NEW WORSHIP RESOURCES
Worship Planner: First Sunday after Christmas
Ways To Celebrate Advent at Home
Walk to Bethlehem an Advent Pilgrimage
(Living Faith, 7.3.1)
Lectionary Resources
Sunday Worship Planners for 2022
These comprehensive worship planners include scripture readings, music, call to worship, prayers, a reflection and Mission Moment.
- 14th Sunday after Pentecost (September 11)
- 15th Sunday after Pentecost (September 18)
- 16th Sunday after Pentecost (September 25)
- 17th Sunday after Pentecost (October 2)
- 18th Sunday after Pentecost (October 9)
- 19th Sunday after Pentecost (October 16)
- 20th Sunday after Pentecost (October 23)
- 21st Sunday after Pentecost (October 30)
- 22nd Sunday after Pentecost (November 6)
- 23rd Sunday after Pentecost (November 13)
- 24th Sunday after Pentecost (November 20)
- First Sunday in Advent (November 27)
- Second Sunday in Advent (December 4)
- Third Sunday in Advent (December 11)
- Fourth Sunday in Advent (December 18)
- Christmas Eve (December 24)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Book of Common Worship
Some portions of The Book of Common Worship as published in 1991 are not available on the website because of copyright. Some of the material from The Book of Common Worship that is available on this webpage has been corrected or edited for consistency or to reflect decisions made by The Presbyterian Church since The Book of Common Worship was originally published.
- Introduction
- WORD AND SACRAMENTS
- The Service of Word and Holy Communion – Introduction and Outline
- A Service of Word and Holy Communion
- Alternative Texts for The Word and Holy Communion
- Prayer Before Worship
- Words of Greeting
- Sentences of Scripture
- Opening Prayers
- Rite of Reconciliation – Confession/Assurance of Pardon
- Ancient Hymns and Canticles
- Prayers for Illumination (Prayers for Understanding)
- Introducing and Concluding Readings from Scripture
- Ascriptions of Praise
- Creeds of the Church and Statements of Faith
- Prayers of the People
- Invitations to The Lords Table
- Presentation of Gifts and Preparation of Table
- A Warrant
- Prayers of Thanksgiving
- The Lord’s Prayer
- The Breaking of Bread
- The Communion
- Prayer After Communion
- Charge to the People
- Benediction
- Alternative Texts for The Word and Holy Communion
- The Sacrament of Baptism
- PASTORAL SERVICES
- Affirmation of Baptism
- Christian Marriage
- Ministry to Persons Who are Sick or Confined
- The Christian Funeral
- Faith Journey in the Life Cycle
- ORDERS FOR CHURCH COURTS
- Opening and Closing of a Church Court
- Installation of a Moderator
- Candidates for Ministry: A Service to Receive Under Care
- Certification of Candidates for Ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacraments
- Minister of Word and Sacraments: Ordination and Induction
- Minister of Word and Sacraments: A Service of Induction
- Order of Diaconal Ministries: Service of Designation
- Order of Diaconal Ministries: A Service of Installation
- Ruling Elders: A Service of Ordination
- Chaplain in A Public Institution: A Service of Recognition
- Partners in Mission: A Service of Commissioning
- Sod Turning and Site Dedication
- Laying the Cornerstone
- Dedication of a Church Building
- The Constitution of a Congregation: A Service of Thanksgiving
- The Dissolution of a Congregation
Baptism
- Living Faith 7.6
- Book of Common Worship
Communion
- Living Faith 7.7
- Book of Common Worship
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- The Service of Word and Holy Communion – Introduction and Outline
- A Service of Word and Holy Communion
- Alternative Texts for The Word and Holy Communion
- Prayer Before Worship
- Words of Greeting
- Sentences of Scripture
- Opening Prayers
- Rite of Reconciliation – Confession/Assurance of Pardon
- Ancient Hymns and Canticles
- Prayers for Illumination (Prayers for Understanding)
- Introducing and Concluding Readings from Scripture
- Ascriptions of Praise
- Creeds of the Church and Statements of Faith
- Prayers of the People
- Invitations to The Lords Table
- Presentation of Gifts and Preparation of Table
- A Warrant
- Prayers of Thanksgiving
- The Lord’s Prayer
- The Breaking of Bread
- The Communion
- Prayer After Communion
- Charge to the People
- Benediction
- Alternative Texts for The Word and Holy Communion
- Providing Communion Using Technology
- Great Prayer of Thanksgiving – Book of Common Worship
- Great Prayer of Thanksgiving – PCC Hymnbook
- Great Prayer of Thanksgiving – 2019
- Great Prayer of Thanksgiving – Easter
- Great Prayer of Thanksgiving – World Communion
- Great Prayer of Thanksgiving – 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women
- Celebrating Communion – Instructed Eucharist – Worship Service
- Children at the Table: Joyful Feast in Gods Household
