ENTRANCE
GATHERING
The service begins with the gathering of the people. Festive music may be offered while the people gather. The service may then continue with a procession including the worship leaders, other participants in worship, candidates, and bishop(s).
PROCESSIONAL HYMN *
If the hymn is to be a hymn of praise, it follows the Greeting. Processional hymns are listed on 713.
GREETING AND PRAYER *
The bishop begins; the people respond.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
Our help is in the name of the Lord.
The Creator of heaven and earth.
We come together as the Church
to offer praise and thanksgiving to God,
to hear the Holy Word,
and to seek for ourselves and others
the power, presence, and direction of the Holy Spirit.
Let us pray.
Eternal God, by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
you gave to your apostles many excellent gifts.
Give your grace
to all who have been called to representative ordained
ministry,
that they may with diligence and faithfulness
fulfill their various ministries.
Grant that we your people may follow where you lead,
perfect our ministries,
and live in joyful obedience to your will;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
The people are seated.
RECOGNITION OF OUR COMMON MINISTRY
The bishop begins:
Ministry is the work of God,
done by the people of God
and given to each Christian as vocation.
Through baptism
all Christians are made part of the priesthood of all believers,
the Church made visible in the world.
God in Christ through the Holy Spirit
empowers us to live as witnesses of God's grace and love.
We are to bear witness in and through the life of the Church
and to be faithful in our daily lives.
Therefore, in celebration of our common ministry,
I call upon all God's people gathered here:
Remember your baptism and be thankful.
We remember our baptism and affirm our common ministry.
PRESENTATION
One layperson, one diaconal minister from the conference Board of
Diaconal Ministry, and one a deacon and an
elder from the conference Board of Ordained Ministry, chosen by the bishop,
present to the bishop those who are to be consecrated and ordained. The bishop
stands before the Lord's table.
Layperson:
This day,
these are the witnesses who have come forth from among us.
They are responding to their call by the Holy Spirit
to representative consecrated and ordained ministry.
Bishop Name,
on behalf of the laity of the local congregations
who have examined and approved these candidates,
Diaconal minister:
and on behalf of the Board of Diaconal Ministry of the Annual Conference,
which has recommended these candidates,
and the Annual Conference, which has approved them,
we present to you these persons
to be consecrated diaconal ministers in Christ's holy Church:
Elder Ordained Clergy:
and on behalf of the deacons and elders of the Annual Conference,
who have examined and approved these candidates,
we present to you
these persons to be ordained as deacons,
and these persons to be ordained as elders in Christ's holy Church:
The full name of each candidate is read aloud by a presenter--the diaconal minister reading the names of diaconal candidates and the elder reading the names of deacon and elder candidates--and each candidate stands.
After the candidates have been presented, all candidates remain standing, and the bishop says:
These persons are by God's grace
to be consecrated or ordained to representative ministry.
Those authorized by the Church to inquire about them
have discerned that they are persons
of sound learning and of Christian character.
They possess the necessary gifts and evidence of God's grace,
and have demonstrated a profound commitment to serve Jesus Christ.
Therefore, we believe them to be duly called
to serve God in this representative ministry.
We ask you, people of God,
to declare your assent
to the consecration or ordination of these persons.
o you trust that they are worthy, by God's grace,
to be consecrated or ordained?
We do! Thanks be to God!
Will you uphold them in their ministry?
With God's help, we will!
The bishop and candidates are seated.
PROCLAMATION
Suggested scripture lessons are found on 711-12.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON
PSALM *
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
HYMN OR ANTHEM *
Hymns are listed on 713.
GOSPEL LESSON *
SERMON
THE APOSTLES' CREED * See UMH 881, 882.
HYMN *
<$TSpAbove=117;SpBelow=117;EfWeight=4>Hymns are listed on 713.
GENERAL EXAMINATION
The candidates remain standing, and the bishop addresses all the candidates:
My sisters and brothers,
all Christians are called through baptism
to share in Christ's ministry of love and service.
This ministry is empowered by God's Holy Spirit
for the redemption of the human family and the whole of creation.
You have been called,
by the Spirit of God working in you,
to a representative ministry within the people of God.
Christ's body, the Church,
now confirms your calling through consecration or ordination.
You are to lead the people of God in worship and prayer,
and to nurture, teach, and encourage them
from the riches of God's grace.
You are to exemplify Christ's servanthood;
to build up the people of God
in their obedience to Christ's mission in the world,
and to seek justice, peace, and salvation for all people.
As representative consecrated and ordained ministers in
the Church,
you are to be coworkers with the bishops,
deacons, diaconal ministers, and elders.
It is your task to proclaim by word and deed the gospel of Jesus Christ,
to lead persons to faith in Jesus Christ,
and to conform your life in accordance with the gospel.
