Ohio Mennonite Women — A Patchwork Quilt
Litany of Lament, Celebration and Hope
Sept. 16, 2017

Leader: Lord God, Designer and Creator, Quilter and Weaver of all,

We come to you in lament, celebration and hope.

Women: We are your patchwork quilt, fabrics and pieces, all brought together, intricately interwoven,

Leader: Quilted together by the love of God.

Women: You created our inmost being, knit together in our mothers’ womb,

Leader: Quilted together by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, quilted together in faith by the Holy Spirit to share the good news,

Women: We were called to serve.

Leader: O Lord our God, for the vision of those who planned for this organization, and for the commitment and dedication of all who served together at the time of origin of Ohio Mennonite Women until this day,

Women: We give you thanks, O Lord.

Leader: For those who have served so faithfully in leadership and those who served “behind the scenes,”

Women: We give you thanks, O Lord.

Leader: For those who have willingly given of their time, energy and gifts to create, teach, encourage, sponsor and counsel,

Women: We give you thanks, O Lord.

Leader: For those who have been a part of our fellowship for so many years, dedicated to serving in so many ways,

Women: We give you thanks, O Lord.

Leader: For the ways in which we have been able to care for one another,
support one another on this journey of life, and give strength to one another when our paths crossed,

Women: We give you thanks, O Lord.

Leader: For the women who worshiped you faithfully and vibrantly, hearing your Word, singing your praise, and seeking your strength, and women who came seeking to know you,

Women: We give you thanks, O Lord.

Leader: For young girls and women who have been touched through OMW
as they learned the ways of the Lord, and now serve him around the world,

Women: We give you thanks, O Lord.

Leader: For the generosity that has enabled us to reach far beyond this community through our service, actions and gifts, and the opportunity to serve together, for the wisdom you grant to us through our sisters in Christ,

Women: For this we give you thanks, O Lord.

Leader: Like a quilt, the women of Ohio brought their gifts, colorful fabrics in various shapes and sizes, provided support and warmth in the warmest and coldest of times, present in every season of life, supporting and encouraging one another and others around the world. But you, O Lord, are the Master Quilt Maker, who brought us together to serve as we were called.

Women: For this we give you thanks, O Lord.

Leader: We lament this season of closure and endings, we acknowledge the disappointment, sadness and loss of what was, and is no more. But we also embrace the richness of what we have experienced together in the past — a patchwork quilt of sisters — a picture of beauty.

ALL: Guide us, Lord as we end this season and experience new beginnings. Give us courage. Give us endurance. Give us joy.

Leader: Lord God, Designer and Creator, Quilter and Weaver of all,

Forgive us for the times we have sought our worth in our work, and not in you. May we persist in what you have called us to do — to be ever-reaching, ever-growing, ever-loving, ever-welcoming as we share YOUR love with other women in our own circles, communities and around the world.

Excerpts used and paraphrased by Willie Stoltzfus – 9/11/17
From: A service written by a W/ELCA member from Oberlin, Kansas: Eleanor Johnson; Prayer for Sisterhood by
Lara Hall Blosser, Prayer for Women at Work by Anna Liechty Sawatzky.

Prayer of Closing:

Let us pray: Almighty God, Designer and Creator of all,
You have given each of us our own distinct pattern and purpose.
Help us to let your light shine through us and reflect that beauty within. You have uniquely stitched us all together for your purpose.
May we serve as you call us to serve.
Guide us, now we pray.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.