THE CONSECRATION AND DEDICATION of a PLACE OF WORSHIP

Location: OUTSIDE of building

Welcome | Jon Odom

Opening Words | Bishop Todd Hunter

Bishop Todd: Through the ages, Almighty God has moved his people to build houses of prayer and praise, and to set apart places for the ministry of his holy Word and Sacraments. With gratitude to God for this space, we are now gathered to consecrate and dedicate it in God’s Name. Let us pray.

ALL:

O Eternal God, mighty in power, of majesty incomprehensible, whom the heavens cannot contain, much less the walls of temples made with hands: You have graciously promised your holy presence wherever two or three of your faithful servants gather together in the Name of your Son. Be present with us who now come with humility and gratitude to consecrate this place to the honor of your great Name. We dedicate it to the work of your kingdom, separating it from all profane use: for reading your most holy Word, for celebrating your holy Sacraments, for offering to your glorious majesty the sacrifice of prayer and thanksgiving, for the blessing of your people, and for the mission of your Church. Accept, O Lord, this service at our hands, and fill this place with your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Bishop Todd: Lift up your heads, O you gates, and be lifted up, you ancient doors, and the King of glory shall come in.

ALL:

Who is this King of glory? It is the LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.

The doors are opened by past and present members of the vestry

With the pastoral staff and the oil of exorcism, the Bishop marks the threshold with the sign of the Cross of Christ, saying:

Bishop Todd: Peace be to this house and to all who enter here: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May our Lord Jesus Christ put his seal upon this place and protect it from all evil and darkness, that it may be a beacon of his truth and love. Amen.

THE PROCESSION MOVES INTO THE LOBBY

Enter calmly, squeezing in as best we can. Some may overflow into Kids Check-In Area or remain in entryway/outside as needed

BLESSING OF THE KIDS SPACE

Megan Davis (Kids Director) and Aubrey Jimserson (Kids Serve Team Coordinator) lead liturgy:

Megan: Heavenly Father, your word says that children are a heritage from the Lord and offspring a reward from him. We thank you for the precious gift of the children of our church. Grant that they may learn to love the Lord their God with all their heart and soul and mind and strength, and that they may learn to love their neighbors as themselves.

Aubrey: Enable us to nurture and encourage our children as part of our church, that by our teaching and example, they may be guided to accept God’s grace for themselves, to profess their faith openly, and to become followers of Jesus.

Bishop Todd: Jesus said: “Let the little children come to me.

ALL: “For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Bishop Todd: We dedicate all of the children’s classrooms and all the ministry that will take place in them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

BLESSING OF THE STUDENT SPACE

Ribbin Dorado (Student Director) and Abby Vu (Student Ministry Coordinator) lead liturgy:

Ribbin: Gracious Father, your word says: “How may a young person keep their way pure? By living it according to your word.” We thank you for the gift of the middle and high school students of our church. Grant that they may hide your Word in their heart that they might not sin against God.

Abby: Empower them to live boldly as ambassadors of Jesus Christ as part of our church family. And fulfill the words of the prophet that our sons and daughters will prophesy, and our young ones will see visions.

Bishop Todd: “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young.

All: But set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in faith, in love, and in purity.

Bishop Todd: We dedicate the gathering and worship areas of Cornerstone Students and all the ministry that takes place in them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bishop: Once again we say: Lift up your heads, O you gates, and be lifted up, you ancient doors, and the King of glory shall come in.

ALL: Who is this King of glory? It is the LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.

Sanctuary doors are opened and all process in, Bishop Todd leading the way. Phones not required from this point forward in the service.