps corn or grains -symbols of life for Africans. It may be useful to explain the significance of these in the service.

By Moiseraele P. Dibeela


iii. ACÇÃO DE GRAÇAS
Texto Sugerido: I Crónicas 29: 10-19

Introdução

Muitas igrejas celebram o dia de Acção de Graças pelo menos uma vez por ano.
Dependendo da maneira como os líders dessas igrejas ou paróquias preparam o envento, essa celebração pode ser caracterizada por muita euforia, louvores e dávidas, assim como pode não passar de uma celebração igual às que se fazem cada domingo.
O rei David, ao liderar esta oração, ensina-nos que a líderança, seja ela política ou religiosa, desempenha um papel fundamental em todas as faces da vida de um povo.

1. Escutemos a Palavra de Deus

Leia o texto. Sublinhe com um lápis as palavras mais importantes.

DETALHE

VV. 10-18:
Ø David louva a Deus e faz entrega das ofertas que ele e o povo dedicaram à construção do Templo.
V.19:
Ø Entrega a Deus a orientação espiritual do seu filho Salomão.


2. A Palavra de Deus para nós.


QUE PODEMOS APRENDER? · Que uma boa liderança, seja ela religiosa ou de outra natureza, é sempre muito importante.
· Que o povo está sempre pronto para seguir as orientações dos seus líderes.
· Que na era do HIV/SIDA, a palavra de Líderes, pode ser decisava para o seu cambate. QUE TEMOS DE CONFESSAR?
· Que muitas vezes falta visão à nossa liderança.
· Que os nossos problemas ocupam todo o nosso tempo e não deixam espaço para uma Acção de Graças.
· Que muitos não dão a devida atenção aos problemas causados pelo HIV/SIDA
· Que muitos não sabem distinguir o que é bom daquilo que é mau nas suas celebrações da sexualidade.

EM QUE DEVEMOS ESTAR GRATOS A DEUS?

· À misericórdia de Deus que nunca nos abandona.

QUE DEVEMOS PEDIR NAS NOSSAS ORAÇÔES?

· Q ue o Espírito Santo ilumine e oriente os nossos dirigentes a todos os níveis.
· Que todos sejamos capazes de dar Acção de Graças condignamente.
· Que toda a nossa vida seja guiada por Deus.


3. PREGAMOS A LEI DE DEUS

Os Provérbios no seu capítulo 22.6, dizem:« Instrui ao menino no caminho em que deve andar; e até quando envelhecer, não se desviará dele». Estas palavras sábias são uma advertência permanente. Muitas vezes lamentamos pela falta de bons resultados nas tarefas em que nos empenhamos. Pode ser que algumas vezes tenhamos razão, mas muitas vezes somos culpados (as). O nosso comportamento, as nossas atitudes, é o que fica gravado nas pessoas. Devemos, pois, preocuparmo-nos pela instrução correcta dos mais novos (as). O HIV/SIDA exige que a educação sexual seja feita na tenra idade. Que os (as) mais novos (as) aprendam a respeitar-se e a respeitar o próximo. Devem saber o que é bom e o que é prejudicial para a sua própria saúde e para a comunidade. A família cristã deve unir-se no combate contra as forças da morte e na proclamação do nome do seu salvador Jesus Cristo.

CANÇÂO:

Escolha uma canção que esteja de acordo com o tema.

ORAÇÂO:

Senhor, agradecemos-te por este dia tão especial. Aprendemos que todos os passos que damos na vida devem ter uma motivação e devem ser dedicados a ti. Aprendemos também que a sexualidade é um dos teus dons e deve ser praticado para o teu louvor e dignificação. Os (as) nossos filhos (as) merecem por isso, ser bem instruídos (as) para que o pratiquem de uma maneira mais correcta e saudável e humana.Faça com que saibam escolher o melhor. E que lutem para a erradicação do HIV SIDA no mundo.
Perdoe, Senhor todo misericordioso, a nossa tendência de escutar os maus conselhos. Conduz os nossos passos nos caminhos que levem a ti. Pedimos isso tudo na confiança de que nos darás, em nome de Jesus Cristo. Amen.

Objectos sugeridos: Uma peneira cheia de diferentes tipos de fruta.
Por: Felicidade N. Cherinda


Part 2 Services on Church Calendar/Rituals/Events


1. Christmas
i. Matthew 1:18-24 (CD)
ii. Lucas 1:26-38 (FC)
2. Baptism
i. Mark 1:9-11 (ACM)
3. Lord’s Supper
i. 1 Corinthians. 11:23-24 (TSM)
ii. Lucas 22:14-23 (FC)
4. Good Friday & Easter
i. Mark 15:16-41 (MPPD)
5. Resurrection/Restoration
i. Luke 24:1ff (GB)
ii. Luke 8:22-25 (ACM)
iii. Mark 16:1-8 (EC)
6. Ascension
i. Luke 24:50-53 (MWD)
7. World AIDS Day
i. Isaiah 65:17-23 (GB)


1. Services on Christmas

i. CHRISTMAS AND FATHERHOOD

Sermon Text: Matthew 1: 18-24

Introduction

Current research records indicate that females head 47% of the households in Botswana. This figure does not include the number of teenage mothers who often bring up children without the support of the fathers. The theme of fatherhood therefore seems to me to be an appropriate one to address. Single motherhood has become a common feature and acceptable within many African societies. Single mothers are often left to take care and take responsibility for their children in the absence of the fathers. This has left women more vulnerable than usual. Most of these women live under the poverty datum line. The children in such families are open to conditions of malnutrition, juvenile delinquency, crime and many more. The women themselves are exposed to exploitation, as they often have no choice but to opt for favors in return for money or sometimes have to endure abusive relationships for the sake of the financial benefits. Survival becomes the main concern for these women. Even the laws and policies do not protect women, as they do not take seriously the responsibility that fathers ought to have for the children. This is especially so around the laws and benefits of child maintenance. These are all contributing factors and have worsened the HIV/AIDS epidemic.



1. We listen to the word of God

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

Unlike the other gospels that seem to downplay the role of Joseph in the birth of Jesus, Matthew focuses on him. Here he was engaged to Mary when he discovered that she was pregnant. Filled with a lot of doubt as to whether he should divorce himself from her or not, he however after some divine intervention eventually decides to keep the matter quiet and marry Mary. I believe he did not do these only to protect her from rejection and discrimination of society but also as his conscious could not allow him to leave Mary on her own to take care of the child. Joseph ever since then never left Mary’s side in the raising of their children.


2. We apply the Word of God to ourselves.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· That fatherhood is important to the development of children
· That single mothers need a lot of support and encouragement
· That Fatherhood needs prayer and God’s divine intervention.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· That we often down play the role of fathers in bringing up and nurturing children
· That lack of fatherhood has contributed to HIV/AIDS spread.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· For all the fathers that dutifully and lovingly look after their children
· For single mothers who in spite of the harsh living conditions take care and provide for their children
· That God is the father of all
· That God is the parent of all the orphans.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· Many women who endure abusive relationships because they are financially dependent and need the money to support their families
· Fathers who do not support their partners in raising the children
· Child headed homes of orphans.


3. We apply the Word of God to our church/society

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Teach on aspects of gender and HIV/AIDS especially in relation to fatherhood
Become advocates for the equality and equal responsibility of women and men
Take care of some orphans.

Song: (the leader may choose any appropriate song)

Prayer:

God our father of all-humankind,
You have not fallen short in your role and the father, ever.
You love, you take care and you gently guide us.
Oh God, we need your guidance for fatherhood in Africa
Guidance to take care and love those, whom they have brought into this world.
We pray for all those people, who have not yet felt the love of a father in their
lives. We pray for those who only know violence and abuse; those whose lives
are empty and full of hurt. Guide us Father, as you guided Joseph. Amen.

Suggested symbols/ ideas: Artwork and sculptures around family.
By Cheryl Dibeela

ii. NATAL
Texto Sugerido: Lucas 1. 26-38

Oração

Graças te damos, Senhor todo poderoso, pelo anúncio de vida, que enche os nossos corações de alegria e de esperança. Hoje em dia, muitas mulheres nascem filhos doentes e condenados à morte certa. O HIV/SIDA transformou momentos de alegria em terror. Quem outro poderá salvar-nos senão tu? Sabemos que apesar da presença desta terrível doença entyre nós continuas a amar-nos. Por isso já é possível uma mãe infectada nascer uma criança saudável.Obrigada Senhor. Temos a certeza de que mais cedo do que possamos imaginar, medicamentos para a cura, serão descobertos. Dá-nos Senhor a graça de ver esses dias, pelo amor de Teu Filho, Jesus Cristo. Amen.

Canção: Escolher uma canção de Natal

1. Vamos escutar a Palvra de Deus

Leia o texto e sublinhe com um lápis as palavras mais importantes.

DETALHES

VV. 26-27:
Ø Introduzem-nos as personagens envolvidas, o lugar e o tempo em que o acontecimento teve lugar.
VV. 28-29:
Ø Dá-nos a conhecer o tipo de saudação que modificou a vida de Maria
VV. 30-37:
Ø A natureza do Filho a nascer e a promessa da presença constante do Espírito Santo na vida de Maria.
V 38:
Ø Maria aceita o desafio com humildade

Introdução

O Evangelho de Lucas é o único que nos conta com pormenor a história do nascimento de Jesus. Chama a nossa atenção para uma mulher até então desconhecida. Maria, mulher de fé, aceitou ficar grávida desafiando desse modo a tradição, a religião, a cultura e pôs em perigo relacções familiares. O Natal é um evento que nos lembra o Nascimento de Cristo, é um momento da história da salvação do mundo. Na luta contra o HIV/SIDA é preciso enfrentar e desafiar tudo e todos. Desde crenças, usos e costumes, e doutrina da igreja. A fé em Deus e a presença permanente do Espírito Santo,vão ajudar para a transformação de mentalidades e fazer com que a luta não seja em vão.


1. Palvra de Deus para nós.

QUE PODEMOS APRENDER?

· Que a eleição divina está sempre presente e continua a surpreender-nos
· Que essa eleição não distingue as pessoas através da idade, sexo, condição social ou cor da pele
· Que o Espírito Santo age em nós e nos orienta na tomada de decisões
· Que devemos encarar positivamente os desafios que nos são colocados pelo HIV/SIDA
· Que escutar a Palavra de Deus, é aceitar ir fazer o trabalho, seja ele qual for.

QUE TEMOS DE CONFESSAR?

· Que nos falta fé para encarar o desconhecido com coragem
· Que os tabus e o egoísmo impedem-nos de agir no momento certo
· Que às vezes as coisas acontecem sem o nosso control
· Que o Natal tornou-se momento de festas e não de celebração da vida
· Que o Natal, às vezes torna-se momento de divórcio e de suicídio, porque alguns não conseguem dar prendas e outros (as) não se conformam com o abandono.

QUE TEMOS DE AGRADECER?

· conhecimento que Deus tem de nós
· convite que nos endereça para o servir
· A proteção incondicional do Espírito Santo à nossa vida
· Deus que se torna homem para nos salvar
· interesse de Deus pelo mundo
· Para Deus nada é impossível.
2. Palavra de Deus para a sociedade

QUE DEVEMOS PEDIR NA NOSSA ORAÇÂO?

· Para a igreja ser firme na proclamação da salvação na era do HIV/SIDA
· Para Deus inspirar toda a gente e em especial a mulher, na luta contra o HIV/SIDA
· Que nos ensine a amar os nossos filhos mesmo antes do seu nascimento.

