WORSHIP RESOURCES
Free faith resources - to end homelessness. In faith communities across the country worshipping communities often select times to renew their commitment to end homelessness. We can help. Free liturgical resources are available - prayers, litanies, statements of faith.
We know these worship resources are used in many different kinds of religous settings and traditions. So we have tried to provide some variety. But, our variety is not perfect. So feel free to adapt these resources as you need. Even better, send us suggestions for better resources that serve the needs of all religious traditions. mark@ichchicago.org.
Some of you will want to create an entire service. Others will use only a prayer or an affirmation. Still others will use a piece for their own silent meditation. Use these resources as you see fit.
Copyright privileges. You are free to use these resources, copy them and distribute them as you like. All we ask is that you give us some kind of recognition. For example: These resources are from the Chicago Interfaith Council for the Homeless. If the piece itself is attributed to an author please give her or him recognition too.
Faith Preparation Ideas
- Decorate your church to reinforce the theme. Fill the church with pictures and symbols of housing, homelessness and facts about homelessness.
- Highlight any homeless ministry your community supports. Ask one of their volunteers/staff to be present to answer questions or participate in the worship service.
- Ask homeless people, formerly homeless people to participate in the planning and leadership of the service. Their words and ideas can add insight and integrity to the worship.
- Select hymns from your faith tradition that speak to homelessness, community, caring for the weak and the poor.
- Think of stories from your tradition's holy book that speak to homelessness an care for the weak and the poor.
- Make certain you are well informed about homlessness. Speak the truth, do not repeat stereotypes. -Find out the real reasons why people are homeless. Find out who really is homeless.
http://www.chicagohomeless.org - Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
http://www.nationalhomeless.org - National Coalition for the Homeless.
This is just the beginning. We are working on adding resources from other faith traditions. If you have some suggestions send them to us. mark@ichchicago.org
Homeless Services Directory for Chicago Faith Communities
Baha'i Resources
Abandoning Prejudice
Equity and Justice
Morality and Spiritual Growth
Poverty and Wealth
Prayer for Humanity
Prayer of Assistance
Prayer of Comfort
Prayer of Compassion
Buddhist Resources
Justice Prayers
Prayers
Prayers of Compassion
Christian Resources
Affirmations of Faith
Common Prayer
Jesus in the City
Litany for Homeless People
Litany of Celebration
Litany to Serve
Liturgy For Celebrating the Eucharist
Offering Ideas
Poetic Meditations
Prayer for Homeless People
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Prayers
Prayers (cont.)
Prayers of Confession
Prayers of Invocation
Prayers of Petition
Speaker Tips Clues
The 23rd Psalm - Street Version
Hindu Resources
Prayers of Compassion
Jewish Resources
Prayers for Strength & Courage
Prayers of Comfort
Muslim Resources
Justice-Mercy
Prayers of Comfort
Prayer to Serve
Sermon Ideas
Statement of Faith
Homeless
Sunday
National
Alliance to End Homelessness
National
Coalition for the Homeless
Asset
Based Community Development Religious Network
Christian
Community Development Association
HUD
Center for Community and Interfaith Partnerships
National
Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty
National
Low Income Housing Coalition
National
Center on Family Homelessness
Illinois
Department of Human Services
City
of Chicago Homeless Services
Faith
Based Educational Tool Kit
On-Line
Streaming Videos about Homelessness
National
Health Care for the Homeless
Top
Ten Homeless Books
Children's
Books about Homelessness I
Children's
Books about Homelessness II
Children's
Books about Homelessness III
