May 13, 2003

WASHINGTON - "Hands for Harvest and Hope" is the theme of this year's Rural Life Sunday celebration, through which United Methodists focus on the denomination's rural heritage.

Rural Life Sunday may be scheduled at any time by either the conference or the local church. Besides recognizing the denomination's rural roots, the observance addresses the ongoing crisis in rural areas of the United States and the world today, and affirms the interdependence of rural and urban communities.

"Now Thank We All Our God" is a new hymn with words written for this worship service and sung to a familiar tune found in the United Methodist Hymnal. It continues after the title phrase, "for hands of hope and harvest, Hands that plant your seed and reap your bounty marvelous."

The Rev. Don Barnett of Alabama wrote the lyrics. He also compiled the resource and wrote one of the sermon and teaching illustrations.

The Rev. Dorsey Walker of Upper Sand Mountain Parish, Sylvania, Ala., contributed other sermon illustrations. The Rural Chaplains Association produces the materials, and the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries approves the annual themes.

This year's resource includes a greeting or call to worship, opening prayer, prayer of confession and a litany celebrating the hands of all whose work nourishes and sustains others - from farmers and miners to artists, physicians and teachers. Along with these specially written materials are a list of 15 hymn suggestions, six Scripture suggestions, quotes, facts about agriculture, a poem and information on two videos. The package includes a reproducible bulletin cover.

United Methodist News Service