Objectos: Desenho, fotografia ou escultura de uma mulher com um bebé nas costas
Por: Felicidade N. Cherinda



2. Services on Baptism

i. Sermon Text: Mark 1: 9-11

Introduction

In order to appreciate better this text, it will be important to put it in its proper context. Mark 1:1 gives us that context. Remember that Mark is writing this gospel after many years have passed since the events he is reporting. Therefore, the beginning that he is referring to is not simply the story of John the Baptist and Jesus’ baptism, but rather the entire gospel. Jesus’ humanity was not in doubt, but rather his divinity. Therefore, it was imperative for Mark to begin with a divine affirmation of who Jesus was. Jesus was not Son of God by adoption or simply anointment but rather by being genuinely so.


1. We Listen to God’s Word

Verse 9:
Ø Baptism can mean different things to different people: ritual cleansing, the washing of sins, dying to sin and rising in newness of life, and so forth. For Jesus, it meant identifying himself with the mission of John, the Baptist, and with sinners; and finds in this an opportunity to be inaugurated into his own ministry for sinners.

Verse 10:
Ø Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove. The religious significance of doves is related to peace and reconciliation. Spirit has to do with anointing, empowerment for action, and equipping with the words of truth and revelation.

Verse11:
Ø The word from heaven is God’s own self-affirmation of the identity of Jesus and Gods activity in and through him. It is not the case that Jesus will be, but rather that he is. It is not the case that God will love him, but rather that God loves him; and it is not the case that God will be pleased with him, but rather that God is pleased with him.

2. We Apply the Word of God to Ourselves

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?
· Jesus affirms John’s ministry and we need also to acknowledge other people’s gifts and ministries for mutual support
· Jesus is God’s emissary who does not discriminate sinners, but rather identifies himself with them. And also came to save them
· To be in Christ, with Christ, and for Christ, is to be a child of God. It is to be loved by God; it is to be a pleasure to God
· All those who are baptized in Christ are members of the same family and need not practice discrimination
· It is Jesus who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. To be baptized by the Spirit of Jesus is to be immersed in his own life of love.

WHAT CAN WE CONFESS?

· We have discriminated those we considered sinners especially those infected by HIV/AIDS
· We have privileged sin above the love of God in our relationship to God in spite of the overwhelming abundance of biblical declarations to the contrary. It is love that deals with the reality of sin and not sin demanding love as a ransom
· We have often discriminated against women who are also equal members of the body of Christ through baptism.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· For the example of Jesus
· For the presence of the Holy Spirit to renew us
· That when we repent God is ready to forgive us for Christ’s sake
· That we can live a life that is considered sinless because past sins are covered by the blood of Jesus.
WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?
· For God’s forgiveness for condemning and discriminating people living with HIV/AIDS.

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· We feel accepted by Jesus who shows solidarity with sinners
· We feel empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life of loving solidarity.

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· God’s children who are pleasing to him
· People who are anointed and filled by the Holy Spirit.

WHAT CAN WE DO?
· We can bring assurance of God’s love and forgiveness to those who are being discriminated against because they are HIV positive
· We can educate ourselves and others about those who are infected with HIV
· We can extend compassion to them and to the affected
· We can provide care.


4. We Apply the Word to the Congregation/Society


The message today is that we need to know that there are people who think that they are condemned because of their condition but God has forgiven them and continues to forgive sinners as they come in repentance. Do members of the our congregation accept love to those who are HIV positive, especially if they contracted the disease through promiscuity?

Song:

“Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine.”

Prayer

We are amazed, great God of glory for the humility that Jesus Christ your Son, and our Lord and savior demonstrated in and through his baptism. How he dared to identify himself with the sinners and by taking their sins upon himself broke the power of sin on humanity. As these your people enter into his baptism, may they be liberated for all time from the power of sin upon their lives, families, and communities. Forgive us when we have failed to identify with those in need of your cleansing among us. Help us to be agents of your grace to them. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Suggested Objects/symbols/ideas: Water in a basin, dove, carving of a fish, towel, white cloth etc.

By Augustine C. Musopule


3. Services on the Lord’s Supper

By Tinyiko S. Maluleke

SANTA CEIA

Texto sugerido para o sermão: Lc 22:14-23

Oração

Obrigado Senhor por nos ter convidadona Tua Ceia. Sabemos que não somos dignos dela. Sabemos também que tu perdoas ao pecador que se arrepende. Por isso estamos aqui, para que nos fortaleças e purifiques. Cultive em nós o teu amor, para te servirmos com justiça, todos os dias da nossa vida.

Introdução

A Santa Ceia constituída por Jesus, é tomada pelos baptizados e confirmados. Nela, estão presentes o pão que simboliza o corpo de Cristo, e o vinho que simboliza o seu sangue. A igreja ,corpo de Cristo, reúne-se à volta da mesa para tomar a Ceia até que Ele venha (ICo11.26). A doutrina de algumas igrejas proíbe a participação na Ceia a todos aqueles que tem problemas disciplinares. Os pecados cometidos por algumas pessoas não tem perdão pelo que, essas pessoas são interditas de tomá-la até à sua morte. Quando e como é que a igreja recebeu o poder para fazer isso? A ideia de que quem estiver contaminado (a) pelo HIV/SIDA é pecador (a), pressupõe que essas pessoas não podem também participar da S.Ceia. Será que pastores (as) padecendo desta doença não poderão mais tomá-la? Como entender esse comportamento quando a igreja fala de amor, perdão, justiça? O HIV/SIDA põe em causa a nossa pregação e convida-nos a uma reflexão profunda sobre as nossas atitudes porque, pelo baptismo, somos todos(as) um em Cristo (Gl 3.27).

Por: Felicidade N. Cherinda

Introduction

Many people in Sub-Saharan Africa many live with untold sufferings. At the moment there is famine of a magnitude that has not been experienced in a long while in Southern Africa. Children and adults are dying of starvation. Others have had to resort to practices like immigration and sex work in order to make ends meet. Parents have to watch helplessly as their children die from malnutrition and related diseases. Many of these are Christians, and they have been told that if they are faithful and pray hard enough things will be okay. But things have no t been despite their fidelity to the Christian faith. Consequently, they ask, “where is God when it hurts most?”

Sermon Text: Luke 24: 1ff

Introduction

Whether death (as a tragedy) has come out of preventable, postponable or manageable conditions or whether (as a miracle) it has come out of our natural end (Gen. 23: 1-2, 25: 7-8, 35: 28-29) the resurrection truth reminds us that our God transforms our death into eternal life if we believe in God’s son, Jesus (John 11:25-26) and if we are faithful to him in love and repentance. In the context of HIV/AIDS, the resurrection story has three-fold significance:

· We should never tire from preventing and postponing all preventable and postponeable suffering and death. But once we reach the end of the road; we should embrace inevitable sufferings and death with a sense of hope and victory (1 Cor. 15:3-58; 1 Thes. 4: 4-13);

· What may look impossible with our human eyes, minds and hearts is possible with God (Luke 24: 2,5,6);

· We should never allow preventable, postponable and manageable, deaths to happen simply because we want ourselves or our loved ones to have eternal life quickly. It is quite inappropriate to use the resurrection story as a death recipe or prescription – as if it is always good to allow, invent or increase trouble to maximize good!

He is risen from the dead and he is Lord
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

He is health
He is God
He is Joy

By Canon Gideon Byamugisha

Introduction

The resurrection is central to Christianity. A comparative analysis of the world’s religious traditions shows that the theme of Christ’s resurrection is crucial to Christianity’s self-understanding. This theme is valuable in HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Christ’s victory over death implies that the high death rate due to HIV/AIDS is contrary to God’s promise of abundant life.

In our African setting where HIV/AIDS has almost resulted in a culture of death, the resurrection becomes a useful symbol. It should send out a message of hope to millions of disillusioned communities. As communities stagger under weight of pain and death, the resurrection should awaken flagging spirits. The good news that life triumphs over death should resurrect dead convictions. Thus, the story of the resurrection should reinvigorate communities to act decisively against HIV/AIDS. We must resurrect against the invasion of death in our families, villages, nations and continent.

1. We listen to the Word of God

The women in the story possessed immense faith and love. At this point, you can introduce the local requirements associated with post-burial rituals. The women in the story also recognized the enormity of the task before them and deliberated amongst themselves, formulating viable strategies. You should also highlight the fact that after the discovery of the resurrection, a sense of mission followed. In the context of HIV/AIDS, concrete planning and specific responses are called for.

2. We apply the Word of God to ourselves

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· Some leaders and individuals have actively participated in programmes to fight HIV/AIDS and have resurrected communal hope WHAT CAN WE LEARN?
· Like the women who were not discouraged, we need to play our part in HIV/AIDS prevention and care
· It is possible for us to be afraid of the challenge
· HIV/AIDS should stir us into action.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· Failure to preach a message of life and hope
· Sometimes we are paralyzed by the onerousness of the HIV/AIDS challenge.
· Many people carry the message of hope to their sick and bed-laden patients
· That death does not have the final say.

Song:

He is Lord (x2)

He has risen from the dead and he is Lord

(No. 54 CLG Hymn Book)

Akamuka vakangoona machira chete (x2)
Kwakangosara machira chete
@Charles Charamba

Prayer:

All praise and honor be yours,

Lord of wondrous works.

While we were yet sinners,

You sacrificed your only begotten son

Jesus Christ, to atone for our arrogance and disobedience.

By your might, you raised him from the dead.

You delivered him from the jaws of death,

That we may have life, and have it abundantly.

Because Jesus lives, we can face tomorrow.

We are comforted and empowered.

May the Holy Spirit minister to us.

May the empty tomb generate confidence in us,

To recognize that life triumphs over death.

Strengthen us to walk in your holy path,

To the glory of your name. Amen.

Poem:

“HE HAS RISEN, HE IS NOT HERE”(Mark 16:6)

A rolled back stone

An empty tomb

This is my story

This is my song

In his absence I became

In his new being I rejoice

I too will go and tell

The tale of our salvation

This foolishness avails life

This scandal heals hurts

This mystery explains

God’s salvation history

Broken are the chains of slavery

Chained are the jaws of death

Charged is the hope for life eternal

For he is risen, and he lies not where they placed him!

He has defeated HIV/AIDS

He has ignited communal hope

Life has overcome death.

@Ezra Chitando

Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer (by all)

Suggested objects/symbols/ideas: Torn garments (resurrection); painting of empty tomb, any thriving indigenous plant.
By Ezra Chitando

Enkindle us with your Spirit, the Spirit of fire and power.

(In Thuma Mina, hymn 17)

(In Thuma Mina, Hymn 180)

Unite and be safe
Get the facts and get to know what AIDS is all about.
We want to thank all those that give in their lives
They stand firm to fight AIDS and
Not people with AIDS

So many brothers and sisters
Relatives and friends
Have left us and many are to go
We must stop the trend

So many friends reject us
But why neglect us
Why do you go away, why do you leave us
When we are so close?!

So many times we are worried,
And sometimes we are crying,
Lets stand together to fight
Until we reach the end!

So let us all get together
And encourage us
Together we stand and fight until we reach the end ( x3 )
Hasifa Nanfuka, Taso Masaka. Reproduced with permission from The caring: World AIDS Campaign: Special Prayer Service Liturgy, “Diocese of Namirembe.”
Prayer:

Lord God, during this World AIDS Day:
We repent of our denial, complacency and failure towards the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
We are re-committing ourselves to communicating God’s grace to the world;
To ministering, responding to and identifying with those in need.

We give up our feelings of self – righteousness, our judgmental attitudes and our faulty beliefs about the HIV/AIDS diseases and the people living with it. Open our hearts for change and for forgiveness. Provide power to those who will bring change at individual, family, institutional, local community, national and global level.

Enable us to promote positive examples of righteous, safe and healthy living in our cultural, social, sexual, reproductive, political and spiritual lives. Strengthen our families, communities, and nations by removing neglect, conflict and individualism. As we light this candle as a sign of our re- dedication to HIV/AIDS work; help us to listen, to learn and to live. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

(Candle is lit)

Suggested Objects /Symbols/ideas: Candles, badges and t- shirts bearing reminders, Bibles, photographs/posters and leaflets. People living with HIV/AIDS can also give their testimonies.

