Rededication Service 3 00 Prayers 10 1 2000
Opening Prayer
Eternal God, as we open the doors of this house of worship and service, we open our hearts to you. Go with us as we cross this threshold, that this house may be always filled with your presence. May these doors ever be open to all persons regardless of race, color, creed, or station in life. May they be wide enough to welcome all who need your comfort and care. And may they also be the way through which your people go into the world to minister in your name. We pray in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ the Lord who taught his disciples to pray, saying, “Our Father…”
Dedication of Church Home
Introduction and Prayer
Our help is in the name of God, who made heaven and earth. Unless God builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Psalm 124:8; 127:1
Let us pray.
With great joy we come before you, O God. We praise you for your marvelous works among your people, but especially we praise you for this new place of worship and service to spread your mission. Thank you God for affirming the vision and work of your people to be a part of your revealing plan. Forgive us for any narrowness of pride that looks only upon our achievement. Once we were indeed not a people, but in Christ, we are now your people. Give us that spirit wherein we shall with full willingness of mind and heart dedicate this church home to your glory and to the service of all people. Amen.
The acts of dedication are in two parts. The first part will be led by persons who served on church staff in the past. The second part will be led by current church officers, leaders, and staff followed by a closing prayer by Dr. Russell.
Acknowledgments
Appreciations and Thanks
All the participants, the planners of the reception and everyone who helped with this rededication weekend. I have been very blessed.
Sidewalk Reception
Offertory
The Psalmist said, “Ascribe to God glory! Bring an offering, and come into God’s courts.”
Offertory Prayer
Living God, take our lives and consecrate them as sanctuaries, that they may become houses of prayer and fit dwelling places for your Spirit. May that same Spirit become through us a light to be carried to those lost and a constant beacon on the corner of Waverly Place and Sacramento Street to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord. Amen.
Benediction
I now declare this church home to be set apart and consecrated to the worship and service of God to whom be glory and majesty, dominion and power, now and forever. Amen.
Go forth from this holy place into the world, in the crowds on Grant Avenue, in the quiet neighborhoods of Sunset and Richmond districts, in the tenderloin, out in the remote suburbs, in your workplaces, there to minister in the name of Jesus Christ. Return to this holy place to receive the Bread for life and to give glory to God.
As you, O God, have blessed our coming in, now bless our going out; and grant that when we leave your house we may not leave your presence, but be ever near us and keep us near to you. Amen.