This litany was written for the 75th anniversary of Neland Avenue Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan, see also the article "Take Time to Celebrate: How to Plan for Your Church's Anniversary".
Litany of Praise
Today we celebrate the [year] anniversary of [name of church].
Many, O Lord, are thy wonderful works.
For [number of years] years God's Word has been proclaimed in this place.
Many, O Lord, are thy wonderful works.
For [number of years] years the sacraments have been celebrated in this place.
Many, O Lord, are thy wonderful works.
Countless children, parents, and grandparents have been part of [name of church].
They are more than can be numbered.
Countless prayers of supplication, thanksgiving, and praise have been offered in this place.
They are more than can be numbered.
Countless witnesses have gone out from [name of church]
to spread the gospel in this community and throughout the world.
They are more than can be numbered.
All of our activities,
all of our sacraments,
and all of our doxologies
we offer up in praise to God.
Many, O Lord, are thy wonderful works;
they are more than can be numbered.
With thanksgiving for the past,
with joy in the present,
and with hope for the future
we celebrate this anniversary.
Many, O Lord, are thy wonderful works;
they are more than can be numbered.
Sung Response
"God is Here" Green [See additional anniversary stanza below.]
In this time of celebration
we would offer special praise.
As we think of past and future,
vow anew to walk your ways.
Times of triumph, times of failure—
still this song keeps ringing through:
Lord, your works cannot be numbered,
Neland Church* belongs to you.
*alt. text: For our church
—Henrietta Ten Harmsel © 1993 ReformedWorship.org, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
