BLESSING OF THE FIELDS SERVICE

May 30, 1995  11:30 A.M.

Mount St. Benedict Gardens, Crookston, Minnesota

Sponsored by the Crookston Ministerial Association

INVOCATION

Leader: The work of the Creator is visible:
PEOPLE: LET US RESPOND WITH PRAISE.

Leader: The example of Jesus is apparent:
PEOPLE: LET US RESPOND WITH OBEDIENCE.

Leader: The wind of the Spirit is blowing:
PEOPLE: LET US RESPOND WITH JOY.

Leader: The Word of God is calling:
PEOPLE: LET US WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH. AMEN.

INTRODUCTION

Leader: Let us praise God, who plants the seeds and reaps the harvest.

PEOPLE: BLESSED BE GOD FOREVER!

Leader: Today we seek God's blessing on these seeds and the crops they will produce.  Christ reminds us that, unless the seed is planted in the earth and dies, it will not yield fruit.  As these seeds grow and are cared for, may they be signs of the new life that comes from God.

HYMN: "We Plow the Fields and Scatter"

READING OF THE WORD OF GOD: 	Psalm 65:9-13
						Mark 4:26-29

LITANY

Leader: The Lord of the harvest sustains us, let us call upon Him:
PEOPLE: DELIVER US, O LORD.

Leader: From despair in times of over-abundant moisture:
PEOPLE: DELIVER US, O LORD.

Leader: From wastefulness in times of plenty:
PEOPLE: DELIVER US, O LORD.

Leader: From neglect of those in need:
PEOPLE: DELIVER US, O LORD.

Leader: From blindness to your presence in our work:
PEOPLE: DELIVER US, O LORD.

Leader: From hunger and thirst:
PEOPLE: DELIVER US, O LORD.

BLESSING

Leader: Eternal Father, Maker of heaven and earth, we bless you and give you glory.  You placed the gifts of creation in our hands and called us to till the earth and make it fruitful.

PEOPLE: BLESS THE SOIL IN AND AROUND THIS COMMUNITY; AND MAKE IT READY TO RECEIVE AND NURTURE THE SEEDS ENTRUSTED TO IT.

Leader: Bless the seeds and help them to germinate and provide a bountiful harvest, so that they may provide food and work for many.

PEOPLE: GRANT "THE FARM FAMILIES OF THE VALLEY" THE ASSURANCE OF YOUR LOVING CONCERN AND PRESENCE; AND BESTOW UPON THEM A PATIENT AND TRUSTING SPIRIT.

Leader: Lord of the Harvest, protect these lands from wind and hail; and grant us favorable weather throughout the growing season.

PEOPLE: MAKE US TRULY GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF YOUR GOOD GIFTS, AND PRODUCE IN US A WILLINGNESS TO SHARE OUR GOODS AND TALENTS WITH OTHERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITHOUT ADEQUATE FOOD.

ALL: AMEN.

LORD'S PRAYER

BENEDICTION

Leader: May God nourish us, care for us, and direct us, now and forever.

ALL: AMEN.