GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

P: Let us go forth in peace,

C: in the name of the Lord.

Hymn: "The Church's One Foundation"

P: Brothers and sisters in Christ: We have come together to seek God's blessing as we set apart this ground for the building of a church.

Lessons:            Exodus 3:1-6
                        I Corinthians 3:10-14
                        Ephesians 2:19-22

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: Let us pray,

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe.  You fill the entire world with your presence; your name is to be hallowed through all the earth.

Bless all those who have worked or contributed to provide this site which today we set apart for the building of a church.

May this be a place where your glory dwells and where your way is revealed in Word and Sacrament.  May your gracious blessing descend like the dew from heaven upon this place and upon all who shall gather here to worship you.

You have given us joy in a work begun in your name; may we soon celebrate your presence in the house of your Church, and in the time to come, praise you forever in our eternal home; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

President: Sanctuary Cross

Psalm: Read responsively

1. The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world and all who dwell therein
2. For it is he who founded it upon the seas and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep.
3. "Who can ascend the hill of the Lord and who can stand in his holy place?"
4. "Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, who have not pledged themselves to falsehood, nor sworn by what is a fraud."
5. They shall receive a blessing from the Lord and a just reward from the God of their salvation.
6. Such is the generation of those who seek him, of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
7. Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8. "Who is this King of glory?"  "The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle."
9. Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10. "Who is he, this King of glory?"  "The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory."

Remarks by the Building and Finance Committees

LORD'S PRAYER

P: O Lord our God, in you every good work has its beginning.  Grant that what we have undertaken this day to the glory of your name may be successfully completed to the good of all your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen

Hymn: "Now Thank We All our God"

P: God in peace.  Serve the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Submitted by Trinity Lutheran Church, Waubun, MN