During the 2025 Susquehanna Annual Conference session, the Commission on Building the Beloved Community, in concurrence with the Conference Board of Global Ministries, asked that the Conference designated the Sunday after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day each year as Beloved Community Sunday, and encouraged many ways of engaging with the ethos of the Beloved Community beyond that day. Here are some resources for you as you plan:
Outline for a Liturgy on Beloved Community Sunday
This outline draws inspiration from Christian worship traditions, particularly those emphasizing social justice. It honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community - a society rooted in agape love, justice, reconciliation, and the inherent dignity of all people, free from racism, poverty, and violence. The service can be adapted for in-person, virtual, or hybrid formats, lasting about 60-90 minutes. Incorporate diverse music (e.g., spirituals, gospel, contemporary hymns) and inclusive language to reflect the theme.
Gathering & Welcome (5-10 minutes)
Prelude: Instrumental music or a solo, such as “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” by Thomas A. Dorsey, to set a reflective tone
Call to Worship: A responsive reading inviting the congregation into the Beloved Community. Example (inspired by Psalm 6 and MLK’s writings):
Leader: Incline your ear, O God, and answer us, for we are poor, hungry, and oppressed.
People: Preserve our lives, for we are devoted to you; save your servants who trust in you.
Leader: We gather to honor Dr. King’s dream of a Beloved Community, where all are tied in a single garment of destiny.
People: We commit to justice, love, and walking humbly with God.
Opening Hymn: “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (the Black National Anthem) or “When Morning Glids the Skies” to celebrate hope and unity.
Welcome and Land Acknowledgement: Greet all, acknowledge the indigenous lands (if applicable), and invite guests to feel included, emphasizing that "no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here."
Confession & Assurance (5-10 minutes)
Prayer of Confession: a communal acknowledgement of complicity in injustice. Example:
“Holy God, forgive us for times when we have broken spirits through disregard, suspicion, or fear. Help us discard burdens of distrust and work for reconciliation in the Beloved Community. Amen.”
Silence for Reflection: a moment of quiet, perhaps with soft music.
Assurance of Grace: Leader affirms God’s forgiveness and inherent worth. “We are all created in God’s image, with dignity and uniqueness. In Christ, we are forgiven and called to build the Beloved Community.”
Passing of the Peace: Congregants share signs of peace, saying “Peace be with you” or “The peace of Christ.”
Proclamation of the Word (15-20 minutes)
Scripture Readings: Select passages that echo justice and harmony.
Old Testament: Isaiah 11:1-9 (the peaceful kingdom where “the wolf shall live with the lamb.”) or Micah 6:* (“Do Justice, love kindness, walk humbly”)
New Testament: Matthew 3:1-6, 13-17 (John’s baptism and call to repentance)
Non-biblical Reading: Excerpt from MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech or Nobel Peace Prize acceptance: “I still believe that one day mankind will bow before the altars of God and be crowned triumphant over war and bloodshed.”
Children’s Message (optional): Share a simple story about MLK’s dream, like “God’s dream for us to treat everyone fairly.”
Sermon or Reflection: Focus on building the Beloved Community today - addressing current issues like racial equity, economic justice, and nonviolence. Keep it 10-15 minutes; invite guest speakers or lay leaders for testimonies.
Response & Commitment (10-15 minutes)
Hymn of Response: “We Shall Overcome” or “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
Prayers of the People: Intercessory prayers for justice, naming global and local concerns (e.g., ending racism, supporting the marginalized). Include responsive elements: “For the poor and oppressed…” “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Offering: Collect for a justice-related cause (e.g., civil rights organization). Dedication prayer: “Bless these gifts to build the Beloved Community.”
Litany of Commitment: Responsive pledges, such as:
Leader: We will work for a world enriched by difference.
People: We will stand in solidarity with the oppressed and create Shalom for all.
Holy Communion (optional, 10 minutes)
If including Eucharist: Emphasize it as a table of inclusion. Use MLK-inspired words: “This meal reminds us of God’s dream -no hurt or destruction, all filled with divine knowledge,”
Invitation: Open to all, breaking barriers of race, gender, or background.
Elements: Bread and juice/grape; share with words like “This is my body, given for you,” and a commitment: “We have a dream.”
Sending Forth (5 minutes)
Closing Hymn: “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian" or “Take Me to the Water”
Benediction: Send out with MLK’s words: “May we carry God’s dream forward, where every valley is exalted and all flesh sees the glory of the Lord together. Go in peace to love and serve.”
Postlude: Uplifting music, such as “Ella’s Song” by Bernice Johnson Reagon
This structure fosters reflection, action, and hope. Adapt hymns and readings to your congregation’s tradition and consider incorporating multimedia like video clips of MLK’s speeches.
Additional Resources
Instead of following the exact liturgy, share these resources for personal or group study, sermons, or adapted services. They include toolkits, readings, and educational materials focused on the Beloved Community.
These can be distributed via bulletins, emails, or a church website for deeper engagement.
ResourceUMC MLK Day
Ideas for different ways to engage with and celebrate the holiday
UCC Worship Resources
Free prayers, litanies, and full service outlines emphasizing justice and Beloved Community
UUA MLK Sunday
Ideas for Unitarian Universalist congregations, including worship elements and activities to celebrate King’s legacy.
