The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) is pleased to introduce a growing collection of new worship resources for use across our global communion. These materials, which will be added to the WCRC website as they become available, are designed to enrich our shared life of prayer and worship. We encourage congregations and members to utilise these resources, which include liturgies, prayers, and musical offerings, as a tangible way to connect with siblings in Christ across continents and cultures during times of worship.
Worship Resources from WCRC Executive Committee Embody “Perplexed, Not Crushed” Theme
The WCRC has released a rich collection of worship resources developed during its Executive Committee meeting in Hanover, Germany, from 4-8 May 2026. The materials, which draw deeply on the meeting’s theme, “Perplexed, but not crushed; led by the Spirit, we persevere in witness,” are now available to member churches and worshipping communities worldwide.
The worship resources follow the five-day journey of the Executive Committee as they gathered for prayer, discernment, and leadership. Each day’s liturgy reflects a distinct movement of faith: from the opening call to persevere amid confusion to the closing commission to stand on holy ground and respond to God’s call. Rooted in scripture and the lived realities of the global communion, the services invite congregations into a shared experience of vulnerability, hope, and faithful witness.
A Liturgical Journey
Developed under the leadership of worship planners Gerardo Oberman, Glenda Martinez, and Jooeun Kim, the resources include five complete worship services.
“Perplexed, Not Crushed” – Centred on John 14:1-8, the service began with a Talanoa moment in grateful memory of Rev. Jione Havea and a meditation by WCRC President Rev. Dr Karen Georgia Thompson on “Knowing the Way.” The liturgy invites participants to bring their burdens, symbolised by stones placed on a path, into the body of Christ.
“At the Well: Perplexed, Yet Not Thirsting Alone” – Inspired by the encounter at the well in John 4, this service reflects on Christ’s offer of living water with a devotion led by Rev. Dane Dea. It includes a ritual of naming thirst, prayers for communities longing for justice, and the song “Agua Fresca” by Gerardo Oberman and Horacio Vivares.
“The Seed That Grows” – Based on Isaiah 55:9-12, this worship service emphasises trust in God’s quiet, patient work. Rev. Adon Naaman offered a devotion titled, A Seed That Is Not Lost.” Participants are invited to hold seeds as a symbol of faith planted in hope, even when the harvest is not yet visible.
“This Is the Time: Remembering, Walking, Witnessing” – Reflecting on Ecclesiastes 3:1-12, this liturgy included a devotion by Kupa Munikwa, who reminded the committee that “there is always a time to listen before leading.” The service also commemorates the witness of those who persevere in hope amid suffering, including a visit to the Bergen-Belsen memorial.
“The Holy Interruption” – Based on Exodus 3:1-12, the closing service invites participants to “remove their sandals” and step into the call of God. It includes an act of response, placing hands on hearts, extending hands in openness, or reaching out to a neighbour, as a sign of readiness to be sent. The closing meditation was led by Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock, general secretary of the WCRC.
A Global and Contextual Voice
The worship resources reflect the diverse voices of the WCRC communion. Hymns and songs are drawn from various traditions, including Talanoa (Tongan), “Ven, Espíritu Santo” (Brazilian), “We Are One in the Spirit” (Peter Scholtes), “Siyahamba” (Zulu), and “El Cielo canta alegría” (Pablo Sosa). They are offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Tongan, Portuguese, and Zulu, embodying the rich tapestry of the Reformed family.
Each service includes prayers of confession, intercessions, and affirmations of faith that engage directly with the pressing realities of our time: war, conflict, climate crisis, injustice, and the misuse of power. The liturgies repeatedly return to the 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 refrain that has become a touchstone for the communion, “perplexed, but not driven to despair,” calling worshippers to trust in the Spirit’s sustaining presence.
These worship materials were first experienced by the Executive Committee as they carried out their work. Now, they are being made available to the wider church to enrich congregational worship, retreats, and gatherings.
For more details and to request the music resources, please contact Gerardo Oberman.
The World Communion of Reformed Churches connects more than 100 million Christians in 108 member churches around the world. Rooted in the Reformed tradition, the WCRC is committed to justice, reconciliation, and unity, and seeks to be a voice of hope in a wounded world.
