A SERVICE FOR THE CONSECRATION OR RECONSECRATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING "On acquisition or completion of any church-owned building, a service of consecration may be held" Book of Discipline 2012, (The ¶ 2545). The following service is based on the ancient tradition that the consecration of a church building is the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of Holy Communion as the first act of worship in the new building. This may also be the service after the renovation or reopening of a church building. If the building or renovation costs have been fully paid, the term dedication may be substituted whenever the term consecration occurs. GATHERING It is appropriate and also an ancient tradition that the congregation and leaders of worship gather at some outside the building and enter in procession for the consecration service. Before the procession the people may read or sing 24 (UMH 755, 212, 213). PROCESSIONAL HYMN * Suggested from UMH: 57 The Glory of the Triune God 731 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken –152 934 Hymns listed under Adoration and 660 God Is Here Praise 577 God of Grace and God of Glory 553 And Are We Yet Alive? 529 How Firm a Foundation 559 Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation 545 The Church's One Foundation 92 For the Beauty of the Earth (especially stanzas 5, 6) 546 The Church's One Foundation 87 What Gift Can We Bring? Certain items that will be used in worship may be carried in the procession, such as a Bible, water for the baptismal font, plate for the communion bread and cup, a cross, paraments for the Lord's table, and other works of art. If a choir or praise team leads the procession, it may assemble in the church and sing as the people enter. PRESENTATION OF THE BUILDING A person or persons designated come(s) forward and say(s) I present this building to be consecrated (reconsecrated/dedicated) (we) for the worship of God and the service of all people. NAMING OF THE BUILDING Bishop, district superintendent, or their representative, hereafter called the officiating minister: By what name shall this house be known? Pastor or designated lay official: It shall be called the United Methodist Church. Name
A SERVICE FOR THE CONSECRATION OR RECONSECRATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING "On acquisition or completion of any church-owned building, a service of consecration may be held" (The Book of Discipline 2012, ¶ 2545). The following service is based on the ancient tradition that the consecration of a church building is the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of Holy Communion as the first act of worship in the new building. This may also be the service after the renovation or reopening of a church building. If the building or renovation costs have been fully paid, the term dedication may be substituted whenever the term consecration occurs. GATHERING It is appropriate and also an ancient tradition that the congregation and leaders of worship gather at some outside the building and enter in procession for the consecration service. Before the procession the people may read or sing 24 (UMH 755, 212, 213). PROCESSIONAL HYMN * Suggested from UMH: 57 –152 The Glory of the Triune God 731 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken 934 Hymns listed under Adoration and 660 God Is Here Praise 577 God of Grace and God of Glory 553 And Are We Yet Alive? 529 How Firm a Foundation 559 Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation 545 The Church's One Foundation 92 For the Beauty of the Earth (especially stanzas 5, 6) 546 The Church's One Foundation 87 What Gift Can We Bring? Certain items that will be used in worship may be carried in the procession, such as a Bible, water for the baptismal font, plate for the communion bread and cup, a cross, paraments for the Lord's table, and other works of art. If a choir or praise team leads the procession, it may assemble in the church and sing as the people enter. PRESENTATION OF THE BUILDING A person or persons designated come(s) forward and say(s) I (we) present this building to be consecrated (reconsecrated/dedicated) for the worship of God and the service of all people. NAMING OF THE BUILDING Bishop, district superintendent, or their representative, hereafter called the officiating minister: By what name shall this house be known? Pastor or designated lay official: It shall be called the Name United Methodist Church.
CK_CONSECRATION_OR_RECONSECRATION_OF_A_CHURCH_BUILDING_637-642_COMPLETE.docx