SERVICE FOR THE DEDICATION OF THE:

          REVEREND DOCTOR JOHN STEINHAUS MEMORIAL ELEVATOR

Pastor:  We gather today in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation:  Amen

P:  Under the providence of God, we have come to this long awaited time when the new elevator has become a reality.  Let us humbly enter into a special time of dedication.

C:  Thanks be to God

Psalm 8

P:  O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

C:  Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger.

P:  When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established;

C:  what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?

P:  Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor.

C:  You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet,

P:  all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,

C:  the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

All:  O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Hymn:  For the Beauty of the Earth

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth, Over and around us lies.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise. 

For the beauty of each hour, Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon, and stars of light.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise. 

Lesson:  2 Corinthians 9:6-15

6) The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7) Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8) And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 9) As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10) He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11) You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; 12) for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. 13) Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, 14) while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. 15) Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Meditation  Reverend Edwin McGee III

Litany

P: To provide better use of our educational facilities, where the Word of God is taught, by enabling easier access for every one,

C: We dedicate this elevator.

P: For the purpose of fellowship that all might join us at meals and receptions,

C: We dedicate this elevator.

P:  That we can better meet the needs of the community and all those who use our facilities,

C: We dedicate this elevator.

P:  That through this elevator and the handicapped accessible restrooms that we’ve constructed we can live out our Core Value that all are truly welcome,

C: We dedicate this elevator.

P:  That all might participate in the meetings of our congregation held in this fellowship hall,

C: We dedicate this elevator.

P:  Let us pray. 

Oh God, you fashioned us in your image, and to be little less than the angels. We lift up those now of your children whose physical limitations challenge their lives. We pray that you bless their lives with dignity, and ease their passage into this church building by this elevator. Bless these things which make our place of worship a more accessible church home to all.

As we dedicate this elevator may we also remember the gifts and sacrifices of those who have provided the resources for this project.  May we also remember the memory of those in whose names those gifts have been given. 

Be with us now and bless us as we dedicate this elevator to your glory and praise.  Grant us faith to know your gracious purpose in all things, give us joy in them, and lead us to the building up of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord;

C:  Amen.

History of the Elevator Project                           Dr. David Johannsen, president of the congregation

Cutting of the Ribbon                                          Arthur Crittenden

Unveiling of the Plaque and

Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation        Dr. David Johannsen

Hymn: For the Beauty of the Earth

For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth, and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild,

Lord of all, to Thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise.

For each perfect gift of Thine, to our race so freely given,
graces human and divine, flowers of earth and buds of heaven,

Lord of all, to Thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise.

Closing Prayer                        Rev. Dr. Walter Mees