A passage from scripture is proclaimed, the Reader first ...



A SERVICE WITH THE GRADUATESunder Quarantine 20201. Prelude2. A Graduate’s Word of WelcomeA member of the graduating class welcomes everyone to the celebration. (Traditionally, this is the Salutatory Address.) If not spoken at this time, the graduate’s welcome may take place after The Greeting.3. The GreetingIf a service bulletin is used, consider a greeting such as:Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. orBlessed be the one, holy, and living God.Glory to God for ever and od is the Rock of our salvation:O come let us worship. [or: Come let us adore him.]or, during the Easter seasonAlleluia. Christ is risen.The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.Additional words of greeting by the officiant may be given at this time.4. Hymn of Praise (optional)If a bulletin is printed, the text and music may be included there.5. A Collect for the DayThe Lord be with you.And also with you. The officiant says an opening prayer, which may be from among the following, first saying:Let us pray. 1Loving Jesus: Protect and sustain us with your hand. Open the door of your love that, sealed with your wisdom, we may be free to serve you with joy. [You are Lord for ever and ever.] Amen. (Prayer of St. Gertrude, EOW 1, p. 52) or 2God our rock and refuge: keep us safe in your care and strengthen us with your grace, that we may pray to you faithfully and love one another boldly, following the example of Jesus, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives for ever and ever. Amen.(Veronese Sacramentary, EOW 1, p. 52)or 3 O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities[and especially ___________], that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom;and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP Prayer 31. For Colleges and Schools)or 4Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP Prayer 46. For the Care of Children) or 5God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you,and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.(BCP Prayer 47. For Young Persons)The Word of God6. Scripture Reading A passage from scripture is proclaimed, the Reader first sayingA reading (lesson) from ____________________. Lessons may selected from The Lectionary, such as:23. For EducationDeuteronomy 6:4-9,20-25 2 Timothy 3:14—4:5 Matthew 11:25-302. Of the Holy SpiritIsaiah 61:1-31 Corinthians 12:4-14Luke 11:9-1311. At ConfirmationIsaiah 61:1-9or Jeremiah 31:31-34or Ezekiel 37:1-10Romans 8:18-27or Romans 12:1-8or Galatians 5:16-25or Ephesians 4:7,11-16Matthew 5:1-12or Matthew 16:24-27or Luke 4:16-22or John 14:15-21Psalm 78:1-7Psalm 139:1-9 (10-17)Psalm 1 or Psalm 139:1-9After the reading, the Reader may say:The Word of the Lord. orHear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. The community responds, Thanks be to God.A suitable psalm, hymn or canticle may follow.7. A Word on the WordHere there may be a homily by a member of the staff or another person significant in the lives of the graduates.In Celebration of the Graduates8. Slide Show (optional)A slide show may feature the graduates of all ages in a variety of settings, such as church, school, socializing, performing, athletics, community service. Families of the graduates may supply photographs and video clips. Graduates may offer input as to the selection of music for the slide show. This slide show may be incorporated into the first part of The Procession of the Candidates (also a slide show), at no. 10.Following the slide show, a civic leader or someone representing a community organization involved in the life of the graduates may offer a greeting. 9. A Word from a Special GuestA “keynote speaker” may give a presentation. If not given at this time, it may precede a musical interlude (no. 11) or, if there is no music, The Prayers (no. 12) as noted below.10. The Procession of the GraduatesThe officiant may say:The following students, [to be] awarded their diplomas, have satisfactorily completed the course of study prescribed by the [entity conferring the diploma].Portraits of the graduates may be made into a slide show accompanied by Elgar’sPomp and Circumstance or another piece of music.Following the visual procession, the officiant may say:My dear graduates,[N., N., N., N., and N., (use only first names without photos, if appropriate)]you have successfully completed the requirements of the educational program of the high schools in the [city/state/location] and have merited graduation.Congratulations to the Class of 2020!This would be an opportune time for a surprising visually/musically celebratory moment.A prayer for the graduates may follow, such as one of the following:Let us pray. 6Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom: Enlighten by your Holy Spirit those who teach and those who learn, that, rejoicing in the knowledge of your truth, they may worship you and serve you from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.(BCP Votive 46. For Education) or 7Almighty and most merciful God, grant that by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit we may be enlightened and strengthenedfor your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.