An Order of Service for the Dedication of Zion Still Sings: For Every Generation

This order is for a service of worship devoted to the dedication of the songbooks in the form of a Festival of Song. The section from "Dedication of the Songbooks" through the "Prayer of Dedication" may be excerpted as an abbreviated liturgy that may be used within a larger, regular order of worship.

Gathering Hymns (from Zion Still Sings: For Every Generation)

• "Glorious," 24
• I Sing Praises to Your Name," 28
• "The Presence of the Lord Is Here," 82
• "Come, Come! Ev'rybody Come," 142

Call to Celebration:

Come let us sing to God; let us make a joyful noise with songs of praise.

We have come to worship God; we will sing praises to the Holy One.

Let us sing of the majesty of God; let us offer our thanks for God's mercy and love.

We have come with joy and thanksgiving; we will sing of the blessings of God.

Let us bless God's holy name; let us raise our voices in praise of God's glory!

We are the people of God — called from every time and place; together, we will sing the songs of Zion for every generation.

Opening Hymns: (from Zion Still Sings: For Every Generation)

• "Shout" Medley, 13-16
• "I Will Celebrate," 20
• "I Will Celebrate" Medley, 20-22
• "In the Sanctuary," 34
• "Celebrator," 38
• "Lord, You Are Welcome," 144

Opening Prayer (in unison):

Eternal God, we praise you for the gift of human life, created, redeemed and sustained by your holy will. You fill our mouths with laughter, even as we weep at the injustices in the land. You set our feet on holy ground when the challenges of life sweep over us like a raging tide. And when in our brokenness, we cry out in despair, you give us songs to sing, songs of your mercy and justice, songs of hope and deliverance, songs that strengthen us for the living of our days. In this time of celebration as we gather as saints of old, we join with the witnesses in every time and place to sing the songs of our hearts, Zion's songs that live with, through, and beyond us by the power of the Holy Spirit for the praise of your glory. Amen.

Prayer Response: (from Zion Still Sings: For Every Generation)

• "Bless the Lord," 9
• "Clap Your Hands," 10
• "Because of Who You Are," 12
• "Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying," 156

Scripture Lessons:

Psalm 47
Psalm 66
Psalm 95
Psalm 98
Isaiah 44:10-12
Colossians 3:12-17
Acts 2:43-47
Revelation 5:11-14
Revelation 7:9-12

Hymn of Preparation: (from Zion Still Sings: For Every Generation)

• "Come On in My Room," 118
• "Just One Word from You," 146
• "Living in the Imagination of God," 151
• "You Are My All in All," 184

Reflection/Homily/Sermon

A Time for Singing
(The congregation may be invited to select songs for singing. An alternative would be to select songs that are representative of some of the sections of the book and — specifically — some of the new songs.)

**Dedication of the Songbooks
(If copies of the songbook have been given in memoriam or in honor of named individuals, the names and the donors should be listed in the bulletin. Depending on the number of names listed, they may be either read aloud or the congregation may be led in a time of silent reading of the names.)

Recognition of Gifts:
(The pastor or officiating clergy says)

"We recognize and celebrate the gift of singing that this songbook, Zion Still Sings: For Every Generation, represents to the church. We recognize and celebrate also the gifts of love that these songbooks represent for the donors who have given them in memoriam or in honor of their loved ones. Let us (in silence) lift the names of these saints past and present (and the names of the donors) as we celebrate the witness of their faith."

Presentation of Songbooks:
(Designated congregational leaders stand before the congregation and present the songbooks with the following words:)

"We present this songbook of the church's songs, Zion Still Sings: For Every Generation, to be consecrated to the glory of God for service in this congregation."

Acceptance of the Songbooks:
(Members of the congregation, with songbooks in hand, make the following response)

"We accept these songbooks of the church's songs, Zion Still Sings: For Every Generation, and we dedicate them to the glory of God for service in this congregation. With gratitude to the givers we anticipate their use, as through our worship we offer joyful praise and seek God's grace for our formation as disciples of Jesus Christ. May we, with the whole people of God in every time and place and from every generation, join in fellowship as the beloved community and sing with joy and thanksgiving the praises of our eternal God now and forever. Amen."

Words of Consecration:
(Said by the pastor or officiating clergy)

"In the name of the triune God, holy and eternal, we consecrate these songbooks to the glory of God and for service in this congregation.
Let us pray:"

Prayer of Dedication: (in unison)

Loving God, by your grace we are formed in our being, we are enlivened in our spirits, and we are directed in our speaking. You fill our minds with words and our hearts with music that together provide a means by which we can offer our praise and give substance to our worship. As we dedicate these songbooks, we also dedicate our lives to you. As these songbooks are consecrated for our use in your church, consecrate us anew for service in your name to the world, through the love of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and to the honor and glory of your holy name. Amen.

Closing Hymn: (from Zion Still Sings: For Every Generation)

• "All My Days," 2
• "He'll Understand and Say 'Well Done,'" 138
• "Guide My Feet," 141

Benediction

Response: (from Zion Still Sings: For Every Generation)

• "Amen Siakudumisa," 56
• "As You Go, Tell the World," 218
• "Honor and Glory," 220

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** This section (ending at the Prayer of Dedication) may be used as a stand-alone piece and inserted into a regular service of worship.

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Gennifer Brooks is Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and was a member of the editorial committee that produced Zion Still Sings: For Every Generation.

Copyright © 2007 Gennifer Brooks. Published by Discipleship Ministries, PO Box 340003, Nashville TN 37203. Telephone 877-899-2780, ext 7070. Website http://www.umcworship.org.

This dedication liturgy may be reproduced and used without cost in services of worship or acts of dedication of Zion Still Sings: For Every Generation with the inclusion of the complete copyright citation on each copy. It may not be used for profit, sold, republished, or placed on a website.