Service of Dedication
For the RPC Ministry House at 314 W. Union Street
Sunday, September 20, 2009
9:30 a.m.
The Gathering
Call to Celebration
Dr. Stanley Gale
Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds
among the peoples! Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
(1 Chronicles 16:8-10)
Opening Prayer
Mr. Shawn Carafa
Doxology
Historical Prologue
Mr. Robert Carlson
Expression of Thanks
Prayer of Thanks
Mr. Jeremy Verrillo
“Now Thank We All Our God”
Hymn 98
Dedication
Litany of Dedication
Glenn Seeger
“Christ is Made the Sure Foundation”
Hymn 342
Bringing of Offerings
Call to Give
And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved
him, and brought the Lord’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting,
and for all its service, and for the holy garments. So they came, both men and women.
All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and
armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to
the Lord. (Exodus 35:21-22)
Ministry of Giving (the entire offering goes to reduce the debt for the Ministry
House)
Closing
“Let Your Kingdom Come”
Closing Prayer (adaptation of 1 Chronicles 29:14-18)
Dr. Stanley Gale
Our God and Father, who am I, and what is this people, that we should be able thus
to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given
you. We are sojourners in this world. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and
there is no abiding. O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided
for renovation of this house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all
your own. I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness.
In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I
have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you.
O Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,keep forever
such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts
toward you, that you may receive all glory and honor, through Christ our Lord I
pray. Amen.
All are welcome to enjoy light refreshments in the fellowship gathering
at the Ministry House following the dedication service.
Prayer of Thanks
O Lord our God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—who is all wise, all good, all powerful,
full of mercy, grace and love, who dwells in light unapproachable yet also with
those who are humble in heart, we give thanks to You for Your grace and wisdom from
conception of the idea of a ministry house to its completion. We acknowledge Your
mighty hand. As you led Your people of old through the wilderness, so You led us
at Your pace, in Your way, to bring us to this day when we can proclaim our thanks
for all you have done. We thank You…
- for Your initiative in laying the vision for this facility on the hearts of leaders
& people
- for Your guidance through the winding turns described in the historical prologue
- for Your provision through the sacrificial and liberal giving of Your people
- for the workers and the workmanship, both paid and volunteer
- for those You raised up to oversee and advance the project
- for Your supply of the favor of the local municipal authorities
- for the assurance of Your wisdom and care in the continuing needs we will face
Our Father in heaven, we thank You for Jesus whom You gave to be the Vine of Life.
We thank You for engrafting us by Your Spirit into Him for our life and for the
privilege of knowing Him and serving Him where You have raised us up as Your church.
We thank You for the plans You have for us. We express these thanks in the name
above all names, Christ our Lord. Amen.
Litany of Dedication
To You, God and Father of Jesus Christ, our Lord:
We dedicate this house.
To You, eternal Son of God, Redeemer of Your people and Head of Your church:
We dedicate this house.
To You, Spirit of God, lord and giver of life, our teacher, sanctifier and comforter:
We dedicate this house.
For the exaltation of Your Name;
For the edification and equipping of Your saints;
For the evangelization of the lost;
We dedicate this house.
For the ministry of the Word that will challenge hearts and change lives;
For the ministry of prayer through which you will accomplish great and small;
For the fellowship of Your people in truth and love:
We dedicate this house.
For the diffusion of sacred knowledge;
For the promotion of righteousness;
For the extension of the kingdom of our God and His Christ:
We dedicate this house.
For comfort to those who mourn;
For strength to those who are tempted;
For assurance to those of little faith:
We dedicate this house.
For the sanctifying of the family;
For the nurture of the young;
For the perfection of believers:
We dedicate this house.
In pursuit of the vision You have given us,
To grow deeply and richly rooted in Jesus Christ as the Vine of life,
To grow broader, filling the region with the life of Christ:
We dedicate this house.