(BCP Votive 2. Of the Holy Spirit)Following the prayer, it is fitting that a separate set of clips may include the principals of the schools represented by the graduates offering congratulations.If not occurring earlier, a “keynote speaker” may give a presentation at this time. 11. Song/PerformanceA suitable musical performance, song, psalm, hymn or canticle may follow.The Sending Forth12. The Prayers: A Litany of Intercessions and ThanksgivingsGraduates and their families may be surveyed prior to designing a litany of prayers for the graduates, their loved ones and friends, as well as for the world at this unique time in history. An assisting minister may begin:In peace, let us pray to the God of love and mercy, saying, “Hear our prayer.”After each phrase of the litany, the leader saysGod of love and mercy,Hear our prayer.To conclude the prayers, the officiant may say:Joining our prayers and praises into one,we are bold to say, Our Father, who art in heaven,??? hallowed be thy Name, ??? thy kingdom come, ??? thy will be done, ??? ??? on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, ??? as we forgive those ??? ??? who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, ??? but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, ??? and the power, and the glory, ??? for ever and ever. Amen.or: we now pray, Our Father in heaven, ??? hallowed be your Name, ??? your kingdom come, ??? your will be done, ??? ??? on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins ??? as we forgive those ??? ??? who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, ??? and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, ??? and the glory are yours, ??? now and for ever. Amen.13. Words of Thanks The officiant may acknowledge those individuals who made this parish ceremony possible.14. A Graduate’s Closing Word (optional)A member of the graduating class may give final words of celebration and thanks. (Traditionally, this is the Valedictory Address.)15. A Blessing for the GraduatesThe officiant may say:My dear graduates,members of _____________ [parish name],do not bury your talents,the gifts that God has given to you.Do not be afraid to dreamand to do great things!(Based on a tweet by Pope Francis, 4/26/2013)The officiant may add a blessing: 8Glory to God whose power, working in us,can do infinitely more than we can imagine:Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church,and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.or 9The Wisdom of GodThe Love of Godand the Grace of Godstrengthen us [or: you]to be Christ’s hands and heart in this world,in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen. (Celtic, EOW 1, p. 71)or 10May Almighty God, who enlightened the minds of the disciples by pouring out upon them the Holy Spirit, make you rich with his blessing, that you may abound more and more in that Spirit for ever. Amen. May God, who sent the Holy Spirit as a flame of fire that rested upon the heads of the disciples, burn out all evil from your hearts, and make them shine with the pure light of his presence. Amen. May God, who by the Holy Spirit caused those of many tongues to proclaim Jesus as Lord, strengthen your faith and send you out to bear witness to him in word and deed. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen. (BOS Solemn Blessing: Pentecost)or 11May the Spirit of truth lead you into all truth, giving you grace to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and to proclaim the wonderful works of God; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen. (BOS Prayer Over the People: Pentecost)or 12The Lord bless you and keep you. Amen. The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. Amen. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen. The Lord God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the holy and undivided Trinity, guard you, save you, and bring you to that heavenly City, where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. (BOS Solemn Blessing: Holy Trinity)or 13May God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love, defend you on every side, and guide you in truth and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen. (BOS Prayer Over the People: Holy Trinity)16. Hymn of Thanksgiving and Praise (optional)A hymn, canticle, or psalm may follow. If a bulletin is printed, the text and music may be included there. 17. The CommissioningThe officiant may say:This graduation celebration is over.Let your service commence.Thanks be to God. or, during the Easter seasonThis graduation celebration is over.Let your service commence. Alleluia, alleluia.Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.18. Postlude_____________________________________________________________________________________________Ritual created by Robert Zappulla; created and adapted from contents of The Book of Common Prayer 1979, Enriching Our Worship 1, and the Book of Occasional Service 2018, and from original material. Permission to adapt and amend is given to all. April 2020Concerning the ServiceNumbers correspond to those in the ritual.1. The prelude should begin airing at least 5 minutes prior to the announced start time. A slide show of photographs of the church and the schools involved may loop with a caption reading, “This Service with the Graduates begins at 0:00 PM.”2. In many places, a welcoming word is given prior to the start of the service. At graduations, it is fitting for a graduate to be the first to extend that welcome. Viewers should be encouraged to join in saying the prayers aloud, singing along as invited, and standing during collects/prayers and hymns, as they are able. (An alternate position for this address would be after no. 3.)3. The officiant begins with The Greeting and may extend additional words of welcome. If a liturgical greeting is used, consider making a worship bulletin available online. Another option would be to provide the people’s responses as a caption on the screen.4. If a hymn of praise is sung, as with all music, graduates may be asked for input regarding the selection in consultation with the minister of music. If a worship bulletin is not prepared, lyrics may be captioned on the screen.5. The officiant offers an opening prayer of his or her own choosing, though graduates may be asked for input.6. The homilist may provide a few scripture passages from which graduates may offer input. It is fitting that one of the graduates should serve as the Reader. If a sung psalm, hymn, or canticle follows the reading, students may offer input in consultation with the minister of music.7. The homilist, and all who offer a “word”, should not speak longer than 3 minutes.8. A slide show celebrates the memories of the past, particularly during the “senior year”: church, community service, geography and other types of bees, performances (dance, drama, music), school life, social events, teams (athletic, debate, math, STEM) etc. Families may be invited to submit photographs and video clips which may be put together any tech savvy graduate, student, volunteer, and/or staff member. Graduates may have suggestions as to appropriate music to accompany the slide show, along with input from the minister of music and other staff members. Circumstances may make it desirable to combine this video with the Procession of the Graduates (no. 10).There is also an opportunity for brief greetings from civic leaders, representations of local organizations in which the graduates are or have been involved. These greetings may be submitted as 15- second video clips to be woven together by the tech team. (A separate set of clips may include the principals of the schools represented by the graduates. This separate clip of principals’ greetings may precede no. 10.)9. It is fitting that a special guest provide a “keynote speech.” Keeping with the flow of the entire program, this speaker should also limit their presentation (which may include visuals) to 3 minutes. An alternate position for this address would be at the conclusion of no. 10, especially if there was no slide show (no. 8).10. At the heart of a visual procession of the graduates are the graduation portraits (photographs) of each person, often presented in alphabetical order. During this slide show, a section of the customary processional, Pomp and Circumstance (Elgar), may accompany the visuals.After the announcement of graduation, what “surprise” could you offer viewers via their screens? (A standing ovation often occurs during the actual ceremony.)Following the prayer, it is fitting that a separate set of clips may include the principals of the schools represented by the graduates offering congratulations.11. A celebratory video of a past event or a performance clip involving all of the graduates or an offering by one or more of graduates respected for their outstanding performance abilities is appropriate. In place of this, a song, hymn, canticle, or anthem may be sung.12. “Life is always mourning and rejoicing… always. We lament, and we praise” (The Rev. James W. Farwell, Ph.D., Virginia Theological Seminary). During preliminary surveys, ask what concerns are on the hearts of graduates (and their families) and for what are they grateful. Weave these into a litany of short phrases for use during The Prayers. A graduate with a parent (possibly who is already a Reader at the parish) may lead, alternating each petition or thanksgiving. If a worship bulletin is not available, the people’s response and the words to The Lord’s Prayer may appear as captions (or, in the case of The Lord’s Prayer, a slide) on the screen.13. Prepare a list of those to thank, by first names—or no names at all. Don’t leave any one or group out.14. Reviewing the options implemented and as time permits, a graduate may give “the final word” of celebration and thanks, keeping to the 3-minute norm for all speakers.15. The officiant may lead a final blessing.16. If a hymn of thanksgiving and praise is sung, as with all music, graduates may be asked for input regarding the selection in consultation with the minister of music. If a worship bulletin is not prepared, lyrics may be captioned on the screen.17. If a worship bulletin is not available, the people’s response may appear as a caption on the screen.18. During the postlude, you may decide to roll the credits with the names of all involved in the event. A picture of the church appropriately accompanies this. Do not forget to include