By Canon Gideon Byamugisha


Part 3
Themes for General Services


1. Life
i. Genesis 1-2 (MWD)
ii. Genesis 1-2 (EC)
iii. Mark 1:40-45 (FC)

2. Compassion
i. Matthew 25:31-46 MWD
ii. Luke 13:10-17 (GB & FC)

3. Hope
i. Ezra 1:1-11 (EC)
ii. Mark 5:21-43 (IAP)

4. Repentance
i. Luke 18:9-14 (MPPD)

5. Forgiveness
i. LK 7:36-50 (ACM)

6. Love
i. I Corinthians 13:1-13 (ACM)

7. Fear and Desperation
i. Judges 9

8. Stigma and Discrimination
i. Job 3:1-26 (ACM)
ii. John 9:1-4 (MPPD)

9. Sexuality
i. Songs of Songs 1:1-7 (TSM)
ii. Songs of Songs 7:1-13 (EC)
iii. Songs of Songs 8:1-10 (GB)

10. Reconciliation
i. Luke 15:11-32

11. Healing
i. Mark 1:40-42 &Luke: 7:20-22 (MWD)


Services on Life
i. LIFE: “IN THE BEGINNING…”
Sermon Text: Genesis 1-2

Instructions: If you are in any averagely small study group (Sunday school, women’s, men’s and youth meeting) use one Bible to read Genesis 1-2. Let each person read two verses and pass it on until the story is finished. Then ask each person to comment about what they think of the verses they read. If you are preaching in a larger and more formal service arrange for dancers, ululation, those who will whistle, and drummers. For scripture reading, get different readers to read the creation story either as compiled below or from their Bibles. They should read their verses where they are seated. The idea is that the creation story must be experienced and the creating word of God should come alive in recreating the worshippers. For the worship area, you can choose whatever symbols and objects that portray the diversity of life as God’s creation, such as cloth of many colors, plants, water, flowers, etc—whatever is useful, available and acceptable in your context and faith background.

Opening Dance: A dance of vitality in praise to God and celebration of God’s gift of the life that each one of us embodies. This dance can/should be in the local dance steps/styles—as God gave your particular people to express their joy in a dance form.

Call to Worship:
Leader: You are the well of living waters.

All: Quench our thirst with your waters of life.

Leader: You are the bread of life.

All: Feed us and fill our hunger for life.

Leader: You are the resurrection and life.

All: Raise us from the valley of dry bones,
breathe life into our hopeless bodies.

Song:
“Oh Lord My God, when I am in awesome wonder”
(or any other appropriate song on creation and life)


Introduction

If there is one thing that HIV/AIDS surely attacks, it is human life. With 40 million people currently infected, 22 million dead and 13 million children orphaned, many more getting infected daily, it is undoutable that HIV/AIDS trivializes life. Beyond the physical death, HIV/AIDS has also undertaken a severe attack on spiritual, psychological, and economic life. Some may have suffered and died physically, but the worst part is that the majority—families, communities and countries, died internally and mentally when they lost hope for the future. The quality of life has been severely reduced for both the infected and the affected.

It is therefore important to revisit how and why life was created and what it was meant to be. We note that in Genesis 1-2 all life was created by God and it was created good. We need to reclaim our right to life from the plunder of HIV/AIDS. We need to reclaim our right to live a good life. We need to heal and resurrect our communities from fear, hopelessness and the HIV/AIDS stigma. We need to also address those social evils that fuel HIV/AIDS such as poverty and gender inequalities, by assessing how the creation story addresses these issues. What are God’s values on social justice? Since God created life, HIV/AIDS attack on life violates the will of God. Further, since God gave human beings access to resources (Gen. 1:29) poverty, which is the number one sponsor of HIV/AIDS violates God’s will.

1. We listen to the Word of God



A participatory and poetic reading: Genesis 1-2
Reader 1:
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth
The earth was formless and void...
Then God said, "Let there be light."
And there was light…

ALL: And God saw that the light was good

Reader 2:
And God said, "Let there be a dome in the midst of waters…"
"Let the waters under the sky be gathered together in one place,
And let the dry land appear"
And it was so

ALL: And God saw that it was good

Reader 3:
Then God said, "let the earth put forth vegetation
Plants yielding seed and fruit trees of every kind on earth"
And it was so

ALL: And God saw that it was good

Reader 4:
And God said, "Let there be lights in the dome of the sky…
Let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years…"
And it was so…

ALL: And God saw that it was good

Reader 5:
And God said, "Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures
Let the birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky…"
So God created….

ALL: And God saw that it was good

And God said , "Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind…"
And it was so

ALL: And God saw that it was good.

Reader 6:
Then God said, "Let us make humankind
In our image, according to our likeness…"
So God created humankind in God's own image
In the Image of God, God created them
Male and female God created them…

ALL: God blessed them…

Reader 7:
And God said, Be fruitful and multiply
And fill the earth and subdue it
And have dominion over the fish of the sea
And over the birds of the air
And over every living thing that moves upon the earth
God said ‘See, I have given you
Every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of the earth
And every tree with see in its fruit
You shall have them for food…
And it was so

ALL: God saw everything that God had made
And indeed it was VERY good.

In celebration and praise of the creator God of life:
Ululation: All women or selected individuals
Whistling: All men or selected men
Drumming: Play the drum/s

DETAILS OF THE TEXT
Verses 1-2:
Ø God is depicted as creator of both heavens and the earth. God can be seen as either builder, artist or mother, who brings life to life.
Ø Note that the earth was formless and covered by darkness and God begins to bring order to it.

Verses 3-13:
Ø “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’” and there was light. Up to verse 5 and for the whole first day of creation, God focused on creating light. Two points are notable here:
Ø First, that the first act of bringing shape to the earth is the creation of light. Why light? We associate light with vision and God’s salvation. It enables comprehension and nurtures life. Light in itself embodies a spark of God’s creative power and vision upon all life.
Ø Second, God creates through God’s word. The word is powerful, so powerful its very utterance is realized in a concrete event or object, as this is confirmed by the phrase ‘and it was so.’ How can we let God’s creative and powerful word continue to light the earth and to recreate the formlessness and darkness that hovers over our earth and souls?
Ø In verse 6-9 the creation of things (sky, seas, dry land ) by word continues, bringing order into the earth. Note that it ends with an evaluation, “And God saw that it was good.” As a creator, artist, builder and mother, God is very interested in the end product. God evaluates it, appreciates it until God is satisfied of its quality- “God saw that it was good!” Highlight God is interested that we must not only have life, but also have it in fullness (John 10:10). In verses 11-13, the creation of living things begins. God creates plant life, and again, “God saw that it was good.” The latter must be underlined.

Verses 14-25:
Ø Creation of stars, seasons, years, moon and the sun. Note, once more, this is through the power of God’s word, “Let there be… and it was so.” Note again, that this is also closed by an evaluation, “And God saw that it was good,” v.18. Every part of the creation was created with much care, love and artistic vigor. God did not proceed to another stage before God was sure that what was done was done well—it was good!
Ø In verses 20-23 God begins to create animal life and this closes with the same evaluation, “And God saw that it was good…” This repetition is emphatic on God’s intention, care, love and artistic vigor that accompanied the whole creation. Nothing was of less value. The quality of life is a must for the whole creation.

Ø Note that animals are blessed and given the right to multiply.

Verses 26-27:
Ø Note that God begins to create human life—as the very last form of life to be created. God says, “let us make humankind in our image.” Three points are notable here:

Ø First, note the communal invitation phrase “let us make’’ as opposed to “let there be” which has accompanied the creation of other forms of life. Why this change? Who are the subjects addressed by God? The heavens are populated by angels or the heavenly council (Job 38:7; 1Kgs 22:19; Jer. 23:18-23) and to the Christians, God is the Triune God. The creation of human being is a communal and consultative.

Ø Second, the phrase, ‘in our image’ is notable. While the Bible discourages any physical representation of God, human beings are said to be created to in God’s image, in God’s ‘likeness.’ What does this mean? What are the implications? How are we created in God’s image?

Ø Emphasize that the whole humankind, all people, were created in God’s image and likeness, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, ability/disability, culture, class, age, sexual orientation etc. Discrimination on the basis of any form of human difference or identity violates the Creator God, who saw it fit that all people should be created in God’s own image and likeness. This verse allows us to support the human rights of all and to fight all forms of oppression.

Ø Verse 27 in particular, singles out that biological sex, men and women, were both created in God’s image and likeness. Given that gender, a cultural construction, has been used to authorize the discrimination of women—this verse need to be underlined. In particular, given that gender in equalities are a major driving force behind the spread of HIV/AIDS, it is important to underline that men and women were created equal and that our families, churches and communities must embrace the empowerment of both sexes.

Verses 28-29:
Ø Verse 28, is notable. Human beings are blessed and given the power to multiply and fill the earth. This is the mandate to reproduce. It authorizes the right to live and have children. In the HIV/AIDS context, that plunders life, this blessings needs to be recaptured. However, it must not be used to promote unsafe sex, or to discourage abstinence, where married women are forced to have children with positive men. The quality of life remains important in multiplication.

Ø “Fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over it,” phrase is notable. Due to their being made in God’s image, human beings are given a unique responsibility in “God’s created world.” They are custodians and stewards of God’s earth, charged with the role of keeping the earth good. This is leadership position and role in the earth community. Both men and women, all people of all races, ethnic groups are given this role.

Ø This latter point needs to be underlined, for HIV/AIDS particularly those groups who are denied leadership and decision-making roles, such as women, despised ethnic groups and races, disabled/physically challenged people, people of different sexual orientation, children and PLWHAs. Underline that it is God’s will for all people to have both leadership and decision power in God’s created world and order.

Ø In verse 29, “God said, see I have given you every plant… for food.” Access to God’s resources is extended to all. No one should be poor. Underline that poverty is a violation of God’s will for all people. Why are some people poor? Who and what hinders them their God given right to have access to God’s resources? Whatever answer that we give, let us fight poverty for it is not God’s will for anyone.

Ø Highlight that in the HIV/AIDS era it is poverty that ranks as the number one sponsor of the epidemic. It hinders both prevention and provision of quality care. The church must, therefore, fight and condemn poverty.

Verses 30-31:
Ø God cares for animals too and provides for them. Animals have rights to the resources of the earth. God has given them, “every green plant for food.”

Ø Highlight that God’s creation ends with a final and emphatic/overall evaluation, “God saw everything that God had made, and indeed, it was very good,” v. 31.

Ø Underline that the latter calls us all, the members of the earth community, to keep God’s creation balanced, good, interdependent and blessed, according to the blessings that were given to all members of the earth community. The right that we all have is the right to life, quality life. Life must be good, for God meant it to be very good!


2. We Apply the Word of God to ourselves

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· That all life is sacred
· That all things were created good, in diversity and interconnected
· That both men and women were created in God’s image, both were blessed both were given leadership role and access to the resources of the earth
· Animal and environmental rights have a place in our Christian theology.


WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· That we have not kept the earth, the whole creation good
· We have not always seen diversity as God’s creative hand
· We have not always seen and worshipped God through creation
· We have not always affirmed that all people were created in God’s image
· Many people are denied leadership and decision making roles
· Many millions have no access to the resources of the earth, they live in poverty.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANFUL FOR?

· That God created all life good and all human beings in God’s image
· That all human beings were given leadership and access to resources.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?
To remember that:

· Our role as God’s custodians is to keep the earth and everything good
· No person should be poor, for God gave the earth resources to all
· No one should be denied leadership and decision making power, for God gave all of us custodianship over the earth resources, including HIV/AIDS drugs
· No person should be denied their human rights in life, since God created all of us in God’s own image and likeness.


