Book of Occasional Services

BOOK OF

OCCASIONAL SERVICES

BOOK OF

OCCASIONAL SERVICES

A LITURGICAL RESOURCE

SUPPLEMENTING THE

BOOK OF COMMON

WORSHIP, 1993

PREPARED BY

THE OFFICE OF THEOLOGY

AND

WORSHIP

FOR THE

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)

PUBLISHED BY

GENEVA PRESS

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

Ministries Division, Ofﬁce of Theology and Worship.

special permission, except as noted.

Brief portions of this Book of Occasional Services may be reproduced without

special permission for one-time use only, for worship and educational pur-

poses, in an order of service for use by a congregation, or in a special pro-

gram or lesson resource, provided that no part of such reproduction is sold,

directly or indirectly, and that the following acknowledgment is included:

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a Corporation for Congregational Ministries

Division, Ofﬁce of Theology and Worship.

Inquiries concerning rights and reproductions not herein authorized should be

directed to Geneva Press, 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396.

Scripture quotations from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible are

Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and are used by permission.

Grateful acknowledgment is made to the publishers for permission to quote

from the following works:

Language Liturgical Consultation (ELLC).

“Prayer for illumination” (p. 202) from A Service of Word and Table I,

1972 Methodist Publishing House;

1980, 1985, 1989, 1992 The

United Methodist Publishing House.

Psalm 96 (pp. 66–67) from the Book of Common Worship,

1993

Westminster/John Knox Press.

Published by Geneva Press

Louisville, Kentucky

This book is printed on acid-free paper that meets the American National

Standards Institute Z39.48 standard.

Book Design by Susan E. Jackson

Interior illustrations by Aavidar Design Inc.

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

246897531

Cataloging-in-Publication data for this book may be obtained from

the Library of Congress.

ISBN 0-664-50098-6

ISBN 0-664-50107-9 (Deluxe ed.)

CONTENTS
PREFACE 1
A
BBREVIATIONS 3
O
RDINATION AND INSTALLATION
Introduction        6
Ordination and Installation of Deacons and Elders        11
Ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament        45
Installation of a Pastor         83
Scripture Readings for the Ordination and Installation of
Deacons and Elders        113
Scripture Readings for Ordination and Installation to the
Ministry of Word and Sacrament        115
Hymns for Ordination and Installation Services        117
C
OMMISSIONING
Introduction        120
Commissioning to Ministry within a Congregation        123
Commissioning to Ministry outside a Congregation        129
Commissioning Delegates to a Governing Body        135
D
EDICATION
Introduction        142
Groundbreaking        145
Order for Laying of a Cornerstone        151
Dedication of a Church Building and Furnishings        157
Dedication of the Baptismal Font or Pool 160
Dedication of the Pulpit 161
Dedication of the Pulpit/Lectern Bible 162
Dedication of the Table 162
Dedication of Communion Vessels 163

Dedication of the Organ or Other Musical 
Instruments 163
Dedication of the Sanctuary or Chapel 164
Dedication of an Educational Facility 164
Dedication of the Columbarium 165
Dedication of a Christian Home        180
Dedication of a Health Care Facility        184
Dedication of an Educational Institution        187
Dedication of a Community Service Agency        191
M
ARKING TRANSITIONS
INACONGREGATION
Introduction        196
Constituting of a Congregation         199
Reception of New Members        229
Recognition of Departing Members        239
Recognition and Thanksgiving for Faithful Service        241
Dissolution of a Pastoral Call        244
Celebration of a Congregational Anniversary        249
Uniting of Congregations by a Presbytery        253
Vacating of a Church Building [Including the Dissolution
of a Church]        257
I
NAGOVERNING BODY
Installation of Governing Body Ofﬁcers and Staff        265
Receiving a Candidate under Care        270
Recognition of a Certiﬁed Christian Educator        272
Commissioning of a Lay Pastor        275
Recognition of Honorable Retirement 
from the Ministry of Word and Sacrament        279
I
NTERFAITH RESOURCES
Guidelines for Interfaith Celebration 
of Thanksgiving        285
A
DDITIONAL PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS
In the Life of a Congregation        291
In the Life of a Presbytery        294
S
ECTION HEADING CROSSES 297

PREFACE / 1

PREFACE

Before the Book of Common Worship was published in 1993, a

prospectus was approved for a “Book of Occasional Services” and

a task force was established to develop a “trial use resource, which

will include ordination and installation services, in harmony with

the Study on the Theology and Practice of Ordination, together

with other occasional services for use by congregations, presby-

teries, synods and the General Assembly” (minutes of the Theol-

ogy and Worship Ministry Unit, January 28–30, 1993).

It was conceded that services for ordination and installation

should not be included in the Book of Common Worship since the

subject of ordination was under study by a special committee of

the General Assembly. The preparation of such services, there-

fore, would be undertaken in concert with that study.

The ﬁrst and perpetual issue throughout the development of

this book was content. “Occasional” was the deﬁning term.

That term, however, left leeway for a large number of liturgical

acts observed only occasionally. The prospectus outlined a sug-

gested table of contents, and the task force received numerous

additional suggestions throughout the course of its work. The

problem, ultimately, was one of space—to respond to all the

needs for liturgical materials presented, the resource would be

unwieldy, to say the least.

Ordination and installation remain the primary services pre-

sented. Ordination and installation, while not sacraments, stand

ﬁrmly on the foundation of baptism. The services offered here are

built on the foundation of diaconal service as found in the sacra-

ment of Baptism. Baptism is the basic Christian “ordination.” In

baptism, we are all claimed to be disciples of Jesus Christ and to

serve him in the service of others. For this reason, the ordination

and installation services begin with a reminder of our baptisms

and include a reafﬁrmation of the baptismal covenant.

The baptismal foundation extends under the other services

and materials in this book as well. Acts of commissioning and

recognition, even dedications and other celebrations, are ways

the whole church witnesses to its common baptismal commit-

ment and calling.

In the full services throughout the book there are indications

of appropriate liturgical roles of deacons and elders as well as

ministers. These are intended to be suggestive and not exhaus-

tive, to encourage the church to reclaim traditional liturgical

leadership by those in all ordained ofﬁces.

The structure of the book is clearly outlined in the table of

contents. “Ordination and Installation” set the pace, immediately

followed by a section on “Commissioning,” both clearly related

to the baptismal covenant. “Dedication” includes a wide variety

of resources for expression of the church’s ministry relative to the

physical means employed to carry out that ministry. “Transi-

tions” need to be marked in the church, and the resources offered

help us see our continuity with those who have gone before and

those who will follow. “Interfaith Resources” suggest that we as

Christians can be faithful to the baptismal covenant even as we

share in the worship of God with non-Christians.

Serving on the task force to prepare this resource were Don-

ald W. Stake (Chairperson), Marney A. Wasserman, Newton M.

Roberts, and Brenda Brooks. Dennis J. Hughes served as staff to

the task force from the Ofﬁce of Theology and Worship, and

later as a task force member. Also serving as staff were Gláucia

Vasconcelos Wilkey and Paul Detterman. J. Frederick Holper

was a consultant to the task force during the course of its work.

Final editing and formatting was by Paul Detterman.

The Book of Occasional Services is offered to the church as a

completion of the Book of Common Worship project, continuing

the fervent prayer for the renewal of the church’s faith, life, and

worship.

2 / PREFACE

BCW Book of Common Worship. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster/

John Knox Press, 1993.

PH The Presbyterian Hymnal: Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual

Songs. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster/John Knox Press,

1990.

PS The Psalter—Psalms and Canticles for Singing. Louisville,

Ky.: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1993.

. . . In prayers, indicates a pause for silent prayer.

[ ] Square brackets, or horizontal brackets extending the

width of the page, are used to designate optional ele-

ments or sections.

ABBREVIATIONS / 3

ABBREVIATIONS

ORDINATION

AND

INSTALLATION

6 / INTRODUCTION TO ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

INTRODUCTION TO

THE

SERVICES OF

ORDINATION AND

INSTALLATION

Occasions of ordination and installation have to do more

with the ministry of the whole church than with any indi-

vidual. Those ordained and installed to ofﬁce fulﬁll a par-

ticular role in the larger ministry of the church.

Ordination to different forms of ministry may have dif-

ferent functional emphases, though none is exclusive of

the others. Consistently the ordination of deacons is

named ﬁrst, followed by elders and ministers of the Word

and Sacrament. This is to emphasize the diaconal foun-

dation of all ordained ministry as service of God and

neighbor. Ordination of deacons provides for the

church’s ministry of compassion. Elders are ordained to

assure that the governance of the church reﬂects an in-

tegrity of theology and polity. Ministers of Word and

Sacrament are responsible for the “true preaching of the

Word of God,” and “the right administration of the sacra-

ments of Christ Jesus” (Scots Confession, Chapter XVII ). Yet

deacons, elders, and ministers are all involved in decision

making, ministries of compassion, and liturgical service. It

is appropriate for deacons and elders to share with minis-

ters in liturgical leadership in these ordination services.

Some suggestions are offered.

Ordination services provide for candidates to be pre-

sented at the beginning, as the whole congregation re-

members the Christian calling of baptism. The services

also include opportunity for all present to reafﬁrm the

baptismal covenant.

When a minister of the Word and Sacrament is installed

at a time and place separate from the ordination, the can-

didate is presented later in the service. The two occasions

are different and have different emphases. Ordination is

primary and emphasizes the ministry of the whole church,

while installation presupposes ordination and focuses on

the particular congregation. Both services, however, stress

the foundation of baptism.

When candidates kneel for the laying on of hands, it is

suggested that the candidates face the congregation, and

those laying on hands stand behind them. This enables

the act of ordination to be more visible to all present. The

laying on of hands takes place only during that portion of

the ordination prayer asking the outpouring of God’s

Holy Spirit on those being ordained.

The charge given to the ordained and installed deacons,

elders, and ministers of the Word and Sacrament is from

the words of Holy Scripture. The challenge of each ofﬁce

is made clear by the use of such scriptural admonitions.

Similarly, a charge to the congregation at the time of in-

stallation is also offered in biblical terms. Personal words

of encouragement, for the ordained and installed as well

as for the congregation, are best held for a time follow-

ing the service, so as not to detract from the force of the

biblical charge.

Symbols appropriate to the particular ofﬁce may be pre-

sented to the newly ordained. A Bible and communion

ware, for example, are symbols of the ofﬁce of minister of

Word and Sacrament. The Book of Order and Book of

INTRODUCTION TO ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 7

Confessions, a cross, or other symbols might be appropri-

ate to the ofﬁces of deacon and elder. Care should be

taken that gifts presented in the context of worship have

appropriate symbolic value.

8 / INTRODUCTION TO ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

AN OUTLINE OF THE SERVICE

FOR THE

LORD’S DAY INCLUDING

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

OF DEACONS AND ELDERS

GATHERING

Presentation

Call to Worship

Prayer of the Day or Opening Prayer

Hymn of Praise, Psalm, or Spiritual

Confession and Pardon

The Peace

Canticle, Psalm, Hymn, or Spiritual

HE WORD

Prayer for Illumination

First Reading

Psalm

Second Reading

Anthem, Hymn, Psalm, Canticle, or Spiritual

Gospel Reading

Sermon

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual

Ordination and Installation

Statement on Ordination and Installation

Reafﬁrmation of the Baptismal Covenant

Thanksgiving for Baptism

[Anointing]

Constitutional Questions

Prayer of Ordination

Prayer for Deacons and Elders

Laying On of Hands

Declaration of Ordination (and Installation)

Welcome

Charge to Those Ordained and Installed

Presentation of Symbols of Ministry

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual

HE EUCHARIST

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Offering

Great Thanksgiving

Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

Communion of the People

ENDING

Charge

Blessing

Hymn, Spiritual, Canticle, or Psalm

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 11

ORDINATION AND

INSTALLATION OF

DEACONS AND ELDERS

A Service Based on the

Service for the Lord’s Day

GATHERING

PRESENTATION

Those who are to be ordained and/or installed assemble

with the session at the entrance of the place of worship.

The moderator or minister addresses the people:

As many of you as were baptized into Christ Gal. 3:27

have clothed yourselves with Christ.

The people respond:

There is one body and one Spirit, Eph. 4:4

just as we were called to the one hope of our calling.

All may stand as the session brings those who are to be

ordained and/or installed before the congregation.

The moderator or minister presents the candidates, saying:

In baptism, N. and N. were clothed with Christ,

and are now called by God through the voice of the church

to enter into ministries of service and governance,

announcing in word and deed the good news of Jesus

Christ.

We remember with joy our common calling to serve

Christ,

and we celebrate God’s particular call to our brothers

and sisters.

ALL TO WORSHIP

GREETING

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 13:13

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

And also with you.

ENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

The minister continues:

Let us worship God.

Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; Ps. 34:3

let us exalt the name of the Lord together.

Come, let us sing to the Lord; Ps. 95:1

let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

RAYER OF THE DAY OR OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray.

After a brief silence, the prayer of the day (BCW pp. 50–52

or 165–400) may be said.

HYMN OF PRAISE, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

All may remain standing.

CONFESSION AND PARDON

CALL TO CONFESSION

If we say that we have no sin, 1 John 1:8, 9

we deceive ourselves,

12 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins,

God who is faithful and just

will forgive us our sins

and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

In humility and faith

let us confess our sin to God.

ONFESSION OF SIN

Mighty and merciful God,

you have called us to be your people

and claimed us for the service of Jesus Christ.

We confess that we have not lived up to our calling.

We have been timid and frightened disciples,

forgetful of your powerful presence

and the strength of your Spirit among us.

Silent prayers of confession may be offered.

O God, forgive our foolish and sinful ways.

As you have chosen us

and claimed us in our baptism,

strengthen us anew

to choose Christ’s way in this world.

Give us your Holy Spirit

that each one in ministry

may be provided with all the gifts of grace

needed to fulﬁll our common calling;

through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

“Lord, Have Mercy” (A), “Holy God, Holy and Mighty”

(B), or “Lamb of God” (C) may be sung.

A Lord, Have Mercy Kyrie

PH 565, 572–574

May be sung in threefold, sixfold, or ninefold form.

Lord, have mercy.

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 13

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

B Holy God, Holy and Mighty Trisagion

Sung three times.

Holy God,

holy and mighty,

holy immortal One,

have mercy upon us.

C Lamb of God Agnus Dei

Jesus, Lamb of God,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, bearer of our sins,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer of the world,

grant us peace.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

grant us peace.

ECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

The mercy of the Lord

is from everlasting to everlasting.

I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ,

you are forgiven.

May the God of mercy,

who forgives you all your sins,

14 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

strengthen you in all goodness,

and by the power of the Holy Spirit

keep you in eternal life.

HE PEACE

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

To this peace we were called as members of a single body.

The peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you.

The people may exchange with one another, by words and

gesture, signs of peace and reconciliation.

CANTICLE, PSALM, HYMN, OR SPIRITUAL

A canticle, psalm, hymn, or spiritual may be sung.

During the seasons of Christmas and Easter, (A) “Glory

to God” is especially appropriate.

When the Lord’s Supper is to be celebrated, (B) “Worthy

Is Christ, the Lamb” is appropriate. On other occasions

A Glory to God Gloria in Excelsis

PH 566, 575, 576; PS 173

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to God’s people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,

almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world:

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father:

receive our prayer.

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 15

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

B Worthy Is Christ, the Lamb Rev. 5:12, 9, 13;

7:10, 12; 19:4, 6–9

PH 594

Refrain: This is the feast of victory for our God.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,

whose blood set us free to be people of God. R

Power, riches, wisdom, and strength,

and honor, blessing, and glory are his. R

Sing with all the people of God,

and join in the hymn of all creation. R

Blessing, honor, glory, and might

be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen. R

For the Lamb who was slain

has begun his reign. Alleluia. R

C Glory to the Father Gloria Patri

PH 567, 577–579

Glory to the Father, Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit: and to the Holy Ghost:

as it was in the beginning, as it was in the beginning,

is now, is now, and ever shall be,

and will be forever. Amen. world without end. Amen.

Amen.

The people may be seated.

16 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

THE WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Let us pray.

After a brief silence, the following is said:

Overwhelm us with your Spirit, O God,

that the words we hear

will speak to our hearts as your Word,

made known to us in Jesus Christ the Lord.

Amen.

It is appropriate for an elder to read one or more of the

readings, and for a deacon to read the Gospel.

The reader may say:

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Rev. 2:7, 11,

17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22

IRST READING

Before the reading:

A reading from __________.

At the conclusion of the reading:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Silence may be kept.

PSALM

The psalm for the day is sung or said.

SECOND READING

Before the reading:

A reading from __________.

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 17

At the conclusion of the reading:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Silence may be kept.

ANTHEM, HYMN, PSALM, CANTICLE, OR SPIRITUAL

An anthem, hymn, psalm, canticle, or spiritual that re-

ﬂects the scriptures for the day may be sung.

GOSPEL READING

Before the reading of the Gospel:

A reading from _______.

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _______.

Glory to you, O Lord.

At the conclusion of the Gospel:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

ERMON

HYMN, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

The moderator or minister addresses all present:

SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

There are varieties of gifts, 1 Cor. 12:4–7, 27

but it is the same Spirit who gives them.

18 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

There are different ways of serving God,

but it is the same Lord who is served.

God works through each person in a unique way,

but it is God’s purpose that is accomplished.

To each is given a gift of the Spirit

to be used for the common good.

Together we are the body of Christ,

and individually members of it.

TATEMENT ON ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

The following or a similar interpretation of ordination

and/or installation shall be given.

We are all called into the church of Jesus Christ by

baptism,

and marked as Christ’s own by the Holy Spirit.

This is our common calling,

to be disciples and servants of our servant Lord.

Within the community of the church,

some are called to particular service

as deacons,

as elders,

and as ministers of the Word and Sacrament.

Ordination is Christ’s gift to the church,

assuring that his ministry continues among us,

providing for ministries of caring and compassion in the

world,

ordering the governance of the church,

and preaching the Word and administering the sacraments.

The clerk of session continues:

Representing the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church,

the session of N. Church

now ordains N. and N. to the ofﬁce of deacon,

and N. and N. to the ofﬁce of elder,

and installs them to active service on their respective

boards.

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 19

The session also installs to active service

those who have been previously ordained:

deacons N. and N. and elders N. and N.

EAFFIRMATION OF THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT

The congregation may stand.

Those who are to be ordained and/or installed gather at the

baptismal font or pool, which shall be ﬁlled with water.

The minister continues:

Ordination calls the whole church to renewed

commitment,

and reminds us all to bear gladly the yoke of Christ

given in the covenant of baptism.

Let us, therefore, reafﬁrm our baptismal vows,

renouncing all that opposes God and God’s rule

and afﬁrming the faith of the holy catholic church.

ENUNCIATIONS

The minister addresses all present:

Trusting in the gracious mercy of God,

do you turn from the ways of sin

and renounce evil and its power in the world?

I do.

Do you turn to Jesus Christ

and accept him as your Lord and Savior,

trusting in his grace and love?

I do.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple,

obeying his Word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

ROFESSION

The minister continues:

20 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

With the whole church,

let us confess our faith.

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was cruciﬁed, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

HANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

Water is poured visibly and audibly into the font or pool.

The following prayer is then led by the minister:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 21

Eternal and gracious God, we give you thanks.

In countless ways you have revealed yourself in ages past,

and have blessed us with signs of your grace.

We praise you that through the waters of the sea

you led your people Israel out of bondage,

into freedom in the land of your promise.

We praise you for sending Jesus your Son,

who for us was baptized in the waters of the Jordan,

and was anointed as the Christ by your Holy Spirit.

Through the baptism of his death and resurrection

you set us free from the bondage of sin and death,

and give us cleansing and rebirth.

We praise you that in baptism

you give us your Holy Spirit,

who teaches us and leads us into all truth,

ﬁlling us with a variety of gifts,

that we might proclaim the gospel to all nations

and serve you as a royal priesthood.

We rejoice that you claimed us in our baptism,

and that by your grace we are born anew.

By your Holy Spirit renew us,

that we may be empowered to do your will

and continue forever in the risen life of Christ,

to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,

be all glory and honor,

now and forever.

Amen.

The minister may place his or her hand into the water of

the font or pool, lift up some water, let it fall back into the

font or pool, and then make the sign of the cross over the

people while saying:

Remember your baptism and be thankful.

22 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy

Spirit.

Amen.

NOINTING

The minister may anoint the candidates, making the sign

of the cross on the forehead with oil and saying:

N., child of the covenant,

I sign you with the cross

that you may remember your baptism

and be thankful.

The candidates respond:

Thanks be to God.

The congregation may sit.

CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS

Those who are to be ordained and/or installed move to

the front of the place of worship to answer the questions

required by the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church

(U.S.A.).

The moderator or minister addresses the candidates:

Do you trust in Jesus Christ your Savior, acknowledge him

Lord of all and Head of the Church, and through him believe

in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

I do.

Do you accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa-

ments to be, by the Holy Spirit, the unique and authoritative

witness to Jesus Christ in the Church universal, and God’s

Word to you?

I do.

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 23

Do you sincerely receive and adopt the essential tenets of the

Reformed faith as expressed in the confessions of our church

as authentic and reliable expositions of what Scripture leads

us to believe and do, and will you be instructed and led by

those confessions as you lead the people of God?

I do and I will.

Will you fulﬁll your ofﬁce in obedience to Jesus Christ, un-

der the authority of Scripture, and be continually guided by

our confessions?

I will.

Will you be governed by our church’s polity, and will you

abide by its discipline? Will you be a friend among your col-

leagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the or-

dering of God’s Word and Spirit?

I will.

Will you in your own life seek to follow the Lord Jesus

Christ, love your neighbors, and work for the reconciliation

of the world?

I will.

Do you promise to further the peace, unity, and purity of the

church?

I do.

Will you seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence,

imagination, and love?

I will.

To deacons:

Will you be a faithful deacon, teaching charity, urging con-

cern, and directing the people’s help to the friendless and

those in need? In your ministry will you try to show the love

and justice of Jesus Christ?

I will.

24 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

To elders:

Will you be a faithful elder, watching over the people, pro-

viding for their worship, nurture, and service? Will you share

in government and discipline, serving in governing bodies of

the church, and in your ministry will you try to show the love

and justice of Jesus Christ?

I will.

An elder addresses members of the congregation:

Do we, the members of the church, accept N. and N. as dea-

cons and elders, chosen by God through the voice of this

congregation to lead us in the way of Jesus Christ?

The people respond:

We do.

Do we agree to encourage them, to respect their decisions,

and to follow as they guide us, serving Jesus Christ who alone

is Head of the Church?

We do.

RAYER OF ORDINATION

Those who are to be ordained kneel, facing the congre-

gation. Ministers of the Word and Sacrament and elders

stand behind the candidates.

One of the following prayers is then said by the modera-

tor or minister:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 25

Eternal God,

we give you thanks for your steadfast faithfulness to us.

In every age you have called forth leaders to serve you

and equipped them with your gifts.

Among your people Israel,

you anointed prophets, priests, and rulers.

You called pastors and teachers,

bishops, elders, and deacons

to build up your church.

With Moses, the seventy elders

bore the burdens of your people,

ministering in the power of your Spirit.

Alongside the apostles,

deacons cared for all in need

and guarded the community’s peace.

In the church,

deacons, elders, and pastors serve together,

so that your whole people

might be equipped for ministry,

and built up into the full unity of Christ.

For your servants in every age, O God,

and for the church of Jesus Christ,

we give you all thanks and praise.

RAYER FOR DEACONS

Those gathered around candidates for the ofﬁce of deacon

lay hands on them.

God of grace,

pour out your Holy Spirit on N. and N.,

that they may be faithful deacons in the church.

Give them openness to the Holy Spirit’s leading

that they may see and serve wherever there is need.

Train them in the school of prayer

that they may express the compassion of Christ

for the poor and the friendless,

26 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

the sick, the grieving, and the troubled.

Equip them with courage

to bear the gospel into the halls of power,

and to communicate your presence and might

among those who are powerless.

In everything, give them the mind of Christ,

who did not grasp at greatness

but emptied himself, to become a servant of your reign.

Give them joy in their walk of faith

and a sure sense of your abiding presence

for their work of ministry.

RAYER FOR ELDERS

Those gathered around candidates for the ofﬁce of elder

lay hands on them.

God of grace,

pour out your Holy Spirit on N. and N.,

that they may be your faithful elders in the church.

Give them prudence and sound judgment,

wisdom and courage

to order the life of the church

in obedience to your Word.

Nourish them in the life of the Holy Spirit,

that they may exercise the ministry of discipline

with humility and compassion.

Guide them in governance,

on this session and in every court of the church,

that they may be servant leaders following Christ

who came not to be served but to serve,

and to give his life to set others free.

Give them joy in their walk of faith

and a sure sense of your abiding presence

for their work of ministry.

The laying on of hands is concluded.

The moderator continues:

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 27

Gracious God,

through the waters of baptism,

you have claimed us as your own

and called us to share in Christ’s ministry.

Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us,

that we may discern the gifts you have given,

calling them forth from one another,

and together use these gifts for the good of all.

In obedience to Christ,

and in the unity of his Spirit,

may we proclaim good news,

make disciples,

be light and leaven,

share our bread,

offer a cup of cold water,

wash one another’s feet.

Make us strong in Christ

to live as your people

and show forth your saving love in the world,

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Gracious and eternal God,

with joy we give you all thanks and praise.

Throughout the ages

you have been faithful to your covenant people

whom you have called out of bondage

and redeemed to be your own.

In every time and place

28 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

you have chosen servants from among your people

to point the way to salvation.

We are grateful for ancestors in the faith

who followed without fear,

placing their trust in you alone.

We give you thanks for judges and monarchs

who ruled in righteousness and peace.

We praise you for prophets and apostles

who spoke your bold words of mercy and of truth.

We thank you for men and women in every age

who have nurtured your people in faith and faithfulness.

Above all we praise you for Jesus Christ,

who came not to be served, but to serve,

and to give his life to set others free.

Anointed by your Holy Spirit,

he proclaimed your reign on earth,

revealing your saving love

in all he said and did.

Those gathered around the candidates lay hands on them.

All present may pray together:

Gracious God,

pour out your Holy Spirit upon your servants

whom you called through baptism as your own

and marked as your own.

Grant them the same mind

that was in Christ Jesus.

Give them a spirit of truthfulness

that they may show the compassion of Christ

in the actions of daily living

and rightly govern your people.

Give them the gifts of your Holy Spirit

to build up the church,

to strengthen the common life of your people,

and to lead with compassion and vision.

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 29

In the walk of faith

and for the work of ministry,

give to your servants

gladness and strength,

discipline and hope,

humility, humor, and courage,

and an abiding sense of your presence.

The laying on of hands is concluded.

The clerk of session continues:

Gracious God,

pour out your Spirit of power and truth

upon the whole church

that we may be for you a holy people,

baptized to serve you in the world.

Sustain this congregation in ministry.

Ground us in the gospel,

secure our hope in Christ,

strengthen our service to the outcast,

and increase our love for one another.

Show us the transforming power

of your grace in our life together,

that we may be servants of the gospel,

offering a compelling witness in the world

to the good news of Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen.

ECLARATION OF ORDINATION (AND INSTALLATION)

The moderator addresses those who are newly ordained

and installed:

N. and N., you are now deacons and elders

in the church of Jesus Christ

and for this congregation.

Be faithful and true in your ministry

so that your whole life will bear witness

to the cruciﬁed and risen Christ.

30 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

WELCOME

Ministers and elders greet those who are newly ordained

and installed.

CHARGE

The newly ordained and installed elders and deacons

remain standing.

One or more of the following texts may be used.

A 1 Peter 4:7–11

The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and disci-

pline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, main-

tain constant love for one another, for love covers a

multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without com-

plaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God,

serve one another with whatever gift each of you has re-

ceived. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very

words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength

that God supplies, so that God may be gloriﬁed in all things

through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power

forever and ever. Amen.

B 2 Tim. 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by

him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly ex-

plaining the word of truth.

C Matt. 9:35–38

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in

their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the

kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When

he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they

were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 31

the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to

send out laborers into his harvest.”

D Matt. 11:28–30

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy

burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you,

and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and

you will ﬁnd rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my

burden is light.”

E Heb. 12:1–4, 12–14

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of

witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that

clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race

that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and per-

fecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set be-

fore him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has

taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Con-

sider him who endured such hostility against himself from

sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. . . . Lift

your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and

make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may

not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace

with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will

see the Lord.

