Celebrating Seventy Years of Women’s Ordination

In 1956, the General Conference of The Methodist Church granted women full clergy rights — a historic recognition of the Holy Spirit's call to women to preach, teach, lead, and serve. As we mark the seventieth anniversary of that milestone, The United Methodist Church celebrates the courage of those who came before and the faithfulness of the many women whose ministries continue to shape and enrich our communities of faith. The resources gathered here are designed to help congregations, annual conferences, and ordination services honor this occasion with intention and joy. They include preaching notes, a liturgical collection of original prayers and responsive readings developed by the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, a curated guide to hymns and music, and an order of worship—all ready to be adapted for your context.

Preaching Notes 

The preaching notes feature reflections on Acts 2 to inspire preaching on Pentecost Sunday or any service marking the seventieth anniversary of women's ordination. Drawing on the imagery of wind, breath, and the outpouring of the Spirit in Acts 2, the preaching notes frame 1956 not as the beginning of women's ministry but as the church's formal recognition of what God had already been doing. 

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Liturgical Resource in Celebration of Seventy Years of Women's Ordination

A liturgical collection curated by the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women features original texts contributed by clergywomen and church leaders from around the globe, in multiple languages, including Korean, Norwegian, German, French, and Tagalog, as well as English. The resource includes opening prayers, calls to worship, an affirmation of faith, prayers of the people, offertory prayers, prayers of confession with assurance of pardon, Great Thanksgivings, benedictions, and special litanies for use in commissioning and ordination services.

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Hymn Suggestions 

This guide to music for worship is organized around three themes: hymns drawn from The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing that speak to the Spirit's call and the perseverance of ministry; hymns written by women throughout church history; and contemporary songs that celebrate inclusion and equality in leadership. Each hymn suggestion includes a brief note about why it fits the occasion, making it easy for worship planners and music directors to build a service that sings.

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Sample Order of Worship

This complete order of worship is designed specifically to celebrate this anniversary, from the gathering music and processional to the benediction. It includes rubrics, ritual options, suggestions for honoring clergywomen present, and guidance for weaving the seventieth- anniversary theme throughout the service. Calls to worship, prayers, and scripture are all integrated and ready to use or adapt.

Download Sample Order of Worship