By Jeremy Bellsmith, Team Member, The Vine

Chairs for the sanctuary; a new font; a sound system; a new space for teenagers. Whenever something new comes into the church, you have an opportunity to think about God’s goodness.

This is often done through a service of dedication. In giving thanks and declaring the purpose for these things, we recall who gives gifts, to whom we belong, and for whom we are called.

We invite you to adapt the litany below to your purposes, or use the service as a launching point for writing your own litany of dedication.

1.    Scripture sentence

The minister/leader says:
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17)
OR
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17)
OR
All shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you. (Deuteronomy 16:17)
OR
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)

2.    Prayers

The minister/leader says:
Gracious and merciful God,
you make all things perfect by your love.
Because of your grace and blessing
we ask for your help with confidence
that all we are about to do may please you
and bring glory to your name
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OR
Ever present God,
you have been with us throughout our days
like a parent to a child.
You lavish gifts on us.
As we gather to receive another gift,
may we be reminded of your kindness
to us and to all creation.
May we be inspired again
to cooperate in your generosity
and become gifts of your love to the world
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

3.    Narrative

A statement is made or story told about the memorial or gift and the donor, if appropriate.

4.    Presentation of the gift (if appropriate)

The donor, or a person representing the donating group, makes a statement to the effect of
Congregation of [name of church],
Will you receive this [gift],
(in memory of [name] OR in the name of [name] )
and dedicate it to the glory of God?

The congregation responds:
We will.

5.    Dedication

The minister/leader says
We receive this [gift],
as another sign of God’s goodness made manifest.
I dedicate it to the glory of God
(and in memory of God’s servant [name of donor])
and declare it to be set apart for use in this place,
in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
OR
God has been good to us.
This [gift] is one more sign of God’s kindness.
May it remind us that we are loved, and called to love.
We have been treated generously
and are called to treat others with generosity.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
I declare this gift to be set apart for this use
for making God’s name great in the world.

6.    Prayer

The minister/leader says
Almighty God,
from times past, you have lavished gifts on your people.
You even gave of yourself,
leaving the glories of heaven to walk among us.
You have shown your love over and over
and so we have experienced your glory in tangible ways.
Today, we received this [gift].

In accepting it as a demonstration of your kindness
we affirm that it is yours,
as we are yours.
May who we are and all we have
be devoted to your service
and given for your glory. Amen.

If appropriate, this is used when an item has been donated:
We thank you for inspiring [donor] to offer this gift.
So that we all can experience your kindness,
would you accept (his/her/their) devotion,
comforting (him/her/them) with your favour,
that (he/she/they) may know kindness
as (he/she/they) has/have shown it
to our congregation and this place of worship.

The congregation says together
Living God,
may your Spirit use [donation],
to increase our faith in you and your work,
that we may be strong to walk in the ways of Christ
as expressions of your love
and demonstrations of your kindness
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

7.    Hymn suggestions from the Book of Praise

# 350   To God be the glory (verses 1 and 3)
# 663   God, whose giving knows no ending
# 457   Now thank we all our God

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