RESENTATION OF SYMBOLS OF MINISTRY

Symbols appropriate to the ministry of deacons and elders

may be presented.

HYMN, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

THE EUCHARIST

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

Standing at the table, the presiding minister invites the

people to the Sacrament, using one of the following or

32 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

another invitation to the Lord’s table. If B is used, the

words of institution are not included in the great thanks-

giving or at the breaking of the bread.

A See Luke 13:29 and Luke 24:30, 31.

Friends, this is the joyful feast of the people of God!

They will come from east and west,

and from north and south,

and sit at table in the kingdom of God.

According to Luke,

when our risen Lord was at table with his disciples,

he took the bread, and blessed and broke it,

and gave it to them.

Then their eyes were opened

and they recognized him.

This is the Lord’s table.

Our Savior invites those who trust him

to share the feast which he has prepared.

B See 1 Cor. 11:23–26; Luke 22:19–20.

Hear the words of the institution

of the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ:

The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread,

and after giving thanks to God,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup,

you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord,

until he comes.

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 33

OFFERING

Let us return to God the offerings of our life

and the gifts of the earth.

The following, or another appropriate verse from scrip-

ture, may be used.

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: Acts 20:35b

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

It is appropriate for deacons to gather the people’s gifts.

As the offerings are gathered, there may be an anthem or

other appropriate music.

The minister(s) and elders prepare the table with bread

and wine during the gathering of the gifts. The bread and

wine may be brought to the table, or uncovered if already

in place.

The offerings may be brought forward. A psalm, hymn of

praise, doxology, or spiritual song may be sung.

The people stand.

The minister leads the people in the following or another

great thanksgiving appropriate to the season (BCW pp.

126–156, 165–400):

GREAT THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is truly right and our greatest joy

to give you thanks and praise,

34 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

eternal God, our Creator.

You formed us in your image,

loved us with an everlasting love,

and graced us with gifts for serving.

In covenant with your people Israel,

you raised up leaders,

judges, monarchs, and prophets,

to show us your path of truth

and nurture us in righteousness.

When we were faithless and would not follow,

you forgave us and returned us to your way.

In the fullness of time,

you sent Jesus, your only Beloved,

to be for us the way, the truth, and the life.

By your Spirit,

he anointed all who would follow him

to live a new life in your love.

Therefore we praise you,

joining our voices with the choirs of heaven

and with all the faithful of every time and place,

who forever sing to the glory of your name:

The people may sing or say:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

The minister continues:

You are holy, O God of majesty,

and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

Baptized as one among us,

he received the gift of your Spirit,

and claimed his calling as a servant of your reign.

Jesus proclaimed good news to the poor,

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 35

and by the power of your Word

set people free from all that bound them.

He broke open the bread of life

for all who were hungry,

and upon the hurt and the lost

poured out the living waters of your grace.

In humble obedience,

Jesus went to his death on the cross,

and was raised by your power to reign in glory.

In the resurrection

the gifts of his Spirit

were poured out upon your people,

that the church might embrace his ministry

and live as his body in the world.

If they have not already been said, the words of institution

may be said here, or in relation to the breaking of the

bread.

We give you thanks that the Lord Jesus,

on the night before he died,

took bread,

and after giving thanks to you,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Remembering all your mighty and merciful acts,

we take this bread and this wine

from the gifts you have given us

and celebrate with joy the redemption

won for us in Jesus Christ.

36 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

Accept this our sacriﬁce of praise and thanksgiving

as a living and holy offering of ourselves,

that our lives may proclaim the One cruciﬁed and risen.

The people may sing or say one of the following:

Great is the mystery of faith:

Christ has died,

Christ is risen,

Christ will come again.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life.

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

According to his commandment:

We remember his death,

we proclaim his resurrection,

we await his coming in glory.

Christ is the bread of life:

When we eat this bread and drink this cup,

we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus,

until you come in glory.

The minister continues:

Gracious God,

pour out your Holy Spirit upon us

and upon these your gifts of bread and wine,

that the bread we break

and the cup we bless

may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 37

By your Spirit unite us with the living Christ

and with all who are baptized in his name,

that we may be one in ministry in every place.

As this bread is Christ’s body for us,

send us out to be the body of Christ in the world.

It is appropriate for a deacon to offer intercessions for the

church and the world, including intercessions for the con-

gregation and its ministry.

O God, by water and the Spirit,

you have claimed us as your own,

and anointed us for your service.

Build up the body of Christ in your love,

and equip the church for the work of ministry.

Make us one body in Christ,

where each one’s gifts are honored

and used for the good of all,

where all submit to one another

in humility and the bonds of the Spirit.

Send us out into the world

to do justice,

to show mercy,

and to walk humbly with you in trust and faith.

Give us strength to serve you faithfully

until that promised day of resurrection,

when with the redeemed of all the ages

we will feast with you at your table in glory.

Through Christ,

all glory and honor are yours, almighty God,

with the Holy Spirit in the holy church,

now and forever.

Amen.

ORD’S PRAYER

The minister invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s

Prayer:

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray:

38 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

Our Father in heaven, Our Father,

hallowed be your name, who art in heaven,

your kingdom come, hallowed be thy name,

your will be done, thy kingdom come,

on earth as in heaven. thy will be done,

Give us today on earth as it is in heaven.

our daily bread. Give us this day

Forgive us our sins our daily bread;

as we forgive those and forgive us our debts,

who sin against us. as we forgive our debtors;

Save us from and lead us not

the time of trial into temptation,

and deliver us from evil. but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the power,

and the glory are yours and the glory,

now and forever. Amen. forever. Amen.

The people may be seated.

BREAKING OF THE BREAD

If the words of institution have not previously been said,

the minister breaks the bread using A.

If the words of institution were said in the invitation to the

Lord’s table or were included in the great thanksgiving,

the minister breaks the bread using B.

Or the bread may be broken in silence.

A See 1 Cor. 11:23–26; Luke 22:19–20.

The minister breaks the bread in full view of the people,

saying:

The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread,

and after giving thanks to God,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 39

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

The minister lifts the cup, saying:

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup,

you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord,

until he comes.

Because there is one loaf, 1 Cor. 10:16–17

we, many as we are, are one body;

for it is one loaf of which we all partake.

The minister breaks the loaf in full view of the people,

saying:

When we break the bread,

is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?

The minister lifts the full cup in view of the people,

saying:

When we give thanks over the cup,

is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ?

OMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE

INVITATION

Holding out both the bread and the cup to the people, the

minister says:

The gifts of God

for the people of God.

40 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

The minister and those assisting receive Communion,

and then serve the bread and the cup to the people. It is

appropriate for the newly ordained and installed elders to

serve the people.

The people may gather around the table to eat and drink,

or they may go to persons serving the elements, or they

may be served in their places. Silence may be observed; or

psalms, hymns, anthems, or spirituals may be sung.

The following may be said:

In giving the bread:

The body of Christ, given for you.

Amen.

In giving the cup:

The blood of Christ, shed for you.

Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

The following prayer may be said by the minister or by all

together:

Gracious God,

you have gathered us at this table

with all the company of your people

in heaven and on earth.

In your mercy we have been nourished

by the living bread, Jesus Christ,

and we have been refreshed

by the power of your Holy Spirit.

May we, who have shared this holy meal,

go out as glad disciples of our Lord,

following in his way,

proclaiming his truth,

and living his love

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION / 41

for all your children in this world;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SENDING

CHARGE

All present may stand.

It is appropriate for a deacon to dismiss the congregation

using the following or a similar charge (BCW pp.

159–160).

See 1 Cor. 16:13; 2 Tim. 2:1; Eph. 6:10;

1 Thess. 5:13–22; and 1 Peter 2:17.

Go out into the world in peace;

have courage;

hold on to what is good;

return no one evil for evil;

strengthen the fainthearted;

support the weak, and help the suffering;

honor all people;

love and serve the Lord,

rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

LESSING

The minister gives God’s blessing to the congregation.

Traditionally, the Alleluia is omitted during Lent:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 13:13

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

Alleluia! Amen.

YMN, SPIRITUAL, CANTICLE, OR PSALM

42 / ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

AN OUTLINE OF THE SERVICE

FOR

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

OF WORD AND SACRAMENT

GATHERING

Presentation

Call to Worship

Prayer of the Day or Opening Prayer

Hymn of Praise, Psalm, or Spiritual

Confession and Pardon

The Peace

Canticle, Psalm, Hymn, or Spiritual

HE WORD

Prayer for Illumination

First Reading

Psalm

Second Reading

Anthem, Hymn, Psalm, Canticle, or Spiritual

Gospel Reading

Sermon

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual

Ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament

Statement on Ordination and Installation

Reafﬁrmation of the Baptismal Covenant

Thanksgiving for Baptism

[Anointing]

Constitutional Questions

Prayer of Ordination

Laying On of Hands

Declaration of Ordination (and Installation)

Welcome

Charge to the Newly Ordained

Presentation of Symbols of Ministry

[Charge to the Congregation]

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual

THE EUCHARIST

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Offering

Great Thanksgiving

Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

Communion of the People

ENDING

Charge

Blessing

Hymn, Spiritual, Canticle, or Psalm

ORDINATION TO THE

MINISTRY OF WORD

AND

SACRAMENT

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 45

Based on the Service

for the Lord’s Day

GATHERING

PRESENTATION

The candidate, the presbytery commission, and other

worship leaders enter the place of worship.

The moderator of the presbytery commission addresses

the people:

As many of you as were baptized into Christ Gal. 3:27

have clothed yourselves with Christ.

There is one body and one Spirit, Eph. 4:4

just as we were called to the one hope of our calling.

All may stand as the moderator presents the candidate:

In his/her baptism, N. was clothed with Christ,

and is now called by God through the voice of the church

to enter upon ministry of Word and Sacrament.

We remember with joy our common calling to serve

Christ, and we celebrate God’s particular call to our

brother/ sister N.

CALL TO WORSHIP

All may stand.

GREETING

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 13:13

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

And also with you.

ENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

The minister continues:

Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; Ps. 34:3

let us exalt the name of the Lord together.

Come, let us sing to the Lord; Ps. 95:1

let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

RAYER OF THE DAY OR OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray.

After a brief silence, the prayer of the day (BCW pp.

50–52 or 165–400) may be said.

HYMN OF PRAISE, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

All may remain standing.

CONFESSION AND PARDON

CALL TO CONFESSION

If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

But if we confess our sins,

God who is faithful and just

will forgive us our sins

and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

46 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

In humility and faith

let us confess our sin to God.

ONFESSION OF SIN

Mighty and merciful God,

you have called us to be your people

and claimed us for the service of Jesus Christ.

We confess that we have not lived up to our calling.

We have been timid and frightened disciples,

forgetful of your powerful presence

and the strength of your Spirit among us.

Silent prayers of confession may be offered.

O God, forgive our foolish and sinful ways.

As you have chosen us,

and claimed us in our baptisms,

strengthen us anew

to choose Christ’s way in this world.

Give us your Holy Spirit

that each one in ministry

may be provided with all the gifts of grace

needed to fulﬁll our common calling;

through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

“Lord, Have Mercy” (A), “Holy God, Holy and Mighty”

(B), or “Lamb of God” (C) may be sung.

A Lord, Have Mercy Kyrie

PH 565, 572–574

May be sung in threefold, sixfold, or ninefold form.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

B Holy God, Holy and Mighty Trisagion

Sung three times.

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 47

Holy God,

holy and mighty,

holy immortal One,

have mercy upon us.

C Lamb of God Agnus Dei

Jesus, Lamb of God,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, bearer of our sins,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer of the world,

grant us peace.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

grant us peace.

ECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

The mercy of the Lord

is from everlasting to everlasting.

I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ,

you are forgiven.

May the God of mercy,

who forgives you all your sins,

strengthen you in all goodness,

and by the power of the Holy Spirit

keep you in eternal life.

HE PEACE

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

48 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

To this peace we were called as members of a single body.

The peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you.

The people may exchange with one another, by words and

gesture, signs of peace and reconciliation.

CANTICLE, PSALM, HYMN, OR SPIRITUAL

A canticle, psalm, hymn, or spiritual may be sung.

During the seasons of Christmas and Easter, (A) “Glory

to God” is especially appropriate.

When the Lord’s Supper is to be celebrated, (B) “Worthy

Is Christ, the Lamb” is appropriate. On other occasions

A Glory to God Gloria in Excelsis

PH 566, 575, 576; PS 173

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to God’s people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,

almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world:

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father:

receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 49

B Worthy Is Christ, the Lamb Rev. 5:12, 9, 13;

7:10, 12; 19:4, 6–9

PH 594

Refrain: This is the feast of victory for our God.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,

whose blood set us free to be people of God. R

Power, riches, wisdom, and strength,

and honor, blessing, and glory are his. R

Sing with all the people of God,

and join in the hymn of all creation. R

Blessing, honor, glory, and might

be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen. R

For the Lamb who was slain

has begun his reign. Alleluia. R

C Glory to the Father Gloria Patri

PH 567, 577–579

Glory to the Father, Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit: and to the Holy Ghost:

as it was in the beginning, as it was in the beginning,

is now, is now, and ever shall be,

and will be forever. Amen. world without end. Amen.

Amen.

The people may be seated.

THE WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Let us pray.

50 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

After a brief silence, the following is said:

Overwhelm us with your Spirit, O God,

that the words we hear

will speak to our hearts as your Word,

made known to us in Jesus Christ the Lord.

Amen.

It is appropriate for an elder to read one or more of the

readings, and for a deacon to read the Gospel.

The reader may say:

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Rev. 2:7, 11,

17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22

IRST READING

Before the reading:

A reading from __________.

At the conclusion of the reading:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Silence may be kept.

PSALM

The psalm for the day is sung or said.

SECOND READING

Before the reading:

A reading from __________.

At the conclusion of the reading:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Silence may be kept.

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 51

ANTHEM, HYMN, PSALM, CANTICLE, OR SPIRITUAL

An anthem, hymn, psalm, canticle, or spiritual that re-

ﬂects the scriptures for the day may be sung.

GOSPEL READING

Before the reading of the Gospel:

A reading from _______.

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _______.

Glory to you, O Lord.

At the conclusion of the Gospel:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

ERMON

HYMN, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

ORDINATION

The moderator addresses all present:

SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

There are varieties of gifts, 1 Cor. 12:4–7, 27

but it is the same Spirit who gives them.

There are different ways of serving God,

but it is the same Lord who is served.

God works through each person in a unique way,

but it is God’s purpose that is accomplished.

52 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

To each is given a gift of the Spirit

to be used for the common good.

Together we are the body of Christ,

and individually members of it.

TATEMENT ON ORDINATION

The following or similar interpretation of ordination shall

be given.

We are all called into the church of Jesus Christ by

baptism,

and marked as Christ’s own by the Holy Spirit.

This is our common calling,

to be disciples and servants of our servant Lord.

Within the community of the church,

some are called to particular service

as ministers of Word and Sacrament,

as elders,

and as deacons.

Recognizing the importance of each ofﬁce, the church

ordains

in order to assure fulﬁllment of the primary responsibilities

of preaching the Word and administering the sacraments,

ordering the governance of the church,

and providing for ministries of care and compassion in the

world.

Representing the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church,

the Presbytery of N., by means of this commission,

now ordains N. to the ministry of Word and Sacrament,

and installs him/her as pastor/associate pastor of the N. Church.

EAFFIRMATION OF THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT

The congregation may stand.

The candidate and worship leaders gather at the bap-

tismal font or pool, which shall be ﬁlled with water.

The moderator or worship leader continues:

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 53

Ordination calls the whole church to renewed

commitment,

and reminds us all to bear gladly the yoke of Christ

given in the covenant of baptism.

Let us, therefore, reafﬁrm our baptismal vows,

renouncing all that opposes God and God’s rule

and afﬁrming the faith of the holy catholic church.

ENUNCIATIONS

The moderator or worship leader addresses all present:

Trusting in the gracious mercy of God,

do you turn from the ways of sin

and renounce evil and its power in the world?

The people respond:

I do.

Do you turn to Jesus Christ

and accept him as your Lord and Savior,

trusting in his grace and love?

I do.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple,

obeying his Word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

ROFESSION OF FAITH

The worship leader continues:

With the whole church

let us confess our faith.

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

54 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was cruciﬁed, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

HANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

Water is poured visibly and audibly into the font or pool.

The following prayer is then led by the minister:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Eternal and gracious God, we give you thanks.

In countless ways you have revealed yourself in ages past,

and have blessed us with signs of your grace.

We praise you that through the waters of the sea

you led your people Israel out of bondage,

into freedom in the land of your promise.

We praise you for sending Jesus your Son,

who for us was baptized in the waters of the Jordan,

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 55

and was anointed as the Christ by your Holy Spirit.

Through the baptism of his death and resurrection

you set us free from the bondage of sin and death,

and give us cleansing and rebirth.

We praise you for your Holy Spirit,

who teaches us and leads us into all truth,

ﬁlling us with a variety of gifts,

that we might proclaim the gospel to all nations

and serve you as a royal priesthood.

We rejoice that you claimed us in our baptism,

and that by your grace we are born anew.

By your Holy Spirit renew us,

that we may be empowered to do your will

and continue forever in the risen life of Christ,

to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,

be all glory and honor,

now and forever.

Amen.

The minister may place his or her hand into the water of

the font or pool, lift up some water, let it fall back into the

font or pool, and then make the sign of the cross over the

people while saying:

Remember your baptism and be thankful.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy

Spirit.

Amen.

NOINTING

A member of the commission may anoint the candidate,

making the sign of the cross on the forehead with oil and

saying:

N., child of the covenant,

I sign you with the cross

56 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 57

that you may remember your baptism

and be thankful.

The candidate responds:

Thanks be to God.

The congregation may sit.

CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS

The candidate moves to the front of the place of worship

to answer the questions required by the Constitution of

the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

The moderator addresses the candidate:

Do you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ your Savior,

acknowledge him Lord of all and Head of the Church, and

through him believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy

Spirit?

I do.

Do you accept the Scriptures of the Old and New

Testaments to be, by the Holy Spirit, the unique and

authoritative witness to Jesus Christ in the Church universal,

and God’s Word to you?

I do.

Do you sincerely receive and adopt the essential tenets of the

Reformed faith as expressed in the confessions of our church

as authentic and reliable expositions of what Scripture leads

us to believe and do, and will you be instructed and led by

those confessions as you lead the people of God?

I do and I will.

Will you be a minister of the Word and Sacrament in

obedience to Jesus Christ under the authority of Scripture

and continually guided by our confessions?

I will.

Will you be governed by our church’s polity, and will you

abide by its discipline? Will you be a friend among your

colleagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the

ordering of God’s Word and Spirit?

I will.

Will you in your own life seek to follow the Lord Jesus

Christ, love your neighbors, and work for the reconciliation

of the world?

I will.

Do you promise to further the peace, unity, and purity of the

church?

I do.

Will you seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence,

imagination, and love?

I will.

Will you be a faithful minister, proclaiming the good news in

Word and Sacrament, teaching faith and caring for people?

Will you be active in government and discipline, serving in

the governing bodies of the church, and in your ministry will

you try to show the love and justice of Jesus Christ?

I will.

When the minister is also being installed, an elder of the

church addresses the congregation:

Do we, the members of the church, accept N. as our pastor,

chosen by God through the voice of this congregation to

guide us in the way of Jesus Christ?

We do.

Do we agree to encourage him/her, to respect his/her

decisions, and to follow as he/she guides us, serving Jesus

Christ who alone is Head of the Church?

We do.

58 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

Do we promise to pay him/her fairly, and provide for his/her

welfare as he/she works among us; to stand by him/her in

trouble, and share his/her joy? Will we listen to the word

he/she preaches, welcome his/her pastoral care, and honor

his/her authority as he/she seeks to honor and obey Jesus

Christ our Lord?

We do and we will.

RAYER OF ORDINATION

The candidate kneels, facing the congregation. Ministers

of the Word and Sacrament and elders stand behind the

candidate.

One of the following prayers may be used. Prayers A and

B include alternative wording for use when a minister is

also being installed.

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Gracious and eternal God,

with joy we give you all thanks and praise.

Throughout the ages

you have been faithful to your covenant people

whom you have called out of bondage

and redeemed to be your own.

In every time and place

you have chosen servants from among your people

to point the way to salvation.

We are grateful for ancestors in the faith

who followed without fear,

placing their trust in you alone.

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 59

We give you thanks for judges and monarchs

who ruled in righteousness and peace.

We praise you for prophets and apostles

who spoke your bold words of mercy and of truth.

We thank you for pastors and teachers

who have nurtured your people in faith and faithfulness.

Above all we praise you for Jesus Christ,

who came not to be served, but to serve,

and to give his life to set others free.

Anointed by your Holy Spirit,

he proclaimed your reign on earth,

revealing your saving love

in all he said and did.

Those gathered around the candidate lay hands on him/her.

All present may pray together:

Gracious God,

pour out your Spirit upon your servant N.,

whom you called by baptism as your own.

Grant him/her the same mind

that was in Christ Jesus.

Give him/her a spirit of truthfulness

rightly to proclaim your Word in Christ

from pulpit, table, and font,

and in the words and actions of daily living.

Give him/her the gifts of your Holy Spirit

to build up the church,

to strengthen the common life of your people,

and to lead with compassion and vision.

In the walk of faith and for the work of ministry,

give to your servant N.,

and to all who serve as pastors among your people,

gladness and strength,

discipline and hope,

humility, humor, and courage,

and an abiding sense of your presence.

60 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

The laying on of hands is completed.

The moderator continues:

When the minister When the minister is

is being ordained: being installed:

Gracious God, Gracious God,

pour out your Spirit pour out your Spirit

of power and truth of power and truth

upon the whole church, upon the whole church

that we may be for you that we may be for you

a holy people, a holy people,

baptized to serve you baptized to serve you

in the world. in the world.

Sustain the church Sustain this congregation

in ministry. in ministry.

Ground us in the gospel, Ground them in the gospel,

secure our hope in Christ, secure their hope in Christ,

strengthen our service strengthen their service

to the outcast, to the outcast,

and increase our love and increase their love

for one another. for one another.

Show us the transforming Show them the transforming

power of your grace power of your grace

in our life together, in their life together,

that we may be that they may be

effective servants effective servants

of the gospel, of the gospel,

offering a compelling offering a compelling

witness witness

in the world in the world

to the good news of to the good news of

Christ Jesus Christ Jesus

our Lord. our Lord.

Amen. Amen.

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 61

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

All praise be yours,

Lord God of salvation.

By your Word,

you called creation into being

and made us in your image

to love and serve you.

By your saving love

you sent Jesus Christ to live among us,

to redeem your people

and establish your peace.

By your Holy Spirit,

you shower gifts on your children,

opening hearts and worlds to your grace,

empowering us to live holy and joyful lives.

We praise you, eternal God,

for the church throughout the world,

born of your love,

saved by your grace,

and sustained by your Holy Spirit.

Make us the community you have called us to be,

a chosen race,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

your very own people,

gifted to proclaim your marvelous love.

Those gathered around the candidate lay hands on

him/her.

All present may pray together:

62 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

Gracious God,

we praise you that you have chosen servants in every age

to speak your Word and lead your loyal people.

We give you thanks for your servant N.,

and for the ministry to which you have called him/her.

Give N. a full measure of the gifts of your Holy Spirit,

both in the walk of faith

and for the work of ministry.

Anoint N. with power to proclaim the gospel

in word and sacrament,

in witness and in service,

in truth and in love,

for the building up of the people of God

and for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The laying on of hands is completed.

The moderator continues:

When the minister is When the minister is

being ordained: being installed:

Generous God, Generous God,

pour out your Holy Spirit pour out your Holy Spirit

upon the church and all upon this congregation

its people, and all its people,

that, baptized into your that, baptized into your

service service

and united in Christ’s love, and united in Christ’s love,

we may serve you with joy they may serve you with joy

and faithfulness and faithfulness

until all things are until all things are

made new. made new.

Let the word we proclaim Let the word they proclaim

be your Word of truth. be your Word of truth.

Let the compassion we Let the compassion they

show to the world show to the world

be your love in Christ. be your love in Christ.

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 63

Let our common life Let their common life

be holy, peaceable, as pastor and people

and glad in your Spirit. together

Gracious God, accept all be holy, peaceable, and

that we are and have glad in your Spirit.

in the service of Gracious God, accept all

Jesus Christ, that we are and have

and strengthen us with in the service of Jesus

the power of your Christ,

Holy Spirit and strengthen us with

now and forever. the power of your

Amen. Holy Spirit

now and forever.

Amen.

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Blessed are you, eternal God,

nurturing a people to love you and serve you

from generation to generation.

Blessed are you,

coming to us in Jesus Christ,

to destroy death and bring us new life.

Blessed are you,

empowering us by your Spirit

to carry out Christ’s ministry of compassion.

Those gathered around the candidate lay hands on him/her.

We thank you, gracious God,

for calling your servant N.

into your church by baptism

and to this ministry of Word and Sacrament.

By your Holy Spirit,

64 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

give N. all gifts and graces needed

to proclaim the truth of the gospel in love,

to administer the sacraments of Christ,

and to shepherd the people of God

in common service and witness in the world.

Sustain N. with an awareness of your presence

that he/she may faithfully announce the good news in every

season.

May Christ so live in N.

that God’s love is shown in word and deed,

and that he/she may follow Christ in glad discipleship

as long as he/she shall live.

The laying on of hands is completed.

The candidate may offer the following or a similar prayer:

God of grace,

you have called me through the voice of the church,

and claimed my life for this service.

When I am weak,

lift me up.

When I am strong,

do not abandon me

but renew my faith.

Let your wisdom ﬁnd voice in my words,

and the compassion of Christ

be the work of my hands.

All present may pray:

Eternal and almighty God,

we praise you for the gifts you bestow

on your servant N.

Keep us grateful for all you give,

and make us generous in service,

that we may respond in faith to the Word proclaimed

and joyfully receive your sacramental grace.

By your Holy Spirit,

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 65

so bind our lives together

that we may always announce your love

and display your kindness to the world,

through Jesus Christ the Lord of all. Amen.

ECLARATION OF ORDINATION (AND INSTALLATION)

The newly ordained minister shall stand.

The moderator addresses him/her:

N., you are now a minister of the Word and Sacrament in

the church of Jesus Christ and for this congregation. Be faithful

and true in your ministry so that your whole life will bear

witness to the cruciﬁed and risen Christ.

The newly ordained minister responds:

Amen.

ELCOME

Members of the presbytery and others as appropriate wel-

come the newly ordained minister into the ministry of the

Word and Sacrament.

CHARGE TO THE NEWLY ORDAINED

The newly ordained minister remains standing to receive

the charge.

One or more of the following, or other appropriate scrip-

ture may be used.

A Psalm 96, BCW

O sing to the Lord a˙ new song;*

sing to the Lord, all t

he whole earth.

Sing to the Lord and bless t

he Lord’s name;*

proclaim the good news of salvation from d

ay to day.

Declare the glory of the Lord among the nations*

and the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples. R

For great is the Lord, and greatly t

o be praised;*

more to be feared t

han all gods.

66 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

As for the gods of the nations, they a˙ re but idols,*

but it is the Lord who m˙ ade the heavens.

Oh, the majesty and magniﬁcence of the presence o˙ f the

Lord!*

Oh, the power and the splendor of the sanctuary o˙ f

our God! R

Ascribe to the Lord, you families o˙ f the peoples,*

ascribe to the Lord ho˙ nor and power.

Ascribe to the Lord the honor due the d

ivine name;*

come to the holy courts w˙ ith your offerings.

Worship the Lord in the b˙eauty of holiness;*

let the whole earth t

remble in awe. R

Tell it out among the nations, “The L˙ord is Sovereign!*

the Lord has made the world so ﬁrm that it cannot be

moved

and will judge the p˙eoples with equity.”

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;

let the sea thunder, and all t

hat is in it;*

let the ﬁeld be joyful and all that i

s therein.

Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy

before the Lord w˙ ho is coming,*

who is coming to

judge the earth.

[Unison]

The Lord will judge the w˙ orld with righteousness,*

and the p˙eoples with truth. R

B 2 Tim. 4:1–5

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge

the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his

kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be

persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable;

convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience

in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put

up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will

accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires,

and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 67

away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering,

do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

C Matt. 28:18–20

And Jesus came and said to them, “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.”

