Consecration 1999
Jan. 24, 1999
2 p.m.
Welcome to "The Place WIth Open Arms."
Please note that chairs with arms are provided as priority seating
for any who feel they need them. This bulletin is also provided in
amplified form for the hearing impaired, and large print hymnals are
available at the usher's table. Optional care for children 5 and younger
is provided, if desired. Please stand as you are able at these (*)
places.
PRELUDE: "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus"
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: "God of the Ages" #698, Brass Fanfare (Dave Barnes and Nick Priddy)
*GREETING AND PURPOSE: District Superintendent Deborah Fisher
MUSICAL CELEBRATION: "Fanfare and Alleluia" (Chime Choir and Dottie Priddy)
WELCOME AND RECOGNITION OF GUESTS: Pastor, Rev. Cheryl Esbrook
PRESENTATION OF THE BUILDING: Rev. Esbrook
NAMING OF THE BUILDING: Bishop Joseph Sprague, Lay Leader Dave Barnes
CONSECRATION OF THE BUILDING
SONG OF BUILDING BLESSING: "Bless This House" by Soloist Beth Hawkins
THE CHILDREN REJOICE: Cherub Choir and Barb Powell, "The Wise Man and the Foolish Man," "He's Still Working On Me," and "Behold"
CONSECRATION OF THE PULPIT: Sprague, Fisher, Esbrook, Lay Speaker Dottie Priddy (All ordained ministers and spouses who have served this church, plus laity ordained from this church, and all Certified Lay Speakers are invited to stand during this part.)
Sung Response: #601 Refrain Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105)
CONSECRATION OF THE BAPTISMAL FONT: Sprague, Fisher, Esbrook, Confirmands (During this part, we invite you to stand if you or your young children were baptized in 1998 or 1999. Present Confirmation Class includes Sarah Monroe, Allison Kezerle, and Allison Novak.)
*FONT HYMN: "I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry" by Ylvisaker
Choir sings first verse:
I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold. I was there when you were but a child, with a faith not yet full-grown. I was with you when you strayed away to try life on your own.
Please join in:
When I heard the wonder of the Word, I was there to cheer you on; You were called to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong. When you find someone to share your life and you join your hearts as one, I'll be with you in your joys and strife from dusk 'til rising sun.
In the middle ages of your life not too old, no longer young, I'll be there to guide you thru the night, complete what I've begun. When the ev'ning gently closes in and you shut your weary eyes, I'll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise. I'll be there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.**
LESSON FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURE: Rev. Esbrook, Genesis 28:10-22, Pew Bible OT p. 24
L: The word of God for the people of God
P: Thanks be to God.
Sung Response: "Surely the Presence of the Lord Is in This Place" #328
*GOSPEL LESSON: Rev. Fisher, Matthew 16:13-18, Pew Bible NT p. 16
L: This is the Good News of Jesus Christ.
P: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE: Bishop Sprague
ANTHEM OF INVITATION AND COMMITMENT: Choir and Bob Coen, Accompanist Charlotte Musser, "Without His Cross"
CONSECRATION OF THE LORD'S TABLE: (All those who are members and attenders of Channahon UMC are invited to stand during this part. Our last official communion as a congregation was in the Skating Rink during our exodus.)
Sung Response: "Be Present at Our Table, Lord" #621
INVITATION, CONFESSION, PARDON, AND *PEACE: p. 12
OFFERING OF GRATITUDE AND GIFTS: Offertory: Organist Roger Long and Pianist Jackie Goggins, "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" and "A Name I Highly Treasure"
(The ushers present the gifts, and stewards present the communion elements.)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING: p. 13
(In the United Methodist Church, all who love Christ are invited to the table. We also realize, that for reasons which characterize your own beliefs, you may not feel you should participate. So we welcome you to participate as you feel led: sitting in silence or reading and responding.)
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
GIVING THE BREAD AND CUP: (The elements will be served to 2 pews at a time. The servers will indicate which row moves to the center aisle and which moves to the outside aisle. If you choose not to partake, you may find it easiest to move along with the line and simply clasp your hands as you pass by the elements. This will allow others to move more easily in and out of the longer pews. After the solo, if other hymns are played, you may hum or sing as you feel led.)
SOLO: "In This Very Room" by Beth Hawkins
*HYMN: "The Church's One Foundation" #546
*DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING: Bishop Sprague
*CHORAL BENEDICTION: (Please join is as you feel led.)
May the light of God shine on you today. May the light of God shine on you today. May it show us where to travel, lead us back if we should stray; May the light of God shine on us today. May the love of God live in us today. May the love of God live in us today. May the warmth we feel within us show in all we do and say. May the love of God live in us today. May the peace of God be with us today. May the peace of God be with us today. May it guide us and protect us as we go our sep'rate ways, (Women): May the peace of God be with us, (Men): May the love of God live in us, (All): May the light of God shine on us today . . . and ev'ry day!**
*RECESSIONAL: "God of the Ages"
*GOING FORTH: "To God Be the Glory"
Thank you for coming. Please stay for our open house and refreshments in the lobby/narthex.
Newly-installed, the Shepherd window
and other stained glass from the previous church building grace
the sanctuary.
Children light the candles opening
the ceremony.
District Superintendent Deborah
Fisher welcomes those gathered.
Beth Hawkins sings "Bless This
House."
The Cherub Choir members led by
Barb Powell sing "The Wise Man and the Foolish Man"
Ordained ministers perform the consecration
of the pulpit.
Three soon-to-be-confirmands join
in the consecration of the baptismal font by Bishop Sprague.
Bishop Sprague delivers his message.
Director Bob Coen leads the choir
in the Anthem of Invitation and Commitment.
Bishop Sprague leads the consecration
of the Lord's Table.
Members of the congregation bring
bread and cup to the sanctuary.
Former Pastor, Rev. Phil Sheets,
right, is assisted by Rev. Allen in offering communion.
Former Pastor, Rev. Curtis Rolfe,
right, offers the cup to the Powells.