Remember that you are called
to serve rather than to be served,
to proclaim the faith of the Church and no other,
to look after the concerns of Christ above all.
So that we may know that you believe yourselves
to be called by God
and that you profess the Christian faith,
we ask you:
Do you trust that you are called by God
to the life and work of representative consecrated and
ordained ministry in the Church?
I do so trust.
Do you believe in the Triune God,
and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
I do so believe and confess.
Are you persuaded
that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments
contain all things necessary for salvation
through faith in Jesus Christ,
and are the unique and authoritative standard
for the Church's faith and life?
I am so persuaded, by God's grace.
Will you be faithful in prayer,
in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures,
and with the help of the Holy Spirit
continually rekindle the gift of God that is in you?
I will, God being my helper.
ADMONITION AND PRAYER
The bishop addresses all the candidates:
May God,
who has given you the will to do these things,
give you grace to perform them
that the work begun in you may be brought to perfection. Amen.
The bishop calls the people to prayer, saying:
Let us pray for these persons
to be consecrated or ordained by God and the Church
for representative ministry.
The candidates kneel.
The people pray for them in silence, and the bishop concludes:
We give you thanks, eternal God,
that in your great love
you sent Jesus Christ, your only begotten,
to take the form of a servant for the sake of us all.
You have taught us, by his word and example,
that whoever would be great among us must be servant of all.
Give to these your servants the grace and power
to serve you in their ministry
so that your people may be strengthened
and your name glorified in all the world. Amen.
The hymn "O Holy Spirit, By Whose Breath" ( Hymn 223 or UMH 651) is sung.
The deacon and elder candidates are seated. The diaconal candidates come forward and face the bishop.
EXAMINATION OF DIACONAL MINISTERS
The bishop addresses the candidates for diaconal ministry:
A diaconal minister is called to exemplify Christ's servanthood,
to participate in the leadership of worship,
to teach the gospel,
to counsel the troubled in spirit,
to serve God's people with special concern
for love, justice, and ministry to the poor, the sick, and the oppressed,
to equip the people of God for the ministry of all baptized Christians,
and to embody the unity of the congregation's worship
with its life in the world.
These are the duties of a diaconal minister.
Do you believe that you have been called by God
to the life and work of a diaconal minister?
I do so believe.
Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church
accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline,
committing yourself to be accountable with those serving with you,
and to those who are appointed to supervise your ministry?
I will, God being my helper.
LAYING ON OF HANDS AND PRAYER FOR DIACONAL MINISTERS
The bishop begins:
Let us pray.
We give thanks to you, eternal God,
that in your great love
you sent Jesus Christ,
to take the form of a servant for the sake of us all,
becoming obedient even to death on the cross.
We praise you that you have highly exalted Jesus Christ your servant
and that you have taught us, by his word and example,
that whoever would be great among us must be servant of all.
We thank you that Jesus Christ has poured forth your gifts,
for equipping the saints for the work of ministry,
for serving the poor, the sick, and the oppressed,
for building up Christ's body the Church,
and for fulfilling your gracious purpose in the world.
Give to these servants the grace and power
to serve you in this ministry
so that your people may be strengthened
and your name glorified in all the world.
Family members and friends may be invited to stand where they are for silent prayer during the laying on of hands.
One by one, the candidates go to the bishop and kneel. Calling each candidate by name, the bishop lays both hands on the head of each one. Other participating persons also lay on hands. While hands are imposed, the prayer continues:
Eternal God, pour upon Name your Holy Spirit
for the office and work of a diaconal minister in your Church,
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
After all have received the laying on of hands, the bishop facing the
candidates, with both hands extended over them, concludes the prayer:
We thank you, God,
for raising up among us faithful servants
for diaconal ministry in your Church.
Clothe them with your righteousness,
and grant that we, with them,
may glorify you by giving ourselves to others;
through Jesus Christ our Savior,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The following sign act of delivering a Bible may be done immediately after the laying on of hands and prayer for the Holy Spirit.
Then the bishop shall deliver to each one a Bible, saying:
Name, take authority as a diaconal minister in the Church
to teach the Word,
to practice justice,
and to serve God's people.
A diaconal's stole, towel and basin, or other appropriate sign may be given to the diaconal ministers.
HYMN *
Hymns are listed on 713.
During the hymn, the diaconal ministers return to their seats. The deacon candidates now come forward.
EXAMINATION OF DEACONS
The bishop addresses the deacon candidates:
A deacon in the Church
is called to preach the Word of God,
to assist in the leadership of worship,
and to assist the elders at Holy Baptism and Holy Communion;
to serve all people, particularly the poor, the sick, and the
oppressed;
to interpret to the Church
the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world;
and at all times, by your life and teaching,
to show Christ's people
that in serving the helpless they are serving Christ.