D John 21:15–19

When they had ﬁnished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon

Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than

these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love

you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he

said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said

to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to

him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time,

“Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt

because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?”

And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know

that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very

truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten

your own belt and go wherever you wished. But when you

grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else

will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not

wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by

which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him,

“Follow me.”

RESENTATION OF SYMBOLS OF MINISTRY

Symbols appropriate to the ministry of the Word and

Sacrament may be presented.

68 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

CHARGE TO THE CONGREGATION

When the newly ordained minister is being installed, a

charge may be given to the congregation using one of the

following:

A 2 Tim. 1:13–14

Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard

from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard

the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy

Spirit living in us.

B Phil. 2:5–11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who,

though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality

with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself and

became obedient to the point of death—even death on a

cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him

the name that is above every name, so that at the name of

Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and

under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus

Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

C 1 Peter 4:8–11

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love

covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another

without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold

grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of

you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one

speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so

with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be

gloriﬁed in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong

the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 69

HYMN, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

THE EUCHARIST

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

The newly ordained minister may preside at the Lord’s

table.

The people are invited to the table using one of the fol-

lowing or a similar invitation. If B is used, the words of in-

stitution are not included in the great thanksgiving or at

the breaking of the bread.

A (See Luke 13:29 and Luke 24:30, 31.)

Friends, this is the joyful feast of the people of God!

They will come from east and west,

and from north and south,

and sit at table in the kingdom of God.

According to Luke,

when our risen Lord was at table with his disciples,

he took the bread, and blessed and broke it,

and gave it to them.

Then their eyes were opened

and they recognized him.

This is the Lord’s table.

Our Savior invites those who trust him

to share the feast which he has prepared.

B (See 1 Cor. 11:23–26; Luke 22:19–20.)

Hear the words of the institution

of the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ:

The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread,

and after giving thanks to God,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

70 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup,

you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord,

until he comes.

FFERING

An offering may be received for a purpose designated by

the presbytery.

It is appropriate for deacons to gather the people’s gifts.

Let us return to God the offerings of our life

and the gifts of the earth.

The minister addresses the congregation using these or

other appropriate scripture sentences:

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: Acts 20:35b

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

As the offerings are gathered, there may be an anthem or

other appropriate music.

The minister(s) and elders prepare the table with bread

and wine during the gathering of the gifts. The bread and

wine may be brought to the table, or uncovered if already

in place.

The offerings may be brought forward. A psalm, hymn of

praise, doxology, or spiritual song may be sung.

The people stand.

The minister leads the people in the following or another

great thanksgiving appropriate to the season (BCW pp.

126–156, 165–400):

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 71

GREAT THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is truly right and our greatest joy

to give you thanks and praise,

eternal God, our Creator.

You formed us in your image,

loved us with an everlasting love,

and graced us with gifts for serving.

In covenant with your people Israel,

you raised up leaders,

judges, monarchs, and prophets,

to show us your path of truth

and nurture us in righteousness.

When we were faithless and would not follow,

you forgave us and returned us to your way.

In the fullness of time,

you sent Jesus, your only Beloved,

to be for us the way, the truth, and the life.

By your Holy Spirit,

he anointed all who would follow him

to live a new life in your love.

Therefore we praise you,

joining our voices with the choirs of heaven

and with all the faithful of every time and place,

who forever sing to the glory of your name:

The people may sing or say:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

72 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

The minister continues:

You are holy, O God of majesty,

and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

Baptized as one among us,

he received the gift of your Spirit,

and claimed his calling as a servant of your reign.

Jesus proclaimed good news to the poor,

and by the power of your Word

set people free from all that bound them.

He broke open the bread of life

for all who were hungry,

and upon the hurt and the lost

poured out the living waters of your grace.

In humble obedience,

Jesus went to his death on the cross,

and was raised up by your power to reign in glory.

In the resurrection

the gifts of his Spirit

were poured out upon your people,

that the church might embrace his ministry

and live as his body in the world.

If they have not already been said, the words of institution

may be said here, or in relation to the breaking of the

bread.

We give you thanks that the Lord Jesus,

on the night before he died,

took bread,

and after giving thanks to you,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 73

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Remembering all your mighty and merciful acts,

we take this bread and this wine

from the gifts you have given us

and celebrate with joy the redemption

won for us in Jesus Christ.

Accept this our sacriﬁce of praise and thanksgiving

as a living and holy offering of ourselves,

that our lives may proclaim the One cruciﬁed and risen.

The people may sing or say one of the following:

Great is the mystery of faith:

Christ has died,

Christ is risen,

Christ will come again.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life.

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

According to his commandment:

We remember his death,

we proclaim his resurrection,

we await his coming in glory.

74 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

Christ is the bread of life:

When we eat this bread and drink this cup,

we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus,

until you come in glory.

The minister continues:

Gracious God,

pour out your Holy Spirit upon us

and upon these your gifts of bread and wine,

that the bread we break

and the cup we bless

may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.

By your Spirit unite us with the living Christ

and with all who are baptized in his name,

that we may be one in ministry in every place.

As this bread is Christ’s body for us,

send us out to be the body of Christ in the world.

It is appropriate for a deacon to offer intercessions for the

church and the world, including intercessions for the con-

gregation and its ministry.

O God, by water and the Spirit,

you have claimed us as your own,

and anointed us for your service.

Build up the body of Christ in your love,

and equip the church for the work of ministry.

Make us one body in Christ,

where each one’s gifts are honored

and used for the good of all,

where all submit to one another

in humility and the bond of the Holy Spirit.

Send us out into the world

to do justice,

to show mercy,

and to walk humbly with you in trust and faith.

Give us strength to serve you faithfully

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 75

until that promised day of resurrection,

when with the redeemed of all the ages

we will feast with you at your table in glory.

Through Christ,

all glory and honor are yours, almighty God,

with the Holy Spirit in the holy church,

now and forever.

Amen.

ORD’S PRAYER

The minister invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s

Prayer:

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray:

All pray together.

Our Father in heaven, Our Father,

hallowed be your name, who art in heaven,

your kingdom come, hallowed be thy name,

your will be done, thy kingdom come,

on earth as in heaven. thy will be done,

Give us today on earth as it is in heaven.

our daily bread. Give us this day

Forgive us our sins our daily bread;

as we forgive those and forgive us our debts,

who sin against us. as we forgive our debtors;

Save us from and lead us not

the time of trial into temptation,

and deliver us from evil. but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the power,

and the glory are yours and the glory,

now and forever. Amen. forever. Amen.

76 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

BREAKING OF THE BREAD

If the words of institution have not previously been said,

the minister breaks the bread using A.

If the words of institution were said in the invitation to the

Lord’s table or were included in the great thanksgiving,

the minister breaks the bread using B.

Or the bread may be broken in silence.

A (See 1 Cor. 11:23–26; Luke 22:19–20.)

The minister breaks the bread in full view of the people,

saying:

The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread,

and after giving thanks to God,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

The minister lifts the cup, saying:

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup,

you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord,

until he comes.

Because there is one loaf, 1 Cor. 10:16–17

we, many as we are, are one body;

for it is one loaf of which we all partake.

The minister breaks the loaf in full view of the people,

saying:

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 77

When we break the bread,

is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?

The minister lifts the full cup in view of the people, saying:

When we give thanks over the cup,

is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ?

OMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE

Holding out both the bread and the cup to the people, the

minister says:

The gifts of God

for the people of God.

The minister and those assisting receive Communion,

and then serve the bread and the cup to the people.

It is appropriate for elders and deacons to serve the people.

The people may gather around the table to eat and drink,

or they may go to persons serving the elements, or they

may be served in their places. Silence may be observed; or

psalms, hymns, anthems, or spirituals may be sung.

The following may be said in giving the bread:

The body of Christ, given for you.

Amen.

In giving the cup:

The blood of Christ, shed for you.

Amen.

RAYER AFTER COMMUNION

The prayer may be said by the minister or by all together:

Gracious God,

you have gathered us at this table

78 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

with all the company of your people

in heaven and on earth.

In your mercy we have been nourished

by the living bread, Jesus Christ,

and we have been refreshed

by the power of your Holy Spirit.

May we, who have shared this holy meal,

go out as glad disciples of our Lord,

following in his way,

proclaiming his truth,

and living his love for the world.

Amen.

SENDING

CHARGE

All present may stand.

It is appropriate for a deacon to dismiss the congregation

using the following or a similar charge (BCW pp. 159–

160).

See 1 Cor. 16:13; 2 Tim. 2:1; Eph. 6:10;

1 Thess. 5:13–22; and 1 Peter 2:17.

Go out into the world in peace;

have courage;

hold on to what is good;

return no one evil for evil;

strengthen the fainthearted;

support the weak, and help the suffering;

honor all people;

love and serve the Lord,

rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

LESSING

The newly ordained minister gives God’s blessing to the

congregation.

ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY / 79

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 13:13

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

Alleluia! Amen.

YMN, SPIRITUAL, CANTICLE, OR PSALM

During the singing, the newly ordained minister may lead

members of the commission and other worship leaders in

procession from the place of worship.

80 / ORDINATION TO THE MINISTRY

AN OUTLINE OF THE SERVICE

FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

GATHERING

Call to Worship

Prayer of the Day or Opening Prayer

Hymn of Praise, Psalm, or Spiritual

Confession and Pardon

The Peace

Canticle, Psalm, Hymn, or Spiritual

HE WORD

Prayer for Illumination

First Reading

Psalm

Second Reading

Anthem, Hymn, Psalm, Canticle, or Spiritual

Gospel Reading

Sermon

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual

Installation

Statement on the Ministry of the Church

Constitutional Questions

Prayer of Installation

Declaration of Installation

Welcome

Charge to the Newly Installed Pastor

Charge to the Congregation

Presentation of Symbols of Ministry

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual

HE EUCHARIST

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Offering

Great Thanksgiving

Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

Communion of the People

ENDING

Charge

Blessing

Hymn, Spiritual, Canticle, or Psalm

INSTALLATION OF

PASTOR

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 83

Based on the Service

for the Lord’s Day

GATHERING

CALL TO WORSHIP

GREETING

All may stand as the minister and other worship leaders

enter.

The minister greets the people saying:

The Lord be with you.

The people respond:

And also with you.

ENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

The minister continues:

Let us worship God.

Clap your hands, all you peoples; Ps. 47:1–2

shout to God with loud songs of joy.

For the Most High is awesome,

a great sovereign over all the earth.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, Ps. 92:1

to sing praises to your name, O Most High.

RAYER OF THE DAY OR OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray.

After a brief silence, the prayer of the day may be said:

Almighty and eternal God,

by your grace

you have called us in this time and place

to be your servant people

as we follow our servant Lord.

Make your Holy Spirit move

within and among us,

that together we may live a new life

in the cruciﬁed and risen Christ.

Bind us together in faith,

so that as we receive all spiritual gifts

needed to fulﬁll our calling,

we may support one another

in common ministry;

through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

YMN OF PRAISE, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

All may remain standing.

CONFESSION AND PARDON

CALL TO CONFESSION

If we say that we have no sin, 1 John 1:8, 9

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

But if we confess our sins,

God who is faithful and just

will forgive us our sins

and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

84 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

In humility and faith

let us confess our sin to God.

ONFESSION OF SIN

Almighty God,

by water and your Holy Spirit

you baptized us to be your own

and called the church into being.

We confess that we hold back

the love of your Spirit among us.

We do not listen for your word of grace,

speak the good news of your love,

or live as a people made one in Christ.

Silent prayers of confession may be offered.

Have mercy on us, O God.

Transform our lives by the power of your Holy Spirit

and make strong our common witness

to the one Lord, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

“Lord, Have Mercy” (A), “Holy God, Holy and Mighty”

(B), or “Lamb of God” (C) may be sung.

A Lord, Have Mercy Kyrie Eleison

PH 565, 572–574

May be sung in threefold, sixfold, or ninefold form.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

B Holy God, Holy and Mighty Trisagion

Sung three times.

Holy God,

holy and mighty,

holy immortal One,

have mercy upon us.

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 85

C Lamb of God Agnus Dei

Jesus, Lamb of God,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, bearer of our sins,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer of the world,

grant us peace.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

grant us peace.

ECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

God, who is rich in mercy, Eph. 2:4, 5a, 6a, 8

out of the great love with which God loved us,

even when we were dead through our sin,

made us alive together with Christ

and raised us up with him.

For by grace you have been saved through faith,

and this is not your own doing;

it is the gift of God.

Amen.

HE PEACE

Since God has forgiven us in Christ,

let us forgive one another.

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

The people may exchange with one another, by words and

gesture, signs of peace and reconciliation.

86 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

CANTICLE, PSALM, HYMN, OR SPIRITUAL

A canticle, psalm, hymn, or spiritual may be sung.

During the seasons of Christmas and Easter, (A) “Glory

to God” is especially appropriate.

When the Lord’s Supper is to be celebrated, (B) “Worthy

Is Christ, the Lamb” is appropriate. On other occasions

A Glory to God Gloria in Excelsis

PH 566, 575, 576; PS 173

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to God’s people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,

almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world:

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father:

receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

B Worthy Is Christ, the Lamb Rev. 5:12, 9, 13;

7:10, 12; 19:4, 6–9

PH 594

Refrain: This is the feast of victory for our God.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 87

Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,

whose blood set us free to be people of God. R

Power, riches, wisdom, and strength,

and honor, blessing, and glory are his. R

Sing with all the people of God,

and join in the hymn of all creation. R

Blessing, honor, glory, and might

be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen. R

For the Lamb who was slain

has begun his reign. Alleluia! R

C Glory to the Father Gloria Patri

PH 567, 577–579

Glory to the Father, Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit: and to the Holy Ghost;

as it was in the beginning, as it was in the beginning,

is now, is now, and ever shall be,

and will be forever. Amen. world without end. Amen.

Amen.

The people may be seated.

THE WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Let us pray.

After a brief silence, the following is said:

Overwhelm us with your Holy Spirit, O God,

that the words we hear

will speak to our hearts as your Word,

made known to us in Jesus Christ the Lord.

Amen.

88 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

It is appropriate for an elder to read one or more of the

readings, and for a deacon to read the Gospel.

The reader may say:

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Rev. 2:7, 11,

17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22

IRST READING

Before the reading:

A reading from __________.

At the conclusion of the reading:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Silence may be kept.

PSALM

The psalm for the day is sung or said.

SECOND READING

Before the reading:

A reading from __________.

At the conclusion of the reading:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Silence may be kept.

ANTHEM, HYMN, PSALM, CANTICLE, OR SPIRITUAL

An anthem, hymn, psalm, canticle, or spiritual that re-

ﬂects the scriptures for the day may be sung.

GOSPEL READING

Before the reading of the Gospel:

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 89

A reading from _______.

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _______.

Glory to you, O Lord.

At the conclusion of the Gospel:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

ERMON

HYMN, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

INSTALLATION

The moderator addresses all present:

SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

As in one body we have many members, Rom. 12:4–8, 11

and not all the members have the same function,

so we, who are many, are one body in Christ,

and individually we are members one of another.

We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us:

prophecy, in proportion to faith;

ministry, in ministering;

the teacher, in teaching;

the exhorter, in exhortation;

the giver, in generosity;

the leader, in diligence;

the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

90 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

Let us not lag in zeal,

but be ardent in spirit, serving the Lord.

A LITANY OF GIFTS

As in one body we have many parts Based on Rom. 12:4–8,

and each part has its own function, 11–13

so all of us together with Christ are one body,

and we all belong to each other.

We have different gifts

according to the grace God has given us.

If your gift is to hear God’s Word,

speak it out in faith.

If your gift is service,

live to serve others.

If your gift is the heart of a teacher,

teach what is true.

Let preachers preach with conviction,

and givers give freely;

let ofﬁcers work diligently for the people,

and let those who serve the poor, serve gladly.

Let us not lack for enthusiasm,

but be ardent in spirit,

serving the Lord,

rejoicing in hope,

patient in suffering,

constant in prayer,

supporting one another,

and welcoming all.

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 91

STATEMENT ON THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH

The following or similar interpretation of ministry shall

be given:

We are called out by God Based on Book of Order

to be the Church of Jesus Christ, G-3.0200-.0401

a sign in the world today

of the new life that God intends for all.

In our life together

we are to display the new reality

that sin is forgiven,

reconciliation accomplished,

and the dividing walls of hostility torn down.

As the living body of Christ,

the church is called

to proclaim the good news of salvation,

to present the claims of the gospel on people’s lives,

and to demonstrate Christ’s love in service to the world.

We are called to undertake this mission

even at the risk of life,

trusting God in all things.

In faith we embrace

a new openness to what God is doing in our time,

a renewed obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ,

and a new joy in our common worship and work.

Today we reclaim our historic calling

and remember the great ends of the church:

All present may continue:

The proclamation of the gospel Book of Order

for the salvation of humankind; G-1.0200

the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship

of the children of God;

the maintenance of divine worship;

the preservation of the truth;

the promotion of social righteousness;

and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven

to the world.

92 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

The moderator continues:

The ministry of the church is shared by pastor and people,

so that all together may fulﬁll the mission

to which we are called in Jesus Christ.

The particular responsibility

of the ministry of the Word and Sacrament

is to build up the church and serve the people of God,

so that the Word may be rightly proclaimed

and the sacraments rightly celebrated.

The call to this ministry has been

extended by the congregation,

accepted by the candidate,

and approved by the presbytery.

Therefore the Presbytery of N.,

by means of this commission,

now installs N. as pastor/associate pastor/co-pastor

of N. Church.

The pastor-elect, moderator, commission members, and

other worship leaders gather at the front of the place of

worship.

The moderator addresses all present saying:

In his/her baptism, N. was clothed with Christ.

He/she was ordained to the ministry of Word and

Sacrament by the Presbytery of N.,

and is now called by God through the voice of the church

to serve as pastor of this congregation.

We remember with joy

our common calling to serve Christ,

and we celebrate God’s call to our brother/sister,

to serve among us as pastor.

ONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS Book of Order G-14.0405

The pastor-elect moves to the front of the place of worship

to answer the questions required by the Constitution of

the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

The moderator addresses the pastor-elect:

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 93

94 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

Do you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ your Savior,

acknowledge him Lord of all and Head of the Church, and

through him believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy

Spirit?

I do.

Do you accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments

to be, by the Holy Spirit, the unique and authoritative witness

to Jesus Christ in the Church universal, and God’s Word to

you?

I do.

Do you sincerely receive and adopt the essential tenets of the

Reformed faith as expressed in the confessions of our church

as authentic and reliable expositions of what Scripture leads

us to believe and do, and will you be instructed and led by

those confessions as you lead the people of God?

I do and I will.

Will you be a minister of the Word and Sacrament in

obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture

and continually guided by the confessions?

I will.

Will you be governed by our church’s polity, and will you

abide by its discipline? Will you be a friend among your

colleagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the

ordering of God’s Word and Spirit?

I will.

Will you in your own life seek to follow the Lord Jesus

Christ, love your neighbors, and work for the reconciliation

of the world?

I will.

Do you promise to further the peace, unity, and purity of the

church?

I do.

Will you seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence,

imagination, and love?

I will.

Will you be a faithful minister, proclaiming the good news

in Word and Sacrament, teaching faith, and caring for

people? Will you be active in government and discipline,

serving in the governing bodies of the church, and in your

ministry will you try to show the love and justice of Jesus

Christ?

I will.

An elder of the church shall address members

of the congregation:

Do we, the members of the church, accept N. as our

pastor/associate pastor/co-pastor, chosen by God through the

voice of this congregation to guide us in the way of Jesus

Christ?

The congregation responds:

We do.

Do we agree to encourage him/her, to respect his/her

decisions, and to follow as he/she guides us, serving Jesus

Christ who alone is Head of the Church?

We do.

Do we promise to pay him/her fairly, and provide for his/her

welfare as he/she works among us; to stand by him/her in

trouble, and share his/her joy? Will we listen to the word

he/she preaches, welcome his/her pastoral care, and honor

his/her authority as he/she seeks to honor and obey Jesus

Christ our Lord?

We do and we will.

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 95

PRAYER OF INSTALLATION

The pastor-elect kneels, facing the congregation.

One of the following prayers may be used:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

We praise you, gracious Lord,

for you alone are God.

You have made us,

and we are your people,

the sheep of your pasture.

You have led us to green meadows by cool waters,

satisfying our every need with your love.

You have shown us paths that are right.

Through shadowed valleys of despair,

you have been our comfort and our hope.

Over long generations,

your presence has sustained your people.

In your good time,

you sent Jesus, your only Beloved,

to be our shepherd.

He knew and loved your own,

calling all who would hear to follow him.

The Good Shepherd laid down his life for us,

risking the cross for the hope of resurrection.

By the power of the risen Christ

you gathered the church together

to live for you in newness of life,

a holy nation,

a priestly family,

a people chosen as your own

and called to proclaim your marvelous love.

96 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

Gracious God,

pour out your Holy Spirit upon us,

that we may be faithful as your people

and fruitful in the ministries you have given us.

Grant diligence to those who lead,

faith to those who teach,

truth to all who speak,

compassion to all who heal,

wisdom to those who counsel,

generosity to those who give,

and cheerfulness to all who serve.

To your servant N.,

and to all who tend your ﬂock as pastors among your people,

give vision and strength,

hospitality, humility, and peace.

Bless the common ministry of this pastor and people

with joy and power in the gospel.

Strengthen us to live out the grace of our baptism

and to serve you with the gifts of your Holy Spirit;

for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only shepherd and Lord.

Amen.

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

All praise be yours,

Lord God of our salvation.

By your Word,

you called creation into being

and made us in your image

to love and serve you.

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 97

By your saving love

you sent Jesus Christ to live among us,

to redeem your people

and establish your peace.

By your Holy Spirit,

you shower gifts on your children,

opening hearts and worlds to your grace,

empowering us to live holy and joyful lives.

We praise you, eternal God,

for the church throughout the world,

born of your love,

saved by your grace,

and sustained by your Holy Spirit.

Make us the community you have called us to be,

a chosen race,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

your very own people,

gifted to proclaim your marvelous love.

All may pray together:

Gracious God, we praise you

that you have chosen servants in every age

to speak your Word and lead your loyal people.

We give you thanks for your servant N.,

and for the ministry to which you have called him/her.

Give N. a full measure of the gifts of your Holy Spirit

both in the walk of faith

and for the work of ministry.

Anoint N. with power to proclaim the gospel

in Word and Sacrament,

in witness and in service,

in truth and in love,

for the building up of the people of God

and for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The moderator continues:

98 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

Generous God,

pour out your Holy Spirit

upon this congregation and all its people,

that, baptized into your service

and united in Christ’s love,

they may serve you with joy and faithfulness

until all things are made new.

Let the word they proclaim

be your Word of truth.

Let the compassion they show to the world

be your love in Christ.

Let their common life

as pastor and people together,

be holy, peaceable, and glad in your Spirit.

Gracious God,

accept all that we are and have

in the service of Jesus Christ,

and strengthen us by the power of your Holy Spirit

now and forever.

Amen.

ECLARATION OF INSTALLATION

The moderator addresses the newly installed pastor:

N., as a minister of the Word and Sacrament in the church

of Jesus Christ, you are now installed as pastor/associate

pastor/co-pastor of this congregation.

Be faithful and true in your ministry

so that your whole life will bear witness

to the cruciﬁed and risen Christ.

ELCOME

Members of the presbytery and others as appropriate

welcome the newly installed pastor.

CHARGE TO THE NEWLY INSTALLED PASTOR

The newly installed pastor remains standing to receive the

charge.

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 99

One or more of the following or other appropriate Scrip-

ture may be used:

A Acts 20:28–32

Keep watch over yourselves and over all the ﬂock, of which

the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the

church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own

Son. I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come

in among you, not sparing the ﬂock. Some even from your

own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice

the disciples to follow them. Therefore be alert,

remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day

to warn everyone with tears. And now I commend you to

God and to the message of his grace, a message that is able

to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all

who are sanctiﬁed.

B John 21:15–19

When they had ﬁnished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,

“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He

said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said

to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him,

“Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes,

Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend

my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of

John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him

the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him,

“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you,

when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt

and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you

will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a

belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.”

(He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would

glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”

100 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

C 1 Tim. 4:12–16

Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an

example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of

scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift

that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with

the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these

things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may

see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your

teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will

save both yourself and your hearers.

HARGE TO THE CONGREGATION

All may stand. One or more of the following or other ap-

propriate scripture may be used:

A 2 Tim. 1:13–14

Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard

from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard

the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy

Spirit living in us.

B Phil. 2:5–11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who,

though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality

with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself and

became obedient to the point of death—even death on a

cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him

the name that is above every name, so that at the name of

Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and

under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus

Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 101

C 1 Peter 4:8–11

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love

covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another

without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold

grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of

you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one

speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so

with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be

gloriﬁed in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong

the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

RESENTATION OF SYMBOLS OF MINISTRY

Symbols appropriate to the new relationship between pas-

tor and congregation may be presented.

HYMN, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

THE EUCHARIST

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

The installed minister may preside at the Lord’s table.

The people are invited to the table using one of the fol-

lowing or a similar invitation. If B is used, the words of in-

stitution are not included in the great thanksgiving or at

the breaking of the bread.

A See Luke 13:29 and 24:30, 31.

Friends, this is the joyful feast of the people of God!

They will come from east and west,

and from north and south,

and sit at table in the kingdom of God.

According to Luke,

when our risen Lord was at table with his disciples,

he took the bread, and blessed and broke it,

and gave it to them.

102 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

Then their eyes were opened

and they recognized him.

This is the Lord’s table.

Our Savior invites those who trust him

to share the feast which he has prepared.

B See 1 Cor. 11:23–26; Luke 22:19–20.

Hear the words of the institution

of the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ:

The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread,

and after giving thanks to God,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup,

you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord,

until he comes.

FFERING

An offering may be received for a purpose designated by

the presbytery.

It is appropriate for deacons to gather the people’s gifts.

Let us return to God the offerings of our life

and the gifts of the earth.

The minister addresses the congregation using these or

other appropriate scripture sentences:

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: Acts 20:35b

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 103

As the offerings are gathered, there may be an anthem, or

other appropriate music.

The minister(s) and elders prepare the table with bread

and wine during the gathering of the gifts. The bread and

wine may be brought to the table, or uncovered if already

in place.

The offerings may be brought forward. A psalm, hymn of

praise, doxology, or spiritual may be sung.

The people stand.

The minister leads the people in the following or another

great thanksgiving appropriate to the season (BCW pp.

126–156, 165–400):

GREAT THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is truly right and our greatest joy

to give you thanks and praise,

eternal God, our Creator.

You formed us in your image,

loved us with an everlasting love,

and graced us with gifts for serving.

In covenant with your people Israel,

you raised up leaders,

judges, monarchs, and prophets,

to show us your path of truth

and nurture us in righteousness.

When we were faithless and would not follow,

104 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

you forgave and returned us to your way.

In the fullness of time,

you sent Jesus, your only Beloved,

to be for us the way, the truth, and the life.

By your Holy Spirit,

he anointed all who would follow him

to live a new life in your love.

Therefore we praise you,

joining our voices with the choirs of heaven

and with all the faithful of every time and place,

who forever sing to the glory of your name:

The people may sing or say:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

The minister continues:

You are holy, O God of majesty,

and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

Baptized as one among us,

he received the gift of your Holy Spirit,

and claimed his calling as a servant of your reign.

Jesus proclaimed good news to the poor,

and by the power of your Word

set people free from all that bound them.

He broke open the bread of life

for all who were hungry,

and upon the hurt and the lost

poured out the living waters of your grace.

In humble obedience,

Jesus went to his death on the cross,

and was raised up by your power to reign in glory.

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 105

In the resurrection

the gifts of his Spirit

were poured out upon your people,

that the church might embrace his ministry

and live as his body in the world.

If they have not already been said, the words of institution

may be said here, or in relation to the breaking of the bread.

We give you thanks that the Lord Jesus,

on the night before he died,

took bread,

and after giving thanks to you,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Remembering all your mighty and merciful acts,

we take this bread and this wine

from the gifts you have given us

and celebrate with joy the redemption

won for us in Jesus Christ.

Accept this our sacriﬁce of praise and thanksgiving

as a living and holy offering of ourselves,

that our lives may proclaim the One cruciﬁed and risen.

The people may sing or say one of the following:

Great is the mystery of faith:

Christ has died,

Christ is risen,

Christ will come again.

