A SERVICE FOR THE BLESSING OF A HOME

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GATHERING Family and friends gather inside or outside the home.

GREETING The leader addresses the family and friends:

Jesus said: "Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking;
if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in."

Dear friends,
we have gathered together to seek God's blessing upon this home,
which by the favor of God and human labor has been made ready.
This home is not only a dwelling
but a symbol to us of God's loving care
and of our life together as the family of Christ.
Let us therefore bring praise and thanksgiving
for goodness and mercy and for our communion,
offering ourselves as God's servants
and as loving sisters and brothers to one another.

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God,
grant to this home the grace of your presence,
that you may be known to inhabit this dwelling
and defend this household;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit
lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

SCRIPTURE Suggested lessons:

Joshua 24:14 –15	As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
1 John 4:11 –21	Those who abide in love abide in God.
Acts 2:43 –47	Day by day... they broke bread at home.
Ephesians 3:14 –21	Every family takes its name from God.
Matthew 6:25 –33	Do not worry about your life.
Matthew 7:24 –27	A house built on rock
John 14:1 –3	In my Father's house are many dwellings.

CONSECRATION OF THE HOME

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
(in the name of the holy and triune God),
we consecrate this home,
committing to God's love and care all (the one) who dwell(s) therein.

Amen.

Let us pray.
Eternal God, bless this home.
Let your love rest upon it and your promised presence be manifested in it.
May the members of this household (Name)
grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Teach them (him, her) to love, as you have loved us;
and help us all to live in the peace of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The service may conclude with the Lord's Prayer and Dismissal with Blessing or as indicated below.

CONSECRATION OF A PARSONAGE

This may be used in place of Consecration of the Home above.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
(in the name of the holy and triune God),
we consecrate this home for the pastors (diaconal ministers )
and their families
of Name United Methodist Church. Amen.

Let us pray.
to assure the domestic comfort of those called of God
and appointed by the Bishop to serve this congregation.
May those who reside here
experience the love and support of this congregation
as very special persons in this family of God.
Help us love each other as you have loved us
and help us all to live in the peace of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The service may conclude with the Lord's Prayer and Dismissal with Blessing or as indicated below.

SYMBOLIC ACTS

At this point symbolic expressions may be appropriate: the presentation of a gift such as a cross, painting, or other gift, or the planting of a tree or shrub. These actions may be accompanied by suitable blessings.

HOLY COMMUNION

It is appropriate to gather the people for a household celebration of Holy Communion, with the pastor presiding, using the dining table as the Lord's table and perhaps bread baked in the oven of the new home. See The Great Thanksgiving and hymn suggestions in UMH.

BLESSING

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Copyright: “A Service for the Blessing of a Home: Copyright © 1984 by Abingdon Press; Copyright © 1992 UMPH. Greeting © 1964, 1965 by Board of Publication of The Methodist Church, Inc.; renewal Copyright © 1992 UMPH.