A deacon in the Church is called to exemplify the ministry
of servanthood,
to relate the gathered life of the community to servant ministry in the world,
to create opportunities for others to enter into Christian discipleship,
to teach and proclaim God's word,
to lead in worship,
to assist elders at Holy Baptism and Holy Communion,
to nurture the formation of disciples for witness and service in the world.
to serve all people, particularly the poor, the sick, and the oppressed.
to interpret to the Church the hurts and hopes of the world.
to lead Christ's people in ministries of compassion and justice,
liberation and reconciliation,
even in the face of hardship and personal sacrifice.
These are the duties of a deacon.
Do you believe that you have been called by God
to the life and work of a deacon?
I do so believe.
Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church,
accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline,
and accepting the authority of those who are appointed
to supervise your ministry?
I will, with the help of God.
LAYING ON OF HANDS AND PRAYER FOR DEACONS
The bishop addresses the candidates:
My sisters and brothers,
from the time of the apostles
persons with suitable gifts and grace have been set apart
by the laying on of hands and prayer
for a ministry of service in the Church of Jesus Christ our Lord.
We trust that the Spirit of God
has called you to the ministry of deacons.
As earnest prayer is made
for the fulfillment of the Spirit's gift in you,
the Church of God now calls you
to receive the laying on of hands
as the seal of your vocation by the Spirit.
(Note: new location of bishop's prayer.)
After all have received the laying on of hands, The bishop
facing the candidates, with both hands extended over them, prays:
Let us pray.
We give thanks to you, Lord God,
that in your great love
you sent Jesus Christ, your only begotten,
to take the form of a servant for the sake of us all,
becoming obedient even to death on the cross.
We praise you that you have highly exalted Jesus Christ your servant
whom you have made to be Lord of all,
and that you have taught us, by his word and example,
that whoever would be great among us must be servant of all.
Increase within the lives of these your servants
the gift of the Holy Spirit,
through Jesus Christ your Son,
for the ministry of a deacon in your Church.
Give them grace to be faithful to their promises,
constant in their discipleship,
and always ready for the works of loving service.
Make them modest and humble, gentle and strong,
that, having the assurance of faith and rejoicing in hope,
they may be rooted and grounded in love.
Give them a share in the ministry of Jesus Christ,
who came not to be served but to serve;
who now lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Family members and friends may be invited to stand where they are for silent prayer during the laying on of hands.
One by one the candidates go to the bishop and kneel. Calling each candidate by name, the bishop lays both hands on the head of each one. While hands are imposed, the bishop prays:
Lord, pour upon Name the Holy Spirit
for the office and work of a deacon
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The bishop's prayer may follow immediately after the laying on of hands and
prayer for the Holy Spirit; then the following sign act of granting
authority and delivering presenting a Bible may be
done immediately after the laying on of hands and prayer for the Holy
Spirit the bishop's prayer.
Then the bishop shall deliver present to each deacon a
Bible, the bishop placing her/his hands and the hands of the candidate on
the Bible and saying:
Name, take authority as a deacon in the Church
to preach the Word of God,
and to lead serve all God's people in service.
A deacon's stole or other gift may be given to each deacon.
RECOGNITION OF ORDERS
The bishop addresses all those whose Orders as deacons are recognized. If the bishop prefers, this may be done immediately prior to the laying on of hands.
After due examination
of your call and ministry in another part of Christ's holy Church,
we now welcome you to this communion.
You have given assurance of your faith and Christian experience.
You have renewed the vows of your ordination
and committed yourself to uphold faithfully
The United Methodist Church.
We rejoice that you have been called to serve among us,
and pray that the Spirit of God may guide your ministry.
As each candidate comes forward, the bishop uses the following greeting:
Name, we now recognize you as a deacon in
The United Methodist Church.
HYMN *
Hymns are listed on 713.
During the hymn, the deacons return to their seats. The elder candidates now come forward.
EXAMINATION OF ELDERS
The bishop examines the elder candidates, saying:
An elder in the Church,
in covenant with other elders in this Annual Conference,
is called to share in the ministry of Christ
and of the whole Church:
by preaching and teaching the Word of God
and faithfully administering
the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion
assistance of the deacons appointed to serve with you;
by leading the people of God in worship and prayer;
by leading persons to faith in Jesus Christ;
by exercising pastoral supervision of the people committed to your care,
ordering the life of the congregation,
counseling the troubled in spirit,
and declaring the forgiveness of sin;
by leading the people of God
in obedience to mission in the world,
to seek justice, peace, and freedom for all people;
and by taking a responsible place in the government of the Church
and in service in and to the community
as an expression of your deacon's ordination.
These are the duties of an elder.
Do you believe that you are called by God
to the life and work of an elder?
I do so believe.