106 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life,

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

According to his commandment:

We remember his death,

we proclaim his resurrection,

we await his coming in glory.

Christ is the bread of life:

When we eat this bread and drink this cup,

we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus,

until you come in glory.

The minister continues:

Gracious God,

pour out your Holy Spirit upon us

and upon these your gifts of bread and wine,

that the bread we break

and the cup we bless

may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.

By your Spirit unite us with the living Christ

and with all who are baptized in his name,

that we may be one in ministry in every place.

As this bread is Christ’s body for us,

send us out to be the body of Christ in the world.

It is appropriate for a deacon to offer intercessions for the

church and the world, including intercessions for the con-

gregation and its ministry.

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 107

O God, by water and the Spirit,

you have claimed us as your own,

and anointed us for your service.

Build up the body of Christ in your love,

and equip the church for the work of ministry.

Make us one body in Christ,

where each one’s gifts are honored

and used for the good of all,

where all submit to one another

in humility and the bond of the Holy Spirit.

Send us out into the world

to do justice,

to show mercy,

and to walk humbly with you in trust and faith.

Give us strength to serve you faithfully

until that promised day of resurrection,

when with the redeemed of all the ages

we will feast with you at your table in glory.

Through Christ,

all glory and honor are yours, almighty God,

with the Holy Spirit in the holy church,

now and forever.

Amen.

ORD’S PRAYER

The minister invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s

Prayer:

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray:

Our Father in heaven, Our Father,

hallowed be your name, who art in heaven,

your kingdom come, hallowed be thy name,

your will be done, thy kingdom come,

108 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

on earth as in heaven. thy will be done,

Give us today on earth as it is in heaven.

our daily bread. Give us this day

Forgive us our sins our daily bread;

as we forgive those and forgive us our debts,

who sin against us. as we forgive our debtors;

Save us from and lead us not

the time of trial into temptation,

and deliver us from evil. but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the power,

and the glory are yours and the glory,

now and forever. Amen. forever. Amen.

REAKING OF THE BREAD

If the words of institution have not previously been said,

the minister breaks the bread using A.

If the words of institution were said in the invitation to the

Lord’s table or were included in the great thanksgiving,

the minister breaks the bread using B.

Or the bread may be broken in silence.

A See 1 Cor. 11:23–26; Luke 22:19–20.

The minister breaks the bread in full view of the people,

saying:

The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread,

and after giving thanks to God,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

The minister lifts the cup, saying:

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 109

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup,

you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord,

until he comes.

B 1 Cor. 10:16–17

Because there is one loaf,

we, many as we are, are one body;

for it is one loaf of which we all partake.

The minister breaks the loaf in full view of the people,

saying:

When we break the bread,

is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?

The minister lifts the full cup in view of the people, saying:

When we give thanks over the cup,

is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ?

OMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE

Holding out both the bread and the cup to the people, the

minister says:

The gifts of God

for the people of God.

The minister and those assisting receive Communion,

and then serve the bread and the cup to the people.

It is appropriate for elders and deacons to serve the people.

The people may gather around the table to eat and drink,

or they may go to persons serving the elements, or they

may be served in their places. Silence may be observed; or

psalms, hymns, anthems, or spirituals may be sung.

The following may be said in giving the bread:

110 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

The body of Christ, the bread of heaven.

Amen.

In giving the cup:

The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.

Amen.

RAYER AFTER COMMUNION

The following prayer may be said by the minister or by all

together:

God of grace,

we thank you for welcoming us at this table

to celebrate with all the saints

your generous love given in Jesus your Son.

By the power of your Holy Spirit,

you have fed us in Word and Sacrament,

and nourished us with the bread of heaven,

the food that endures to eternal life.

Make us always strong in our Lord’s service

so we will follow him faithfully wherever he leads;

through Jesus Christ we pray.

Amen.

SENDING

CHARGE

All present may stand.

It is appropriate for a deacon to dismiss the congregation

using the following or a similar charge (BCW pp. 159–160).

See 1 Cor. 16:13; 2 Tim. 2:1; Eph. 6:10;

1 Thess. 5:13–22; and 1 Peter 2:17.

Go out into the world in peace;

have courage;

hold on to what is good;

INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR / 111

return no one evil for evil;

strengthen the fainthearted;

support the weak, and help the suffering;

honor all people;

love and serve the Lord,

rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

LESSING 2 Cor. 13:13

The newly installed pastor gives God’s blessing to the con-

gregation.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

Alleluia! Amen.

YMN, SPIRITUAL, CANTICLE, OR PSALM

During the singing, the newly installed pastor may lead

members of the commission and others in procession

from the place of worship.

112 / INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR

SCRIPTURE READINGS

FOR THE

ORDINATION

AND

INSTALLATION OF

DEACONS AND ELDERS

SCRIPTURE READINGS / 113

The following readings are particularly appropriate for

use in the Service of Ordination and Installation of dea-

cons and elders. If this is to be the principal service for the

Lord’s Day, the readings appointed for that day (BCW

pp. 1035–1048) may also be used.

OLD TESTAMENT

The psalm listed with each reading is appropriate for use

as a response.

Ex. 33:7–14 My presence will go with you Psalm 99

Num. 11:16–17, Seventy elders appointed Psalm 133

24–30

Josh. 1:1–9 Be strong and courageous Psalm 90

Isa. 40:27–31 Those who wait for the Lord . . . Ps. 147:1–11

Isa. 61:1–3 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me Psalm 126

Micah 6:6–8 What does the Lord require Psalm 15

EPISTLES

Acts 1:6–8 You will be my witnesses

Acts 6:1–7 The ﬁrst deacons chosen

1 Cor. 3:18–4:2 Stewards must be found trustworthy

1 Cor. 12:4–20, One body, many members

26–27

2 Cor. 5:14–20 The ministry of reconciliation

Gal. 5:22–26 The fruit of the Spirit

Eph. 4:7, 11–13 Equipping the saints for ministry

Phil. 2:1–11 Let the same mind be in you

Heb. 12:1–13 Run with perseverance the race set before you

1 Peter 2:4–10 A chosen race, a royal priesthood

GOSPELS

Matt. 5:1–12 The Beatitudes

Matt. 9:35–38 The harvest is plentiful

Matt. 11:25–30 Take my yoke upon you

Matt. 28:16–20 The Great Commission

Mark 1:16–20 I will make you ﬁsh for people

Mark 6:7–13 The mission of the twelve

Mark 10:35–45 Not to be served but to serve

Luke 22:14–27 I am among you as one who serves

John 10:7–16 I am the good Shepherd

John 12:20–26 We wish to see Jesus

John 14:15–31 The Holy Spirit will teach you

John 15:1–17 I am the vine, you are the branches

John 21:15–19 Feed my sheep

114 / SCRIPTURE READINGS

SCRIPTURE READINGS

FOR

ORDINATION AND

INSTALLATION TO THE

MINISTRY OF WORD

AND

SACRAMENT

SCRIPTURE READINGS / 115

The following readings are particularly appropriate for use

in the Service of Ordination and Installation to the Min-

istry of the Word and Sacrament. If this is to be the prin-

cipal service for the Lord’s Day, the readings appointed for

that day (BCW pp. 1035–1048) may also be used.

OLD TESTAMENT

The psalm listed with each reading is appropriate for use

as a response.

Ex. 3:1–12 The call of Moses Ps. 105:1–6,

23–26, 45c)

Ex. 33:7–17 My presence will go with you Psalm 99

Josh. 1:1–9 Be strong and courageous Psalm 90

Isa. 6:1–8 The call of Isaiah Psalm 29

Isa. 40:1–11 Comfort my people Psalm 85:

1–2, 8–13

Isa. 43:1–7 I have called you by name Psalm 29

Isa. 52:7–12 How beautiful upon the mountains Psalm 98

Isa. 55:6–11 My word shall not return empty Ps. 119:

129–144

Isa. 61:1–3 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me Psalm 126

Jer. 1:4–10 The call of Jeremiah Ps. 71:1–6

Ezek. 34:11–16 God the true Shepherd Psalm 100

Micah 6:6–8 What does the Lord require Psalm 15

EPISTLES

Acts 1:6–8 You will be my witnesses

Rom. 10:11–17 Faith comes from hearing

1 Cor. 1:18–31 We preach Christ cruciﬁed

1 Cor. 3:18–4:2 It is required that stewards be found trustworthy

1 Cor. 11:23–26 The institution of the Lord’s Supper

2 Cor. 4:1–7 We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord

2 Cor. 5:14–20 We are ambassadors for Christ

Gal. 5:22–26 The fruit of the Spirit

Eph. 4:7, 11–13 Equipping the saints for the work of ministry

Phil. 2:1–11 Let the same mind be in you

Heb. 12:1–13 Run with perseverance the race set before

you

GOSPELS

Matt. 5:1–12 The Beatitudes

Matt. 9:35–38 The harvest is plentiful

Matt. 11:25–30 Take my yoke upon you

Matt. 28:16–20 The Great Commission

Mark 1:16–20 I will make you ﬁsh for people

Mark 10:35–45 Not to be served but to serve

Luke 4:16–21 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me

Luke 22:14–27 I am among you as one who serves

John 12:20–26 We wish to see Jesus

John 14:15–31 The Holy Spirit will teach you

John 15:1–17 I am the vine

John 21:15–19 Feed my sheep

116 / SCRIPTURE READINGS

HYMNS FOR

ORDINATION AND

INSTALLATION SERVICES

HYMNS / 117

The following hymns are particularly appropriate for use

in services of ordination and installation.

All People That on Earth Do Dwell (Psalm 100) 220

Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks 106

As a Chalice Cast of Gold 336

Be Thou My Vision 339

Christ of the Upward Way 344

Come, Great God of All the Ages 132

Come, Risen Lord 503

Down to Earth, as a Dove 300

Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether 504

Eternal Light, Shine in My Heart 340

From All That Dwell Below the Skies (Psalm 117) 229

Give to Me, Lord, a Thankful Heart 351

Give Thanks, O Christian People 552

God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand 262

God Is My Strong Salvation (Psalm 27) 179

God of Grace and God of Glory 420

God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian 523

God Is Here! 461

God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength (Psalm 46) 191

Guide My Feet 354

Here I Am, Lord 525

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! 138

Holy Spirit, Lord of Love 524

Holy God, We Praise Your Name 460

How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord 419

I Come with Joy 507

I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art 457

I’ll Praise My Maker (Psalm 146) 253

Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love 367

Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ 514

Lift High the Cross 371

Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song 314

Lord, You Give the Great Commission 429

Lord, Make Us Servants of Your Peace 374

Lord, Make Us More Holy 536

Lord of Light, Your Name Outshining 425

Loving Spirit 323

New Songs of Celebration Render (Psalm 98) 218

Now Thank We All Our God 555

O Come and Sing unto the Lord (Psalm 95) 214

O That I Had a Thousand Voices 475

O Day of Radiant Gladness 470

Our God, Our Help in Ages Past (Psalm 90) 210

Praise Ye the Lord (Psalm 150) 258

Take Thou Our Minds, Dear Lord 392

Take My Life 391

The Church of Christ in Every Age 421

The Church’s One Foundation 442

The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want (Psalm 23) 170

Though I May Speak 335

Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples 434

Una Espiga (Sheaves of Summer) 518

We Meet You, O Christ 311

Wild and Lone the Prophet’s Voice 409

118 / HYMNS

COMMISSIONING

120 / INTRODUCTION TO COMMISSIONING

INTRODUCTION TO

THE

SERVICES

COMMISSIONING

Every Christian, by virtue of being claimed in baptism as

a disciple of Jesus Christ, has a ministry to perform in

Christ’s name. These range from a wide variety of tasks

within the congregational life to many services beyond,

as well as those responsibilities to which one may be

elected.

There are occasions in the life of the church, then, when

it is appropriate to afﬁrm certain speciﬁc ministries of in-

dividuals as extensions of the mission of the whole church.

This afﬁrmation makes it clear that these individuals re-

ceive the support and encouragement of all the people, as

they carry out important and necessary tasks. It also es-

tablishes a relationship of responsibility and accountabil-

ity between the congregation and the individual.

These “services of commissioning” provide ways to ac-

knowledge the baptismal ministries of individuals in the

church as extensions of the church’s ministry. Those be-

ing commissioned gather at the baptismal font or pool,

which is ﬁlled with water, as a sign that what happens in

these services rests ﬁrmly on the foundation of baptism.

Those being commissioned reafﬁrm their faith as in bap-

tism, and accept their responsibility of particular service.

In a fashion similar to baptism, the congregation conﬁrms

God’s call to them and promises support and encourage-

ment in their ministry.

The bond between congregation and individuals in ser-

vice, however, is set in its proper context. Early in each

service the congregation rehearses “The Great Ends of

the Church.” This is to celebrate the diverse gifts from

God given to different people and woven into an intricate

fabric of mission by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Three similar, yet unique services are offered here. The

ﬁrst is for a variety of people serving within the life of the

congregation. Each congregation will determine how and

how often this is used.

The second is for people who serve outside the life of a

congregation in various mission activities. What should

be noted here is the inclusion in the service, if at all pos-

sible, of representatives of the group or agency to which

the person is to be related.

The third service is for delegates to a governing body.

The worshiping body afﬁrms the election of a delegate

and recognizes that service as a fulﬁllment of baptismal

calling, important to the life of the whole church.

“Reafﬁrmation of the Baptismal Covenant Marking

Occasions of Growth in Faith,” in the Book of Common

Worship (pp. 478–484), is an additional useful resource.

INTRODUCTION TO COMMISSIONING / 121

AN OUTLINE OF COMMISSIONING TO

MINISTRY WITHIN A CONGREGATION

Sentences of Scripture

Psalm 133

Call to Discipleship

Commissioning Prayer

Charge

Blessing

COMMISSIONING TO MINISTRY WITHIN / 123

COMMISSIONING TO

MINISTRY WITHIN A

CONGREGATION

This liturgy may be used to commission persons to various forms of

professional or voluntary service within a congregation: educators,

church musicians, parish associates, pastor nominating committees,

church school teachers, choir members, trustees, small group leaders,

youth and children’s advisers, and other persons who are called to par-

ticular leadership.

When a presbytery has certiﬁed a Christian educator, this liturgy may

be adapted for use by a congregation to recognize this achievement.

When a presbytery has commissioned a lay pastor, this liturgy may be

adapted to initiate this commission within a congregation. It is appro-

priate that a representative of the presbytery lead this service.

Commissioning would ordinarily be part of a complete

Service for the Lord’s Day, although this liturgy may be

used alone. When included in a complete service, com-

missioning should follow the sermon and precede the cel-

ebration of the Lord’s Supper.

The minister and those to be commissioned gather at the

baptismal font or pool.

The font or pool should be ﬁlled with water.

SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

The minister addresses all present:

124 / COMMISSIONING TO MINISTRY WITHIN

As many of you as were baptized into Christ Gal. 3:27–28

have clothed yourselves with Christ.

There is no longer Jew or Greek,

there is no longer slave or free,

there is no longer male and female;

for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

Lead a life worthy of the calling Eph. 4:1–6

to which you have been called,

making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

There is one body and one Spirit,

just as we were called to the one hope of our calling,

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

one God and Father of all,

who is above all and through all and in all.

SALM 133 PH 241; PS 137

The psalm is said or sung.

CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

The minister continues:

We are called by God

to be the church of Jesus Christ,

a sign in the world today

of what God intends for all humankind.

All respond:

The great ends of the church are Book of Order,

the proclamation of the gospel G-1.0200

for the salvation of humankind;

the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship

of the children of God;

the maintenance of divine worship;

the preservation of the truth;

the promotion of social righteousness;

and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven

to the world.

The minister continues:

The call of Christ

is to willing, dedicated discipleship.

Our discipleship is a manifestation

of the new life we enter through baptism.

Discipleship is both a gift and a commitment,

an offering and a responsibility.

The minister or other appropriate person(s) shall relate

the form(s) of service to which persons are being com-

missioned.

Those being commissioned may express their hope in ac-

cepting the call and commission.

The minister addresses those being commissioned:

N. and N.,

the grace bestowed on you in baptism

is sufﬁcient for your calling

because it is God’s grace.

By God’s grace we are saved,

and enabled to grow in the faith

and to commit our lives in ways that serve Christ.

God has called you to particular service.

Show your purpose by answering these questions.

Who is your Lord and Savior?

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple,

obeying his Word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

Do you welcome the responsibility of this service

because you are determined to follow the Lord Jesus,

to love neighbors,

and to work for the reconciling of the world?

I do.

COMMISSIONING TO MINISTRY WITHIN / 125

Will you serve the people

with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love,

relying on God’s mercy

and rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit?

I will, with God’s help.

The minister addresses all present:

Do you, members of N. Church,

conﬁrm the call of God

to our brothers/sisters N. and N.

as __________

in the service of Jesus Christ?

We do.

Will you support and encourage them in this ministry?

We will.

OMMISSIONING PRAYER

Faithful God,

in baptism you claimed us;

and by your Holy Spirit you are working in our lives,

empowering us to live a life worthy of our calling.

We thank you for leading N. and N. to this time and place.

Establish them in your truth,

and guide them by your Holy Spirit,

that in your service they may grow

in faith, hope, and love,

and be (a) faithful disciple(s) of Jesus Christ,

to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,

be honor and glory, now and forever.

Other petitions appropriate to speciﬁc forms of congre-

gational service (BCW pp. 803ff.) may be offered.

All may pray together:

Almighty God,

126 / COMMISSIONING TO MINISTRY WITHIN

in Jesus Christ you called disciples

and, by the Holy Spirit,

made them one church to serve you.

Let your Spirit rule your church,

so that we may be joined

in love and service to Jesus Christ,

who, having gone before us,

is coming to meet us

in the promise of your kingdom.

Amen.

HARGE

It is appropriate for a deacon to give the charge, using this

or other scripture:

N. and N., you are commissioned to service

as ________ in this congregation.

Whatever you do, in word or deed, Col. 3:17

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God through him.

LESSING

The minister addresses those being commissioned:

May the God of peace 1 Thess. 5:23

make you holy in every way,

and keep your whole being,

spirit, soul, and body,

free from every fault

at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

The service continues with a hymn, psalm, or spiritual, or

with the prayers of the people or the celebration of the

Eucharist.

COMMISSIONING TO MINISTRY WITHIN / 127

AN OUTLINE OF COMMISSIONING TO

MINISTRY OUTSIDE A CONGREGATION

Sentences of Scripture

Psalm 133

Call to Discipleship

Commissioning Prayer

Charge

Blessing

COMMISSIONING TO MINISTRY OUTSIDE / 129

This liturgy may be used by a congregation, a governing body, a

seminary, or other church-related organization to commission persons

to various forms of professional or voluntary service outside a congre-

gation: community volunteers, mission workers, counselors, seminary

faculty, chaplains, church administrative staff, representatives to church

conferences or other events, and other forms of Christian calling.

This liturgy may also be adapted to celebrate the ministry of the laity

in their chosen vocation and daily work. Alternately, the “Reafﬁrmation

of the Baptismal Covenant Marking Occasions of Growth in Faith”

(BCW p. 478) may be used for a similar purpose.

Commissioning would ordinarily be part of a complete

Service for the Lord’s Day, although this liturgy may be

used alone. When included in a complete service, com-

missioning should follow the sermon and precede the cel-

ebration of the Lord’s Supper.

It may be appropriate for representatives from the com-

munity agency, organization, or institution related to this

commissioning to be invited to share in the leadership of

this liturgy.

The minister, worship leaders, and those who are to be

commissioned gather at the baptismal font or pool.

The font or pool should be ﬁlled with water.

COMMISSIONING TO

MINISTRY OUTSIDE

CONGREGATION

130 / COMMISSIONING TO MINISTRY OUTSIDE

SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

The minister addresses all present:

As many of you as were baptized into Christ Gal. 3:27–28

have clothed yourselves with Christ.

There is no longer Jew or Greek,

there is no longer slave or free,

there is no longer male and female;

for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

Lead a life worthy of the calling Eph. 4:1–6

to which you have been called,

making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

There is one body and one Spirit,

just as we were called to the one hope of our calling,

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

one God and Father of all,

who is above all and through all and in all.

SALM 133 PH 241; PS 137

The psalm is said or sung.

CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

The minister continues:

We are called by God

to be the church of Jesus Christ,

a sign in the world today

of what God intends for all humankind.

The great ends of the church are

the proclamation of the gospel

for the salvation of humankind;

the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship

of the children of God;

the maintenance of divine worship;

the preservation of the truth;

the promotion of social righteousness;

and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven

to the world.

The minister continues:

The call of Christ

is to willing, dedicated discipleship.

Our discipleship is a manifestation

of the new life we enter through baptism.

Discipleship is both a gift and a commitment,

an offering and a responsibility.

The minister or other appropriate person(s) shall relate the

form(s) of service to which persons are being commissioned.

Those being commissioned may express their hope in ac-

cepting the call and commission.

The minister addresses those being commissioned:

N. and N.,

the grace bestowed on you in baptism

is sufﬁcient for your calling

because it is God’s grace.

By God’s grace we are saved,

and enabled to grow in the faith

and to commit our lives in ways that serve Christ.

God has called you to particular service.

Show your purpose by answering these questions.

Who is your Lord and Savior?

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple,

obeying his Word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

Do you welcome the responsibility of this service

because you are determined to follow the Lord Jesus,

COMMISSIONING TO MINISTRY OUTSIDE / 131

to love neighbors,

and to work for the reconciling of the world?

I do.

Will you serve the people

with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love,

relying on God’s mercy

and rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit?

I will, with God’s help.

The minister addresses all present:

Do you, members of N. Church,

conﬁrm the call of God

to our brothers/sisters N. and N.

as __________

in the service of Jesus Christ?

We do.

Will you support and encourage them in this ministry?

We will.

OMMISSIONING PRAYER

Faithful God,

in baptism you claimed us;

and by your Holy Spirit you are working in our lives,

empowering us to live a life worthy of our calling.

We thank you for leading N. and N. to this time and place.

Establish them in your truth,

and guide them by your Holy Spirit,

that in your service they may grow

in faith, hope, and love,

and be (a) faithful disciple(s) of Jesus Christ,

to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,

be honor and glory, now and forever.

Other petitions appropriate to speciﬁc forms of Christian

service (BCW pp. 803ff.) may be offered.

132 / COMMISSIONING TO MINISTRY OUTSIDE

All may pray together:

Almighty God,

in Jesus Christ you called disciples

and, by the Holy Spirit,

made them one church to serve you.

Let your Spirit rule your church,

so that we may be joined

in love and service to Jesus Christ,

who, having gone before us,

is coming to meet us

in the promise of your kingdom.

Amen.

HARGE

It is appropriate for a deacon to give the charge, using this

or other scripture:

N. and N., you are commissioned

to service as ________.

Whatever you do, in word or deed, Col. 3:17

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God through him.

LESSING

The minister addresses those being commissioned:

May the God of peace 1 Thess. 5:23

make you holy in every way,

and keep your whole being,

spirit, soul, and body,

free from every fault

at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

The service continues with a hymn, psalm, or spiritual, or

with the prayers of the people or the celebration of the

Eucharist.

COMMISSIONING TO MINISTRY OUTSIDE / 133

AN OUTLINE OF COMMISSIONING

DELEGATES TO A GOVERNING BODY

Sentences of Scripture

Psalm 133

Call to Discipleship

Commissioning Prayer

Charge

Blessing

COMMISSIONING DELEGATES / 135

This liturgy may be used by sessions, presbyteries, synods, and the Gen-

eral Assembly to commission persons to various forms of elected ser-

vice in other governing bodies, on ecumenical councils, or to church

boards or agencies.

Commissioning would ordinarily be part of a complete

Service for the Lord’s Day, although this rite may be used

alone. When included in a complete service, commission-

ing should follow the sermon and precede the celebration

of the Lord’s Supper.

The moderator of the session, presbytery, synod, or Gen-

eral Assembly and those who are to be commissioned

gather at the baptismal font or pool.

The font or pool should be ﬁlled with water.

SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

The moderator addresses all present:

As many of you as were baptized into Christ Gal. 3:27–28

have clothed yourselves with Christ.

There is no longer Jew or Greek,

there is no longer slave or free,

there is no longer male and female;

for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

Lead a life worthy of the calling Eph. 4:1–6

to which you have been called,

COMMISSIONING

DELEGATES TO A

GOVERNING BODY

making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

There is one body and one Spirit,

just as we were called to the one hope of our calling,

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

one God and Father of all,

who is above all and through all and in all.

SALM 133 PH 241; PS 137

The psalm is said or sung.

CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

The moderator continues:

We are called by God

to be the church of Jesus Christ,

a sign in the world today

of what God intends for all humankind.

The great ends of the church are

the proclamation of the gospel

for the salvation of humankind;

the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship

of the children of God;

the maintenance of divine worship;

the preservation of the truth;

the promotion of social righteousness;

and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven

to the world.

The moderator continues:

The call of Christ

is to willing, dedicated discipleship.

Our discipleship is a manifestation

of the new life we enter through baptism.

Discipleship is both a gift and a commitment,

an offering and a responsibility.

136 / COMMISSIONING DELEGATES

The moderator shall relate the form of service to which

persons are being commissioned.

The delegates may express their hope in accepting the call

and commission.

The moderator addresses the delegates:

N. and N.,

the grace bestowed on you in baptism

is sufﬁcient for your calling

because it is God’s grace.

By God’s grace we are saved,

and enabled to grow in the faith

and to commit our lives in ways that serve Christ.

God has called you to particular service.

Show your purpose by answering these questions.

Who is your Lord and Savior?

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple,

obeying his Word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

Do you welcome the responsibility of this service

because you are determined to follow the Lord Jesus,

to love neighbors,

and to work for the reconciling of the world?

I do.

Will you serve the people

with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love,

relying on God’s mercy

and rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit?

I will, with God’s help.

COMMISSIONING DELEGATES / 137

The moderator addresses all present:

Do we, members of N.,

accept N. and N. as ________ to _________,

chosen by God through the voice of the church,

to guide us in the way of Jesus Christ?

We do.

Do we promise to support and encourage them

as they seek to fulﬁll their responsibilities in this ministry?

We do.

OMMISSIONING PRAYER

Faithful God,

in baptism you claimed us;

and by your Holy Spirit you are working in our lives,

empowering us to live a life worthy of our calling.

We thank you for leading N. and N. to this time and place.

Establish them in your truth,

and guide them by your Holy Spirit,

that in your service they may grow

in faith, hope, and love,

and be (a) faithful disciple(s) of Jesus Christ,

to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit

be honor and glory, now and forever.

Other petitions appropriate to speciﬁc forms of Christian

service (BCW pp. 803ff.) may be offered.

All may pray together:

Almighty God,

in Jesus Christ you called disciples

and, by the Holy Spirit,

made them one church to serve you.

Be with members of the [presbytery, synod, General

Assembly, council, board, agency].

Help them to welcome new things

you are doing in the world

and to respect old things you keep and use.

138 / COMMISSIONING DELEGATES

In their deliberation,

bring about what is best

for us and for all people.

As they meet, let your Holy Spirit guide

so that the whole church

may be joined in love and service to Jesus Christ,

who, having gone before us,

is coming to meet us

in the promise of your kingdom.

Amen.

HARGE

The moderator addresses those who are commissioned:

N. and N., you are commissioned

to service as ________ to ________.

Whatever you do, in word or deed, Col. 3:17

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God through him.

LESSING

The moderator addresses those being commissioned:

May the God of peace 1 Thess. 5:23

make you holy in every way,

and keep your whole being,

spirit, soul, and body,

free from every fault

at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Alleluia! Amen.

The service continues with a hymn, psalm, or spiritual, or

with the prayers of the people or the celebration of the

Eucharist.

COMMISSIONING DELEGATES / 139

DEDICATION

142 / INTRODUCTION TO DEDICATION

INTRODUCTION TO

THE

SERVICES

DEDICATION

Many physical things are useful in the service of Christ. It

is appropriate for the church to celebrate these as gifts

from God and to make a commitment that they will be put

to use in a faithful manner to advance the mission of the

church in the world. The liturgies for Groundbreaking

and Laying of a Cornerstone, and the service of Dedica-

tion of a Church Building and Furnishings enable a con-

gregation to dedicate their effort from the beginning to

the glory of God.

In the liturgies for Groundbreaking and for Laying of a

Cornerstone, movement from the current place of wor-

ship to the new location is suggested.

