This Sunday will be the last one in our sanctuary as we have come to know it. Our congregation voted at the end of September to go forward with a renovation of our worship space, and we will begin right away to remove the pews, dismantle the walls and put up scaffolding for the rebuilding process. We do not want to go forward with this project before honoring the past of this building and the hands which have built it and served in it in the last 62 years of its history. So instead of preaching this Sunday, we offer praise to God and remembrance of the ministry of the past and prayers for the future we dream for this worship space. Below is the prayer and praise we offer:
REMEMBRANCE AND THANKSGIVING FOR THE BLESSINGS OF OUR SANCTUARY: October 17,2010
In preparation for the renovation of the space in which we worship, which begins this week, we praise and thank God for all the blessings associated with this space over the past 62 years.
Pastor and Cross-bearer step to front of chancel:
A reading from Psalms:
“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,
Where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts,
My King and my God.
Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. (Ps 84: 1-4)
Pastor and Cross-bearer walk to entry of church.
Pastor invites all who have served as ushers and greeters in the past to rise.
A reading from Matthew:
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me…whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” (Matt 10:40-42)
Let us pray:
Blessed are you, O Lord, our God, king of the universe. You have invited us to your house through the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. We praise you for your welcome of all who have come seeking your peace. We praise you for the service of ushers and greeters who have welcomed your people in your name. May the blessings of welcome and hospitality continue into the new life of this sanctuary as it has been in the past, always to the honor and service of all your people in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pastor and Cross-bearer walk to the organ and piano.
Pastor invites all who have served as musicians and singers in the past to rise.
A reading from Psalms:
“Make a joyful noise to the LORD all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD.” (Ps 98:4-6)
Let us pray:
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe. You have made the whole earth after your glory; all your creatures praise you. We lift our voices to join the sound and song of heaven and earth, of things seen and unseen to praise your name. Be with us now as we remember the gifts of music and song which have been raised to your glory in this place. By your Holy Spirit, grant us grace to continue the proclamation of your Word in song and story in this building, to the glory of your name, and to the good of all your people; through Jesus Christ, your son, our Lord. Amen.
Pastor and Cross-bearer move to Baptismal Font.
Pastor invites all who have been baptized in the font to rise.
A reading from Matthew:
“Jesus came to them and said: ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” (Matt 28: 18-20)
Let us pray:
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe. In the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and you created heaven and earth. You made water for us a sign of rebirth, and by it we share in the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. In joyful obedience to his command, we have made disciples of all who came to us. We praise you for your faithfulness to all who have entered the waters of baptism in this place and who have risen finally to live with you forever. We pray that you would continue to pour out your Holy Spirit in this place, so that new life may be given to all those who will be baptized as our ministry continues to the glory of your name, and to the good of all your people, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
The pastor and the Cross-bearer move to the Lectern.
The pastor invites all who have served as lectors or preachers to rise.
A reading from Psalms:
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!…Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Ps 119: 103,105)
Let us pray:
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe. You have revealed your love for your creation in your Word, our Lord Jesus Christ. Inspired by him, we seek to hold fast to the truth and to know your purposes. You have purified the lips of those who have spoken here, and granted us grace to hear your love in all that was proclaimed from this place. Grant us the continued blessing of your pure Word to lead us forward in the future as you have lead us in the past through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.
The pastor and the Cross-bearer move to the altar.
The pastor invites all who have served as altar stewards and communion assistants to rise.
A reading from John:
“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day, you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” (John 14: 18-20)
Let us pray:
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe. You nourish your people with the heavenly bread in Jesus Christ. You have blessed and sanctified all who have received his body and blood at this altar, and given them grace to live in faith and love throughout their lives, until at last we all behold you face to face at the heavenly altar where your saints and angels praise you forever and ever. We praise you for the hands of all who have served you and their community through preparation and offering of Holy Communion, and pray that you would continue to shower us with your love and mercy as we venture forth in hope. To you, O God, be given praise and honor and worship through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Pastor and Cross-bearer walk to the midst of the people:
Let us pray:
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe. The heavens and the earth cannot contain you, yet you are willing to make your home in human hearts. We are the temple of your presence, and this building is the house of your Church. We praise you for your mighty work among us in the past, and beseech you to continue to bless the ministry you have imagined for us in this place. As we remember the saints who have gone before us and their work of their hands which created this building, we pray that you would inspire us with the same Spirit to raise in this space an offering of praise worthy of your majesty and love. And now, O God visit us with your mercy and blessing as we undertake the renovation of this sanctuary to your glory and honor and to the service of all people in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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