In covenant with other elders,
will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church,
accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline,
defending it against all doctrines contrary to God's Holy Word,
and accepting the authority of those who are appointed
to supervise your ministry?
I will, with the help of God.
LAYING ON OF HANDS AND PRAYER FOR ELDERS
The bishop, standing and facing the candidates, with both hands extended toward them, begins the prayer of ordination:
We praise you, eternal God,
because you have called us in your infinite love
to be a priestly people,
offering to you acceptable worship through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Apostle and High Priest, Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.
We thank you that, by dying, Christ has overcome death
and, having ascended into heaven,
has poured forth gifts abundantly on your people,
making some apostles, some prophets,
some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
to build up Christ's body, the Church,
and to fulfill your gracious purpose in the world.
(Note: the new location of the bishop's prayer)
After laying on of hands on all candidates, The bishop, facing
the candidates, with both hands extended over them, concludes the prayer:
Gracious God,
give to these your servants the grace and power they need
to serve you in this ministry,
so that your people may be strengthened
and your name glorified in all the world.
Make them faithful pastors, patient teachers, and wise counselors.
Enable them to serve without reproach,
to proclaim the gospel of salvation,
to administer the Sacraments of the new covenant,
to order the life of the Church,
and to offer with all your people
spiritual sacrifices acceptable to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Family members and friends may be invited to stand where they are for silent prayer during the laying on of hands.
One by one the candidates go to the bishop and kneel. Calling each candidate by name, the bishop lays both hands on the head of each one. Other participating elders also lay on hands. Bishops and others with ordaining responsibilities from other communions may be invited to lay on hands also. Laity designated by the bishop to represent the Church community may be included in the laying on of hands.
While hands are imposed, the prayer continues:
Lord, pour upon Name the Holy Spirit
for the office and work of an elder,
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The bishop's prayer may follow the act of laying on of hands and be followed
by the following sign act of delivering granting
authority and presenting a Bible may be done immediately after the
laying on of hands and prayer for the Holy Spirit.
Then the bishop shall deliver present to each candidate
a Bible, placing his/her hands and the hands of the candidate on the
Bible saying:
Name, take authority as an elder in the Church
to preach the Word of God,
and to administer the Holy Sacraments.
An elder's stole, or chalice and paten together, may be given to each elder.
RECOGNITION OF ORDERS
The bishop addresses all those whose Orders as elders are recognized. If the bishop prefers, this may be done immediately prior to the laying on of hands.
After due examination
of your call and ministry in another part of Christ's holy Church,
we now welcome you to this Communion.
You have given assurance of your faith and Christian experience.
You have renewed the vows of your ordination
and committed yourself to uphold faithfully
The United Methodist Church.
We rejoice that you have been called to serve among us,
and pray that the Spirit of God may guide your ministry.
As each candidate comes forward, the bishop uses the following greeting:
Name , we now recognize you as an elder in The United Methodist Church.
RECOGNITION OF FULL CONFERENCE MEMBERSHIP OF DEACONS AND ELDERS
The deacons and elders whose Full Membership in the Annual Conference is to be recognized stand and face the bishop.
The bishop addresses all those who have been received as full members and as members of the Order of Deacons and Order of Elders.
After years of service as a deacon in probationary relationship
and due examination of your effectiveness in exemplifying Christian discipleship
and leading others into discipleship in the Church and the world,
we rejoice to recognize you as a full member of the annual conference and as members
of the Order of Deacons and the Order of Elders..
We give thanks that you have been called to serve among us,
We pray that the Spirit of God may keep you faithful to your covenant with God,
other ordained clergy, and the Church.
HYMN *
Hymns are listed on 713.
If the Lord's Supper is celebrated, the new elders remain to assist the bishop and are joined by the new deacons and diaconal ministers. The service on 678-82 may be followed. If the Lord's Supper is not celebrated, the new elders return to their seats.
When the Lord's Supper is not celebrated, the service concludes as follows.
SENDING FORTH
PRAYER
The bishop addresses the congregation:
Let us pray.
We thank you, God,
for raising up among us faithful servants
for ministry in your Church.
Clothe them with your righteousness,
and grant that we, with them,
may glorify you by giving ourselves to others;
through Jesus Christ our Savior,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
HYMN *
If the closing hymn is a recessional, it should follow Dismissal with Blessing; otherwise it should precede Dismissal with Blessing.
Closing hymns are listed on 713.
DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING *
The bishop dismisses and blesses the people, saying:
Go in peace
to serve God and your neighbor in all that you do.
We go in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God!
The deacons dismiss the people, saying:
Go in peace to serve God and your neighbor in all that you do.
The deacons stand and receive the blessing from the bishop.
The blessing of Almighty God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you always. Amen.
GOING FORTH *
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22011-MN-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference