Family Reunion

Leader

Gracious and loving God, we gather here today to celebrate our common bond and descendants of the (family name) family. As we do so, we remember all those men and women who have gone before us, leaving us the treasured memories of their lives. We recall how blessed we are to be a part of this journey of life. May our time together be a source of joy and hope for each one here.

All

We come with our own story of life. We bring with us our joys and sorrows, our trials and our successes. We come here knowing that the bond of history and of blood unites us. If there are differences that divide us, we pray that we will set them aside this day and welcome each one who is with us. We join in celebrating all the blessings which our ancestors have left us.

Leader

I invite you now to hold high any newborn infants or small children who were not with us the last time we met for a reunion. Let the other young children come to the front of our gathering (allow time for the gathering and holding up of the children).

Please repeat after me as you extend your hands toward these children:

Blessed by the ties that bind us and blessed be our God for the may gifts given to us. We join now in thanking God for the food we are about to share.

All

Bless us, and these gifts of nourishment and of celebration, which we are about to receive. We thank you. Amen.

All join in singing to the tune of “Morning Has Broken.”

“Family Reunion” out of the ordinary: prayers, poems, and reflections for every season, by Joyce Rupp Copyright 2000. Used by permission of Ave Maria Press. All rights reserved.

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