3. We apply the Word of God to the Congregation

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· That life is beautiful and artistic and must be celebrated and enjoyed
· Repentant for failing to maintain the goodness of creation and for not being champions of human, women, environmental and animal rights.

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· Custodians and stewards of God’s creation
· Speakers of the creative and powerful Word of God.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Work with relevant NGOs for the protection of environment, to protect human rights, to reduce poverty, to protect women’s rights and all the oppressed groups
· Undertake various projects that fight HIV/AIDS’ attack on life.


4. Conclusion: Word on the Society

HIV/AIDS is an epidemic within other social epidemic of poverty, gender inequalities, national corruption, and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, sexuality, ability/disability and international injustice that promotes economic depravation and hinders access to HIV/AIDS drugs. These social evils hinder the quality life for many people. The story of creation should spur the church to take up its prophetic role in calling for a just world, a good world, where no one is discriminated or lives in poverty. This was God’s will for all life and people.

Given that the number one sponsor for HIV/AIDS is poverty, followed by gender in equalities, the church has to take its position on these issues. The story of creation is notable for holding that both men and women were created in God’s image, hence equal; that they were both blessed and given the resources of the earth, hence they have leadership and decision making rights and powers. Poverty is certainly against the God’s intention for human beings. On these bases, the church can and should undertake to fight poverty and gender inequalities that fuel HIV/AIDS, hence the attack on life.

Song: See the Kingdom
(You can get a poet to chant this song or choose another song)

Solo:
I have seen the kingdom
Descending upon our mountains and hills
I have seen its justice flooding our valleys and streets
I have seen God in your eyes

All: I have seen you
I have seen your eyes, eyes like mine
Looking out searching for the Kingdom
I have seen God in your eyes (2x)
God in your eyes

Solo: I have heard the kingdom
Ringing the melody of freedom upon our front yards
Calling out, searching for the kingdom in our homes
I heard the sound of God’s justice in your laughter & voice
I have heard God in your voice

All: I have heard you
I have heard your call, call like mine
Calling out, calling for the kingdom
I have heard God in your call (2x)
God in your voice
@ Musa W. Dube

A Closing Prayer of Praise

Creator God, you are beautiful in your created world.
You are beautiful in the trees that swing and in the wind that blows.
You are beautiful in the stars that shine and in the sun that rises and sets.
You are beautiful in the animals that creep and roar.
You are beautiful in the faces of our families, friends--in all people.
We see your beauty in all the forms of creation.
The earth and the heavens tell of your beauty, love and goodness.

We thank you for the gift of life, for the sacred touch and spark in all life.
Help us to celebrate it, to live, to protect it, to maintain it.
Help us to be good custodians of life; to be good stewards of your resources.
Help us to fight against all the social injustices that mar the beauty of your creation.
Help us to fight HIV/AIDS and its plunder on life and the quality of life.
Creator God, grant us another day, another season, another year to life,
So we can live in praise of your loving touch and creative hand of life.
This we pray, in Jesus name. Amen.

Symbols/objects/ideas: A new born baby, a basket of seeds, a pot plant/s, flowing water, seeds, fresh assorted flowers, wall cloth depicting rainbow colors of God’s creation, narration of local creation stories or proverbs, celebrative dances and songs of joy. etc.

By Musa W. Dube
ii. LIFE

Sermon Text: Genesis 1-2

Introduction

HIV/AIDS is a fundamental negation of life. The absence of a known cure, poverty, sexism and stigma have all coagulated to make life lonely and burdensome for the infected and affected. In some African cities, advertising signs indicate the price of affordable coffins and death has become a common occurrence. Wailing, funeral processions and other practices associated with death are regular experiences in many African communities.

The creation story reaffirms life as proceeding from God. The text highlights God’s active role in the creation of the world. Consequently, anything that threatens life is contrary to the will of God. HIV/AIDS threatens human existence and should be challenged. The vibrancy and beauty of the created order can be restored after HIV/AIDS has been overcome.



1. We listen to the Word of God


Emphasize the fact that life has its beginning in God’s creative power. It is God who creates everything and affirms its goodness. The creation of humanity is also based on God’s desire that humans may enjoy abundant life. However, God also commands humanity to observe a specific code of conduct if this life is to be assured. In essence, the creation story captures the ideal condition where disease and death do not frustrate and terminate life. We need to keep life in God’s intended goodness, namely, where every relationship remains good. In such a God willed world, poverty, diseases, corruption, the oppression of women and children should be countered for they negate life as created by the creator.

2. We apply the Word of God to ourselves


WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· God supports life
· Humans have a special responsibility in nurturing life
· All human being were created in God’s image.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· Not sufficiently interrogating HIV/AIDS as a challenge to a life willed by God
· Overlooking the vitality of life over death
· Sitting in silence over poverty, the abuse of human rights and the environment.

WHAT CAN WE THANKFUL FOR?

· God’s gift of life
· Medical advancement in HIV/AIDS issues
· The presence of God in all life forms.


3. We apply the Word of God to the congregation

· Ask the congregation to reflect on the following issues:
· How do factors like stigma, poverty, gender inequalities, etc. threaten God’s promise of life?
· How does HIV/AIDS necessitate a rereading of being fruitful and multiplying?
· What can they do to ensure abundant life in HIV/AIDS contexts?

4. Conclusion: Word on the Society

God wills that humans beings should enjoy full lives. All systems that are oppressive, like patriarchy, neocolonialism and others that fuel HIV/AIDS should be resisted. Leaders at the various levels should therefore ensure that life is promoted and the forces of death are repelled.

Song:

All the Earth Proclaim the Lord

(No. 102 CLG Hymn Book)
OR

Hakuna akaita saJesu
Hakuna akaita saye

Ndatsvaga tsvaga kwese kwese

Hakuna

(Popular chorus)

Prayer

Creator God, Maker of Heaven and Earth

May all creation testify to your greatness.

Your breath sustains life.

It banishes disease, death and suffering.

Women and men, you created us in your image.

Our sustainer and enabler,

We praise and adore you.

We lift up your holy name.

We cry out for forgiveness.

For we have harmed your beautiful creation.

Dear God, we beseech you to allow us a new start.

As we celebrate the mystery of the created order.

Guide us and protect us through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Poem:

AFFIRMING LIFE AMIDST HIV/AIDS E. C.

“Coffins for Sale” screams the sign

“Abundant Life” screams the preacher

Death stalks

But Life beckons

Tears everywhere

Everywhere graves

Somewhere the old rugged cross

Offers an open invitation

Poverty, sexism and stigma

Authors of doom and gloom

Love, sacrifice and solidarity

Fountains of life eternal

Created in Gods’ image

Proceeding from Gods’ hands

Humans shall prevail

O HIV/AIDS: Where is your sting?

Suggested objects/symbols/ideas: Water (life, potentiality); flowers (beauty of creation); green branches (vitality); stones (longevity).

By Ezra Chitando

ii. VIDA

Texto sugerido: Marcos 1: 40-45

Introdução

Acreditar na cura quando se está gravemente doente, é algo cada vez mais raro na nossa sociedade.Nas cidades africanas é comum ver doentes mentais abandonados(as) pelos familiares a deambular pelas ruas. Alguns (as) deles (as) são apredejados (as), outros (as) atropelados (as) e são motivo de risota por parte de muita gente.As ruas estão cheias de crianças abandonadas. Nos hospitais também encontram-se doentes cujas famílas já não querem cuidar. Isso acontece porque as pessoas deixaram de acreditar na vida.
Na era do HIV/SIDA, mesmo pessoas não doentes, não acreditam na vida. Isso faz com que o procedimento de muitos (as) seja pouco digno. A conclusão a que chegamos é de que, tal como o leproso do texto, nós também estamos infectados (as) e afectados (as) pelo HIV/SIDA, ou outras enfermidades, e deixamos de viver. Todavia, para continuarmos a viver, precisamos de ter fé. Devemos ir ter com Jesus e dizer-lhe: Limpa-nos, tira-nos o medo da morte. Precisamos de ser tocados (as) pela compaixão de Jesus para podermos ir ao encontro das pessoas que estão doentes e tocá-los (as). Temos que nos levantar e voltar à vida.



1. Vamos escutar a Palavra de Deus

Leia o texto e sublinhe com um lápis as palavras mais importantes.
DETALHES
V 40-1:
Ø Novo Testamento conta muitos episódios de pessoas doentes marginalizadas pela sociedade que, tendo gritado, chorado, ajoelhado ou tocado Jesus, foram foram por Ele curadas.O leproso de Marcos, é um deles.

V 41-43:
Ø Jesus não aceita qualquer tipo de marginalização nem de estigmatização.Dá-nos uma lição, tocando, curando e ensinando aquilo que deve ser o procedimento de um crente.

VV. 44-45:
Ø testemunho do ex-leproso
2. A Palavra de Deus para nós

QUE PODEMOS APRENDER?

· Que Jesus veio ao mundo para salvar a todos sem excepção

QUE PODEMOS CONFESSAR?

· Que muitas vezes, por vergonha, escondemos as nossas doenças e as dos nossos familiares e acabamos por morrer.
· Que ainda temos dúvida de que a fé pode curar

Pregamos a Lei de Deus: Deut 30.19

Canção: Escolha uma canção que celebra a vida

Oração:
Santo, Santo, Santo é o teu nome. A paz, o amor e a justiça vem de ti. Que seria de nós sem Ti?
Graças te damos porque nos amas. A Tua presença na nossa vida é uma dádiva inquestionável.
Ajuda-nos Senhor a compreender o tipo de missão que nos deste. Só com esse conhecimento seremos capazes de dar testemunho sincero e, de fazer com que o teu Reino seja ensinado sem deturpações. Em nome de Jesus oramos. Amen.
Por: Felicidade N. Cherinda


2. Services on Compassion

i. If You Did it to the Least of These…You Did It to Me
Sermon Passage: Matthew 25:31-46

Call to Worship:
Leader: I am because we are.

All: We are because I am.

Leader: No person is an island.

All: Our God is the triune God, the God with us.

Introduction

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has struck fear in our hearts. It is fear of getting infection of an incurable disease, fear of suffering for a long time before one’s death, fear of dying and dying alone, fear of coming out with one’s health status and getting rejected, fear of facing one’s shattered dreams, fear of leaving behind young and growing children. Fear. Fear everywhere. This fear has, in many ways, brewed stigma and discrimination and the isolation of those who are infected and who are already sick. It has hindered the provision of quality care. It has hindered compassion just when it is needed most. Compassion is defined as the reaching out to those who are suffering, the entering of their places of pain, their brokenness and the active search for ways of changing of their situation. Compassion is transformative.

In the gospel of Luke 6: 36, Jesus said, “Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate.” Christ commands the church to be compassionate. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus makes, perhaps, the most compelling case for the Christian church to be compassionate. Jesus calls upon all his followers to see him in the faces of those who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, naked, sick, and the imprisoned. He identifies himself with them. Serving these or failing to serve them is tantamount to doing it to Jesus. This passage calls us in the most compelling way, in the HIV/AIDS to see, hear and feel the pains of Jesus in the faces and the cries of sorrow of the infected and affected. We must be compassionate, if we count ourselves worthy to enter God’s kingdom.


