Dedication Celebration
May 7, 2000

O give thanks to the LORD for he is good;
for His steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 136

Prelude

Call to Worship Surely the Presence (Senior Choir)

Opening Song #718 (WOV) Gather Us In

Greeting and Welcome

Responsive Reading from the Psalms
L Bless the LORD, O my soul,
C And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
L Bless the LORD, O my soul,
C And do not forget all His benefits
L Who forgives all your iniquity, and heals all your diseases,
C Who redeems your life from the Pit, and crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
L Who satisfies you with good as long as you live
C So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
L O give thanks for the LORD, for He is good,
C For His steadfast love endures forever.
L Unless the LORD builds the house,
C Those who build it labor in vain.
L Unless the LORD guards the city,
C the guard keeps watch in vain.
L Praise the LORD, all you nations!
C Extol him, all you peoples!
L For great is his steadfast love toward us,
C And the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
L O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
C For his steadfast love endures forever.
L Hallelujah!
C Praise the LORD!

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: We have come together today to dedicate this building to the glory of god and for the praise of His name. Let us then offer up this space, as well as ourselves, so that all people can be invited and welcome to come together as God's family to Worship the Lord, to Grow in Faith, to Care for Others, and to Share the good News of Jesus Christ.
May the Father use this place to continue pouring out His grace upon us and empowering us for his service. May the saving news of Jesus be boldly proclaimed and freely shared here through Word and Sacrament. May the Holy Spirit's presence and power be received and experienced by all who enter these doors. And may God make this a place where his forgiveness, hope, and healing are given to us, to this community, and to all the world.

Let us pray...

Direct us, O Lord, in all that we are and do. Prosper the ministry of this congregation with Your continual help and grace. Let all that is thought, said, and done here begin, continue and end in you, for the glory and honor of your holy name. We ask for these things in boldness and confidence, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Junior and Primary Choirs

Scripture Reading

Song The Church

Remarks Bishop John Beem

Dedication of Baptismal Font

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe. In the beginning Your Spirit moved over the waters and You created heaven and earth. You have made water for us a sign of rebirth, and by it we share in the death and resurrection of Your son, Jesus Christ. In joyful obedience to His command, we make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that You have commanded.

Pour out Your Holy Spirit, so that new life may be given to all those who are baptized at this font which we dedicate today. We pray that it might be used to bring Your salvation to infants, children, youth and adults. May there be no barriers here of gender, race, or social class. Let it be open to all who come in repentance and faith.

To You, O God, be given praise and honor and worship through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. AMEN.

Song #369 (LBW), The Church's One Foundation

Remarks

Dedication of Pulpit

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe. You have revealed Your love for Your creation in Your Word, our Lord Jesus Christ. Inspired by him, we seek to hold fast to the truth and to know Your purposes. Purify the lips of those who preach in this place. Let this pulpit which we dedicate today be a sign and symbol that you still speak to us. Grant us grace to hear Your word and to receive and live it gladly, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.

Song Shout to the Lord

Remarks

Dedication of Altar

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe. You nourish Your people with the bread of life that has come down from heaven, Jesus Christ our Lord. Bless and sanctify all who receive His body and blood at this table, and give them grace to live in faith and love throughout their lives. May this altar, which we dedicate today, be to all a visible reminder of Your presence among us. And may all who come here to pray and worship be touched by Your love and mercy, until at last we all behold You face to face at the heavenly altar where Your saints and angels praise You forever. AMEN

Senior Choir Praise Him 

A Time for Thanks

Song As you Go On Your Way by John Ylvisaker

Dedication Prayer

C: Lord God, we thank and praise You for Your goodness and mercy to us and to all creation. Though the heavens and the earth cannot contain You, yet You are willing to make Your home in human hearts. We want to be the temple of Your presence and for this building to serve the mission of Your Church. And so we ask You to fill us with your love, to let your name dwell in this place, and to multiply the ministry which takes place here. And so we dedicate this building and all that is within and around it as a tool for Your Kingdom, and we offer up ourselves as willing servants of Your love and grace. To You be all the honor and glory and praise for all time and eternity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

P: Lord, remember us in Your Kingdom, and teach us to pray .... (please join hands)

C: Our Father in heaven, hallowed by 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 forever. AMEN.