A SERVICE FOR THE CONSECRATION OF AN EDUCATIONAL BUILDING

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This service of worship may be used for the opening and consecration of an educational or education-administration building of a local church or church-related school. For an order to be used for celebrating the payment of the indebtedness on such a building, see UMBOW 642-45.

GATHERING

GREETING

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever,

to whom belong wisdom and might.

God gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to those who have understanding.

HYMN OF PRAISE * Suggested from UMH:

87 What Gift Can We Bring?

938 Hymns listed under Education

DECLARATION OF PURPOSE

Dear friends, this building,

which by the favor of God and human labor has been so far completed,

embodies the obligation of each generation

to impart its treasures of wisdom and knowledge

to the generation following.

For the fulfillment of this task we need

not only the best that we can do

but above all the blessing of almighty God.

Let us, therefore, bring praise for God's aid in this undertaking,

giving thanks for those who, by their gifts of their service,

shall unite in fulfilling the purpose

for which this building is prepared.

ANTHEM, HYMN, OR OTHER ACT OF PRAISE

SCRIPTURE Suggested lessons:

Proverbs 3:13-18 Happy are those who find wisdom.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 The new covenant

PSALM 119:1-8, 33-40 * (UMH 840)

SCRIPTURE Suggested lessons:

Philippians 2:1-11 Let the mind of Christ Jesus be in you.

1 Timothy 4:6-16 These are the things you must teach.

HYMN OR SONG * See suggestions in UMH under Education (938).

GOSPEL * Suggested lessons:

Luke 2:41-52 I must be in my Father's house.

John 14:15-17, 25-26; 16:12-13 The Advocate will teach you.

SERMON

OFFERING

HYMN OR ANTHEM

PRESENTATION OF THE BUILDING

Members of the Board of Trustees or of another appropriate committee stand before the congregation, and an appointed member says:

We present this building to be consecrated to the glory of almighty God

and for service in the preparation of God's people for discipleship.

If the building is to be a memorial, the phrase is added:

in loving memory (honor) of Name .

ACT OF CONSECRATION

Dear friends, it is with joy that we gather to consecrate this building.

But the consecration of this building is vain

SERVICES RELATING TO CONGREGATIONS AND BUILDINGS 647

without the consecration of those whose gifts it represents.

Let us give ourselves anew to the service of God:

our minds, that they may be renewed after the image of Christ;

our bodies,

that they may be fit temples for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit;

and our labors, that they may be according to God's will,

and that their fruit may glorify God's name

and serve God's eternal purposes.

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 building.

To the spiritual enrichment of all who shall come here seeking knowledge,

we consecrate this building.

To the loyal service of those whose training and devotion

have prepared them to lead students toward the truth,

we consecrate this building.

To that ministry of administration

upon whose ability and faithfulness depends

the wise conduct of our life together and our ministry in the world,

we consecrate this building;

and we consecrate ourselves anew to that service of humanity

in which we perform the true service of God.

CLOSING PRAYER *

Almighty God,

hear us who gather here to consecrate ourselves to your service.

Grant that those who come here,

whether as leaders, staff, teachers, or students,

may come with inquiring minds, honest purpose,

and steadfast endeavor to do your holy will.

We give thanks to you for all your servants,

our parents, teachers, benefactors, and friends,

by whose love and devotion

we have come into our great inheritance of health, truth, and faith.

Help us guard this treasure, be blessed by it, nurture it,

and pass it on to the coming generation, that they may serve you;

in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER *

HYMN * See suggestions on UMBOW 638 and 640.

DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING *

GOING FORTH *

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Copyright: “A Service for the Consecration of an Educational Building,” Copyright © 1965, 1965 Board of Publication of The Methodist Church, Inc.; renewal Copyright © 1971, 1972 by Abingdon Press; Copyright © 1984 by Abingdon Press; Copyright © 1992 UMPH; renewal © 1992 UMPH.