4.6.4.1 Divine service with dedication of a church building or divine service premises

Premises and buildings in which regular divine services take place are dedicated. The dedication can also take place outside of the regularly scheduled divine service times.  It is an act of blessing and is usually conducted by the responsible Apostle. The Apostle may also delegate the dedication to ministers who carry a priestly ministry.

The sequence of a dedication service follows the liturgy of a regular divine service, and therefore includes the celebration of Holy Communion. The actual act of dedication takes place before the sermon. It consists of a blessing and a prayer.

The dedication service has the following sequence:

• Trinitarian formula
• opening prayer
• reading of Bible text
• musical contribution
• introductory words of the officiant
• act of dedication. The congregation is asked to rise. The officiant pronounces the following words with the gesture of blessing (extended arms as during the benediction):
  “In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I dedicate this place as a house of God. Amen.”

The dedication prayer can include the following content:

• this place is dedicated as a place of worship and of encounter with the triune God.
• may the peace of Christ be felt in this place
• may the love and grace of Christ be experienced here.
• the proper administration of the sacraments occurs here.
• may the activity of the Holy Spirit be experienced here.
• this is the place where the apostolate prepares for the return of Christ.
• may the triune God grant this place, the congregation, and all who come and go in this place His protection and blessing!

The prayer is concluded with “Amen”. This is then followed by

• a musical contribution
• possibly a Bible reading (if the dedication takes place on a Christian holy day)
• the remaining divine service liturgy, including the dispensation of sacraments

4.6.4.2 Ceremonial act supplementary to the dedication

A separate ceremonial act can be held before or after the dedication service. The address by the officiant can be followed by further contributions, for example, by the architect, ministers from other churches, or local officials. All official speeches are made in front of the altar or beside it from a lectern. As a rule, the ceremonial act is accompanied by musical contributions.

If a separate ceremonial act is not planned, official speeches can be carried out in the same manner in the dedication service following the benediction.