The Service of Dedication of a Church Building and Fur-

nishings makes clear that the congregation holds the

property in trust for the whole church in a relationship of

accountability and responsibility. This service may be

adapted according to the particular need.

When a new sanctuary is being dedicated and furnished,

it is appropriate to use the entire service, which is based

on the Service for the Lord’s Day. When only certain fur-

nishings are being dedicated, appropriate portions of the

liturgy may be incorporated within another service of wor-

ship. When communion vessels are dedicated, it is sug-

gested that they be placed on the table with the bread and

wine to be used at Communion.

Beyond what is listed, additional items, such as vestments,

choir robes, candle stands, and vases, may also be dedi-

cated using a format and prayers similar to those offered

here.

The Dedication of a Christian Home is a brief service and

may be used as a part of an informal gathering of family

and friends.

Services for the dedications of a health care facility, an ed-

ucational institution, and a community service agency all

recognize the role of the church in the public arena meet-

ing human needs.

INTRODUCTION TO DEDICATION / 143

OUTLINE OF THE ORDER FOR

GROUNDBREAKING

Call to Worship

Prayer

Hymn of Praise, Psalm, or Spiritual

Scripture Reading

Turning the Sod

Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual

Blessing

GROUNDBREAKING / 145

It is appropriate for people to gather at the current place

of worship and process to the new location, or the con-

gregation may gather at the site of the groundbreaking.

CALL TO WORSHIP

GREETING

The minister greets the people saying:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

The following, or other appropriate verses of scripture,

are said:

The stone that the builders rejected Ps. 118:22–25

has become the chief cornerstone.

This is the Lord’s doing;

it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day that the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!

O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!

RAYER

Let us pray.

GROUNDBREAKING

Lord God, Maker of heaven and earth,

we pray that what is planted here

will grow and ﬂourish,

watered by your gracious blessing.

From this ground let there rise

the proclamation of your saving Word

as revealed in scripture,

the celebration of your redeeming love on the cross

by which we are fed at Christ’s table,

and the acceptance of your baptismal claim

in the power of the Holy Spirit.

May the house built here

be not only a haven for the gathering of your people,

but a home for their nurture and preparation

to go into the world

as faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

YMN OF PRAISE, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

SCRIPTURE READING

One or more of the following, or other appropriate scrip-

ture texts may be read:

A Ex. 3:1–6

Moses was keeping the ﬂock of his father-in-law Jethro,

the priest of Midian; he led his ﬂock beyond the

wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.

There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a ﬂame of

ﬁre out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet

it was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I must turn aside

and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not

burned up.” When the Lord saw that he had turned aside

to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses,

Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Come

no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the

place on which you are standing is holy ground.” He said

146 / GROUNDBREAKING

further, “I am the God of your father, the God of

Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And

Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

B Luke 6:47–49

Jesus said, “I will show you what someone is like who

comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one

is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the

foundation on rock; when a ﬂood arose, the river burst

against that house but could not shake it, because it had

been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is

like a man who built a house on the ground without a

foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately

it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.”

C 1 Cor. 3:10–14

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled

master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is

building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to

build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than

the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.

Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver,

precious stones, wood, hay, straw—the work of each

builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it

because it will be revealed with ﬁre, and the ﬁre will test

what sort of work each has done. If what has been built on

the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward.

D Eph. 2:19–22

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you

are citizens with the saints and also members of the

household of God, built upon the foundation of the

apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the

cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined

together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in

whom you also are built together spiritually into a

dwelling place for God.

GROUNDBREAKING / 147

E Heb. 11:8–10

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out

for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he

set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he

stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in

a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who

were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked

forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect

and builder is God.

URNING THE SOD

Representatives of the presbytery, the minister(s), ofﬁ-

cers, and members of the church may each turn spadefuls

of soil as the following is said:

Placing our trust in Jesus Christ,

we begin this work by breaking ground

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

RAYER

Eternal God,

our days and years are in your hand.

Our accomplishments are ﬂeeting,

and what we build is temporary.

We pray that what we begin here today

will rise to give you glory,

standing ﬁrm on the foundations of apostles and prophets,

with Jesus Christ himself as the cornerstone.

ORD’S PRAYER

The minister invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s

Prayer:

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray:

148 / GROUNDBREAKING

Our Father in heaven, Our Father,

hallowed be your name, who art in heaven,

your kingdom come, hallowed be thy name,

your will be done, thy kingdom come,

on earth as in heaven. thy will be done,

Give us today on earth as it is in heaven.

our daily bread. Give us this day

Forgive us our sins our daily bread;

as we forgive those and forgive us our debts,

who sin against us. as we forgive our debtors;

Save us from and lead us not

the time of trial into temptation,

and deliver us from evil. but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the power,

and the glory are yours and the glory,

now and forever. Amen. forever. Amen.

YMN, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

BLESSING

The minister gives God’s blessing to the congregation:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 13:13

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

Alleluia! Amen.

GROUNDBREAKING / 149

OUTLINE OF THE ORDER FOR THE

LAYING OF A CORNERSTONE

Call to Worship

Prayer

Hymn of Praise, Psalm, or Spiritual

Scripture Reading

Placing the Cornerstone

Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual

Blessing

LAYING OF A CORNERSTONE / 151

The liturgy for the laying of a cornerstone may follow the

Service for the Lord’s Day or may be held at a different

time.

It is appropriate for people to gather at the current place

of worship and process to the new location, or the con-

gregation may assemble at the site of the cornerstone.

CALL TO WORSHIP

The minister, clerk of session, or another elder addresses

the people:

It stands in scripture: 1 Peter 2:6

See, I am laying in Zion a stone,

a cornerstone, chosen and precious;

and whoever believes in him

will not be put to shame.

For no one can lay any foundation 1 Cor. 3:11

other than the one that has been laid;

that foundation is Jesus Christ.

RAYER

O God, Creator of the universe,

when the morning stars sang together

and the heavens shouted for joy,

you laid the foundation of the earth,

the cornerstone of your eternal love.

ORDER FOR LAYING

OF A

CORNERSTONE

On this stone, let there stand

a solid faith

celebrated by your worship and praise,

and shared in the world;

a witness to your love

made known in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

YMN OF PRAISE, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

SCRIPTURE READING

One or more of the following, or other appropriate scrip-

ture may be read:

A Josh. 4:1–7

When the entire nation had ﬁnished crossing over the

Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua: “Select twelve men from

the people, one from each tribe, and command them,

‘Take twelve stones from here out of the middle of the

Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood, carry

them over with you, and lay them down in the place where

you camp tonight.’” Then Joshua summoned the twelve

men from the Israelites, whom he had appointed, one

from each tribe. Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the

ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan,

and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, one for

each of the tribes of the Israelites, so that this may be a

sign among you. When your children ask in time to come,

‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell

them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of

the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed over

the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these

stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever.”

B Luke 6:47–49

Jesus said, “I will show you what someone is like who

comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one

152 / LAYING OF A CORNERSTONE

is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the

foundation on rock; when a ﬂood arose, the river burst

against that house but could not shake it, because it had

been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is

like a man who built a house on the ground without a

foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately

it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.”

C Eph. 2:19–22

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are

citizens with the saints and also members of the household

of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and

prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In

him the whole structure is joined together and grows into

a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are built

together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

LACING THE CORNERSTONE

The clerk of session or the minister may read the list of

items contained in the cornerstone as it is sealed.

As the stone is placed, the minister may say:

Founding our trust on Jesus Christ,

we continue his work

by placing this cornerstone

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

RAYER

The minister continues:

Eternal God,

use our hands to build for you,

that our labor will not be in vain.

Establish your house upon this stone.

LAYING OF A CORNERSTONE / 153

Bring us within its walls

to celebrate your love

in Word and Sacrament.

Give us grace

to make it a place of welcome

for all your children.

Send us from its safety,

surrounded by the security of your love,

to demonstrate that love in the world

as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

ORD’S PRAYER

The minister invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s

Prayer:

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray:

Our Father in heaven, Our Father,

hallowed be your name, who art in heaven,

your kingdom come, hallowed be thy name,

your will be done, thy kingdom come,

on earth as in heaven. thy will be done,

Give us today on earth as it is in heaven.

our daily bread. Give us this day

Forgive us our sins our daily bread;

as we forgive those and forgive us our debts,

who sin against us. as we forgive our debtors;

Save us from and lead us not

the time of trial into temptation,

and deliver us from evil. but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the power,

and the glory are yours and the glory,

now and forever. Amen. forever. Amen.

154 / LAYING OF A CORNERSTONE

HYMN, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

BLESSING

The minister gives God’s blessing to the congregation:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 13:13

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

Alleluia! Amen.

LAYING OF A CORNERSTONE / 155

OUTLINE OF THE DEDICATION OF

A CHURCH BUILDING AND FURNISHINGS

GATHERING

Opening of the Doors

Hymn of Praise, Psalm, or Spiritual

EDICATION

Call to Worship

Prayer

[Hymn, Anthem, Psalm, or Spiritual]

Prayers of Dedication

HE WORD

Prayer for Illumination

First Reading

Psalm

Second Reading

Anthem, Hymn, Psalm, Canticle, or Spiritual

Gospel Reading

Sermon

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual

Afﬁrmation of Faith

The Peace

HE EUCHARIST

Offering

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Great Thanksgiving

Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

Communion of the People

ENDING

Hymn, Spiritual, Canticle, or Psalm

Charge

Blessing

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 157

DEDICATION OF A

CHURCH BUILDING

AND

FURNISHINGS

Based on the Service

for the Lord’s Day

GATHERING

OPENING OF THE DOORS

The congregation may gather outside the church entrance.

At the time the service is scheduled to begin, the doors to

the church are closed.

The session gathers inside.

The presbytery commission gathers outside and ap-

proaches the doors of the church. The moderator of the

presbytery commission may knock three times on the

church door and say:

Open to me the gates of righteousness, Ps. 118:19

that I may enter through them

and give thanks to the Lord.

The clerk of session opens the door.

Handing the keys to the moderator of the presbytery

commission, the clerk may say:

This house has been built

for the glory of God

and the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the unity of the church,

we present these keys to the Presbytery of N.

and ask you to dedicate this house

to the glory of God.

The moderator of the presbytery commission receives the

keys and says:

On behalf of the Presbytery of N.,

the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),

and the church of Jesus Christ,

we accept these keys

and begin the dedication of this building.

YMN OF PRAISE, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

During the singing of the hymn of praise, psalm, or can-

ticle, the presbytery commission leads the people into the

church. Members of the session follow, carrying the pul-

pit or lectern Bible, a chalice and plate, and a pitcher of

water for the baptismal font. These symbols of Word and

Sacrament are placed in full view of the people along with

the keys.

DEDICATION

When church furnishings only are being dedicated, the

service begins here.

CALL TO WORSHIP

The minister, moderator, or other worship leader leads

the people:

How lovely is your dwelling place, Ps. 84:1–2, 4–5,

O Lord of Hosts! 7, 10, 12

My soul longs, indeed it faints

for the courts of the Lord.

My heart and my ﬂesh

sing for joy to the living God.

158 / DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

Happy are those who live in your house

ever singing your praise.

Happy are those whose strength is in you,

in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

They go from strength to strength;

the God of gods will be seen in Zion.

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand

elsewhere.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my

God

than live in the tents of wickedness.

[Unison]

O Lord of hosts,

happy is everyone who trusts in you.

RAYER

The minister continues:

Eternal God, high and holy,

no building can contain your glory.

May this space be used as

a gathering place for people of goodwill.

When we worship, let us worship gladly;

when we study, let us learn your truth.

May every meeting held here

meet with your approval,

so that this building may stand

as a sign of your Spirit at work in the world,

and as a witness to our Lord and Savior,

Jesus Christ.

Amen.

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 159

God of the universe,

the heavens cannot contain your glory.

Yet you have come to be with us in Jesus Christ,

and by the power of the Holy Spirit

you are present with us now

in the risen Christ.

We dedicate this house to your honor and glory.

We thank you for all the gifts

that have come together in this building,

the craft and art of many hands,

contributions of money and material,

labors of love and commitment.

Bless the work of our hands, O God,

that this place may offer your welcome

to many and diverse people,

that all who seek you here

may know your presence in their lives.

By your grace and according to your will,

may the Gospel of Jesus Christ be truly proclaimed

and the sacraments rightly administered,

that the body of Christ may be nurtured here,

and strengthened for Christ’s service in the world.

Amen.

YMN, ANTHEM, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL]

RAYERS OF DEDICATION

It is appropriate for deacons, elders, and other represen-

tatives of the congregation to lead one or more of the fol-

lowing prayers from each location:

THE BAPTISMAL FONT OR POOL

Water is poured visibly and audibly into the font or pool:

By your grace, O God,

you have brought us into your covenant

through the waters of baptism,

160 / DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

and by the power of the Holy Spirit

we are made members

of the body of Christ, the church.

At this font may lives be claimed

by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ

for the work and witness

of your people in this world.

We did not choose you, O Lord, See John 15:16a.

but you chose us.

Trusting in Jesus Christ,

we dedicate this font

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

HE PULPIT

Paraments may be placed on the pulpit.

You have spoken your Word, O God,

through prophets and apostles,

and in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

From this place

may your Word be faithfully proclaimed.

Let all who hear your Word

be renewed in faith

and strengthened in service

as Christ’s bold disciples in the world.

Your word is a lamp to our feet See Ps. 119:105.

and a light to our path.

Trusting in Jesus Christ,

we dedicate this pulpit

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 161

THE PULPIT/LECTERN BIBLE

The Bible is opened.

Eternal God,

you enlighten all with your truth.

Plant your Word in our hearts as good seed,

and allow it to grow into a rich harvest

of justice, mercy, and love.

Let it be the sharpened sword

that separates truth from falsehood,

as we seek to follow the One who was,

and who is,

and who is to come,

your Word of life,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

We do not live by bread alone, See Luke 4:4.

but by every word

that comes from your mouth.

Trusting in Jesus Christ,

we dedicate this Bible

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

HE TABLE

Paraments may be placed on the table.

God of mercy,

we rejoice that our Savior invites all who trust him

to share the feast he has prepared.

We come with the hunger of our souls

that can be fed only by the bread of life

and the cup of salvation.

May this table nourish all your children

in faith and hope and love.

162 / DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 163

Always be present to us See Luke 24:30, 31, 35.

in the breaking of bread.

Trusting in Jesus Christ

we dedicate this table

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

OMMUNION VESSELS

Gracious God, we come to you empty

and you invite us to take, eat, and drink.

May these vessels be used to your glory,

and your people be ﬁlled with your presence.

As you feed us at the table, Lord, See 2 Cor. 4:7.

may we, your earthen vessels,

carry your treasure to the world.

Trusting in Jesus Christ,

we dedicate these communion vessels

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

HE ORGAN OR OTHER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Eternal God,

our praises join

with the songs of heavenly choirs

and the music of the universe.

May this instrument encourage our praise

and lift our singing to your throne as faithful prayers

in times of joy and times of sorrow.

We praise you, O God, with See Ps. 150:3.

trumpet sound;

we praise you with strings and pipes!

Trusting in Jesus Christ,

we dedicate this organ

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

ANCTUARY OR CHAPEL

Almighty God,

we dedicate this place to your worship,

that in prayer and praise,

in Word and Sacrament,

we may know your will

and experience your peace and power in our lives.

Let this place be

a refuge for those who suffer or sorrow,

a fortress for those besieged by temptation,

a beacon to light the way in darkness.

May we enter your gates with See Ps. 100:4.

thanksgiving

and come into your courts with praise.

Trusting in Jesus Christ,

we dedicate this sanctuary

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

DUCATIONAL FACILITY

It is appropriate for the children to lead the congregation

to this place.

164 / DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 165

God of wisdom and truth,

we dedicate these rooms

as a place for nurturing families,

equipping saints for the work of ministry,

and building up of the body of Christ.

Inspire us to think your thoughts after you,

that our wills may be so bound with your will

that we will be obedient disciples

of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Teach us to love you, O God, See Mark 12:30.

with all our heart,

with all our soul,

with all our mind,

and with all our strength.

Trusting in Jesus Christ,

we dedicate this educational facility

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

HE COLUMBARIUM

God of all eternity,

we dedicate this columbarium to your glory

in joyful celebration of the lives of your people

who, at the end of service in the earthly church,

ﬁnd their rest in you.

May their witness continue in this place,

encouraging those who follow,

that all may come at last to the home prepared

by Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.

Give us your peace in Christ Jesus, See John 14:27.

that we may live for him

untroubled and unafraid.

Trusting in Jesus Christ,

we dedicate this columbarium

166 / DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

All may say together:

As we dedicate this place, O God,

we rededicate our lives

to the service of Jesus Christ,

your Son, our Lord,

to whom with you and the Holy Spirit

be all honor and glory

now and forever. Amen.

The dedication of the building now completed, the mod-

erator of the presbytery commission returns the keys to the

clerk of session with these or other appropriate words:

On behalf of the Presbytery of N.,

the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),

and the church of Jesus Christ,

we entrust this building to you

as you carry out the ministry of Jesus Christ

in this place.

The clerk of session responds:

On behalf of the people of N. Church,

I accept this responsibility.

All may say:

Thanks be to God.

THE WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

The minister or other worship leader addresses all

present:

Let us pray:

After a brief silence, the following is said:

Eternal God,

let your Word shine in our hearts

and bring light to our souls,

that we will recognize our risen Lord

and answer his call

to follow him in faithful discipleship.

Amen.

It is appropriate for an elder to read one or more of the

readings, and for a deacon to read the Gospel.

The reader may say:

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Rev. 2:7, 11,

17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22

IRST READING

Before the reading:

A reading from __________.

At the conclusion of the reading:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Silence may be kept.

PSALM

The psalm for the day is sung or said.

SECOND READING

Before the reading:

A reading from __________.

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 167

At the conclusion of the reading:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Silence may be kept.

ANTHEM, HYMN, PSALM, CANTICLE, OR SPIRITUAL

An anthem, hymn, psalm, canticle, or spiritual that re-

ﬂects the scriptures for the day may be sung.

GOSPEL READING

Before the reading of the Gospel:

A reading from _______.

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _______.

Glory to you, O Lord.

At the conclusion of the Gospel:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

ERMON

HYMN, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

All may stand:

THE NICENE CREED

Let us confess our faith.

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

168 / DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary

and became truly human.

For our sake he was cruciﬁed under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living

and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and

gloriﬁed,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of

sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

HE PEACE

A leader says:

Let the peace of Christ rule in See Col. 3:15 and

your hearts. John 20:19, 21, 26.

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 169

To this peace we were called

as members of a single body.

The peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you.

The people may exchange signs of peace and reconcilia-

tion with one another.

The people are seated.

THE EUCHARIST

OFFERING

An offering may be received for a purpose determined by

the presbytery or the session.

It is appropriate for deacons to gather the people’s gifts.

Let us return to God the offerings of our life

and the gifts of the earth.

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: Acts 20:35b

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

As the offerings are gathered, there may be an anthem, or

other appropriate music.

It is appropriate that deacons and elders assist the minis-

ter(s) in preparing the table with bread and wine during

the gathering of the gifts. The bread and wine may be

brought to the table, or uncovered if already in place.

The offerings may be brought forward. A psalm, hymn of

praise, doxology, or spiritual may be sung, the people

standing. The leader may then say:

We bless you, O God of the universe,

Creator of all that is.

As we dedicate this building to your glory,

we pray that you will accept the gifts we bring

170 / DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

as tokens of our lives

and the life of this congregation.

May we always be useful

in the service of your kingdom.

Blessed be God forever.

NVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

Standing at the table, the minister invites the people to

the Sacrament, using one of the following or another in-

vitation to the Lord’s table. If B is used, the words of in-

stitution are not included in the great thanksgiving or at

the breaking of the bread.

A See Rev. 3:20; Ps. 34:8.

Jesus said:

Behold, I stand at the door and knock;

if those who hear my voice open the door,

I will come in to them and eat with them,

and they with me.

O taste and see that the Lord is good!

Happy are all who ﬁnd refuge in God!

B See 1 Cor. 11:23–26; Luke 22:19–20.

Hear the words of the institution

of the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ:

The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest,

took bread, and after giving thanks to God,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 171

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup,

you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord,

until he comes.

With thanksgiving,

let us offer God our grateful praise.

REAT THANKSGIVING

The minister continues:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is truly right and our greatest joy

to give you thanks and praise,

Almighty and eternal God.

You rule over all times and ages,

and your realm encompasses limitless space.

You have set us in this time and place

to worship and serve you,

to celebrate your love and the gift of life.

When we turned our back on you

and closed our ears to your Word

and shut our eyes to your will,

you remained faithful to us,

calling us back to your righteous way.

Then you spoke your Word in the ﬂesh,

sending your Son into the world

to save us and bring us home.

Therefore we praise you,

with all who have gone before us

172 / DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

and all the faithful of every time and place,

singing with the choirs of heaven

to the glory of your holy name:

The people may sing or say:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

The minister continues:

O God of majesty and might,

your name is holy from age to age,

and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

Born of Mary, he revealed your presence,

and shared our life to the fullest

with all its joys and sorrows.

He welcomed the stranger and outcast;

he gave food to the hungry

and healed those broken in body or spirit.

In everything he announced the good news

of your mighty realm of peace.

From the cross

he reached out to embrace the world,

from the grave

he rose to deliver us from death.

Now he reigns with you in glory,

ready to come again to make all things new.

If they have not already been said, the words of institution

may be said here, or in relation to the breaking of the bread.

We give you thanks that the Lord Jesus,

on the night before he died, took bread,

and after giving thanks to you,

he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying:

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 173

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Remembering your generous love in Jesus Christ,

we take this bread and this wine

to celebrate his living and dying and rising again

as we wait for his triumphant return.

With thanksgiving, we offer our very selves to you

to be a living and holy sacriﬁce,

dedicated to your service.

The people may sing or say one of the following:

Great is the mystery of faith:

Christ has died,

Christ is risen,

Christ will come again.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life.

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

According to his commandment:

We remember his death,

we proclaim his resurrection,

we await his coming in glory.

174 / DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

Christ is the bread of life:

When we eat this bread and drink this cup,

we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus,

until you come in glory.

The minister continues:

God of grace and mercy,

give us full measure of your Holy Spirit,

that the bread we break and the cup we share

may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.

By your Spirit so unite us with Christ

that we may be one with the whole church

and share in ministry in every place.

As this bread is Christ’s body for us,

send us out to be the body of Christ in the world.

It is appropriate for a deacon to offer intercessions for the

church and the world, including intercessions for the con-

gregation and its ministry.

With your church in heaven and on earth, O God,

we pray that you will accomplish what you have planned

for us and for all the world.

Keep us steadfast in faith and service

until Christ returns in victory

and we shall sit with him and all the saints

at the heavenly banquet you have prepared.

Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

all glory and honor are yours, almighty God,

now and forever.

Amen.

ORD’S PRAYER

The minister invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s

Prayer:

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 175

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray:

Our Father in heaven, Our Father,

hallowed be your name, who art in heaven,

your kingdom come, hallowed be thy name,

your will be done, thy kingdom come,

on earth as in heaven. thy will be done,

Give us today on earth as it is in heaven.

our daily bread. Give us this day

Forgive us our sins our daily bread;

as we forgive those and forgive us our debts,

who sin against us. as we forgive our debtors;

Save us from and lead us not

the time of trial into temptation,

and deliver us from evil. but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the power,

and the glory are yours and the glory,

now and forever. Amen. forever. Amen.

REAKING OF THE BREAD

If the words of institution have not previously been said,

the presiding minister breaks the bread using A.

If the words of institution were said in the invitation to the

Lord’s table or were included in the great thanksgiving,

the minister breaks the bread using B. Or the bread may

be broken in silence.

A See 1 Cor. 11:23–26; Luke 22:19–20.

The minister breaks the bread in full view of the people,

saying:

The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread,

and after giving thanks to God,

176 / DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 177

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

The minister lifts the cup, saying:

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup,

you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord,

until he comes.

Because there is one loaf, 1 Cor. 10:16–17

we, many as we are, are one body;

for it is one loaf of which we all partake.

The minister breaks the loaf in full view of the people,

saying:

When we break the bread,

is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?

The minister lifts the full cup in view of the people, saying:

When we give thanks over the cup,

is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ?

OMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE

Holding out both the bread and the cup to the people, the

minister says:

Jesus said: I am the bread of life. John 6:35

Whoever comes to me will never be hungry,

and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

The minister and those assisting receive Communion,

and then serve the bread and the cup to the people.

178 / DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

The people may gather around the table to receive the

bread and cup. Or the people may go to persons serving

the elements. Or the bread and cup may be served to the

people where they are.

In giving the bread:

The body of Christ, the bread of heaven.

Amen.

In giving the cup:

The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.

Amen.

RAYER AFTER COMMUNION

We thank you, O God,

that through Word and Sacrament

you have given us your Son,

who is the true bread from heaven

and food of eternal life.

So strengthen us in your service

that our daily living may show our thankful praise;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SENDING

HYMN, SPIRITUAL, CANTICLE, OR PSALM

The people may stand.

A hymn, a spiritual, the Canticle of Simeon (PH 603–605;

PS 164–166), or a psalm may be sung.

CHARGE

It is appropriate for a deacon to dismiss the congregation

using the following or a similar charge (BCW pp. 159–

160).

Go out into the world in peace; See 1 Cor. 16:13;

have courage; 2 Tim. 2:1; Eph. 6:10;

hold on to what is good; 1 Thess. 5:13–22;

return no one evil for evil; and 1 Peter 2:17.

strengthen the fainthearted;

support the weak, and help the suffering;

honor all people;

love and serve the Lord,

rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

LESSING

The minister or the moderator of the presbytery com-

mission gives God’s blessing to the congregation using

the following or similar words from scripture:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 13:13

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

Alleluia! Amen.

Instrumental music may follow the blessing.

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 179

180 / DEDICATION OF A CHRISTIAN HOME

This liturgy is appropriate for use at a gathering in a home. Leadership

may be shared by two or more persons. Family members, friends, and

pastors may be invited to lead or assist.

All may gather near the entry door.

GREETING

The worship leader may say:

Peace to this house and to all who enter here.

Amen.

Jesus said: John 14:23

“Those who love me will keep my word,

and my Father will love them,

and we will come to them,

and make our home with them.”

Come, Lord Jesus.

A candle is lighted.

A reading from the Gospel according Matt. 5:14–16

to Matthew:

“You are the light of the world.

A city built on a hill cannot be hid.

No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel basket,

DEDICATION OF A

CHRISTIAN HOME

but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others,

so that they may see your good works and give glory

to your Father in heaven.”

Let us pray:

Eternal God,

as this candle gives light to this home,

so enable those who dwell here

to be your light in the world;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

One or more of the following may be used as the people

move through the house.

Entrance Hall

A reading from the Psalms: Ps. 121:5–8

“It is the Lord who watches over you;

the Lord is your shade at your right hand,

so that the sun shall not strike you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;

the Lord shall keep you safe.

The Lord shall watch over your going out

and your coming in,

from this time forth forevermore.”

Let us pray:

Gracious God,

keep watch over those who live here,

their going out and their coming home.

May they dwell here,

secure in your peace,

extending your hospitality to all.

Amen.

DEDICATION OF A CHRISTIAN HOME / 181

Living Room/Family Room

A reading from the Psalms: Ps. 90:1–2

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place

in all generations.

Before the mountains were brought forth,

or ever you had formed the earth and the world,

from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

Let us pray:

Loving God,

ﬁll this room with your love,

that all who share it

may be strengthened

to serve you and one another,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Kitchen/Dining Room

A reading from the Psalms: Ps. 104:27–28

“The eyes of all look to you

to give them their food in due season;

and when you give it to them,

they gather it up;

when you open your hand,

they are ﬁlled with good things.”

Let us pray:

Blessed are you, God of heaven and earth,

for you give us food and drink

to sustain our lives

and make our hearts glad.

Make us grateful for all your mercies,

and mindful of the needs of others;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

182 / DEDICATION OF A CHRISTIAN HOME

Bedrooms

A reading from the Psalms: Ps. 4:8

“I will both lie down and sleep in peace;

for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.”

Let us pray:

Guide us waking, O Lord,

and guard us sleeping,

that awake we may watch with Christ,

and asleep we may rest in his peace.

Amen.

All may return to the living room.