- Children at the Table: A Family Meal
- Children at the Table: Children of the Covenant
- Children at the Table: Jesus Welcomes You
Sacrament of Baptism
Sacrament of Holy Communion
A Litany for the Commissioning of a Search CommitteeDedication of Bibles for the PewsDedication of Gifts to the ChurchEcumenical PrayersGeneral act of dedicationPrayer at a Time of ViolencePrayers For the DyingPrayer for RefugeesPrayer for Teachers in the ChurchPrayer for Those Who Are UnemployedPrayers in Times of DisasterPrayer in Times of ElectionPrayers in Times of WarPraying with and for People of Other FaithsService of Dedication for New HymnbooksThe Board of Managers – A Liturgy of InstallationPresbyterians Sharing Sunday
2022 Presbyterians Sharing Sunday Resource – PDF2022 Presbyterians Sharing Sunday Resource – Text OnlyPWS&D Sunday
WMS Mission Awareness Sunday
Intergenerational Worship Resource for Earth Day
God's Good Old EarthHow Materials Decompose ChartResources for Presbyterian History/Heritage Sunday (2012)
Resources for Heritage Sunday, 2012Healing and Reconciliation Sunday PowerPointHealing and Reconciliation Sunday Prayer Resource – Text Only
Worship Service by Indigenous Ministry LeadersA Time for Hope – Liturgical Resource (2016)A Time for Hope Accompanying Images (PowerPoint Slides) for TRC SermonWe Are One in the SpiritLiving Faith – 7.4 PreachingLent 1 Sermon – Mark 1Lent 2 Sermon – Mark 8Lent 3 Sermon – Exodus 10Lent 4 Sermon – Ephesians 2Lent 5 Sermon – Jeremiah 31Advent 1 Sermon – December 3, 2017Advent 2 Sermon – December 10, 2017Advent 3 Sermon – December 17, 2017Advent 4 Sermon – December 24, 2017Unity Within the ChurchTo Preach the Good News: A Handbook about Preaching for Presbyterians in CanadaDaily Discipleship PracticesAdvent/Christmas/Epiphany
Advent
- Journey to Christmas Advent Devotional
- Advent and Christmas Worship Service Planning
- Presbyterians Read: Advent 2020 Resources
- Presbyterians Read: Advent 2019 Resources
- Advent Worship Service: Songs of Resistance and Hope (Women’s Missionary Society)
- Advent Liturgies (PWS&D)
- Advent Wreath and Liturgies
- Longest Night Service: Blue Christmas
- Communion Prayer for Advent
- Faith Formation Through Advent Calendars
- Getting Ready for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany
- Bringing Light into the Darkness: Making Advent Candles at Home
- Travelling Mary and Joseph: An Advent Activity for the Whole Congregation
- Ways to Celebrate Advent at Home
- Walk to Bethlehem: An Advent Pilgrimage
- How to Make an Advent Wreath
Christmas
- Advent and Christmas Worship Service Planning
- The Light Shines in the Darkness: A Service for Christmas Eve/Day
- Family-Friendly Christmas Eve Worship
- The Christmas Story According to The Four Gospels – A Congregational Worship Event
- The Jesse Tree/The Christmas Tree
- Christmas Story Videos
- God’s Great Idea – A Christmas Video by St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Stittsville
(Text by Dr. Laura Alary; Stop-motion animation by Thomas Duncan) - The Twelve Days of Christmas
- Lessons and Carols #1
- Lessons and Carols #2
- Eucharist Prayer with Sung Responses
Epiphany
Click here to access resources for Lent, Holy Week & Easter
Mission Awareness Sunday: April 30, 2023
Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) Mission Awareness Sunday Resources
- WMS Mission Awareness Sunday Worship Resource
- WMS Mission Awareness Sunday Sermon
- WMS Mission Awareness Sunday Children’s Story
Atlantic Mission Society (AMS) Mission Awareness Sunday Resources
Visit the Atlantic Mission Society web page
Pentecost/Christian Family/Trinity Sunday
Harvest/Remembrance/All Saints/Christ the King Sunday
Remembrance Day
- Remembrance Day Prayer
- Remembrance Day Intergenerational Prayer
- Remembrance Day Candle Lighting Service
- Remembrance Day Liturgy #1
- Remembrance Day Liturgy #2
- Remembrance Day Liturgy #3
World Communion Sunday
Other
Prayer Partnership
Engaging in God’s mission through word and action
Join in prayer with people across the country and celebrate the mission and ministry we are doing together in Canada and around the world using the daily prayers, weekly Mission Moments and monthly Social Action Spotlights featured in the Prayer Partnership.
- Daily prayers are submitted by congregations, committees, presbyteries and PCC staff.
- Sunday Mission Moments highlight the ministry that we are doing together through Presbyterians Sharing and Presbyterian World Service & Development.
- Monthly Social Action Spotlights provide ideas for congregations and individuals to call for justice through prayer, conversation, education and raising awareness.
Download the different resource formats below and use them online, during worship and Bible studies, and in church bulletins, newsletters, slide shows and more.
