An Order for the Dedication of The Faith We Sing

This order is intended to be used within a service of worship. When used separately, it should follow praise, prayer, Scripture lessons, and sermon. Alternatively, it may be included inThe Faith We Sing Hymn Festival.

If copies of The Faith We Sing have been given in memory of a person or persons who have died or in honor of a person or persons living, insert their names in the bracketed sections below. If the names are more than a few, list them in the bulletin rather than saying them aloud.

Members of the congregation hold copies of The Faith We Sing in their hands as the donor(s) or someone designated to present the hymnals stands before the congregation and says:

We present The Faith We Sing to be consecrated to the glory of almighty God and for service in this church [in loving memory (honor) of Name(s)].

Members of the congregation who are holding the books say:

We accept these hymn books to the glory of God,
and in joyful anticipation of lively worship
and our formation as Christ's disciples.
Along with The United Methodist Hymnal,
we receive this collection of hymns and songs as gifts
from sisters and brothers of all times and places
who share their faith with us
and so remind us of who we are as the church.
With them and all creation,
we will sing with joy and praise God now and forever.

Here all may sing one of the following:

• "Our Faith We Sing," available online
• The Faith We Sing, 2221, "In Unity We Lift Our Song"
• The Faith We Sing, 2220, "We Are God's People"

Then the pastor may declare in these or similar words:

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 these hymn books to the glory of God
[and in memory (honor) of God's servant, (Name). The memory of the righteous is ever blessed].

Other phrases may be added as appropriate. The pastor continues:

Let us pray.

Most loving God, without you no words or works of ours have meaning.
Accept these songbooks as symbols of our devotion.
Grant us your blessing, as we consecrate them to your glory,
that using them we may be strengthened in your service
and rejoice evermore in the power of the Holy Spirit,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.* Amen.

* Immediately following the prayer, instead of a spoken "Amen," the music leader may lead the congregation in 2067 in The Faith We Sing — "Amen, We Praise Your Name, O God." Or the congregation might sing a hymn. Some suggested hymns from The Faith We Sing:

• 2020, "Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet"
• 2010, "Praise Ye the Lord"
• 2045, "Sing a New Song to the Lord"
• 2144, "Someone Asked the Question"
• "Our Faith We Sing"— if it was not sung earlier.

This order was prepared by staff of the Center for Worship Resourcing of Discipleship Ministries. Copyright © 2001 by Discipleship Ministries. Churches may use or adapt this piece for worship and educational purposes as long as they print the following credit line with the order of service:"An Order of Dedication of The Faith We Sing" copyright © 2001 Discipleship Ministries. Adapted from "An Order for the Dedication of Church Furnishings and Memorials" alt renewal © 1971, 1972 by Abingdon Press. Adapted by permission."