the final caption with your church’s name, address, phone number, website and other social media information.Preparations for the EventSURVEYING THE PARTICIPANTSSurvey the graduates in planning the celebration1. Hymns and songs for worship2. Pop songs about community, friendship3. What are the concerns on their hearts on this occasion? (intercessory, petitions)4. For what are they thankful?5. Select the scripture passage for the occasion (from 2 or 3 options provided to them)Survey the families in planning the celebrationFor what are they thankful on this occasion?What are the concerns on their hearts on this occasion? (intercessory, petitions?What photographs of school, church, and social events, visual arts projects, the graduation portrait, are they willing to submit for sharing publicly?What video clips of school and church events, social gatherings, performances, etc., are they willing to submit for sharing publicly?GUEST SPEAKERS AND GREETINGSA. Remind all speakers to introduce themselves (though not as important if a caption will be provided).B. Invite principals of the schools represented to submit a 15-second video clip for inclusion during the service.C. Invite someone to offer a keynote address. The time limit is 3 minutes.D. Invite church lay leaders, community leaders, civil authorities, and representatives of organizations which support your graduates (emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually) to submit a video clip not exceeding 15-seconds each.E. Student addresses and the homilist are also limited to 3 minutes each.F. A speaker (with the 3-minute limit) may include visuals during their address as they record their submission.G. Adapt and send out the “VIP Guest Ask Letter” from Better Make Room to invite your guest speakers and greeters as soon as possible. SLIDE SHOWS: PHOTOGRAPHS and VIDEO CLIPS A. Places1. Church2. SchoolsB. Graduate’s PortraitC. The Life of a Graduate1. Parish, school, and community life events with the graduates2. Artwork and other projects created by graduatesD. How to create a photo slideshow video:. Encourage graduates to have input regarding the music.1. Graduation ceremonies often include popular music, especially during slide shows, and during performances by school bands, choruses and orchestras.2. The graduates may learn how to select appropriate hymns, psalms, and canticles using the indices in The Hymnal 1982, Accompaniment Edition, Volume 1: Service Music [H82 v1]. The minister of music may provide a list of three to five appropriate pieces for each point in the service (including the prelude and postlude) from which they may choose.3. Hymns celebrating education include “Earth and all stars” (H82, 412). For a lengthier list, consult H82 v1, p. 695.4. Many of the rounds (H82, 710-714) are songs of praise and hope, easily involving participation of younger children through singing, movement, and use of percussion instruments.5. Other themes for the service may include praise to God, thanksgiving, the Holy Spirit, Christian vocation, and Christian responsibility.B. If a worship bulletin is not made available, the lyrics of the hymns may be included in the video (i.e., captioning).C. There are ways to compile (piece together) voices and/or instrumentalists recorded at home: D. Music is a part of photo slideshow videos: PREPARING THE WORSHIP BULLETINA. Decide if you wish to wish to provide a bulletin for households to downloaded from the parish website.B. If a bulletin is used, print any text and music needed by the participants. Encourage people to respond aloud and sing in their homes.C. If a bulletin is not used, considering using captions during the livestreaming or avoid unfamiliar responses for the assembly. PRIOR PUBLICITY, GOING LIVE, AND FOLLOW-UPA. Publicize the streaming date of the video to families.B. Design an invitation that families may download from the parish website and personalize for forwarding to their friends and family. Be sure to include the link and your time zone with the start time. Include in the announcement that livestreaming will open five minutes prior to the start time.C. Encourage households to “dress for the festivities” and to share a special meal at home and with relatives and friends via social media (e.g., FaceTime, Zoom).D. Email a reminder about the event on the day prior (and again on the morning of) the streaming with the direct link.E. Begin the live streaming five minutes prior to the announced start-time (having included a 5-minute prelude during preparation of the video).F. Ask families to take photographs during the event and festivities in their homes, submitting them for use as part of your regular emails or social media platforms.G. Send thank yous to the guests, to all who were part of the video preparation, participation, and to those who shared video clips and photographs.SAFETY REMINDERSA. Obtain parent’s/caregiver’s permission before chilld photographs, films or other recordings are made publicly available by using a Media Consent Form signed by the parent/guardian (or graduates--aged 18 and over). Sample format: B. Never identify children, i.e., do not use names with photographs or videos. Remember:?It's not just what's inside