A reading from the Gospel of John: John 15:4–5

“Abide in me as I abide in you.

Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself

unless it abides in the vine,

neither can you unless you abide in me.

I am the vine, you are the branches.

Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit,

because apart from me you can do nothing.”

Let us pray:

Gracious God,

in you alone do we ﬁnd our true home.

Make this house your abiding place,

and bless all who live here.

Fill them with your Holy Spirit,

and send them out in your love.

Amen.

DEDICATION OF A CHRISTIAN HOME / 183

184 / DEDICATION OF A HEALTH CARE FACILITY

This liturgy may be used as part of a public ceremony to inaugurate the

use of a hospital, clinic, hospice, skilled nursing home, or mental health

agency.

This liturgy may be incorporated into a larger service of dedication, in

which instance it would follow the proclamation of the Word.

An administrator or other representative of the health

care facility welcomes the people.

The moderator of presbytery or synod or a representative

of the moderator may then say these or similar words:

We are assembled here at the invitation of the governing

board of the facility, and by authority of the Presbytery of N.,

[along with representatives from ________,] to dedicate

this health care facility to the glory of God and to the

ministry of healing and the service of the people of this

community.

ENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

The moderator of an appropriate governing body, a min-

ister, or other appropriate worship leader continues:

Ps. 103:1–5a

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name.

DEDICATION OF A

HEALTH CARE FACILITY

DEDICATION OF A HEALTH CARE FACILITY / 185

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and do not forget all his beneﬁts—

who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the Pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

who satisﬁes you with good as long as you live.

CRIPTURE READING

When Jesus entered Peter’s house, Matt. 8:14–16

he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever; he

touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and

began to serve him. That evening they brought

to him many who were possessed with demons; and he cast

out the spirits with a word, and cured all who were sick.

This was to fulﬁll what had been spoken through the

prophet Isaiah, “He took our inﬁrmities and bore our

diseases.”

RAYER OF DEDICATION

The moderator continues:

Let us pray:

Merciful God,

whose will for all is wholeness and peace,

establish your ministry of wholeness in this place.

Welcome into your human family in love

all who are born here.

Grant healing and release from pain

for those who suffer.

Receive the dying into your embrace.

Make this place a cradle of nurture,

a shelter for the afﬂicted,

[a hospice for the dying.]

Strengthen and protect all who serve here,

that their touch may be your touch,

their wisdom your wisdom,

their care a demonstration

of your saving love for all your children;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

I declare this institution of healing

dedicated to the glory of God

and the service of God’s children.

Amen. Thanks be to God!

LESSING

The moderator or worship leader gives God’s blessing to

the people:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 13:13

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

Alleluia! Amen.

186 / DEDICATION OF A HEALTH CARE FACILITY

DEDICATION OF AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION / 187

This liturgy may be used as part of a public ceremony to inaugurate the

use of a church-related primary or secondary school, preschool, mission

school, college, or seminary. Those who plan and lead this service may

choose an appropriate scripture readings and, if necessary, modify the

prayer for age-appropriate language.

This liturgy may be incorporated into a larger service of dedication, in

which instance it would follow the proclamation of the Word.

The president, principal, or other school administrator

welcomes the people.

The moderator of presbytery or synod or a representative

of the moderator may then say these or similar words:

We are assembled here at the invitation of the governing board

of this institution and by authority of the Presbyterian governing

body [along with representatives from N.] to dedicate this

school to the glory of God and to the ministry of education in

service to the people of this community.

ENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

The moderator of an appropriate governing body, a minis-

ter, or other appropriate worship leader leads the people:

DEDICATION OF AN

EDUCATIONAL

INSTITUTION

188 / DEDICATION OF AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

The law of the Lord is perfect, Ps. 19:7–10

reviving the soul;

the decrees of the Lord are sure,

making wise the simple;

the precepts of the Lord are right,

rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the Lord is clear,

enlightening the eyes;

the fear of the Lord is pure,

enduring forever;

the ordinances of the Lord are true

and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold,

even much ﬁne gold:

sweeter also than honey,

and drippings of the honeycomb.

CRIPTURE READING

A Matt. 18:1–6

The disciples came to Jesus and asked,

“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

He called a child, whom he put among them,

and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become

like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in

the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child

in my name welcomes me.”

“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little

ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great

millstone were fastened around your neck and you were

drowned in the depth of the sea.”

B Mark 12:28–34b

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing

with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them

well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the ﬁrst of

all?” Jesus answered, “The ﬁrst is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the

Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord

your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and

with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The

second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you

have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no

other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the

understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love

one’s neighbor as oneself,’—this is much more important

than all whole burnt offerings and sacriﬁces.” When Jesus

saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not

far from the kingdom of God.”

RAYER OF DEDICATION

The worship leader continues:

Let us pray:

Wise and wondrous God,

your Word is a lamp unto our feet

and a light to our path:

establish here your ministry

of teaching and learning.

Nurture the minds and hearts of all

who come to learn and to grow.

Teach the teachers

that their words may be grounded in your Word,

and their compassion may be

a living demonstration

of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Nurture open minds,

foster loving hearts,

DEDICATION OF AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION / 189

deepen thirsty souls,

and build persons of strength.

Sow the seeds of faith,

that from the soil of this ministry

may grow disciples of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen. Thanks be to God.

The moderator may say these or similar words:

I declare this institution of learning dedicated to the glory of

God and the service of God’s children.

Amen. Thanks be to God!

LESSING

The moderator or worship leader gives God’s blessing to

the people:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 13:13

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

Alleluia! Amen.

190 / DEDICATION OF AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

DEDICATION OF A COMMUNITY SERVICE AGENCY / 191

This liturgy may be used as part of a public ceremony to inaugurate the

use of a church-related food bank, shelter, dispensary, or other com-

munity service agency.

This liturgy may be incorporated into a larger service of dedication, in

which instance it would follow the proclamation of the Word.

An administrator or other representative of the service

agency welcomes the people.

The moderator of presbytery or synod or a representative

of the moderator may then say these or similar words:

We are assembled here at the invitation of the governing

board of the agency, and by authority of the Presbytery of N.,

[with representatives from N.] to dedicate this facility to

the glory of God and the ministry of compassion in

service to the people of this community.

ENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

The moderator of an appropriate governing body, a minis-

ter, or other appropriate worship leader leads the people:

Ps. 146:5–9a, 10c

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the Lord their God,

who made heaven and earth,

DEDICATION OF

COMMUNITY

SERVICE AGENCY

the sea, and all that is in them;

who keeps faith forever;

who executes justice for the oppressed;

who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;

the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the stranger,

and upholds the orphan and the widow.

[Unison]

Praise the Lord!

CRIPTURE READING

Matt. 25:31–40

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels

with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the

nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate

people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep

from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand

and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his

right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father,

inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation

of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was

thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger

and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me

clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison

and you visited me.’

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that

we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave

you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you

sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer

them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least

of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’”

192 / DEDICATION OF A COMMUNITY SERVICE AGENCY

DEDICATION OF A COMMUNITY SERVICE AGENCY / 193

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

The moderator continues:

Let us pray:

God of boundless compassion,

whose Son took on our ﬂesh

and willingly suffered for all:

strengthen all who come

seeking your sustaining love and mercy.

Let this place be a sign of your realm,

where each one is known by name,

where no one is a stranger.

Remind those who serve

and those who are served

that all we have we receive as gifts,

and that we are stewards

entrusted to each other’s care.

Make us instruments of your grace and peace,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

I declare this agency of service dedicated to the glory of God

and the service of God’s children.

Amen. Thanks be to God!

LESSING

The moderator or worship leader gives God’s blessing to

the people:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 13:13

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

Alleluia! Amen.

MARKING

TRANSITIONS

IN A

CONGREGATION

196 / INTRODUCTION TO TRANSITIONS

INTRODUCTION TO THE

SERVICES MARKING

TRANSITIONS

In the life of the church, there are many occasions that fall

under the heading of “transition.” These are times to ac-

knowledge movement of the people of God from one

phase of ministry to another.

Constituting a Congregation is a service conducted by the

presbytery. It is ﬁtting that the ﬁrst service of the new

congregation be at an appropriate time on the Lord’s

Day. The service includes forms for the reception of all

new members, whether by baptism on profession of faith,

profession of faith or reafﬁrmation of faith, or transfer of

letter. Children of new members may also be baptized at

this time. The meeting of the congregation takes place

immediately as part of the service. At the meeting’s con-

clusion, the service resumes with the ordination and in-

stallation of deacons and elders, and the celebration of the

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

Services for Uniting Congregations and Dissolution of a

Church are also provided. When a congregation is dis-

solved or moves to another structure, the service for Va-

cating a Church Building to a secular use is conducted by

the presbytery, as this transition is made.

Every congregation experiences transitions of member-

ship, as new members are received and others depart. As

it is appropriate to welcome new members in the context

of worship, it is also ﬁtting to recognize those departing

for other places to take up other ministries. Both liturgies

stress the baptismal calling that is reafﬁrmed by new

members and carried out by departing ones.

Recognition and Thanksgiving for Faithful Service cele-

brates the gifts of the Spirit given to church leaders and

other members, as a way of giving thanks to God for par-

ticular ministries and services within the congregation.

The Dissolution of a Pastoral Call is a major time of tran-

sition for a congregation that needs to be acknowledged

in worship. The Celebration of a Congregational An-

niversary is also an occasion of appreciation and gratitude

for God’s gifts shared through the people who are a part

of a congregation’s history.

Transitions are also marked in governing bodies, as ofﬁ-

cers and staff are installed. The journey of ministry of the

Word and Sacrament is marked at the beginning when

candidates are taken under care of a presbytery, and when

ministers are honorably retired. Additional liturgies rec-

ognize the certiﬁcation of a Christian educator and com-

missioning of a lay pastor.

INTRODUCTION TO TRANSITIONS / 197

AN OUTLINE FOR THE CONSTITUTING

OF A CONGREGATION

GATHERING

Processional Hymn

Call to Worship

Presenting the Petition

Thanksgiving and Confession

Canticle, Psalm, Hymn, or Spiritual

HE WORD

Prayer for Illumination

First Reading

Psalm

Second Reading

Anthem, Hymn, Psalm, Canticle, or Spiritual

Gospel Reading

Sermon

Hymn, Canticle, Psalm, or Spiritual

Baptism and Reafﬁrmation

Congregational Meeting

Ordination and Installation

HE EUCHARIST

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Offering

Great Thanksgiving

Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

Communion of the People

ENDING

Granting the Charter

Charge

Blessing

Hymn, Spiritual, Canticle, or Psalm

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 199

A Service Based on the Service

for the Lord’s Day

GATHERING

The moderator of the organizing commission, commis-

sion members, the organizing pastor, and ofﬁcer nomi-

nees may lead the petitioners into the place of worship

during the singing of a hymn of praise, psalm, or spiritual.

PROCESSIONAL HYMN

CALL TO WORSHIP

GREETING

The organizing pastor leads the people:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

ENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; Ps. 100:1–4

serve the Lord with gladness and come before God’s

presence with a song.

Know this: The Lord alone is God;

we belong to the Lord, who made us; we are God’s

people and the sheep of God’s pasture.

CONSTITUTING OF

CONGREGATION

200 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving; go into the holy

courts with praise;

give thanks and call upon the name of the Lord.

RESENTING THE PETITION

The clerk of session nominee of the new congregation

presents the petition for organization to the moderator.

Following the reading of the petition, signatories shall be

named in groups: those who unite by baptism, by profes-

sion of faith, by reafﬁrmation of faith, and by transfer of

membership.

The moderator of the organizing commission may recall

the development of the new congregation and the action

of presbytery.

The moderator addresses all present:

By the grace of God,

the Presbytery of N.

now proceeds to constitute the congregation of N. Church

with joy and thanksgiving.

HANKSGIVING AND CONFESSION

The minister addresses the people:

Let us pray.

Mighty God,

we give you thanks

that by your power you created us,

and by your goodness you call us to be your people.

All may pray together:

We confess that we have lived for ourselves

and apart from you.

We have turned from our neighbors,

and refused to bear the burdens of others.

We have ignored the pain of the world,

and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed.

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 201

Silence may be kept for personal prayers.

The minister continues:

In your great mercy, forgive our sins

and free us from selﬁshness,

that we may choose your will

and obey your commandments.

Accept the offering of our worship

that every race and nation may enter your courts,

praising you in song;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

ECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

The mercy of the Lord

is from everlasting to everlasting.

I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ,

you are forgiven.

As God’s own people, See Col. 3:12–14.

be merciful in action,

kindly in heart, humble in mind.

Be always ready to forgive

as freely as God has forgiven you.

And, above everything else, be loving,

and never forget to be thankful

for what Christ has done for you.

ANTICLE, PSALM, HYMN, OR SPIRITUAL

THE WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Let us pray.

After a brief silence, the following or another prayer for

illumination is said:

Lord, open our hearts and minds

by the power of your Holy Spirit,

that as the scriptures are read

and your Word is proclaimed,

we may hear with joy what you say to us today.

Amen.

The reader may then say:

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Rev. 2:7, 11,

17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22

IRST READING

Before the reading:

A reading from _______.

At the conclusion of the reading:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Silence may be kept.

PSALM

An appropriate psalm of response is sung or said.

SECOND READING

Before the reading:

A reading from _______.

At the conclusion of the reading:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Silence may be kept.

ANTHEM, HYMN, PSALM, CANTICLE, OR SPIRITUAL

An anthem, hymn, psalm, canticle, or spiritual that re-

ﬂects the scriptures for the day may be sung.

202 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

GOSPEL READING

Before the reading of the Gospel:

A reading from _________.

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to______.

Glory to you, O Lord.

At the conclusion of the Gospel:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Silence may be kept.

SERMON

HYMN, CANTICLE, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

BAPTISM AND REAFFIRMATION

PRESENTATION

A minister designated by the organizing commission ad-

dresses all present:

Hear the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: Matt. 28:18–20

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.

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 203

The minister continues:

Obeying the word of our Lord Jesus,

and conﬁdent of his promises,

we baptize those whom God has called.

Let us remember with joy our own baptism,

as we celebrate this sacrament.

The candidates for baptism gather at the baptismal font

or pool.

BAPTISM

Adults and older children

The minister addresses the candidates for baptism:

N. and N., do you desire to be baptized?

The candidates respond:

I do.

Parents of infants and younger children

The minister addresses the parent(s) presenting their

children for baptism:

Do you desire that N. and N. be baptized?

The parent(s) respond:

I do.

Relying on God’s grace,

do you promise to live the Christian faith,

and to teach that faith to your child?

The parent(s) respond:

I do.

Sponsors (if any are present)

The minister addresses the sponsors, if any are present:

Do you promise, through prayer and example,

204 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

to support and encourage N.

to be a faithful Christian?

The sponsors respond:

I do.

Congregation

The minister addresses the congregation:

Do you, as members of the church of Jesus Christ,

promise to guide and nurture N. and N.,

by word and deed, with love and prayer,

encouraging them to know and follow Christ

and to be a faithful member(s) of his church?

We do.

Those professing or reafﬁrming their faith may stand:

PROFESSION OF FAITH

The minister addresses the candidates:

We rejoice that you now desire to declare your faith,

and to share with us in our common ministry.

EAFFIRMATION OF FAITH

The minister addresses the candidates:

We rejoice with you as you claim again

the promises of God which are yours through your

baptism.

The minister addresses those assembled and those standing:

Through baptism we enter the covenant God has

established.

In that covenant God gives us new life;

we are guarded from evil

and nurtured by the love of God and God’s people.

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 205

In embracing that covenant, we choose whom we will serve,

by turning from evil

and turning to Jesus Christ.

I ask you, therefore, to reject sin,

to profess your faith in Christ Jesus,

and to confess the faith of the church,

the faith in which we baptize.

The minister then asks the following questions of the can-

didates for baptism, those making a public profession of

faith, and those reafﬁrming their faith:

RENUNCIATIONS

The following or other forms of renunciation (BCW pp.

435–436) are used:

Trusting in the gracious mercy of God,

do you turn from the ways of sin

and renounce evil and its power in the world?

I do.

Do you turn to Jesus Christ

and accept him as your Lord and Savior,

trusting in his grace and love?

I do.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple,

obeying his Word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

ROFESSION

All present may stand:

The minister continues:

With the whole church,

let us confess our faith.

206 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 207

All present profess their faith in the words of the Apostles’

Creed.

Do you believe in God, the Father almighty?

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ?

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was cruciﬁed, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

The minister asks the following question of all those be-

ing received into the membership of the church:

Will you be a faithful member of this congregation,

share in its worship and ministry

through your prayers and gifts,

your study and service,

and so fulﬁll your calling to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

I will, with God’s help.

HANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER

Water is poured visibly and audibly into the font.

208 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

The minister leads the people:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Eternal and gracious God, we give you thanks.

In countless ways you have revealed yourself in ages past,

and have blessed us with signs of your grace.

We praise you that through the waters of the sea,

you led your people Israel out of bondage,

into freedom in the land of your promise.

We praise you for sending Jesus your Son,

who for us was baptized in the waters of the Jordan,

and was anointed as the Christ by your Holy Spirit.

Through the baptism of his death and resurrection,

you set us free from the bondage of sin and death,

and give us cleansing and rebirth.

We praise you that in baptism

you give us your Holy Spirit,

who teaches us and leads us into all truth,

ﬁlling us with a variety of gifts

that we might proclaim the gospel to all nations

and serve you as a royal priesthood.

The minister may touch the water.

Pour out your Spirit upon us

and upon this water,

that this font may be your womb of new birth.

May all who now pass through these waters

be delivered from death to life,

from bondage to freedom,

from sin to righteousness.

You have made us members of your body, the church,

calling us to be your servants in the world.

Renew in all of us the covenant made in our baptism.

Continue the good work you have begun in us.

Bind us together in the household of faith

and guard us from all evil.

Send us forth by the power of your Spirit

to love and serve you with joy,

and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.

To you be all praise, honor, and glory;

through Jesus Christ our Savior,

who with you and the Holy Spirit,

lives and reigns forever.

Amen.

HE BAPTISM

The candidates who are to be baptized by pouring or

sprinkling may kneel, or if there are candidates to be im-

mersed, they walk into the water.

Calling each candidate by his or her Christian (given)

name(s) only, the minister shall pour or sprinkle water vis-

ibly and generously on the candidate’s head, or immerse

the candidate in the water, while saying:

N., I baptize you

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

AYING ONOFHANDS

The minister lays hands on the head of each person bap-

tized and of those making public profession of their faith,

saying:

O Lord, uphold N. by your Holy Spirit.

Give him/her the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of counsel and might,

the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord,

the spirit of joy in your presence,

both now and forever.

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The person responds:

Amen.

The minister may mark the sign of the cross on the fore-

head of each of the newly baptized or those making pub-

lic profession of faith, while saying the following.

Oil prepared for this purpose may be used.

N., child of the covenant,

you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism,

and marked as Christ’s own forever.

Amen.

ELCOME

A member of the presbytery’s commission addresses the

congregation in these or similar words:

Through your baptism,

you have all been received

into the one holy catholic and apostolic church

and are now members of this new congregation.

With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you

to share with us in the ministry of Christ

for we are all one in him.

ONGREGATIONAL MEETING

The members of the new congregation are convened for

the purpose of electing church ofﬁcers and conducting

other business appropriate to the constituting of the con-

gregation.

ORDINATION

SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE 1 Cor. 12:4–7, 27

The moderator or organizing pastor addresses all present:

There are varieties of gifts,

but it is the same Spirit who gives them.

210 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

There are different ways of serving God,

but it is the same Lord who is served.

God works through each person in a unique way,

but it is God’s purpose that is accomplished.

To each is given a gift of the Spirit

to be used for the common good.

Together we are the body of Christ,

and individually members of it.

TATEMENT ON ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

The following or a similar interpretation of ordination

and/or installation shall be given:

We are all called into the church of Jesus Christ

by baptism,

and marked as Christ’s own by the Holy Spirit.

This is our common calling,

to be disciples and servants of our servant Lord.

Within the community of the church,

some are called to particular service

as deacons,

as elders,

and as ministers of the Word and Sacrament.

Ordination is Christ’s gift to the church

assuring that his ministry continues among us,

providing for ministries of caring and compassion in the

world,

ordering the governance of the church,

and preaching the Word and administering the sacraments.

Representing the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church,

the Presbytery of N. now ordains

N. and N. to the ofﬁce of deacon,

N. and N. to the ofﬁce of elder,

and installs them to active service

in and for the N. Church.

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 211

212 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

The Presbytery of N. also now installs to active service

those who have been previously ordained;

deacons N. and N.,

elders N. and N.

ONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS

Those who are to be ordained and/or installed move to

the front of the place of worship to give answer to the

questions required by the Constitution of the Presbyter-

ian Church (U.S.A.)

The moderator or presiding minister addresses the candi-

dates:

Do you trust in Jesus Christ your Savior, acknowledge him

Lord of all and Head of the Church, and through him

believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

I do.

Do you accept the Scriptures of the Old and New

Testaments to be, by the Holy Spirit, the unique and

authoritative witness to Jesus Christ in the Church universal,

and God’s Word to you?

I do.

Do you sincerely receive and adopt the essential tenets of the

Reformed faith as expressed in the confessions of our church

as authentic and reliable expositions of what Scripture leads

us to believe and do, and will you be instructed and led by

those confessions as you lead the people of God?

I do and I will.

Will you fulﬁll your ofﬁce in obedience to Jesus Christ, under

the authority of Scripture, and be continually guided by our

confessions?

I will.

Will you be governed by our church’s polity, and will you

abide by its discipline?

Will you be a friend among your colleagues in ministry,

working with them, subject to the ordering of God’s Word

and Spirit?

I will.

Will you in your own life seek to follow the Lord Jesus

Christ, love your neighbors, and work for the reconciliation

of the world?

I will.

Do you promise to further the peace, unity, and purity of the

church?

I do.

Will you seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence,

imagination, and love?

I will.

To deacons:

Will you be a faithful deacon, teaching charity, urging

concern, and directing the people’s help to the friendless and

those in need? In your ministry will you try to show the love

and justice of Jesus Christ?

I will.

To elders:

Will you be a faithful elder, watching over the people,

providing for their worship, nurture, and service? Will you

share in government and discipline, serving in governing

bodies of the church, and in your ministry will you try to show

the love and justice of Jesus Christ?

I will.

An elder addresses the congregation:

Do we, the members of the church, accept N. and N. as

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 213

deacons and elders, chosen by God through the voice of this

congregation to lead us in the way of Jesus Christ?

The congregation responds:

We do.

Do we agree to encourage them, to respect their decisions,

and to follow as they guide us, serving Jesus Christ who alone

is Head of the Church?

We do.

RAYER OF ORDINATION

The candidates for ordination kneel, facing the congrega-

tion. Ministers of the Word and Sacrament and elders

gather behind the candidates.

The moderator or presiding minister leads all assembled:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Gracious and eternal God,

with joy we give you all thanks and praise.

Throughout the ages

you have been faithful to your covenant people

whom you have called out of bondage

and redeemed to be your own.

In every time and place

you have chosen servants from among your people

to point the way to salvation.

We are grateful for ancestors in the faith

who followed without fear,

placing their trust in you alone.

We give you thanks for judges and monarchs

214 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

who ruled in righteousness and peace.

We praise you for prophets and apostles

who spoke for you bold words of mercy and of truth.

We thank you for men and women in every age

who have nurtured your people in faith and faithfulness.

Above all we praise you for Jesus Christ,

who came not to be served, but to serve,

and to give his life to set others free.

Anointed by your Holy Spirit,

he proclaimed your reign on earth,

revealing your saving love

in all he said and did.

Those gathered around the candidates lay hands on them.

All present may pray together:

Gracious God,

pour out your Holy Spirit upon your servants

whom you called by baptism as your own.

Grant them the same mind

that was in Christ Jesus.

Give them a spirit of truthfulness

that they may show the compassion of Christ

in the actions of daily living,

and rightly govern your people.

Give them the gifts of your Holy Spirit

to build up the church,

to strengthen the common life of your people,

and to lead with compassion and vision.

In the walk of faith and for the work of ministry,

give to your servants

gladness and strength,

discipline and hope,

humility, humor, and courage,

and an abiding sense of your presence.

The laying on of hands is completed.

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 215

The moderator or minister continues:

Gracious God,

pour out your Spirit of power and truth

upon the whole church,

that we may be for you a holy people,

baptized to serve you in the world.

Sustain this congregation in ministry.

Ground them in the gospel,

secure their hope in Christ,

strengthen their service to the outcast

and increase their love for one another.

Show them the transforming power of your grace

in their life together,

that they may be servants of the gospel,

offering a compelling witness in the world

to the good news of Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen.

ECLARATION OF ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

A member of the organizing commission addresses those

who are newly ordained and installed:

N. and N., you are now deacons and elders in the church of

Jesus Christ and for this new congregation.

Be faithful and true in your ministry

so that your whole life will bear witness

to the cruciﬁed and risen Christ.

ELCOME

Ministers and elders greet those who are newly ordained

and installed.

CHARGE

The newly ordained and installed deacons and elders re-

main standing.

The moderator addresses them using the following or

other scripture appropriate to the day:

216 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

Heb. 12:1–3, 12–14

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of

witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that

clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race

that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and

perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set

before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and

has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured such hostility against himself

from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your

weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that

what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be

healed. Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness

without which no one will see the Lord.

RESENTATION OF SYMBOLS OF MINISTRY

Symbols appropriate to the ministry of elders and deacons

may be presented.

THE EUCHARIST

HYMN, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

It is appropriate that the organizing pastor preside at the

Lord’s Supper.

Standing at the table, he/she invites the people to the

Sacrament, using one of the following or other scripture.

If B is used, the words of institution are not included in

the great thanksgiving or at the breaking of the bread.

A (See Luke 13:29 and 24:30, 31.)

Friends, this is the joyful feast of the people of God!

They will come from east and west,

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 217

and from north and south,

and sit at table in the kingdom of God.

According to Luke,

when our risen Lord was at table with his disciples,

he took the bread, and blessed and broke it,

and gave it to them.

Then their eyes were opened

and they recognized him.

This is the Lord’s table.

Our Savior invites those who trust him

to share the feast which he has prepared.

B (See 1 Cor. 11:23–26; Luke 22:19–20.)

Hear the words of the institution

of the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ:

The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread,

and after giving thanks to God,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup,

you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord,

until he comes.

FFERING

An offering may be received for a purpose designated by

the presbytery.

It is appropriate for deacons to gather the people’s gifts.

Let us return to God the offerings of our life

and the gifts of the earth.

218 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

The following, or another appropriate verse from scrip-

ture, may be used.

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: Acts 20:35b

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

As the offerings are gathered, there may be an anthem or

other appropriate music.

The minister(s) and elders prepare the table with bread

and wine during the gathering of the gifts. The bread and

wine may be brought to the table, or uncovered if already

in place.

The offerings may be brought forward. A psalm, hymn of

praise, doxology, or spiritual may be sung.

The people stand.

The minister leads the people in the following or another

great thanksgiving appropriate to the season (BCW pp.

126–156, 165–400):

GREAT THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is truly right and our greatest joy

to give you thanks and praise,

eternal God, our creator.

You have given us life,

and second birth in your Spirit.

Once we were no people,

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 219

but now we are your people.

You claimed Israel as your chosen nation

and raised up the church as a witness to the resurrection,

breathing into it your life and power.

From worlds apart, you gathered us together.

When we went astray, you welcomed us home.

Always your love has been steadfast.

Therefore we praise you,

joining our voices with the choirs of heaven

and with all the faithful of every time and place,

who forever sing to the glory of your name:

The people may sing or say:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

The minister continues:

You are holy, O God of majesty,

and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

In love with you,

and in compassion for all,

Jesus healed and taught,

challenged and comforted,

welcomed and saved.

He formed a community,

promising to be with disciples

wherever two or three were gathered,

and sending them on his mission

of hope and healing in the world.

Jesus trusted his life to you,

and went freely to his death,

so the world might be set free from suffering and sin.

You raised him from death

220 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

and raise us also to live a new life with him.

In the power of the Holy Spirit,

you send us out to make disciples as he commanded.

If they have not already been said, the words of institution

may be said here, or in relation to the breaking of the bread.

We give you thanks that the Lord Jesus,

on the night before he died,

took bread,

and after giving thanks to you,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Remembering all your mighty and merciful acts,

we take this bread and this wine

from the gifts you have given us

and celebrate with joy the redemption

won for us in Jesus Christ.

Accept this our sacriﬁce of praise and thanksgiving

as a living and holy offering of ourselves,

that our lives may proclaim the One cruciﬁed and risen.

The people may sing or say one of the following:

Great is the mystery of faith:

Christ has died,

Christ is risen,

Christ will come again.

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 221

According to his commandment:

We remember his death,

we proclaim his resurrection,

we await his coming in glory.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life.

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Christ is the bread of life:

When we eat this bread and drink this cup,

we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus,

until you come in glory.

The minister continues:

Gracious God,

pour out your Holy Spirit upon us

and upon these your gifts of bread and wine,

that the bread we break

and the cup we bless

may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.

By your Spirit unite us with the living Christ

and with all who are baptized in his name,

that we may be one in ministry in every place.

As this bread is Christ’s body for us,

send us out to be the body of Christ in the world.

It is appropriate for a deacon to offer intercessions for the

church and the world, including intercessions for the new

congregation and its ministry.

O God, today you have called us together to be the church:

unite us now at your table,

222 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

and in one loaf and a common cup,

make us one in Christ Jesus.

Let your Spirit empower the life we share

and set on ﬁre our witness in the world.

With all who have gone before us,

keep us faithful to the gospel teachings and fellowship,

to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Give us strength to serve you faithfully

until the promised day of resurrection,

when with the redeemed of all the ages

we will feast with you at your table in glory.

Through Christ,

all glory and honor are yours, almighty God,

with the Holy Spirit in the holy church,

now and forever.

Amen.

ORD’S PRAYER

The minister invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s

Prayer:

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray:

Our Father in heaven, Our Father,

hallowed be your name, who art in heaven,

your kingdom come, hallowed be thy name,

your will be done, thy kingdom come,

on earth as in heaven. thy will be done,

Give us today on earth as it is in heaven.

our daily bread. Give us this day

Forgive us our sins our daily bread;

as we forgive those and forgive us our debts,

who sin against us. as we forgive our debtors;

Save us from and lead us not

the time of trial into temptation,

and deliver us from evil. but deliver us from evil.

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 223

For the kingdom, For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the power,

and the glory are yours and the glory,

now and forever. Amen. forever. Amen.

The people may be seated.

BREAKING OF THE BREAD

If the words of institution have not previously been said,

the presiding minister breaks the bread using A.

If the words of institution were said in the invitation to the

Lord’s table or were included in the great thanksgiving,

the minister breaks the bread using B.

Or the bread may be broken in silence.

A (See 1 Cor. 11:23–26; Luke 22:19–20.)

The minister breaks the bread in full view of the people,

saying:

The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread,

and after giving thanks to God,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.

This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

The minister lifts the cup, saying:

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup,

you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord,

until he comes.

224 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

B 1 Cor. 10:16–17

Because there is one loaf,

we, many as we are, are one body;

for it is one loaf of which we all partake.

The minister breaks the loaf in full view of the people,

saying:

When we break the bread,

is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?

The minister lifts the full cup in view of the people,

saying:

When we give thanks over the cup,

is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ?

OMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE

Holding out both the bread and the cup to the people, the

minister says:

The gifts of God

for the people of God.

The minister and those assisting receive Communion, and

then serve the bread and the cup to the people.

It is appropriate for the newly ordained and installed dea-

cons and elders to serve the people.

The people may gather around the table to eat and drink,

or they may go to persons serving the elements, or they

may be served in their places. Silence may be observed; or

psalms, hymns, anthems, or spirituals may be sung.

The following may be said in giving the bread:

The body of Christ, given for you.

Amen.

In giving the cup:

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 225

The blood of Christ, shed for you.

Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Gracious God,

may we who have received this sacrament

live in the unity of your Holy Spirit,

that we may show forth your gifts to all the world.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

SENDING

GRANTING THE CHARTER

The moderator of the organizing commission declares

the congregation to be duly constituted with these or sim-

ilar words:

On behalf of the Presbytery of N., I declare that the N.

Church is now constituted as a congregation of the

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

HARGE

It is appropriate for a deacon to dismiss the congregation

using one of the following or another scriptural charge:

As God’s own, See Col. 3:12–14.

clothe yourselves with compassion,

kindness, and patience,

forgiving each other

as the Lord has forgiven you,

and crown all these things with love,

which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

LESSING

The organizing pastor gives God’s blessing to the people.

226 / CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 13:13

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

Alleluia! Amen.

YMN, SPIRITUAL, CANTICLE, OR PSALM

During the singing, the organizing pastor may lead mem-

bers of the commission and other worship leaders in pro-

cession from the place of worship.

CONSTITUTING OF A CONGREGATION / 227

AN OUTLINE OF THE SERVICE FOR

THE

LORD’S DAY INCLUDING

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

(AND THE REAFFIRMATION

OF THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT)

GATHERING

Call to Worship

Prayer of the Day or Opening Prayer

Hymn of Praise, Psalm, or Spiritual

Confession and Pardon

Canticle, Psalm, Hymn, or Spiritual

HE WORD

Prayer for Illumination

First Reading

Psalm

Second Reading

Anthem, Hymn, Psalm, Canticle, or Spiritual

Gospel Reading

Sermon

Hymn, Canticle, Psalm, or Spiritual

Reafﬁrmation of the Baptismal Covenant

Presentation

Profession of Faith

[Laying On of Hands]

Welcome

The Peace

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual

Prayers of the People

HE EUCHARIST

Offering

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Great Thanksgiving

Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

Communion of the People

ENDING

Hymn, Spiritual, Canticle, or Psalm

Charge and Blessing

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS / 229

This service is reprinted from the BCW, pp. 455 ff.

Baptized persons who are transferring membership from another

Christian church are received by certificate of transfer.

Baptized persons who are coming from active membership in a church

that does not issue certiﬁcates of transfer are received on reafﬁrmation

of faith.

Baptized persons who have ceased to participate in the life of the

church, but who now desire to participate actively in it, are restored to

membership through reafﬁrmation of faith.

This service takes place at the baptismal font or pool,

which shall be ﬁlled with water.

After the sermon, a hymn, canticle, psalm, spiritual, or

other suitable music may be sung. Those who wish to

reafﬁrm the covenant into which they were baptized, and

to be received into church membership gather at the place

of baptism.

PRESENTATION

An elder, representing the session, presents those who

have been received by transfer from other Christian

churches, or by reafﬁrmation of faith, using the appropri-

ate forms:

RECEPTION OF NEW

MEMBERS AND THE

REAFFIRMATION

OF THE

BAPTISMAL

COVENANT

For those received by letter of transfer

Elder:

On behalf of the session, I present N. and N.,

who have been received into the membership of this

congregation

by transfer from N. congregation.

For those received by reafﬁrmation of faith

Elder:

On behalf of the session I present N. and N.,

who have been received into the membership of this

congregation

by reafﬁrmation of faith.

Minister:

You come to us as members of the one holy catholic

church,

into which you were baptized,

and by which you have been nurtured.

We are one with each other,

sisters and brothers in the family of God.

We rejoice in the gifts you bring to us.

As you join with us in the worship and service of this

congregation,

it is ﬁtting that together

we reafﬁrm the covenant into which we were baptized,

claiming again the promises of God

which are ours in our baptism.

The people may stand.

Hear these words from Holy Scripture:

The minister then continues, using one of the following:

230 / RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

1 Eph. 4:4–6

There is one body and one Spirit,

just as you were called

to the one hope of your calling,

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

one God and Father of all,

who is above all and through all and in all.

2 Gal. 3:27–28

As many of you as were baptized into Christ

have clothed yourselves with Christ.

There is no longer Jew or Greek,

there is no longer slave or free,

there is no longer male or female;

for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

3 1 Peter 2:9

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood,

a holy nation, God’s own people,

in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts

of the One who called you out of darkness

into God’s marvelous light.

ROFESSION OF FAITH

The minister, addressing those assembled at the font and

the congregation, then says:

Sisters and brothers in Christ,

our baptism is the sign and seal of our cleansing from sin,

and of our being grafted into Christ.

Through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ,

the power of sin was broken

and God’s kingdom entered our world.

Through our baptism we were made citizens of God’s

kingdom,

and freed from the bondage of sin.

Let us celebrate that freedom and redemption

through the renewal of the promises made at our baptism.

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS / 231

I ask you, therefore, once again to reject sin,

and to profess your faith in Christ Jesus,

and to confess the faith of the church,

in which we were baptized.

ENUNCIATIONS

The minister continues, using one of the following:

Trusting in the gracious mercy of God,

do you turn from the ways of sin

and renounce evil and its power in the world?

I do.

Do you turn to Jesus Christ

and accept him as your Lord and Savior,

trusting in his grace and love?

I do.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple,

obeying his Word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

Do you renounce all evil,

and powers in the world

which defy God’s righteousness and love?

I renounce them.

Do you renounce the ways of sin

that separate you from the love of God?

I renounce them.

Do you turn to Jesus Christ

and accept him as your Lord and Savior?

I do.

232 / RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple,

obeying his Word and showing his love,

to your life’s end?

I will, with God’s help.

Trusting in the gracious mercy of God,

do you turn from the ways of sin

and renounce evil and its power in the world?

I do.

Who is your Lord and Savior?

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple,

obeying his Word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

ROFESSION

The minister continues:

With the whole church,

let us confess our faith.

All afﬁrm the faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed, us-

ing the question and answer form (A) or reciting it directly

(B).

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS / 233

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was cruciﬁed, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was cruciﬁed, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

234 / RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

The minister addresses those assembled at the font or

pool, using one of the following:

You have publicly professed your faith.

Will you be a faithful member of this congregation,

share in its worship and ministry

through your prayers and gifts,

your study and service,

and so fulﬁll your calling to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

I will, with God’s help.

2 See Acts 2:42.

You have publicly professed your faith.

Will you devote yourself to the church’s teaching and

fellowship,

to the breaking of bread and the prayers?

I will, with God’s help.

The minister or the elder offers one of the following, or a

similar prayer:

Let us pray.

Holy God,

we praise you for calling us to be a servant people,

and for gathering us into the body of Christ.

We thank you for choosing to add to our number

brothers and sisters in faith.

Together, may we live in your Spirit,

and so love one another,

that we may have the mind of Jesus Christ our Lord,

to whom we give honor and glory forever.

Amen.

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS / 235

For those who have not participated in the life of the

church for an extended period.

Faithful God,

you work in us and for us

even when we do not know it.

When our path has led us away from you,

you guide us back to yourself.

We thank you for calling your servants N. and N.

to the fellowship of your people.

Renew in them the covenant you made in their baptism.

By the power of your Spirit,

strengthen them in faith and love,

that they may serve you with joy,

to the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

AYING ONOFHANDS

The laying on of hands may be included; it is especially

appropriate for those who have not participated in the life

of the church for an extended period of time.

The candidates kneel.

The minister lays both hands on the head of each of the

candidates in turn, while offering one of the following

prayers. The sign of the cross may be marked on the fore-

head of each candidate. Oil prepared for this purpose may

be used.

O Lord, uphold N. by your Holy Spirit.

Daily increase in him/her your gifts of grace:

the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of counsel and might,

the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord,

236 / RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

the spirit of joy in your presence,

both now and forever.

The candidate answers:

Amen.

Defend, O Lord, your servant N.,

with your heavenly grace,

that he/she may continue yours forever,

and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more,

until he/she comes to your everlasting kingdom.

The candidate answers:

Amen.

After each candidate has received the laying on of hands,

the minister prays:

Ever-living God,

guard these your servants with your protecting hand,

and let your Holy Spirit be with them forever.

Lead them to know and obey your Word

that they may serve you in this life

and dwell with you forever in the life to come;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

ELCOME

A representative of the session, or the minister, addresses

the congregation in these or similar words:

Let us welcome N. and N. as they join with us

in the worship and mission of the church.

The people respond, saying:

With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you

to share with us in the ministry of Christ,

for we are all one in him.

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS / 237

THE PEACE

The minister then says to those assembled at the font or

pool:

The peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you.

It is appropriate for the congregation to share signs of

peace as the new members return to their places.

238 / RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

RECOGNITION OF DEPARTING MEMBERS / 239

This recognition and thanksgiving for members who are leav-

ing a congregation is a celebration of the baptismal faith.

After the sermon, a hymn, canticle, psalm, spiritual, or

other suitable music may be sung. Those departing the

congregation gather at the front of the place of worship.

If Eucharist is not celebrated, this liturgy may be included

at the close of the service before the charge and blessing.

An elder or other worship leader addresses the congrega-

tion:

N. and N. are leaving our congregation, and we want to bid

them farewell.

The minister or a representative of the congregation may

recall the contributions of the person(s) departing, and

signiﬁcant moments shared in the congregation’s com-

mon life.

The minister addresses the person(s):

In baptism

our Lord Jesus Christ put his name on you

and received you into the church.

We have rejoiced to welcome you

into our fellowship in the gospel.

In this community of faith

RECOGNITION OF

DEPARTING MEMBERS

you have been nurtured

as you have heard the good news of God’s saving love.

You have been nourished at Christ’s table

and sent out to be Christ’s witness in the world.

God has blessed you

and made you a blessing in our life together.

The congregation continues:

You have deepened our joy

and lightened our sorrow.

We will miss your love and support,

yet we rejoice that you will now bless others

as you have blessed us.

The minister addresses all assembled:

Let us pray:

All may pray together:

Faithful God,

keep, preserve, and protect N. and N.

all their days.

By the power of your Holy Spirit,

may they be salt of the earth

and light for the world.

Lead them to new ministries,

secure in the faith

that binds us forever in the body of Christ.

The minister addresses the persons departing:

Go in the peace of Christ.

Those departing may say:

Amen.

240 / RECOGNITION OF DEPARTING MEMBERS

RECOGNITION AND THANKSGIVING / 241

This service may be used to recognize a variety of gifts in service to the

church:

the anniversary of a minister’s pastorate

the conclusion of active terms for elders, deacons, or other church

ofﬁcers

the service of church school teachers or musicians

and other appropriate ministries within a congregation

The service may be included in the Service for the Lord’s Day follow-

ing the sermon and before the Eucharist. If the anniversary of a pas-

torate is observed, the service may be led by a representative of the

presbytery.

The minister or other worship leader and those whose

service is being recognized gather at the font or pool.

The congregation may stand.

The minister or other worship leader addresses all present:

N. and N. were clothed with Christ in baptism.

N. and N. were called by God through the voice of the

church to give particular service as __________.

All may say:

RECOGNITION AND

THANKSGIVING FOR

FAITHFUL SERVICE

We remember with joy

our common calling to serve Christ.

We celebrate God’s call

to all who minister among us.

A summary of the service being recognized may be offered.

When those being recognized are continuing in service,

the following questions may be addressed to them:

Will you continue to serve in this congregation

with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love?

We will.

The worship leader addresses the congregation:

As we recognize the particular service of N. and N.,

will you continue to share in ministry and service with them

as you reafﬁrm your commitment

to your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

We will.

If the anniversary of a minister is recognized, a gift may

be presented.

Gifts, certiﬁcates of service, or other symbols of appreci-

ation may be presented.

An elder or deacon leads the following or similar prayer:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Eternal God,

look mercifully upon this church,

and upon your servants, N. and N.,

whose particular service we recognize today.

We praise you for joys and accomplishments

and for your grace which has nurtured and sustained us.

Bind us ever closer to one another

242 / RECOGNITION AND THANKSGIVING

and draw us nearer to our Lord Jesus Christ,

that we may continue to minister in this community

with patience and love, with wisdom and joy,

until we come at last with all the saints

to the place you have prepared;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The service may continue with a hymn, psalm, or spiritual.

RECOGNITION AND THANKSGIVING / 243

244 / DISSOLUTION OF A PASTORAL CALL

This liturgy may be included in the Service for the Lord’s Day, most

appropriately on the ﬁnal Sunday of a pastor’s service in a congregation.

Following the concluding hymn, psalm, or canticle, the pastor, an elder

representing the session, and other appropriate people may gather at

the front of the place of worship.

The elder representing the session may say these or sim-

ilar words:

The church of Jesus Christ is constantly changing. Our

church is changing as well. Babies are born. Children grow

up. People commit themselves to one another. Loved ones

and friends die. Newcomers join our community and our

church. Others leave, moving on to new places and new

opportunities. It is important that we recognize these times

of change.

Today we say farewell to one who is leaving our fellowship.

On date of call, this congregation called N. to serve with us as

pastor. Today that call comes to an end.

The pastor may respond with these or similar words:

I thank all of you, members and friends of N. Church. Your

kindness and support, your caring and love, have sustained

me, and I shall remember you with gratitude to God.

DISSOLUTION OF A

PASTORAL CALL

PRAYER

A representative of presbytery or session leads all present:

Let us pray for the saving presence of our living Lord:

In your world,

be present, Lord.

In this congregation,

be present, Lord.

In this community,

be present, Lord.

In this presbytery and the whole church,

be present, Lord.

In the homes and hearts of all your people,

be present, Lord.

The pastor may lead this portion of the litany:

Let us pray for the mercy of the Lord:

For work begun but not completed,

Lord, have mercy.

For expectations not met,

Lord, have mercy.

For wounds not healed,

Lord, have mercy.

For gifts not shared,

Lord, have mercy.

For promises not kept,

Lord, have mercy.

DISSOLUTION OF A PASTORAL CALL / 245

A session representative continues:

Let us give thanks for our journey together in this place:

For friendships made,

for joys celebrated

and for times of nurture and growth,

thanks be to God.

For wounds healed,

expectations met,

gifts given and promises kept.

thanks be to God.

For our fellowship in Jesus Christ,

and for the love of God which has sustained us,

thanks be to God.

HE DISSOLUTION

The presbytery representative addresses the congregation:

Do you, the members and friends of N. Church,

release N. from service as your pastor?

We do with thanks to God.

The presbytery representative addresses the pastor:

Do you, N., recognize and accept the completion

of your ministry with this congregation?

I do with thanks to God.

The presbytery representative addresses all present:

Let us pray:

Loving God, Alpha and Omega,

you are both beginning and end.

Our endings and our beginnings

are rooted in your love.

Whether near or far,

246 / DISSOLUTION OF A PASTORAL CALL

we are held close by your love,

and kept safe from any lasting loss.

Let our time together end with your blessing.

Touch all memories with your grace and peace.

Help us to live with courage and gladness

in the future you present us.

In every time and place,

may we offer you our highest and our best.

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Alleluia! Amen.

The presbytery representative continues:

Representing the Presbytery of N.,

I witness these words

of thanksgiving, forgiveness, and release.

The presbytery rejoices with you

in the ministry you have shared,

and we pledge to you

continued support and prayer.

With thanks to God

for the ministry of this congregation

and the ministry of God’s servant N.,

and with hope for God’s abiding grace

in the years to come,

this pastoral relationship is now dissolved.

HARGE

The representative of the presbytery continues with these

or similar words:

With God’s help and love

may your lives be blessed

and your labors fruitful

as you offer yourselves gladly

in the service of our common Lord.

DISSOLUTION OF A PASTORAL CALL / 247

BLESSING

The pastor gives God’s blessing to the congregation:

The Lord bless you and keep you. See Num. 6:24–26.

The Lord be kind and gracious to you.

The Lord look upon you with favor

and give you peace.

Alleluia! Amen.

Go in peace.

The congregation responds:

Go in peace.

248 / DISSOLUTION OF A PASTORAL CALL

CONGREGATIONAL ANNIVERSARY / 249

On the occasion of a signiﬁcant anniversary of the con-

gregation’s founding, the church may gather to celebrate.

This service may be used alone or included in the Service

for the Lord’s Day following the sermon.

SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

Ps. 90:1–2, 14, 17

Lord, you have been our refuge

from one generation to another.

Before the mountains were brought forth,

or the land and the sea were born,

from age to age you are God.

Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning,

so we shall rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.

May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us,

and prosper the work of our hands.

The minister or the clerk of session may identify the oc-

casion being celebrated, summarizing the history of the

congregation, and/or inviting others to tell the story of

the church. It is appropriate for those who offer this his-

tory to also share their hope for the future and thanksgiv-

ing for present ministry.

CELEBRATION OF A

CONGREGATIONAL

ANNIVERSARY

The minister or other worship leader continues:

LITANY OF THANKSGIVING

Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being,

hear our prayer.

A brief silence may be kept following each petition.

For the church universal, and for this congregation of your

people,

we give you thanks, O God.

For this place in which we gather for praise and prayer,

witness and service, in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord,

we give you thanks, O God.

For your presence among us whenever your Word has been

proclaimed, your sacramental gifts of bread and wine shared,

we give you thanks, O God.

For those who have been made your children by adoption

and grace, who in this place were cleansed of sin, buried with

Christ in the waters of baptism, and raised to new and

eternal life,

we give you thanks, O God.

For disciples young and old who have been nurtured here in

faith,

we give you thanks, O God.

For all who have come here asking your blessing in marriage,

seeking to love with your love,

we give you thanks, O God.

For deacons, elders, and pastors who have led and loved us,

and by the offering of their gifts, equipped us for the work of

ministry,

250 / CONGREGATIONAL ANNIVERSARY

we give you thanks, O God.

For faithful stewards among us who have lived for others,

serving you by loving neighbors,

we give you thanks, O God.

For all the saints who have stood among us, whose memory

still enlivens our faith and emboldens our witness,

we give you thanks, O God.

For the ministries of worship and mission, nurture and

fellowship, and for all whose lives have been touched by them,

we give you thanks, O God.

All present may pray:

Receive our gratitude, Holy God,

for the years through which you have led us,

and open us to the future you promise.

In the years that lie ahead,

grant us your encouragement in the work of ministry,

your consolation in our defeats,

and your challenge to our complacency.

Give us such trust in your abiding Holy Spirit,

that we may ﬁnd joy and peace in our common life,

strength and courage to live in the world for your

reign,

and hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

HARGE

If the service concludes here, the people are dismissed

with these or similar words.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord,

rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Alleluia! Amen.

CONGREGATIONAL ANNIVERSARY / 251

BLESSING

The minister may give God’s blessing to the congregation

using these or similar words.

May the God of hope Rom. 15:13

ﬁll you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that you may abound in hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

When used as part of a full Service for the Lord’s Day, the

service continues with the Prayers of the People.

252 / CONGREGATIONAL ANNIVERSARY

UNITING OF CONGREGATIONS / 253

UNITING OF

CONGREGATIONS

BY A

PRESBYTERY

When a presbytery has acted to merge two or more

congregations, a service of the uniting congregations shall

take place to mark and celebrate the union. This may be in

the context of the Service for the Lord’s Day in the united

church, or it may be held at a different time and place. In

either situation, it is appropriate that this be a service of the

Word and Sacrament with planning and leadership from

each of the congregations that are uniting.

Ordinarily the moderator of the presbytery’s commission

shall lead the service.

This liturgy may be used following the sermon. The

Confession of Sin may be omitted from the gathering

portion of the service as it is included here.

A brief account of the events which have led to the unit-

ing of the congregations may be included prior to the sen-

tences of scripture.

Standing at the baptismal font or pool, the moderator

leads the people:

In the same way that each one of us was baptized into

Christ

and reborn to live a new life in him,

so the church also comes to birth in the waters of baptism,

and receives its identity in the Spirit of Christ.

SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURES Gal. 3:27

As many of you as were baptized into Christ

have clothed yourselves with Christ.

There is one body and one Spirit, Eph. 4:4

just as we were called to the one hope of our calling.

RAYER OF CONFESSION AND HOPE

Acknowledging the unity we have in Christ,

let us confess with open hearts both our fear and our hope,

trusting in God’s abundant mercy.

God of grace,

in Jesus Christ you have broken down our divisions,

accomplished our unity,

and given us in love to one another.

In humility, we confess our reluctance

to welcome your gifts,

to let go of our differences

and accept each other.

In every way, we are creatures of earth,

fearful of change,

even as we yearn for the new things

you are doing among us.

Forgive us, Gracious God,

and free us to embrace each other in your love.

We acknowledge that we are also your children,

who hope in your promise

and trust in your love.

In conﬁdence, we confess our hope

that your love can transform us,

that the gifts you give us are for our good,

that the bonds you forge among us

will free us for strong and joyful service.

In all things, Loving God, grant us your grace,

that we may live fully into the gift of our baptism,

and welcome the new life you bring to birth in us,

254 / UNITING OF CONGREGATIONS

in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen.

ECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

The moderator declares the assurance of God’s forgiving

grace.

See Eph. 2:19–21, 14.

Hear the good news of the gospel!

You are no longer strangers and aliens,

but members together of the household of God,

built upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles,

with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.

In him the whole structure is joined together

and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

Christ himself is our peace;

in his ﬂesh he has made us into one.

HE PEACE

Lifting water from the font or pool, the moderator ad-

dresses the people:

Remember your baptism and be thankful!

Remember Christ is your peace, and live as one!

Col. 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

For to this peace we are called

as members of a single body.

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

Members of the uniting congregations in turn face one

another, addressing each other with the following words

of afﬁrmation and welcome:

With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you

as our sisters and brothers in the Lord

UNITING OF CONGREGATIONS / 255

to share with us in the ministry of Christ,

for we are one in him.

The people may exchange with one another, by words and

gesture, signs of peace and reconciliation.

An appropriate hymn, psalm, or spiritual may be sung,

an invitation to the Lord’s table and the offering of gifts

follow immediately after The Peace.

For the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, the following re-

sources in the Book of Common Worship (1993) are suggested:

Invitation to the Lord’s Table, A: p. 68

Great Thanksgiving, C: p. 130

or Great Thanksgiving, E: p. 142

or Great Thanksgiving appropriate to the liturgical season

Breaking of the Bread, B: p. 74

Communion of the People, Invitation 2, p. 75

Intercessions may be included in the Great Thanksgiving

or as the Prayers of the People between the sermon and

this rite.

DECLARATION AND CHARGE

At the conclusion of the Lord’s Supper and before the ﬁ-

nal hymn, the moderator declares the newly united con-

gregation to be formed, using these or other appropriate

words:

By the authority of the Presbytery of N.,

I declare that the congregations of N. and N.

are now united into one,

to be known as N. Church.

Live as one people in the love of Christ,

breaking bread together at his table

and offering a single witness to the world

in his name.

256 / UNITING OF CONGREGATIONS

VACATING OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 257

When a congregation moves from a former building into a new

place for worship, or when there is a dissolution of a church, a

service may recall the memories and gifts of God that, for a time,

have been attached to a particular building. God’s promised

presence is not bound by space or time. God’s promise is real-

ized in particular ways, however, within our bounded existence.

While sorrow may accompany the departure from a cherished

building, the occasion calls for thanksgiving for God’s gracious

gifts, past, present, and future.

This portion of the service should be conducted by the author-

ity of the presbytery with the moderator or moderator’s repre-

sentative presiding. This liturgy is intended to be incorporated

into the Service for the Lord’s Day. Suggested texts include a

Statement of Purpose and Call to Worship for the beginning of

the service, and a Litany of Praise for use following the

Eucharist in place of the post-communion prayer.

It is appropriate for elders, deacons, and others within the con-

gregation to share in the leadership of the entire service.

TATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The moderator addresses the congregation:

As we gather for worship,

let us acknowledge with solemn joy

VACATING OF A

CHURCH BUILDING

[INCLUDING THE

DISSOLUTION OF

CHURCH]

God’s gift of this place,

remembering with gratitude

all who have worshiped here,

the faith professed at this font,

the gospel proclaimed from this pulpit,

the assurance received at this table.

Let us also reafﬁrm our faith

in our sojourning God

as this building is now transferred to other uses.

That which we have received from God

let us now return to God with thanksgiving.

ALL TO WORSHIP

GREETING

The presiding minister greets the people:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

ENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

How precious is your steadfast love, O God! Psalm 36:7

All people may take refuge in the shadow

of your wings.

They shall again live beneath my shadow, Hos. 14:7

they shall ﬂourish as a garden;

they shall blossom like the vine,

their fragrance shall be like the wine of Lebanon.

The order of the Service for the Lord’s Day continues

through the Eucharist.

Following the Communion of the People, the moderator

of presbytery, elders, deacons, and other representatives

of the congregation shall gather at the table.

All may stand.

LITANY OF PRAISE

The moderator leads the people:

258 / VACATING OF A CHURCH BUILDING

Eternal God,

whom the highest heaven cannot contain,

much less a building made by human hands,

hear our prayer.