Hymn Resources
Legality of Copying the Book of PraiseBook of Praise Hymns in the Public DomainMusic Copyright in Online WorshipHymn Database Search PageSongs for WorshipWhether it is done in person or online, worship is central to who we are as congregations and a denomination. This resource contains best practices for congregations experienced with worshipping virtually as well as for those just getting started.
Read | Download
Fostering Engagement and Connection in Online Church Gatherings
A resource about digital engagement in the context of Christian ministry to help congregations not only meet online but also to connect, build relationships, grow as disciples, discern together and creatively engage with the many different aspects of faith.
View PDF | Download
Introduction to Live Streaming for Churches
There are two good reasons to consider live streaming your church services. The first is to accommodate congregants who are unable to attend worship. The second reason is to reach new worshippers. In this connected age, a live stream is a great way of showing people what to expect in worship before coming to your church for the first time.
Read | Download
Leading with Care Online: Working with Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults
A resource about how to apply The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s Leading with Care policy to an online setting to ensure the safety and well-being of children, youth and vulnerable adults when using online media and forums for congregational meetings and activities.
View PDF | Download
Providing Communion Using Technology
This resource provides clarification and guidance on the process and practice of communion via virtual media and technology.
View PDF | Download
Calling a Minister When In-Person Meetings and Public Worship is Not Possible
This resource outlines the principles and procedures for discerning a Call in times when the usual in-person meetings and worship services involved in the search for, calling and inducting a minister are not possible.
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Congregational Meetings During a Pandemic
This resource contains ideas to consider for your congregation’s Annual General Meeting or other congregational meetings if your congregation cannot hold in-person meetings.
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Death, Grief and Funerals in a Time of Social Distancing
This resource addresses the pastoral issue of how to minister to grieving families in times when in-person gatherings and gestures of comfort are not possible.
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Suggestions to Enhance Zoom Meeting Experience
Zoom is one of the most commonly used platforms for video conferencing and webinars. Familiarity with the features of this platform is essential for hosting and participating in effective meetings online. This resource provides guidance to help facilitate smooth and secure online meetings via Zoom.
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Ways Churches Can Offer Connection and Care During Social Distancing
This resource contains creative and helpful ideas for offering connection and support through online communication, traditional communication, innovative communication and general community care.
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A Guidebook for Congregations Looking to Connect with Neighbours
The United & Presbyterian Campus Ministry team that serves three post-secondary institutions in Calgary shares best practices that can be applied by congregations wanting to connect more fully with people and communities outside of the church.
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Joining the Joyful Feast: From Food Ministry to Worship
People are hungry for deep conversations and meaningful relationships. Whether a congregation is feeling called to start a dinner church or to strengthen an existing ministry, it is important to prioritize relationship-building and truly celebrate the loving bonds that Christ makes possible for us to have with each other. In this resource, you will find tools that can be used to foster strong and genuine relationships in your ministry.
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Opening Your Doors to People with Diverse Abilities
In this resource, Dr. Michael Walker from Our Doors Are Open explores ways congregations can welcome people with disabilities into their places of worship.
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Ways for Churches to Create Partnerships in Their Local Communities
God is already powerfully at work in the community, and your church was put there for a reason. This resource contains tips for how your church can build relationships and create partnerships with other organizations and people doing God’s work in your community.
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Ways to Be a Caring Church Community
Pastoral care is one of the most powerful ways we can demonstrate the love of God to one another. It must not be left to the minister and elders alone; God calls all of us to love each other. How well we care for each other will influence how well we care for our neighbours. This resource will help you build or strengthen the culture of caring in your church.
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Ways to Be a Church that Visitors Will Want to Call Home
Being a church that visitors will want to return to is about being like Jesus. The tips in this resource, modelled on Jesus’ way of welcoming others, will help your church be the kind of place that people will want to call home.
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Ways to Be a Great Church Greeter
Greeters are a vital part of a church’s ministry by ensuring that all who enter receive a warm greeting, the information they need to feel comfortable, and a friendly connection they can rely on before and after the service. As you strive to be the greeter that others remember as having warmly welcomed them into the church, this resource contains some important things to keep in mind.
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Can I Get a Witness?
The Rev. Dr. Ross Lockhart shares a reflection about inviting others to come and see the joy that is found in a life of faith.
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Peacemaking in Times of Chaos
The realities of our collective issues, such as social conflict, political violence and environmental destruction, combined with personal struggles leads many people to believe that chaos rules life. This resource offers ideas and tools for exploring how to be peacemakers in times of chaos.
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Sharing Your Faith: A Congregational Workshop Guide
In October 2017, five congregational leaders from across the country gathered to learn more about evangelism and begin crafting the first stages of projects to take back to their congregations. This meeting was the first step towards developing a network that will support a culture of evangelism in the PCC. This resource brings together key learnings from this training and provides practical exercises in the form of a workshop that can be used as a springboard for your own congregation’s evangelism initiatives.
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Foundational Documents
The Presbyterian Church in Canada is a denominational partner with Evangelism Connections, an ecumenical group of Christians who strive to frame evangelism, hospitality and church vitality in a 21st-century context and provide shared resources. Visit their website for articles, program ideas and worship resources.