A SERVICE FOR ORGANIZING A NEW CONGREGATION

This service may also be used when creating a new congregation as a result of a merger of previous congregations.

GATHERING

The people and the district superintendent or pastor convening them assemble at the appointed place.

GREETING AND DECLARATION OF PURPOSE

Dear friends, the Scriptures teach us

that the Church is the household of God,

the body of which Christ is the head,

and that it is the design of the gospel to bring together in one

all who are in Christ.

We have come together to form a new congregation

of The United Methodist Church,

which is a part of Christ's holy Church.

Let us dedicate ourselves to this purpose.

HYMN OF PRAISE * Suggested from UMH:

57 –152 The Glory of the Triune God 559 Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation

948 Hymns listed under Opening 660 God Is Here

Hymns

934 Hymns listed under Adoration and Praise 529 How Firm a Foundation

577 God of Grace and God of Glory 545 The Church's One Foundation

OPENING PRAYER*

Lord God, preserve your Church.

Let your Word be heard and your Sacraments lived out among this people,

so that they may live in harmony with you and one another,

be confirmed in steadfast faith,

and be your brave witnesses and workers in the world. Amen.

SCRIPTURE Suggested lessons:

Isaiah 2:1 –4 Let us go up to the mountain of the Lord.

Jeremiah 31:31 –34 God will make a new covenant.

Jeremiah 32:36 –41 They shall be my people, and I their God.

PSALM 100 * (UMH 821, 74, 75)

SCRIPTURE Suggested lessons:

1 Corinthians 3:10 –17 You are God's temple.

1 Peter 2:4 –10 You are a royal priesthood.

2 Peter 1:3 –10 Be eager to confirm your call.

Revelation 21:9 –27 The new Jerusalem

HYMN * Suggested from UMH:

Hymns listed above and under Dedication of a Building 563 Father, We Thank You

590 Christ Loves the Church 558 I Am the Church

632 Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether 540 I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord

GOSPEL * Suggested lessons:

Matthew 16:13 –18 On this rock I will build my Church.

Matthew 20:20 –28 Whoever wishes to be first among you

SERMON

ORGANIZATION OF THE CONGREGATION

The leader gives opportunity for any to present themselves for membership by certificate of transfer or on profession of faith, receives them according to one of the services of the Baptismal Covenant, completes the organization of the congregation as prescribed in The Book of Discipline, and then says:

By what name shall this church be known?

The pastor or designated lay official answers:

It shall be called the Name United Methodist Church.

The leader then says:

In accordance with the laws and Discipline

of The United Methodist Church,

I hereby declare that Name United Methodist Church

is duly constituted and organized for the glory of God,

the proclamation of the gospel, and the service of humanity.

PRAYER *

Concerns and prayers, a pastoral prayer, or the following:

Almighty God,

upon your Son Jesus Christ you built your Church.

Bless this your congregation.

Watch over its beginning,

increase its ministry and mission,

and sustain it to the end,

through Jesus Christ our foundation. Amen.

OFFERING

Holy Communion may be celebrated, using A Service of Word and Table II (UMH), III (UMH), or IV (UMH). One of the musical settings (UMH ) may be used for the Great Thanksgiving. See hymn suggestions.

If Holy Communion is not celebrated, the service may conclude as follows:

THE LORD'S PRAYER *

HYMN *See suggestions

DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING *

GOING FORTH *

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Copyright: “A Service for Organizing a New Congregation” Copyright © 1964, 1965 by Board of Publication of The Methodist Church, Inc.; © 1984 by Abingdon Press; Copyright © 1992 UMPH; renewal © 1992 UMPH.