Fr. Tom, Deacon Paul, Bishop Bootkoski, and Deacon Al

Blessing of the new Pastoral Center

Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski, D.D,

Bishop of Metuchen

ORDER OF BLESSING

INTRODUCTORY RITES

OPENING HYMN:        

                              2 verses of “Christ, Be Our Light”

1.         Longing for light, we wait in darkness.

                   Longing for truth, we turn to you.

Make us your own, your holy people,      

                    light for the world to see.       [r] 

[r]        Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.

                    Shine through the darkness.

            Christ, be our light!

                     Shine in your church gathered today.

2.         Longing for shelter, many are homeless.

                    Longing for warmth, many are cold.

            Make us your building, sheltering others,

                     walls made of living stones. [r] 

SIGN OF THE CROSS–GREETING - INTRODUCTION

THE WORD OF GOD                Ephesians 2: 19-22

COMMENTARY

INTERCESSIONS              “Lord, Hear Our Prayer”

BLESSING BY THE BISHOP

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

CLOSING HYMN:      the last verse of ‘Gather Us In’

Not in the dark of buildings confining,

         not in some heaven light years away,

but here in this place the new light is shining,

        now is the Kingdom, now is the day.          

Gather us in and hold us forever,

       gather us in and make us your own,

gather us in all people together,

        fire of love in our flesh and our bones.