Option 1
We come to hear the story of God’s faithfulness to past generations.
But we also look to the future as well as the past.
The God who was with our ancestors is with us as well.
Then we can go forward in hope. Whatever else fails, God remains faithful.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God! Praise be to God!
Ruth C. Duck, Flames of the Spirit (New York: The Pilgrim Press, 1985)
Option 2
We rejoice, O God, in the Spirit which worked through ancient people of faith
to call them from a distant land to a land which they knew not.
We rejoice, O God, in knowing that the Spirit which led our ancestors
through the wilderness is our possession today.
We give you thanks Almighty God, for those who walked along the Way,
for their faithfulness to our Lord Jesus Christ and their steadfast love for you.
We give you thanks, Almighty God, for those whose dedication to the Gospel
caused them to express a vital faith and establish a tradition,
of which we are grateful descendants.
Option 3
O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name,
Make known his deeds among the peoples.
Remember the wonderful works he has done,
His miracles, and the judgments he uttered.
Look to the rock from which you were hewn,
And to the quarry from which you were dug.
Psalm 105:1,5; Isaiah 51:1b, NRSV
Option 4
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
Let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin that clings so closely,
And let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
Looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2, NRSV
Option 5
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
His greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall laud your works to another,
And shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
And on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed,
And I will declare your greatness.
Psalm 145:3-5, NRSV
**Text in red spoken by all