1. We listen to the Word of God

Reading Matt. 25: 31-46
DETAILS OF THE TEXT
Verses 31-34:
Ø Note the setting: it is the judgment day, the second coming of Christ, and “All the nations will be gathered before him.”
Ø “All nations” suggests that the criterion that will be applied at the judgment is expected from all people—it is not optional.
Ø Judgment day separates the good from the bad sheep/goats, right hand/left hand. Some inherit God’s kingdom. Some get sent to the eternal fire. What is the criterion?
Verses 35-36:
Ø It is based on having given food to the hungry; water to the thirsty; hospitality to strangers; clothes to the naked; care to the sick; a visit to the imprisoned. The criteria for inheriting the kingdom of God is what one does to the underprivileged or marginalized.
Ø The criteria is compassion.
Ø Underline the verb “I was…. ” that is, Jesus identifies himself with the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, stranger, prisoners. You cannot separate Christ from these (Luke 4:18-19).
Verses 37-41:
Ø Note that those who are commended for their compassion are surprised. They ask, “When was it that we saw you…?” The answer is “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family you did it to me.”
Ø Emphasize that “seeing Jesus” entails seeing the marginalized and taken action to meet their needs.
Ø Highlight, that once more Jesus underlines his solidarity the marginalized, he calls them “members of my family”
Ø Underline that Jesus says “just as you did it to…these… you did it to me.” Jesus is one with the suffering, the marginalized. Our compassion to the marginalized is service to Christ.
Ø Underline that in this passage compassion is the only criteria given for inheriting the kingdom of God, thus underlining its centrality to Christian faith See also Luke 16:19-31.
Ø Emphasize that compassion is about suffering with the suffering, but above all it is entering their situation order to change it—the hungry become fed, the thirsty get water, the homeless are welcomed, etc. Compassion, in other words, is transformative. It must challenge and seek to change the social structures that make some people hungry, thirsty, homeless, sick, imprisoned etc.

Verses 42-43:
Ø Highlight that, according to the text, those who are thrown “into the eternal fire prepared for the devil”, those who fail to inherit the kingdom of God, they fail because of their lack of compassion. They failed to serve the needy—who are one with Christ. To fail the needy is to fail Christ.
Verse 44-46:
Ø This group is also surprised by the harsh judgment. They ask “when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?” The answer is, “Just as you did not do it to one of the least of these you did not do it to me.”
Ø Underline that failure to be compassionate to those in need is to fail Christ.
Ø Underline that in this story of judgment, there is no other criterion for inheriting the kingdom of God, only compassion is required (see also Luke 16:19-31). This underlines its centrality. Compassion is a must.


2. We Apply the Word of God to ourselves

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· That compassion is not optional for Christians, it is a must
· That being compassionate to the marginalized is being compassionate to Christ
· That at the end compassion is the one and only expected criterion for measuring true Christian discipleship
· That our compassion should be applied to all people, regardless of their religion, health status, race, ethnic, class, gender national or international status
· That compassion must be practiced by both women and men.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· We confess that we have not always been compassionate
· We have not always seen compassion as central to our Christian faith
· We have sometimes confused charity with compassion.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· That Christ calls us to be compassionate
· That the ministry of Christ is an example of compassion
· We all have an opportunity to begin and apply compassion.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· To practically represent the compassion Christ in the world
· To live out compassion of Christ in the HIV/AIDS era.


3. We apply the Word of God to the Congregation

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· A compassionate church, Christian workers and citizens of God’s world.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Undertake programmatic acts of compassion to:
· Meet the needs of all the marginalized
· Fight HIV/AIDS and its stigma.

4. Conclusion: Word on the Society

The society is laden with social injustice. Even though the creator God gave all people access to earth resources, there are many people who are hungry, thirsty, sick, naked and imprisoned. While the general society has become so used to live with injustice, the church needs to remind the society that God does not tolerate injustice. Through its concrete acts of compassion the church should serve the marginalized as its service to Christ. With HIV/AIDS, which has been characterized by fear, stigma and discrimination, and which is fueled by poverty and gender inequality, the need to live out our Christian witness of compassion cannot be overstated. It is imperative.

Suggested Song:

”I Heard You” (Or, what a friend we have in Jesus)

Solo:
I have heard your cry of pain
I have heard your pumping heart, beating like mine
Pushing hard, searching for the kingdom
I have heard the cry of God’s kingdom in your cry (2x)

All:
I have heard you
I have heard your cry, cry like mine
Crying out, crying for the kingdom
I have heard God in your cry (2x)
God in your voice

Solo:
I have felt the kingdom
Touching my heart when your warm hand touched me
I have felt the pain of God in your pain
I have felt the joy of God in your joy (2x)

All:
You have touched me
You have touched my heart, with your heart
Feeling out, feeling for the kingdom
I have felt God in your touch (2x)
God in your touch
@ Musa W. Dube


Closing: Responsive Prayer
Leader: Open our eyes Oh Lord,

All: So that we can see you in the faces of those who suffer from HIV/AIDS.

Leader: Open our hearts,

All: So we can feel the pains of all who suffer as your sorrow and suffering.

Leader: Open our ears,

All: So that we can hear the cry of the grieving as your cry.

Leader: Open our hands,

All: So we can serve and feed the orphans, widows and PLWA’s.

Leader: Open our feet,

All: So we can go and be with those who are in home-based care.

Leader: Open our minds,

All: So we can become prophetic to social injustice that fuels HIV/AIDS.

Commissioning:
Go with the God of compassion.
Go with Emmanuel, the God With Us.
Go with the Comforter to liberate creation from oppression.
Go and heal God’s people and world.

Suggested Objects/symbols/ideas: Pictures (of touching hands, holding hands, couples supporting each other, nurses and doctors with patients), telling the story of Nelson Mandela from a compassionate view, displaying Zimbabwean abstract stone carvings on interdependence/support, tell your own experience of receiving compassion.

By Musa W. Dube

ii. OCASIÕES DIVERSAS

COMPAIXÂO
Texto sugerido: Lucas 13. 10-17

Oração:

Senhor, nosso Deus, eis-nos perante ti, cheios de alegria e de louvores. Estamos orgulhosos porque sabemos que nos criaste e nos amas. Ajude-nos na nossa caminhada, para nunca nos afastarmos da tua vontade, todos os dias da nossa vida. Amen.

Introdução:

O Evangelho de Lucas tem muitas passagens que não constam nos outros. Esta é uma delas. Nesta história, ao contrário do que geralmente acontece, Jesus, por iniciativa própria, interrompe o sermão para chamar e curar uma mulher que andava encurvada havia 18 anos. Não é por acaso que Jesus chama uma mulher. Naquele tempo e, ainda nos nossos dias, as mulheres são marginalizadas. São consideradas seres inferiores, incapazes, que só servem para agradar ao homem, dar-lhe filhos, tomar conta da casa e das machambas. Depois de curá-la , Jesus recorda aos presentes que ela também é filha de Abraão. Logo após a cura, a mulher louva a Deus. O principe da Sinagoga não gostou, e imediatamente fez conhecer a sua fúria dizendo que o Sábado não era dia para curar pessoas. Vendo isso, Jesus denunciou ali mesmo a falsidade e da sua pregação.
Se as igrejas investissem um pouco nas mulheres, será que a situação não iria melhorar? Basta recordar que o HIV/SIDA só vai diminuir quando as mulheres se colocarem na vanguarda pelo seu combate. Jesus chamou o príncipe da Sinagoga de hipócrita porque escondia a sua falcidade no cumpimento da lei. Não é isso que acontece nas nossas igrejas?

1. Escutemos a Palavra de Deus


Leia o texto e sublinhe as palavras mais importantes

Detalhes:
VV. 10-13:
Ø Jesus pára de ensinar para curar uma mulher anónima.Essa mulher louva a Deus na Sinagoga.
V 14:
Ø Invocando a Lei, o príncipe da Sinagoga fica indignado com a atitude de Jesus.
VV. 15-16:
Ø Jesus denuncia a hiprocrisia do príncipe
V 17:
Ø povo rejubila pelas obras de Jesus

2. A Palavra de Deus para nós

QUE PODEMOS APRENDER?

· Que não existe nenhuma tarefa que pode nos impedir de socorrer aqueles que estão em perigo ou doentes.
· Que não devemos abandonar alguém só por estar doente há muito tempo
· Que devemos denunciar as mentiras que são proferidas nos púlpitos
· Que a igreja é para todos sem distinção de raça, sexo, cor da pele, etc.
· Que a Lei de Deus resume-se no mandamento que diz : Amarás ao teu próximo como a ti mesmo.

QUE TEMOS DE CONFESSAR?

· Que as nossas pregações, muitas vezes ofendem, acusam, expulsam e estigmatizam as pessoas.
· Que nos é difícil partilhar o que é nosso com doentes, principalmente os infectados pelo HIV/SIDA.
· Que na nossa pregação, O Reino de Deus está dividido.
· Que nas nossas igrejas continuamos a colocar as mulheres em segundo plano.

QUE DEVEMOS PEDIR NAS NOSSAS ORAÇÔES?

· Que Deus nos perdoe e ilumine os nossos corações para compeendermos cada vez melhor a sua vontade.


3. A Palavra de Deus para a sociedade

· Que atitude tomam os líderes nos diversos escalões quando se pretende modificar algumas práticas nas nossas igrejas?
· Como reagem quando se pretende restaurar a dignidade de alguém que tinha sido afastado (a) por se considerar pecador (a) ou infectado (a) pelo HIV/SIDA?

PREGAMOS A LEI DE DEUS : Lc 4.18-19

CANÇÂO:

Escolha uma canção apropriada para o momento

Oração:

Senhor, tu és Deus único, que perdoa ao pecador, que conhece as suas dores, as suas fraquezas, o seu sofrimento. Agradecemos a tua presença incondicional na nossa vida. Afaste de nós o orgulho que nos impede de aceitar os (as) nossos (as) irmãos (ãs) na tua obra. Pedimos isto,em nome daquele que veio para que todos tenhamos vida em abundância, Jesus Cristo. Amen.

Por: Felicidade N. Cherinda

3. Services on Hope

i. HOPE: “PROPHESY TO THESE BONES”
Sermon Text: Ezekiel 37:1-13

Call to Worship
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
The Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
And his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
And increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
And young men stumble and fall;
But those who hope in the LORD
Will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
They will run and not grow weary,
They will walk and not be faint.

SONG:
Uya memeza uHezekiya. Uthi mathambo hlanganani (Ezekiel is calling out saying, ‘Let the bones come together’).

Introduction
Depicted in this passage is clearly a situation of utter and complete hopelessness in which the Israelites find themselves. It is a situation of a long and hopeless exile. Such hopelessness is familiar for many in the so-called Third World. The twin ravages of poverty and the HIV/AIDS pandemic combine to create a situation of death and hopelessness. Such situations are however seldom the focus of the world regards. They are too ghastly to attract world attention. Indeed, even in the countries where HIV/AIDS is wiping out villages and cities, people would rather look away and not allow the chilling reality to confront them. Such looking away plays itself out in the stigma attached the HIV/AIDS and the common self-delusion that says HIV/AIDS happens to others and not to me. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a deep and low valley in the history and lives of the peoples of the world. This is especially true for the peoples of Africa. But people prefer mountain tops not valleys. People prefer to look up the mountain rather than down in the valley. So the prophet is ‘driven’ by the spirit to a valley. The prophet Ezekiel is driven by the spirit to a valley full of lifeless bones - a deliberately exaggerated selected mix of metaphors - is one with which many Africans have found connection and resonance for a long time. The setting is one in which the prophet Ezekiel is led to the valley of dry bones and engaged in an dueling conversation by God. God wishes to transform the valley of death into a valley of live and hope. The very space of death and hopelessness will and can be transformed.

1. We Listen to the Word of God

The passage may either be read or dramatized. If the dramatization route is taken, then a number of people may be asked to lie still on the stage dramatizing the dry bones. The prophet Ezekiel character will then be ‘thrown into the scene’ to symbolize being driven to the valley whereupon he will continue to use the dialogue words from the passage. There will be a voice over to personify God and to enable the dialogue between God and Ezekiel. First the bodies of people will move around vigorously, to indicate the coming together of the bones. But they will go dead and quiet again. Until the voice will speak again and the breath of life if breathed into them.

