The Gathering

The people gather in the church.

Bishop

Through the ages, Almighty God has moved his people to build and set apart places for prayer and meditation. With gratitude for the building of St. Paul’s Centennial Garden and Labyrinth, we are now gathered to dedicate and bless it in God’s Name.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, we thank you for making us in your image and for calling us to share in the ordering of your world. Send forth your Spirit upon us as we bless and dedicate this sacred place. May it be a sign to us and to this community of your hospitality and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Entrance Rite

Rector Let us go forth in peace;

People In the name of Christ. Amen.

The procession enters the garden.

Hymn Jacob’s Ladder (ca. 18th Century)

Bishop The Lord be with you

People And also with you.

Bishop Let us pray.

Everliving God, watchful and caring, our source and our end: All that we are and all that we have is yours. Accept us now, as we dedicate this place. Guide, illumine, and bless us.

A representative of the congregation continues

Lord Jesus Christ, grace this garden with your presence. Be a companion to those who come here seeking renewal. Give them comfort, wisdom, and hope.

The Rector continues

Holy Spirit, open the eyes, ears, and hearts of all who walk this labyrinth. Be with them in the fullness of your power and pour out upon them the signs of your presence.

Bishop Now, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, sanctify this place;

People For everything in heaven and on earth is yours. Amen.

The Lesson Genesis 28:10-17

Jacob left Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he came to a certain place, and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your descendants; and your descendants shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and by you and your descendants shall all the families of the earth bless themselves. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done that of which I have spoken to you.” Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place; and I did not know it.” And he was afraid, and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

Lector The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Homily: The Rt. Rev. Vincent A. Warner

Anthem
Heavenly Display
American Shaker Tune, 19th Century

The waves of the ocean imitate the rolls of the heavenly music that rolls in heaven.

Refrain: Alleluia! Alleluia! O glory to God for this heavenly display.

The wheels of a timepiece imitate the flows of the heavenly love, love that flows in heaven.

Refrain

The wings of an eagle imitate the seraphim that soar in the heavens of heavenly love.

Refrain.

The Dedication and Blessing

The Bishop and people move to the fountain.

Bishop

O God, You visit the earth and water it abundantly; you make it very plenteous; the river of God is full of water.

V. As the deer longs for the water-brooks, so longs my soul for you, O God.

R. My soul is athirst for God, athirst for the living God.

Almighty God, we thank you for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation and by it you sustained your people in the wilderness: Grant us always to thirst for your presence and at the last bring us into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

We dedicate this fountain in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Bishop and people move to a green area of the garden.

Bishop

As the earth puts forth its blossom, or plants in a garden burst into flower, so shall God make righteousness and praise blossom before all nations.

V. My boundaries enclose a pleasant land;

R. Indeed, I have a goodly heritage.

O God, creator of heaven and earth, you made all that is on the earth and gave it into our care: Give us grateful hearts for the beauty of the earth and teach us to be good stewards of all that you have made.

We dedicate this garden in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Bishop moves to the center of the labyrinth.

Bishop

Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.

V. I will walk in the presence of the Lord

R. In the land of the living.

O God, our journey and our journey’s end: Be with those who walk this sacred path, restore those who come for renewal, comfort those who come for healing, and inspire those who come for guidance. May all who are drawn here find you a ready source of love, power, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We dedicate this labyrinth in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bishop The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Bishop Let us pray.

O God of peace, who taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray you, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you would, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn A Cup of Rejoicing

The Blessing

Bishop Our help is in the Name of the Lord;

People The maker of heaven and earth.

Bishop Blessed be the Name of the Lord;

People From this time forth for evermore.

Bishop The blessing, mercy, and grace of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you, and remain with you for ever. Amen.

The Dismissal

Rector Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.

People Thanks be to God.

You are invited to join us downstairs in the parish hall for a reception following the liturgy.