For the Church universal,

of which this building has been a symbol,

we praise you, O God.

For all the saints who,

in times past and present,

have formed a congregation of your people

and have met in this place

to offer their prayers and praise to you,

we praise you, O God.

For those who have been made your children

by adoption and grace,

who in this place were cleansed of sin,

buried with Christ in the waters of baptism,

and raised to new and eternal life,

we praise you, O God.

For your presence

whenever your Word has been proclaimed and

your sacramental gifts of bread and wine received,

we praise you, O God.

For your blessing

upon each of your children,

welcomed and nurtured here,

we praise you, O God.

For all who came

to ask your blessing in marriage,

seeking to love with your love,

we praise you, O God.

VACATING OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 259

For faithful stewards

who have lived for others,

serving you by loving neighbors,

we praise you, O God.

For all who were gathered from this place,

having lived this life in faith,

who now live eternally with you,

we praise you, O God.

For the knowledge that your church

and your ministry among us

will continue today, tomorrow, and forever,

we praise you, O God,

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

When the church is being dissolved, the remaining mem-

bers of the congregation may stand and be recognized.

The moderator may direct the clerk of session to transfer

their membership to another congregation, releasing the

ofﬁcial records and rolls of the church to the presbytery.

The moderator continues:

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

and by the authority of the Presbytery of N.,

I declare this building vacated

by the congregation of N. Church

[and the congregation dissolved].

YMN, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL

The moderator leads a procession from the building dur-

ing the singing of a hymn, psalm, or spiritual.

Furnishings, including the pulpit or lectern Bible, bap-

tismal and communion vessels, and paraments may be re-

260 / VACATING OF A CHURCH BUILDING

moved and carried out by clergy, ofﬁcers, and members of

the congregation.

All gather outside the building for the charge and blessing.

The moderator continues:

CHARGE

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord,

rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The presiding minister gives God’s blessing to the con-

gregation:

BLESSING

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

Amen.

VACATING OF A CHURCH BUILDING / 261

MARKING

TRANSITIONS

IN A

GOVERNING

BODY

INSTALLATION OF

GOVERNING BODY

OFFICERS AND STAFF

INSTALLATION OF GOVERNING BODY OFFICERS / 265

This liturgy may be used by a presbytery, a synod, or the General As-

sembly to install governing body ofﬁcers (normally the moderator, vice

moderator, and stated clerk) and governing body staff (normally the

general or executive presbyter and associate executive). When govern-

ing body staff are ministers of the Word and Sacrament, the service for

the Installation of a Pastor may be adapted to the governing body setting.

Installation may be part of a service based on the Service for the Lord’s

Day, or it may be used alone. When included in a complete service, in-

stallation should follow the sermon and precede the celebration of the

Eucharist.

The minister and those to be installed may gather at the

baptismal font or pool.

The font or pool should be ﬁlled with water.

SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

The minister leads all present:

As many of you as were baptized into Christ Gal. 3:27–28

have clothed yourselves with Christ.

There is no longer Jew or Greek,

there is no longer slave or free,

there is no longer male and female;

for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

Lead a life worthy of the calling Eph. 4:1–6

to which you have been called,

making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

There is one body and one Spirit,

just as we were called to the one hope of our calling,

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

one God and Father of all,

who is above all and through all and in all.

SALM 133 PH 241; PS 137

The psalm is said or sung.

CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

The presiding minister continues:

We are called by God

to be the church of Jesus Christ,

a sign in the world today

of what God intends for all humankind.

All respond:

The great ends of the church are

the proclamation of the gospel

for the salvation of humankind;

the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship

of the children of God;

the maintenance of divine worship;

the preservation of the truth;

the promotion of social righteousness;

and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven

to the world.

The presiding minister continues:

The call of Christ

is to willing, dedicated discipleship.

Our discipleship is a manifestation

266 / INSTALLATION OF GOVERNING BODY OFFICERS

of the new life we enter through baptism.

Discipleship is both a gift and a commitment,

an offering and a responsibility.

The presiding minister or other appropriate person(s)

shall relate the form of service to which persons are being

installed.

Those being installed may express their hope for this

calling.

The presiding minister addresses those being installed:

N. and N.,

the grace bestowed on you in baptism

is sufﬁcient for your calling

because it is God’s grace.

By God’s grace we are saved,

and enabled to grow in the faith

and to commit our lives in ways which serve Christ.

God has called you to particular service.

Show your purpose by answering these questions.

Who is your Lord and Savior?

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple,

obeying his word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

Do you welcome the responsibility of this service

because you are determined to follow the Lord Jesus,

to love neighbors,

and to work for the reconciling of the world?

I do.

Will you serve the people

with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love,

relying on God’s mercy

and rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit?

INSTALLATION OF GOVERNING BODY OFFICERS / 267

I will, with God’s help.

The presiding minister addresses all present:

Do you, members of N.,

conﬁrm the call of God

to our brother/sister N.

as __________

in the service of Jesus Christ?

We do.

Will you support and encourage them in this ministry?

We will.

NSTALLATION PRAYER

Faithful God,

in baptism you claimed us;

and by your Holy Spirit you are working in our lives,

empowering us to live a life worthy of our calling.

We thank you for leading N. and N. to this time and place.

Establish them in your truth,

and guide them by your Holy Spirit,

that in your service they may grow

in faith, hope, and love,

and be (a) faithful disciple(s) of Jesus Christ,

to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,

be honor and glory, now and forever.

Other petitions appropriate to speciﬁc forms of govern-

ing body service (BCW, pp. 803ff.) may be offered.

All may pray together:

Almighty God,

in Jesus Christ you called disciples

and, by the Holy Spirit,

made them one church to serve you.

Let your Spirit rule your church,

so that we may be joined

268 / INSTALLATION OF GOVERNING BODY OFFICERS

in love and service to Jesus Christ,

who, having gone before us,

is coming to meet us

in the promise of your kingdom.

Amen.

HARGE

N. and N., you are installed to service

as ________ (ofﬁce or position)

in ________ (name of governing body).

Whatever you do, in word or deed, Col. 3:17

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God through him.

LESSING

The presiding minister addresses those who have been in-

stalled:

May the God of peace 1 Thess. 5:23

make you holy in every way,

and keep your whole being,

spirit, soul, and body,

free from every fault

at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

INSTALLATION OF GOVERNING BODY OFFICERS / 269

270 / RECEIVING A CANDIDATE UNDER CARE

RECEIVING A

CANDIDATE

UNDER

CARE

OPENING SENTENCES

The moderator or other representative of the presbytery

addresses the presbytery.

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; Isa. 43:1b–3a

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and through the rivers,

they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through the ﬁre

you shall not be burned.

For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

ONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS

The candidate answers the questions required by the

Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Do you believe yourself to be called by God to the ministry

of the Word and Sacrament?

I do.

Do you promise in reliance upon the grace of God to main-

tain a Christian character and conduct, and to be diligent and

faithful in making full preparation for this ministry?

I do.

Do you accept the proper supervision of the presbytery in

matters that concern your preparation for this ministry?

I do.

Do you desire now to be received by this presbytery as a can-

didate for the ministry of the Word and Sacrament in the

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)?

I do.

HARGE

The moderator addresses the candidate:

1 Tim. 4:7b–12

Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of

some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding

promise for both the present life and the life to come. The

saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end

we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the liv-

ing God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those

who believe. These are the things you must insist on and

teach. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an

example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

RAYER

The moderator continues:

Let us pray:

God of prophets and apostles,

you have chosen leaders to train your people

in the way of Jesus Christ.

We thank you that in our day

you are still claiming men and women

for special work within the church.

As N. has dedicated himself/herself to you,

let us pledge ourselves to him/her,

so that, surrounded by affection and hope,

he/she may grow in wisdom,

mature in love,

and become a faithful worker,

approved by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

RECEIVING A CANDIDATE UNDER CARE / 271

272 / RECOGNITION OF A CHRISTIAN EDUCATOR

When persons have been certiﬁed as Christian educators, the pres-

bytery may use this service to recognize their particular leadership. It

may be used alone or in the context of the presbytery’s worship. When

included in a complete service, this liturgy should follow the sermon

and precede celebration of the Eucharist.

The moderator and those whose particular ministry is to

be recognized may gather at the baptismal font or pool.

SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

The moderator leads the people:

We, who are many, are one body in Christ, Rom. 12:5–8

and individually we are members one of another.

We have gifts that differ

according to the grace given to us:

prophecy, in proportion to faith;

ministry, in ministering;

the teacher, in teaching;

the exhorter, in exhortation;

the giver, in generosity;

the leader, in diligence;

the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Lead a life worthy of the calling Eph. 4:1–6

to which you have been called,

RECOGNITION OF A

CERTIFIED CHRISTIAN

EDUCATOR

making every effort to maintain

the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is one body and one Spirit,

just as we were called to the one hope of our calling,

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

one God and Father of all,

who is above all and through all and in all.

The moderator continues:

The Presbytery of N.

has certiﬁed that N.

has met all requirements

and completed all preparations

prescribed in the Constitution

of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

for the position of

certiﬁed Christian educator.

We now recognize N.

as certiﬁed Christian educator.

RAYER

Let us pray:

Almighty God,

in every age you have chosen servants

to speak your Word and lead your loyal people.

We thank you for N.,

whom you have called to serve you

as certiﬁed Christian educator.

Give him/her gifts to do his/her particular work.

Fill him/her with your Holy Spirit,

so that he/she may have the same mind

that was in Christ Jesus,

and be a faithful disciple throughout life.

All may pray together:

God of grace,

in baptism you have called us

to a common ministry

RECOGNITION OF A CHRISTIAN EDUCATOR / 273

as ambassadors of Christ,

trusting us with the message of reconciliation.

Give us courage and discipline

to follow where your servants rightly lead us,

that together we may declare your wonderful deeds

and show your love to the world;

through Jesus Christ the Lord of all.

Amen.

The moderator greets the educator:

On behalf of the Presbytery of N.,

I welcome you to this ministry.

May God’s Holy Spirit empower you

in the ministry of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The educator responds:

Amen.

When a congregation desires to recognize this certiﬁca-

tion, the liturgy for Commissioning to Ministry within a

Congregation may be adapted.

274 / RECOGNITION OF A CHRISTIAN EDUCATOR

COMMISSIONING OF A LAY PASTOR / 275

When persons are presented for commissioning as lay pastors, it is ap-

propriate that the presbytery in which they are to serve use this liturgy

within a complete service of worship or as a separate service. When in-

cluded in a complete service, this liturgy should follow the sermon and

precede celebration of the Eucharist.

The moderator and those whose who are to be commis-

sioned may gather at the baptismal font or pool.

SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE

The moderator leads the people:

We, who are many, are one body in Christ, Rom. 12:5–8

and individually we are members one of another.

We have gifts that differ

according to the grace given to us:

prophecy, in proportion to faith;

ministry, in ministering;

the teacher, in teaching;

the exhorter, in exhortation;

the giver, in generosity;

the leader, in diligence;

the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Lead a life worthy of the calling Eph. 4:1–6

to which you have been called,

COMMISSIONING OF

LAY PASTOR

making every effort to maintain

the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is one body and one Spirit,

just as we were called to the one hope of our calling,

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

one God and Father of all,

who is above all and through all and in all.

The moderator continues:

The Presbytery of N.

is satisﬁed that that N.

has met all requirements

and completed all preparations

prescribed in the Constitution

of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

We now commission N.

as a lay pastor to serve

in and for N.

ONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS

The commissioned lay pastor answers the questions re-

quired by the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church

(U.S.A.).

Do you trust in Jesus Christ your Savior, acknowledge him

Lord of all and Head of the Church, and through him believe

in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

I do.

Do you accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa-

ments to be, by the Holy Spirit, the unique and authoritative

witness to Jesus Christ in the Church universal, and God’s

Word to you?

I do.

Do you sincerely receive and adopt the essential tenets of the

Reformed faith as expressed in the confessions of our church

as authentic and reliable expositions of what Scripture leads

276 / COMMISSIONING OF A LAY PASTOR

us to believe and do, and will you be instructed and led by

those confessions as you lead the people of God?

I do and I will.

Will you fulﬁll your commission in obedience to Jesus

Christ, under the authority of Scripture, and be continually

guided by our confessions?

I will.

Will you be governed by our church’s polity, and will you

abide by its discipline? Will you be a friend among your col-

leagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the or-

dering of God’s Word and Spirit?

I will.

Will you in your own life seek to follow the Lord Jesus

Christ, love your neighbors, and work for the reconciliation

of the world?

I will.

Do you promise to further the peace, unity, and purity of the

church?

I do.

Will you seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence,

imagination, and love?

I will.

Will you be a faithful commissioned lay pastor, watching

over the people, providing for their worship? In your min-

istry will you try to show the love and justice of Jesus Christ?

I will, with God’s help.

RAYER

Let us pray.

Almighty God,

in every age you have chosen servants

COMMISSIONING OF A LAY PASTOR / 277

278 / COMMISSIONING OF A LAY PASTOR

to speak your Word and lead your loyal people.

We thank you for N.,

whom you have called to serve you

as commissioned lay pastor

in and for N.

Give him/her gifts to do his/her particular work.

Fill him/her with your Holy Spirit,

so that he/she may have the same mind

that was in Christ Jesus,

and be a faithful disciple throughout life.

All may pray together:

God of grace,

in baptism you have called us

to a common ministry

as ambassadors of Christ,

trusting us with the message of reconciliation.

Give us courage and discipline

to follow where your servants rightly lead us,

that together we may declare your wonderful deeds

and show your love to the world;

through Jesus Christ the Lord of all.

Amen.

The moderator greets the lay pastor:

On behalf of the Presbytery of N.,

I welcome you to this ministry.

May God’s Holy Spirit empower you

in the ministry of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

To initiate the relationship between a lay pastor and a

Church the liturgy for Commissioning to Ministry

Within a Congregation may be adapted.

RECOGNITION OF HONORABLE RETIREMENT / 279

It is appropriate that this service be used during a presbytery meeting.

This liturgy may be used alone or included in worship for the day, in

which instance it would follow the sermon and precede the celebration

of the Eucharist.

The retiring minister stands at the front of the place of

meeting.

The moderator or other appropriate presbytery ofﬁcer or

staff leads the presbytery:

Lord, you have been our refuge Ps. 90:1–2

from one generation to another.

Before the mountains were brought forth,

or the land and the earth were born,

from age to age you are God.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, see Ps. 103:1–5

and all that is within me, bless God’s holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all God’s beneﬁts,

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your inﬁrmities;

who redeems your life from the grave

and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness;

RECOGNITION OF

HONORABLE

RETIREMENT FROM

THE

MINISTRY OF

WORD AND SACRAMENT

who satisﬁes you with good things,

and your youth is renewed like an eagle’s.

The moderator brieﬂy recounts the ministry of the one

retiring.

It is appropriate for other members of presbytery to offer

personal reﬂection as well.

The moderator addresses the retiring minister with these

or similar words:

N., you have completed your active service as a minister of

the Word and Sacrament. Your sisters and brothers in this

presbytery rejoice with you in the evidence of the Holy Spirit

in your work. We thank God for your dedicated ministry in

the church of Jesus Christ, and we praise God for the grace

that has allowed your ministry to touch many lives.

Now we come to mark with you the fulﬁllment of your call-

ing, as the presbytery confers upon you the status, Honor-

ably Retired. While we know this begins a time of rest and

the enjoyment of other callings, we value the experience you

have gained and the skills you have acquired throughout your

years of ministry. Therefore, we welcome your continued

participation in the life of the church, using your gifts in

meaningful ways. You remain a colleague in ministry, and we

will continue to seek your wisdom and your fellowship.

Together with the whole church, you will ﬁnd new opportuni-

ties to fulﬁll your baptismal calling, as one marked by the Holy

Spirit, a disciple of Jesus Christ. May God continue to bring joy

and peace to your life, just as you have blessed the Presbyter-

ian Church with your ministry and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The moderator addresses all present:

Let us pray.

The moderator may say the following or a similar prayer

(BCW p. 81):

280 / RECOGNITION OF HONORABLE RETIREMENT

Eternal God,

through all the years of our lives

your love protects and guides us.

By your Spirit you call us to varied ministries

in the service of Jesus Christ.

We praise you for your gifts to your servant N.,

for his/her faithful proclamation of your Word,

his/her administration of the holy sacraments

of Jesus Christ,

and his/her pastoral care and leadership in the church.

Grant to N.

time for refreshment and rest,

reﬂection and rejoicing,

and the fullness of your peace.

Through your Holy Spirit

bless each of us

that we may remember the love of Jesus Christ

which unites us in the service of our Lord.

In the name of Christ we pray.

Amen.

RECOGNITION OF HONORABLE RETIREMENT / 281

INTERFAITH

RESOURCES

GUIDELINES FOR

INTERFAITH

CELEBRATION OF

THANKSGIVING

INTERFAITH CELEBRATION OF THANKSGIVING / 285

The concept of respectful presence is helpful when Presbyte-

rians consider the implications of the Reformed tradition

for Christian relationships with persons of other religious

faiths. . . . Respectful presence is a way to follow Jesus of

Nazareth, who met with people of many cultures and reli-

gions even as he fulﬁlled the nature and purpose of his

God-given mission. Our expectation is that the practice of

respectful presence can enable Christians to have fruitful

experiences of interfaith dialogue, celebration, or worship.

At the same time, our expectation is that respectful pres-

ence with people of other faiths can lead Christians into a

fuller understanding and experience of their own faith.

—Respectful Presence: An Understanding of

Interfaith Prayer and Celebration from

Reformed Christian Perspective,

209

General Assembly, 1997

In a pluralistic society, opportunities for interaction with

persons of other faith traditions are increasingly common. A

national holiday, such as Thanksgiving Day in the United

States of America, offers an occasion which may be cele-

brated with those from a variety of faiths. In such a setting,

an attitude of respectful presence offers Christians a way to

participate, expressing respect for persons from other faiths

while maintaining loyalty to the Christian gospel.

Interfaith celebrations should be planned by representatives

from each participating faith. For that reason, guidelines for

liturgical planning are offered here with suggested liturgical

resources Presbyterians may use to represent the Reformed

Christian tradition.

UIDELINES

Christians have signiﬁcant doctrinal disagreements with

other religions. We should not compromise our faith in

God’s revelation in Jesus Christ in order to achieve an artiﬁ-

cial agreement with persons of other faiths. Rather, express-

ing our own faith with integrity, while maintaining respect

for the faith of others, is a necessary condition of genuine in-

terreligious dialogue.

At the same time, these differences should not deter us from

seeking common ground for both service and prayer. In a

world where divisions are often bitter, Christians should be

eager to join other people of faith in seeking mutual cooper-

ation and understanding. Christians may engage in interfaith

celebration, both for a speciﬁc common purpose and as an

expression of faithfulness to the gospel itself.

While Christians may give appropriate witness to their faith

in the Lordship of Jesus Christ, respectful presence implies a

mutual agreement not to exploit occasions of interfaith cele-

bration as opportunities for conversion.

Persons of different faith traditions call God by different

names, follow different patterns for the worship of God, and

pray to God in distinct ways. Even among the monotheistic

traditions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, different ways

of prayer to the one God require acknowledgment, under-

standing, and mutual sensitivity.

Given differences in both doctrine and prayer, maintaining a

respectful presence suggests two basic forms an interfaith

celebration may take:

1. Persons from different faith traditions may agree to

gather for speciﬁc purposes, using language and sym-

286 / INTERFAITH CELEBRATION OF THANKSGIVING

bols acceptable to all present. In such a setting, it is

important to seek ways in which all may pray together

authentically. These will necessarily be different

from the ways each might pray within a speciﬁc faith

tradition, but they should not be offensive, compro-

mising, or beyond the genuine expression of any one

faith group.

2. Different faith traditions gather for speciﬁc purposes,

using language and symbols distinctive to each of

their particular traditions. In such a setting, we seek

to stand with one another in prayer. In alternating

moments, we participate fully in Christian prayer in

the presence of others, and we observe with respect-

ful attention the prayer of persons from other faiths.

Appropriate readings, prayers, and music may be of-

fered by each religious tradition. Care should be

taken to ensure that no one faith tradition dominates

or overshadows another.

AMPLE PRAYER

The following is a prayer which might be used in a gath-

ering of persons of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths:

Eternal Source,

Creator of all,

the One and Holy God:

you alone are worthy of our praise.

Even as we call you by different names,

we acknowledge together our common faith

that only you are God.

Give us grace to celebrate the heritage we share

as the children of your covenant with Abraham.

Give us wisdom to hear your truth

in the teachings of Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad,

and to live by love according to your commandments.

Lead us, gracious and merciful God,

to love you above all others,

INTERFAITH CELEBRATION OF THANKSGIVING / 287

and in our daily lives,

to love our neighbors as our own kin.

All praise be yours now and forever.

Amen.

ESOURCES

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Book of Common Worship (1993)

Daily Lectionary for Special Days, p. 1095

The Worshipbook (1970)

Lectionary for Thanksgiving Day, p. 175

Psalm verses for Thanksgiving Day, p. 162

PPROPRIATE OR ADAPTABLE PRAYERS

Book of Common Worship (1993)

Litany of Thanksgiving, pp. 792–93

Chippewa prayer for hope, p. 796

Canticle of the Sun, p. 800

Prayer for the harvest, p. 801

Prayer for nature, p. 802

Prayers for our nation and for our country, p. 816

The Worshipbook (1970)

Litany for the Nation, pp. 127–29

The practice of prayer for persons of other faiths in the

context of Christian worship is appropriate on any Lord’s

Day and may lead to greater interfaith understanding and

cooperation. Resources for such prayers may be found in

the BCW, Prayers for Various Occasions, p. 798 (for

world religions), p. 815 (for Jews, for Muslims), and in the

Intercession for Lent, pp. 236–37.

288 / INTERFAITH CELEBRATION OF THANKSGIVING

ADDITIONAL

PRAYERS FOR

VARIOUS

OCCASIONS

ADDITIONAL PRAYERS

FOR

VARIOUS

OCCASIONS

PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS / 291

This section of the Book of Occasional Services supplements

the Prayers for Various Occasions, BCW pp. 787–840.

IN THE LIFE OF A CONGREGATION

For the Church

Almighty and ever-living God,

ruler of all things in heaven and earth,

hear our prayers for this congregation.

Strengthen the faithful,

arouse the careless,

and restore the penitent.

Grant us all things necessary for our common life,

and bring us all to be of one heart and mind

within your holy church;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Proclamation of the Gospel

By your Word, O God, your creation sprang forth,

and we were given the breath of life.

By your Word, eternal God,

death is overcome, Christ is raised from the tomb,

and we are given a new life in the power of your Spirit.

May we boldly proclaim this good news,

by the words of our mouths and the deeds of our lives,

rejoicing always in your powerful presence;

through Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

For an Inclusive Church

How great is your love, Lord God,

how wide is your mercy!

Never let us board up the narrow gate that leads to life

with rules or doctrines that you dismiss;

but give us a Spirit to welcome all people with affection,

so that your church may never exclude

secret friends of yours,

who are included in the love of Jesus Christ,

who came to save us all. Amen.

For Founders and Previous Leaders of a Congregation

We thank you, Lord God,

for brave and believing people

who brought your message to this place.

Let us not forget them,

especially N., N.

By their energies this church was gathered,

given order, and continued.

Remembering all those Christians

who have gone before us,

may we follow as they followed,

in the way, truth, and life of Jesus Christ,

the Head of the church. Amen.

At the Election of a Pastor Nominating Committee

Holy God,

you know all things good for us,

and your Holy Spirit leads us in your way.

Guide the members of this committee

to the one you have prepared to serve your people.

Open their minds to discern your will

and their hearts to consider all candidates fairly.

Give them strength and endurance

equal to the commitment they now make;

mutual love and patience

292 / PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS

in the work that lies ahead.

Prepare this congregation

to receive their new minister with joy

and instruct us all as we accept new ways.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Examination of Ofﬁcer Nominees by Session

O God, show us clearly the heart of the kingdom of God.

We do not protest

even if our life is destined to lead to the cross,

or if the way leads to our losing our lives.

We will march in the face of distress and contrary winds.

Teach us how to dispense with unnecessary things.

Let us go forward without fear of death

in order to fulﬁll our mission simply, surely, and steadily.

Reveal to us our station clearly,

and strengthen us to teach

and guide, by our example, all persons,

even those who are ruled by evil.

We pray that you may ﬁnd us worthy

to work through us. Amen.

At the Election of Deacons

God of love and compassion,

you poured out your life in service

in your Son, Jesus Christ.

By word and example he taught us

to ﬁnd fulﬁllment in giving ourselves,

and greatness in serving others.

Bless those called to be deacons,

who lead us in service and caring.

Empower them by the grace of your Spirit,

that your whole church may give its life

for the sake of the world,

in the name of Jesus Christ

who came not to be served, but to serve. Amen.

PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS / 293

At the Election of Elders

God of righteousness and truth,

you brought us into your church

to show in our life together

something of the orderliness of your creation

and the love of Jesus Christ.

Bless those called to be elders,

that they may govern wisely and fairly.

Give them a full measure of your Spirit,

that they may refresh your people

along the journey of faith,

discerning, teaching, and sharing the Word of life,

Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thanksgiving for Faithful Service

God of grace,

we thank you for the gifts of Christian ministry

given in your servant(s) N. and N.

We celebrate the years of their labor

and rejoice in the blessings so many have received.

Give them a sense of fulﬁllment and completion,

a time of refreshment and rest, and new opportunities

for living the good news of your love

in Jesus Christ. Amen.

IN THE LIFE OF A PRESBYTERY

At the Enrollment of an Inquirer

God of grace,

you call us in baptism

and bestow gifts to be used in service;

some are called to ministries of care and compassion,

some to leadership and governance,

some to the ministry of the Word and Sacrament.

By your Holy Spirit,

illumine the path of your servant N.,

that he/she might follow where you lead.

294 / PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS

May the session of N. Church

and the members of this presbytery

join N. in prayer and discernment,

seeking to know your will,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Reception of a Candidate under Care

God of prophets and apostles,

you have chosen leaders to train your people

in the way of Jesus Christ.

We thank you that in our day

you are still claiming men and women

for special work within the church.

As N. has dedicated himself/herself to you,

let us pledge ourselves to him/her,

so that, surrounded by affection and hope,

he/she may grow in wisdom,

mature in love,

and become a faithful worker,

approved by Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Examination of a Candidate for Ordination

Merciful God,

through the mouth of your beloved Son,

our Lord Jesus Christ, you said to us,

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;

therefore ask the Lord of the harvest

to send out laborers into his harvest.”

We respond to your divine command, O Lord,

and beseech you to richly bestow the Holy Spirit

on your servant N.,

and on all of us who are called to your ministry,

that we, with a great multitude,

may be your evangelists, true and steadfast against evil.

So may your name be hallowed,

your kingdom come,

PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS / 295

and your will be done.

Hear this our prayer

through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,

who, with you and the Holy Spirit,

lives and reigns throughout eternity. Amen.

At the Reception of a Minister into Presbytery

God of Love,

you have called us to serve you

and led us to ministry.

We thank you for N.

and for the ministry he/she continues here.

May our mutual service be faithful,

and our unity in Christ

be a visible witness

to your reign at work in the world;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Chartering of a Congregation

God our Creator,

you make all things new.

By your Spirit you have called these people

and made them one in Christ.

You have given them a new name,

and new ministry.

As they learn to walk together,

let it be in your way.

As they struggle to be faithful,

sustain them by your grace.

Instruct them daily in your Word

and nourish them at your table

that they may grow in your grace

as heralds of your kingdom,

and servants of Christ,

your Son, our Savior. Amen.

296 / PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS

SECTION HEADING CROSSES

SECTION HEADING CROSSES / 297

THE CROSS IS ONE OF THE OLDEST and most universally rec-

ognized symbols in Christianity. Those in the Book of Common

Worship represent a variety of the many forms that have been

used throughout history to represent the Christian faith.

Cross from Fifth-

Century Greek

Pottery (Additional

Prayers for Various

Occasions)

Cross from 400 B.C.

Near Eastern Pottery

(Interfaith Resources)

Maltese Cross

(Marking Transitions

in a Governing Body)

Celtic Cross

(Ordination and

Installation)

Jerusalem Cross

(Commissioning)

Cross Bontonnée

(Dedication)

Cross Patée

(Marking

Transitions in a

Congregation)

Illustrated by Aavidar Design Inc.