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

We have already remarked on the fact that Ezekiel is almost involuntarily driven to the valley. This might mean that such a place was not one he would have ordinarily chosen to go to on his own. In other words Ezekiel was ‘forcibly removed’ from his comfort zone and forced to go not the mountain top, but to a terrible valley. Once at the valley, Ezekiel was required not merely to look down or to observe at a distance. First he was made to descend into the valley and then he was led back and forth among the bones. He saw and felt the bones at close range and he remarked that they were very dry. The dialogue between Ezekiel and God is an intriguing one. Completely non-committal and full of doubt, Ezekiel is led by the hand as it were to do as he was told and there to witness a miracle.


2. We Apply the Word of God

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· That there are valleys not far from where we live. These could be hospitals, orphanages of HIV/AIDS hospices or informal settlements
· It is important for us not to be judgmental but to visit the valleys of HIV/AIDS devastation
· That in life there are mountaintops as well as valleys
· That God can turn situations which look totally hopeless around
· That we must never give up hope even in the face of apparently insurmountable obstacles.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· That we prefer the mountain tops and avoid the valleys in our own backyards
· In the absence of a cure for HIV/AIDS and in the face of the combination of HIV/AIDS, poverty and gender violence, we have been tempted to give up all hope
· We have not done enough to prevent HIV/AIDS and the subsequent spread of hopelessness

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· For the hope that God has planted in us
· For both the valleys and the mountaintops in our lives
· That no situation is beyond the intervention and redemption of God

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· We pray for hope
· We pray that God may give us courage to visit the valleys
· We pray that God will resurrect all the dry bones in the valleys.


3. We Apply the Word of God to the Congregation

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· We can feel touched by the depth of despair in our communities
· We can feel compassion for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS
· We feel thankful that hope and resurrection are firm promises from God

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· We can become ambassadors of hope
· We can become fearless sojourners and visitors of the valleys of hopelessness
· We can become counselors, prophets and ministers of those who live in the valleys of dry bones.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· We can minister to those in despair
4. Conclusion: Word to Society

Whereas the medical and biological symptoms and effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic are often highlighted, an equally important aspect of this epedemic is its ability to eat away the hope and sense of purpose of individuals and communities. In this sense the HIV/AIDS epidemic can turn a vibrant community (or individual) with a bright outlook in life into a bag of bones without flesh and without breath. It is in killing hope that HIV/AIDS is at its most devastating. Here both those infected and affected are equalized. They all live without hope and without meaning. This is an important pastoral challenge for the church. The prerequisite for taking part in a ministry of hope-creation is to be fearless of valleys - even the valleys full of dry bones.

Prayer of Commitment: (Prayer of Assisi)

Song:

(Any appropriate Easter Sunday song may be sung here)

Symbols/Objects/ideas and Commitments: The testimony of people living fruitfully with HIV/AIDS, candles etc.


By Tinyiko S. Maluleke

ii. HOPE: REBUILDING AFRICA

Sermon Text: Ezra 1: 1-11

Introduction

One of the greatest casualties in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa is hope. As orphans, widows and widowers increase, a sense of helplessness has gripped the continent. Suffering, disease and death have bred pessimism and despair. As a result, hope has become a scarce commodity. It is important to regenerate hope within communities affected by HIV/AIDS. New prophets and leaders should be stirred up to engage in activities that prevent the spread of HIV and provide quality care to the infected. Despite the suffering caused by the epidemic, communities of faith need to be empowered to look forward to the future and rejoice in hope.


1. We listen to the Word of God

In interpreting this text, emphasize the centrality of a sense of call and mission in undertaking the project of rebuilding the temple. This same conviction is required if HIV/AIDS is to be tackled in Africa. Also highlight the different social and religious groups that were spurred into action. Although financial resources were crucial to the project, human and spiritual resources were equally vital.

2. We apply the Word of God to ourselves

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· The need to have our spirits stirred up in the fight against HIV/AIDS
· Reconstruction is still possible after devastation and war.
· Various social groups and actors should contribute in meeting the HIV/AIDS challenge
· The church needs to take up leadership and to network with various stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS fight.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· Hardening our spirits when the call to participate in fighting HIV/AIDS is made
· Failing to provide adequate resources for awareness, prevention and care
· Failure to provide leadership and to network with various stakeholders.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· Some individuals have prophetically taken up the struggle against HIV/AIDS.
· For those who have generously donated their valuable energy, time and financial resources.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· That more people be stirred up to confront HIV/AIDS
· For the church to respond programmatically in HIV/AIDS struggle.


3. We apply the Word of God to the congregation

The preacher should underline the fact that African societies devastated by HIV/AIDS are similar to the temple in Jerusalem when it was destroyed. There is an urgent need for new visionaries who can become agents of hope and reconstruction.

Ask members what they are doing or giving to the struggle against HIV/AIDS.

Indicate that the need to proclaim a vision of renewal is an urgent one in Africa.

4. Conclusion: Word on the Society


The rebuilding of the temple became possible through a prophetic vision and mobilization of resources. Similarly, the HIV/AIDS challenge should inspire new prophets and different social groups to actively encounter it. Thus, every one should contribute to the fight and to inspire hope.

Song

We shall overcome (3x) some day.

O deep in my heart I do believe we shall overcome some day

(No. 41 CLG Hymn Book).
Or

Jesu wedu, Jesu wedu inhamba one (x3)
Kana tasvika pane zvakaoma (x3)

Popular chorus

Prayer:

One: Holy God, hear our cry.

All: If we are without hope,

Weighed down and affected by HIV/AIDS,

Prone to stigma and discrimination,

Hear us and help us.

One: Holy Creator, hear our cry.

All: When we ignore visions to combat HIV/AIDS

Pass by widows and orphans,

Preach doom and destruction,

Hear us and help us.

One: Listen now to the message of hope

After the darkest night the moon shines the brightest

Disease and pain shall be banished

Stigma and discrimination shall be overcome

All: All praise and honor be yours!

God of hope, love and mercy

The Spirit is with us!

Amen.

Suggested Objects/symbols/ideas: Pictures of rebuilt cities, tell a story about African nations and their efforts to rebuild after years of war and destruction. You can use the story of your own country.

By Ezra Chitando



ii. HOPE: DO NOT FEAR; ONLY BELIEVE
Sermon Text: Mark 5: 21-43,

Prayer

Leader: In the power of the creative Spirit of God, we come together to light a candle of hope in the hearts of all the people who are faced with hopeless situations. We are God’s instruments to bring hope. Amen.

Song:

Siyahamb’ ekukhanyeni kwe Nkos’// (We are walking in the light of God)

Siyahamb’ ekukhanyeni kwe Nkos’// (We are walking in the light of God)

(Repeat)

Siyahamba hamba//(We are walking, walking)

Siyahamba, Oh //(We are walking, Oh)

Siyahamb’ ekukhanyeni kwe Nkosi// We are walking in the light of God (Repeat)

(In Thuma Mina, 107)
Introduction

HIV is considered as a terminal illness. Yet as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a South African Black Theologian, who had cancer said, ‘life is a terminal illness’. Is can be assumed that his statement was said to emphasize the temporary nature of life for everyone. As often stated by Canon Gideon Byamugisha, a Ugandan HIV/AIDS activist, HIV is manageable. In the West people live longer even when they have HIV because of the availability of drugs at affordable prices. The drugs make the HIV to lay dormant in the body for a very long time. In Africa, the majority of the people cannot afford such drugs. Hope is one of the major sources of strength for the majority of the people as they survive on a daily basis. Africa is working hard to seek solutions for HIV/AIDS urgently for herself.


1. We listen to the Word of God

(Read or dramatize the text of Mark 5: 21-43)
The whole chapter 5 is about Jesus restoring people lives. Jesus restored a man who was possessed by demons to normal life. Jesus restored the life of Jairus’ daughter from death. Jesus restored the health of a woman, who had an issue of blood for twelve years.

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

Jairus was one of the rulers in the Synagogue. He went out to look for Jesus because his daughter was sick. Jesus accepted to go to Jairus’ home to heal his daughter, but was delayed by another person who also needed help. While on the way to his house, Jairus received a message that his daughter was dead. Jesus encouraged him to continue trusting for the healing of his daughter. When they reached his home, Jesus commanded Jairus’ daughter to wake up, which she did. The woman who had an issue of blood, had suffered for twelve years. In the processes of looking for treatment, she lost all her money. Her status made her impure to be in the midst of people. The disease itself made her weak and therefore venerable to other infections. Most likely she could not keep a husband with her condition. She had faith that if she touched Jesus’ clothes she would be healed, which she did. Jesus noticed her touch of faith and asked her to own up, which she did. Jesus praised her for her faith.

2. We apply the Word of God to ourselves

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· Like Jairus, men can play a significant role in caring for the sick, especially now when a lot of people have AIDS and they need to be taken care of.
· The knowledge that Jesus is always available and willing to help. Jesus was a man of social status, but had time to go with Jairus to his house
· Jesus was willing to be interrupted by the woman. This is important because sometimes we are very busy to the extent that we do not hear people’s cries for help.
· Jesus broke cultural taboos by speaking to this woman
· When people touch us (seek our help) we loose power. This is particularly true for caregivers of AIDS patients.
· Jesus saw through Jairus to the girl child, who is a dispensable member of the society.
· The young girl was willing to hear the voice of Jesus. Young people need to be willing to hear the Word of God.
· There are many types of healings. Healing is not only physical. It can be spiritual, social, mental or even death (because as far as God is concerned, there are other ways of being).

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS?

· We have hindered some people to act according to their faith because of cultural believes and practices.
· Fathers have sometimes not contributed to taking care of the sick children.
· We have made ourselves to be too important to the extent that is difficult for other people to seek our help.
· We have refused to be interrupted by needy people.
· Sometimes we do not listen to the needs of others because we are loosing a lot of energy and we do not take notice.
· We have failed to hear the Word of God speaking to us.
· We have failed to see other forms of healing because we concentrate on physical healing.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· The knowledge that God wants us to act according to our faith
· That faith in God frees us from cultural restrictions
· That there is hope even in the face of death.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· That we should exercise our faith at all times.
· There should be more fathers who are willing to help to give care for the sick.
· That we should be attentive to the voice of God all the time, so that we are able to know who needs our help and how God wants us to help.


3. We apply the Word of God to the congregation

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· Repentant that we have been too busy to listen to those in need
· Sorry for the mothers who work so hard to give care for the sick
· Happy that there are fathers who help with giving care for the sick
· Sad that cultural taboos make is difficult for us to love some people as Christ has shown us by example
· Happy that death does not have the last word, Jesus does.

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· A community that help each other in times of need
· A healing community for people who are seeking any type of healing
· A community that call our children from death to life.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Hold seminars to teach the congregation about cultural practices that hinders us to help those who are in need
· Practice healing ministries for the various human needs
· Take time for group or personal retreats to recharge our spiritual levels
· Offer help to caregivers of AIDS patients so that they too can take time off to recharge themselves
· Offer counseling sessions for caregivers of terminally ill patients
· Train our men to become caregivers.

4. Conclusion: Word on the society

Care giving is an essential ministry and is should be recognized as such. Traditionally care giving, especially for the sick is considered to be a woman’s job. HIV/AIDS, has increased the burden of care giving. Most women find is difficult to cope by themselves. The story of Jairus challenges the concept that care giving of the sick is for women only and highlights the contribution of fathers. It demands a societal change to the role of the father in care giving. The idea of sharing the role of care giving should be done out of love for the other, by recognizing that women are over stretched.

Hope is what life is all about. We are surrounded by death as a result of various situations. We have hope for restoration, sometimes experienced in this world and at other times, in the next world. That is the message of Christianity. As Paul says, ‘And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because, God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us’ (Romans 5: 2b-5).

Responsive Prayer
Leader: God of mercy, we recognize that the church of Jesus Christ has AIDS

All: God of Love, we recognize you as the one who heals us

Leader: God our Creator, we acknowledge the various ways that you heal your church.