the picture or artifact you share?but how that file is titled or contextualized that could disclose students'?information (for example,?"PeterWatson_01.jpg").C. As you put the pieces together and again prior to posting: 1. Is there anything personally identifiable in this photograph/video?2. Do I have explicit permission to post it?3. Is what I'm posting furthering a child's?self-esteem?PUTTING THE SERVICE TOGETHERNumbers correspond to those in the Service. All components are optional and the actual sequence may be changed. Adapt this production table to meet your local needs. Consider for each component: Who appears? What are they doing? Collaborate to determine length of each segment involving music.No.VideoMusic1:05Loop photos of church and the schools involved (at least 5 minutes before announced “start time”).Prelude may be a popular song or other festive instrumental piece (at least 5 minutes in length).2:03Video clip of graduate giving a welcoming address.3Video clip of Officiant offering a liturgical greeting.This may chanted, according to local custom.4Video clip of musician and songleader leading a hymn of praise.Instrumentalist & songleader will support singing along at home.5Video clip of Officiant leading the Collect of the Day.This may chanted, according to local custom.6Video clip of the Reader proclaiming the Scripture Reading.6aOPTIONAL COMPONENT:Video clip of musician and songleader leading a hymn of praise.OPTIONAL COMPONENT:Instrumentalist & songleader will support singing along at home.7:03Video clip of the homilist, reflecting on The Word.8OPTIONAL COMPONENT:Slide show using photographs and video clips submitted, accompanied by music.OPTIONAL COMPONENT:Song or instrumental music to accompany a Slide Show8a:00:15 eachOPTIONAL COMPONENT:Video clips (compiled) of community organizations, church and civic leaders.9:03Video clip of Special Guest (keynote speaker)10> Video clip of officiant introducing the Procession of the Graduates.> Slide show using Graduate’s Portraits (photographs) accompanied by music, fostering the sense of procession. (In normal times, this would be the distribution of diplomas.)> Video clip of officiant’s words, after the slide show.> An element of surprise; in lieu of the customary applause. (Brainstorm with the officiant.)> Video clip of officiant saying a prayer for the graduates.> A section of Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance may accompany the slide show of student graduation photos. 10a:00:15 eachOPTIONAL COMPONENT:Video clips (compiled) of high school principals’ offering congratulations.11> Video clip of a performance or someone performing OR> Video clip of musician and songleader leading a hymn of praise.> Instrumentalist & songleader will support singing along at home.12> Video clip of a [parent and] graduate leading the Prayers.> Video clip of the officiant introducing The Lord’s Prayer.> These may chanted, according to local custom.> This may chanted, according to local custom.13Video clip of the officiant giving Words of Thanks.14Video clip of a Graduate’s Closing Word.15Video clip of Officiant saying the Blessing.This may chanted, according to local custom.16Video clip of musician and songleader leading a hymn of praise.Instrumentalist & songleader will support singing along at home.17Video clip of Officiant saying the Commissioning.This may chanted, according to local custom.18Credits may be listed. Consider looping photos of the church. Include church contact at the end (name, address, phone, website, social media, etc.).This video should conclude once the music is completed.A festive Postlude or song accompanies the rolling of the credits.Sources for the Planner for your general information, evaluation, and selection as you see fit:Better Make Room (celebrating post-high school education) (media safety) Gala Choruses (Putting together a Virtual Chorus) The Hymnal 1982, Accompaniment Edition, Volume 1: Service Music (NY: The Church Hymnal Corporation, 1985)NYC Department of Education (regulations and guidelines for filming, media, and media safety) and Sunday, Major Feasts, and Life Passages Under Quarantine, Lifelong Learning seminar with The Rev. James W. Farwell, Ph.D. and Lisa Kimbell, Ph.D., Virginia Theological Seminary. April 20, 2020. “Trumpet Teacher forms Virtual Brass Ensemble” by Pam Kregan, The San Diego Union-Tribune, March 25, 2020 Victoria State Government: Education and Training (media safety) We Sing of God: A Hymnal for Children - Teacher’s Guide, edited by Robert N. Roth and Nancy L. Roth (NY: The Church Hymnal Corporation, 1989). [Using selections from The Hymnal 1982.] All links contained in this document are for informational purposes only.The service is based on a traditional NYC graduation model as recalled and developed by this writer for a middle school which had its first commencement in 2012._________________________________________________________________________________This Virtual Commencement Planner is created by Robert Zappulla; adapted and created from the sources listed above and from original material. Permission to adapt and amend is given to all. April 25, 2020 ................
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