All: God our Wisdom, open our eyes to see your many ways of healing.

Leader: God of Compassion, we see you taking time for the least of the society to bring them healing

All: God our teacher, give us the courage to follow your foot-steps and bring healing to all people in our society.

Leader: We seek your forgiveness where we have failed you.

All: We receive your forgiveness as we go out to bring healing to your people through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Song:(Chichewa)

Leader: Moyo wanga//(My life)

All: Moyo wanga umafuna Yesu// (My life wants Jesus) (4x)

Leader: Ndikadwala//(When I am sick)

All: Ndikadwala amandichilitsa//When I am sick God heals me)

Leader: Ndikasowa//(When I am in need)

All: Ndikasowa amandipatsa//(When I am in need God gives me)

Leader: Ndikakhumudwa// (When I am discouraged) All: Ndikakhumudwa amandilimbitsa//(When I am discouraged God makes me strong) Leader: Moyo wanga// (My life)

All: Moyo wanga umakonda Yesu// (My life loves Jesus)

A Malawian Community Song

Benediction : Go in peace and with God to bring encouragement to the hopeless.

Objects/symbols/ideas: Testimonies from fathers who take their share in care giving for family members, people who have received different forms of healing from God, candles, doves, musical instruments.

By Isabel Apawo Phiri

4 Service on Repentance
Sermon Text: Luke 18: 9 – 14

Introduction

Before we look at the parable that Jesus gave, I want to offer you a modern day parable. There is a preacher in Gaborone whose preaching draws so many people to his congregation. He is by no means a modest man, he is always dressed with the latest designer suits and drives around with flashy cars. On this occasion he was preaching on his favorite subject, fornication. He speaks with gusto and anger declaring how those who have children outside marriage, the homosexuals and people living with AIDS will be condemned to eternal damnation. As he preaches one of the people sitting in the congregation is actually HIV positive. She had gone there by a friend’s invitation, now she was sitting there cringing with shame as the preacher bellows away, regretting the decision to have come.

 

1. We listen to the word of God

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

Jesus tells a story of two characters with very contrasting attitudes to prayer. The first character is self – assured and exhibits a sense of spiritual pomp. He catalogues his deeds; he gives money regularly to the temple, prays a lot and is obviously an important person in society. He brags about this and in fact uses this to denounce those who, in his opinion, to not match up to his piety. The other person is very humble, and conscious of his shortcomings. He is remorseful for his sins and begs for mercy from God.



2. We apply the word of God to ourselves and the congregation

Who shall we say is represented by these two people in our communities today? Are there any connections between Jesus’ parable and the modern parable in our introduction? It would help to compare the two, identify both the common issues as well as the differences in these two parables.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

Many people who suffer from HIV/AIDS have been verbally battered and assaulted by religious purists. They have not been allowed space within the church to express their remorse, like the tax collector, and therefore experience some healing. The Church needs to repent of the self – righteous attitude of the Pharisee, in order to become a community of healing and acceptance.


In Catholic churches the ministry of repentance is taken seriously, because space is created for people to come to confession. It is important for the church to be a place where people are permitted to come to confession. It is important for the church to be a place where people are permitted to come in penitence before God, to pour out their emotions, bruised hearts, and guilt within them for the sins they have committed. In the church we should not just be allowed space to offer penitence, but we are also assured of the love of Christ through absolution. Such a space, however, cannot exists if the church poses as a community of religious purity than love.

WHAT CAN WE CONFESS?
We confess that:

· Like the Pharisee and the preacher in the introduction we are self-righteous
· We make people ‘small’ through our sermons and prayers.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· We thank God for:
· The Church which is a ‘school of sinners’
· The many humble pastors in the church who draw people to Christ through their ministry
· The ministry of repentance/confession in the church.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?
(Prayer of confession):
Dear God, our creator, We come before you asking for your mercy. We have sinned against you and have forgotten your grace towards us. We have failed to be loving and accepting to those we live with. We often wrong the little ones among us through our arrogance. Forgive us our sins and restore us to fellowship with each other and with you. Amen.

Song: Spirit of the living God
Fall afresh on me
Spirit of the living God
Fall afresh on me
Break me, melt me,
Mould me, fill me,
Spirit of the living Lord
Fall afresh on me.
@Anonymous

The Lord’s prayer (by all)

Suggested object: The worship leaders could put up a small tree up front or in the middle (depending on the arrangement), and upon this tree people could pin up their prayers of confession. Another way could be to get the prayers in a bin, and ‘burn the sins’ in front of the congregation
By Moiseraele P. Dibeela

5. Service on Forgiveness


Sermon Text: Luke: 7:36-50

Introduction

One community building activity that is universal is having a meal together. It might be an ordinary meal, or at a wedding celebration, a funeral, communal work, birthday party or any other party. Stories are heard that those who are HIV positive are being isolated from the fellowship table and made to eat by themselves for fear of being infected.

Jesus was invited to one of those dinners by a Pharisee. Let us take note that the main players in this episode are Simon, the host who is a Pharisee; Jesus, one of the guests; a nameless sinful woman who invites herself to the dinner; and other guests. It is the woman’s action that prompts this little sermon on forgiveness given by Jesus.


1. We Listen to the Word of God

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

Ø What does the woman do? She brings with her an alabaster jar of perfume, stand at he feet of Jesus weeping, her tears wets his feet and she wipes them dry with her hair and pours perfume on them. Ask the congregation the following questions: Is this acceptable behavior? What was she communicating through these actions?

Ø Let us take note of the reaction of Simon, the Pharisee and host. Simon disapproves of the action and thinks it does not reflect well on the reputation of Jesus. Simon removes Jesus from being thought a prophet for allowing himself to be touched by a sinful woman. Jesus risked being also contaminated by her sinfulness. Simon did not verbalize his disapproval, but something about his body language communicated and Jesus noticed it.

Ø Let us take note of Jesus’ own reaction. Jesus tells a story or a parable using his proven teaching method. Ask the congregation the following questions: Who are the characters in the story? What is the problem? How is it resolved?

Ø Jesus asked Simon, “Which of them loved him more?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt.” Jesus agreed with him.

Ø Now let us take note of Jesus’ own attitude to the incident of the sinful woman. He contrasts Simon’s behavior and that of the woman. Who comes out well and vindicated? Who comes out worse and condemned? Jesus has turned the tables. He stands not only as prophet, but now judge between Simon and the sinful woman. He is not only judge, but also the God who forgives sin and gives peace.

Ø The woman left that place liberated from the curse of her sinfulness and ushered into the peace of God.

2. We Apply the Word of God to Ourselves and the Congregation

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· Ask the congregation to identify the main characters in the story
· Ask the congregation to describe the main characters and say why they are found there
· Why does Jesus use parables/stories in his teaching?
· The dynamics of the process of forgiveness
· Jesus appreciation of the things the woman has done and how he met her need and blessed her with wholesomeness.

WHAT CAN WE CONFESS?

· Failure to do for other the common every day courtesies as a sign of love and respect
· For discrimination women on the basis of gender
· For condemning others without understanding them or their actions
· For stigmatizing and discriminating PLHWA
· Failure to minister to sex workers.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· For greater humility and a listening ear
· For inclusive fellowship especially for the poor and those who are HIV positive, sex workers and women
· Forgiveness.

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· Explore with the congregation the feelings that this story generates and ask them why they experience those feelings.

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· An accepting and compassionate people of God
· A forgiving and loving community-in-communion
· An active community that practically seeks to empower women PLWHA’s and sex workers.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Show compassion
· Meet the needs of the socially marginalized
· Set up a support group for PLWHA’s in the church
· Begin programs of women empowerment
· Begin alternative income generating programs for sex workers.



3. We Apply the Word of God to the Congregation and the society.

· How many pastors and even ordinary Christians would have tolerated what Jesus tolerated from the woman?
· Between Jesus and Simon with whom would you have naturally identified with in their reaction to the woman’s actions?
· The Churches need to be sensitive to people’s material and spiritual needs and conditions in order to minister to them adequately instead of being judgmental.
· Love covers a multitude of sins. The issue is not the enormity of our sins, but he greatness of God’s love and our response to it. Love never condemns. It rejoices when people finally find forgiveness and peace.
· This story challenges our theology of and attitudes towards sin and sinners. How ought we to think about sin and sinners in the light of God’s love?
· The issue of the debt burden highlighted during the Millennium is still an issue for many poor countries. Is there something that lending institutions can learn from this story?

Song:

God forgave my sins in Jesus’ name,
I’ve been born again, in Jesus’ name;
And in Jesus name, I come to you
To share my life as he taught me to.

He said, freely, freely, you have received
Freely, freely give.
God in my name and because you believe,
Others will know that I live.

Prayer

Response to a litany of confession:

“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.”

The minister would declare after each section

Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace.

Suggested Objects/symbols/ideas: Crosses, flowers, gifts of food or cloth, drawing of a handshake or a hug, calabash of water, loosed chain or rope, perfume, sweet smelling oil.

By Augustine C. Musopule

6. Service on Love
Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Introduction

Love in not only a language universal, but it is also its civilization. The culture of love expresses itself in the pleasure of loving. This is what the world needs and longs for, and yet which it lacks. This is what the world desires, but also that it misses. The world talks and sings about love a lot, but also greatly misunderstands it. Our sense of love is conditional, functional, and has strings attached, it is never free and spontaneous. The love that we are talking about in this text is very different from what we are used to. It was called agape in Greek and means the invincible goodwill or simply “in-spite-of kind of love.” Paul calls it “the most excellent way.” It is a spiritual gift. It is poured in the believer’s heart by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5). It is foundational and also fundamental as the greatest commandment. It is the meaning of life since we are created in the image of God whose very life and nature is love (1 John 4:8). God’s means of relating to the world is primarily one of love. We are created out of love, through love, with love, and for love. God’s justice is a consequence of God’s love and not the other way round. In these days of HIV/AIDS, we need lots of love for God and for one another and for ourselves. Only love can give us the hope we need and only love can sustain our faith. Only love can help us to prevent HIV/AIDS and to provide care. It is love that makes us communities of compassion and not those who stigmatized and discriminate those who are living with the disease.


1. We Listen to the Word of God

Read Mark 12:28-31 and John 13:34,35. This should help to set the context for our text. It might also be good to start reading the text from 1 Cor. 12:27 so as to relate it to the church’s corporate life. Love is presented in verse 31 as the greater gift and the most excellent way.

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

Verse 1-3:

Ø Love is contrasted with some other spiritual gifts. What is the evaluation when love is lacking? Without love, all other gifts lack value for God and for other people.
Verse 4-8a:

Ø We are presented with the character or nature of love. This serves as our benchmark to see how we are measuring up in our own humanness. Ask each to substitute their name for love to see if they measure up to the greatest commandment.

Verse 8b-10:

Ø Love’s enduring quality is contrasted with prophecies and knowledge that have a limited duration and function. While these are powerful means for our security and salvation, they are imperfect.
Verse 11-12:

Ø Love is a sign of spiritual maturity. We grow spiritually and that growth is properly marked by love and not other spiritual gifts. The mark of a person filled by the Holy Spirit is love.
Verse 13:

Ø Presents three pillars of life: Faith, Hope, and Love. Even among these, love is the greatest.

2. We Apply the Word to Ourselves and the congregation

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

· While other gifts are important for the corporate life of the church, it is love which is foundational. It is the hallmark of Christian living.
· The nature of love and that we need to excel in it.
· That prophecies and knowledge are imperfect or unreliable.
· We need to mature in our knowledge and practice of love.
· There are three champion facts in life: faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love

WHAT CAN WE CONFESS?

· For lifting other gifts above love, for instance, speaking in tongues and healing miracles
· For not maturing in our loving
· For not obeying the commandment to love others as ourselves
· For not measuring up to the true nature of love in our families, churches, and community
· We have failed to love those who are HIV positive that HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination is sin before God.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· That in spite of the confusion over what really love is, we can experience some measure of loving
· That God is the inexhaustible source of genuine loving
· That we can mature in love.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· The manifestation of love in the family of God
· Enabling to love those who are HIV positive or suffering from AIDS

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· Love for God and for our neighbors
· Love for self
· Love for the world so as to intercede for it
· Compassion toward those who are suffering from AIDS.

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· People overflowing with love
· People with compassion.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Reach out to the orphans with love
· Form support group those who are sick due to AIDS
· Engage in an awareness campaign
· Teach what it means to love and how to love genuinely
· Reach out to widows with love.


3. We Apply the Word to the Congregation and Society

Just listen to any FM station, you are bound to listen to some melancholic music about some aspect of love. Love seems to be the universal language. It is longed for and most missed. While we believe that love is the answer, more often than not, we do not know how to express it adequately. We often have wrong ideas about love and we use the word to trap others in our greed and self-centredness. Genuine love is other centred and seeks to serve the other rather than self. While we talk a lot about love in the churches, there is little practice to show that we are serious. Love has to be our sense of being the church in the world otherwise we are not yet the church. Since genuine love is a gift of the Holy Spirit, it is found nowhere in the world except in the church. Since it is a gift, it can only be offered to others as a gift. If we are going to be of any service to those who are HIV positive then we have to be first and foremost servants and prisoners of love.

Poem: “Love is Acting Justly”

Should we do our work together in love
We are bound to succeed
Jesus our Lord has commanded
Love one another
Love is to act justly
Again I say,
Love is to act justly
Words only prove inadequate
To remove bitterness
To deal with silent in-fights
In our fellowship

The surprise comes
While there is cooperation among us
Attracting admiration from onlookers
And yet silent wars continue to destroy our fellowship

When wrong is done
It is justified as right
Making the wrong worse
We know not how to do it better
However, the truth is plain
Satan has taken advantage of us
By stealing our ability to discern
Love is to act justly
Again I say,
Love is to act justly
Words only prove inadequate
To remove the bitterness
To deal with silent in-fights
In our fellowship

(Adapted from a song by Kufalitsa Uthenga Choir, Chongoni, Malawi)
Prayer: A Litany of Love

Leader: Love is patient.

Congregation: Patient God, you are always patient with us, teach us also to be patient with one another.

Leader: Love is kind.

Congregation: Kind God, you are always kind with us, teach us to be kind with one another.

Leader: Love does not envy.

Congregation: We confess the envy destroys our relationships daily. God who is not envious, teach us to appreciate one another.

Leader: Love does not boast and it is not proud.

Congregation: We confess our pride. Oh God! who shows your love in your humility as seen in the death of Jesus, teach us to offer humble service to one another.

Leader: Love is not rude and self-seeking.
Congregation: Good Lord, we confess that we are often so rude to one another and also so self-centred. Forgive us for the sake of Jesus Christ and make us new people again.

Leader: Love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrong.

Congregation: We confess that very often we keep records of wrong and thus are not able to reconcile ourselves to one another and to you. Good God, show us the futility of keeping such records and the need to forgive in order to be forgive ourselves.

Leader: Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth.

Congregation: Help us Good Lord to delight in that which is good and true.

Leader: Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.


Congregation: Help us Good Lord to experience this kind of love from you and others. May we always protect the orphans, the widows, and those suffering from HIV/AIDS discrimination and stigma for the love of Jesus Christ.

Leader: Love never fails.

Congregation: Good Lord, we often experience failure with our types of love. Grant us your kind of love so as to succeed in our loving endevours. Amen.

Suggested objects/symbols/ideas: The cross, food, drink, water, towel, ring, love songs, kanga or kitenge cloth, rose or some other item that expresses love and care.

By Augustine C. Mosupole


6. Service on Fear and Desperation

Muzinthu zonse Mulungu alemekezeke //(In all things God must be praised) Repeat

History has shown us that war destroys life and hope. It dehumanizes people by making the victims of war to live in fear and desperation. This is because where there has been war, there is also economic, gender, health, and political injustice. War breeds insecurity, displacement of people, anger, selfishness in people, despair, and oppression of the poor and marginalized. In recent times, research has shown that war promotes gender violence and the spread of HIV/AIDS. This primarily because war destroys and can bring every social welfare institution to standstill: families, health, education government system come to a standstill, while money is ploughed into killing. A war rubbishes life and tramples down on the most valuable aspects of being; namely, life. Even those who survive their psyches have been adversely affected. In such a context epidemics can only rocket, and HIV/AIDS surely does.

In the Western media, the African people are presented as constantly fighting among themselves. It is a very bad image for all of us. We need to remind ourselves that there are many more African countries where there is peace. We also have to thank God that African politicians are working hard to solve their own problems. We also have to remind ourselves that there are wars in many different parts of the world. They are a result of sinful nature of humanity. But here is a ghastly truth: in the HIV/AIDS era, more people are killed by this plague than war!! About five thousand people die a day of HIV/AIDS. What does such a huge attack on life do our humanity—our spirits and our minds? What kind of fear and desperation is likely to arise? The passage we are going to read is an example of the destructive nature of war and how it can dehumanize those who live in it.

The story is about what happens when in a city that has been involved in war.

DETAILS OF THE TEXT

Ø Samaria was surrounded by the army of Aram for a long time.
Ø The people of Samaria lived in fear and were not able to trade with the people outside the city and there was famine in the land.
Ø Due to famine, people started eating things which were considered unclean.
Ø The people became so desperate to the point that useless things like a donkey’s head were selling expensively.
Ø Women were particularly affected by the famine to the point of eating their own children.
Ø It took the desperate action of the two women and the testimony of one to move the king of Israel to begin to do something about it.

· War dehumanizes people. Therefore we should not take life for granted. We should appreciate all the good things that we have because in times of war those things are not easily available.
· Women in particular suffer more from war because the majority of them are poor and cannot afford to buy food in times of famine and war.
· We should always work towards reconciliation to avoid war regardless the cost. We should also protect the environment and preserve food for hard times
· We should pray and help people who are affected by war and famine.
· HIV/AIDS brings fear and desperation in people just as war and famine.
· Leaders do not suffer from war, famine and HIV/AIDS in the same way as the ordinary people.

WHAT CAN WE CONFESS?

· Not supporting peace efforts with action to avert war when countries are at loggerhead.
· Not supporting communities and countries affected by war, famine and HIV/AIDS.
· Not paying special attention to the suffering of women and children as a result of war.
· Not conscientising our political leaders to act quickly on behalf of the poor.
· Not allowing situations to push us to desperation and a life of fear.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· That God has promised us that God will never leave us or forsake us. Therefore even in times of war, famine and HIV/AIDS, God is with us.
· That God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. Therefore, even during hard times, we have the power to change the way we respond to situations.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· For justice to prevail on earth
· Reconciliation for countries and communities that are in conflict
· For those who are living in situations of fear and desperation due to war, famine and HIV/AIDS that solutions to their problems should be found.
· In particular for women who suffer from gender violence in times of war, famine and HIV/AIDS.
· Our political leaders to be sensitive to the needs of their people.

The Christian community is called by God to become a light of hope in the society. In times of fear and desperation, the Christians need to share Jesus’ message of peace with the society. Christians should be seen to behave in a manner that is in line with God’s message of peace and reconciliation. Therefore, what we say and do should be the same. The Creator God has given us the power to effect change in our communities. No human being deserve to live with injustice. It is God’s will that there should be justice for all humanity. There is no situation that we cannot change when we act in solidarity with the power that God has given us.

Song (Chichewa)

Mulungu angathe, angathe, angathe//(God is able)

Mulungu angathe salephera//(God is able, God does not fail)

Iye ndiye Alepha Omega//(God is Alpha and Omega)

Oyamba, Otsiliza//(The beginning and the end)

Wachipulumutso chamoyo wanga//(God is the saviour of my life)

Mulungu angathe salephera.//(God is able, God does not fail)

A Popular Malawian Song

Prayer (All)

We thank you Creator God, for empowering each one of us with your Holy spirit to effect change. When Jesus was on earth, he taught us not to live in fear and desperation. Even where there is suffering you are there and you have a plan for your people. Your plan is good and brings life in abundance. You want to see justice on earth. You want us to be your instruments on earth to bring peace and justice. Give us courage to do what we know is right. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Benediction: May you always stand for peace, justice and Love in the name of Jesus.

Object/symbols/ideas: Candles, musical instruments.

By Isabel Apawo Phiri

Sermon Text: Job 3:1-26

Introduction

Stigma is a condition that causes one to be shunned, discriminated against, and even persecuted for perceived or considered moral, ethnic, gender, health, economic, physical, religious, class, or social impropriety. The condition is seen either as a threat to the majority or powerful of the group. For instance, those who are HIV positive and publicly own up to it; young women pregnant out of wedlock, the disabled or physically challenged. Some are shunned and scorned for their cultural practices, for instance the uncircumcised in cultures that circumcise. Stigma brings with it devastating mental, social; spiritual, and economic consequences and suffering for the person who is stigmatized.

· We live in a universe of contending powerful forces in which we are often caught up and have to find a sense of direction and purpose. Currently we are caught up in the scourge of HIV/AIDS. There many lonely suffer who are devastated mentally, spiritually, and economically by it together with their families.
· While there is a place for silence in one’s suffering, there is also need to speak out as honestly as possibly what one is feeling and thinking at the time even if it means questioning the whole purpose of one’s existence.
· Those who are well should provide a listening ear to those who are suffering and empathize with them
· We do not always understand the reason for human suffering.

WHAT CAN WE CONFESS?

· We condemn the PLWHA’s out of ignorance. We often do seek to understand their circumstances and to hear their story.
· We are quick at speaking first and providing solutions.
· We associate illness and misfortune with sin to God’s punishment.

WHAT CAN WE BE THANKFUL FOR?

· That our birth was not an accident and that even if we walk in the path of the shadow of death the LORD is still our shepherd (see Psalm 23).
· That God hears and answers prayer.
· That death is not the answer it promises to be, but rather victory over death in Christ.

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

· Those who because of stigma are suffering from death-wish
· Those who are actually suicidal
· Caregivers for the HIV/AIDS sufferers
· For the orphans and grandparents
· For grieving parents who have lost their children.

WHAT CAN WE FEEL?

· Ask the congregation to say what feelings this speech by Job evokes.

WHAT CAN WE BE?

· More understanding, more compassionate, more caring and more sensitive to those who are suffering from HIV/AIDS.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

· Ask them how they feel and whether they have any fears. Reassure them of that fact that “the present suffering are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Rom.8:19).
· Assure them that God loves them and that God is not punishing them.
· Start support groups for PLWHA’s, widows, orphans and grieving parents.

Song: Like Jairus (Nga ndi Yayiro, Sumu Za Ukhristu No. 281)

As Jairus of old, I beseech you
With me in haste to come to my home
There is sickness beyond cure
Please come quickly to assist me

Chorus:
Jesus my Saviour, Lo, I beseech you, today
Come to my rescue, Come to my rescue today

Death and great suffering all confront me

The day will come when you will call me

Rev. Charles Chidongo Chinula (Malawi)

Giver and sustainer of life,
Thank you that you know
And understand when we suffer.
You have even taken our infirmities upon yourself;
And with your wounds we are healed.
Grant us faith and courage
When we are overwhelmed
In the face of great suffering such
As HIV/AIDS, cancer, malaria and traumas of war.
Remove from us a sense of hopelessness,
When life’s meaning disappears
Behind the cloud of suffering.
May we focus our attention upon Christ
Who suffered and yet conquered,
Even Jesus. Amen

Suggested Objects/symbols/ideas: Blanket, bed-sheet, wheelchair, bed, medicine bottle, sackcloth, sign post inscribed “UNCLEAN” etc.

By Augustine C. Musopule